Most Famous 2020s Urban Contemporary songs from the Last 90 Days, updated on Nov 26,2024
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Last updated on Nov 26,2024, updated twice a month. |
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 1 . Tinashe - NastyTinashe's "Nasty" channels her alter ego “Nasty Nashe” through suggestive lyrics over a minimalistic R&B beat, produced by Zack Sekoff and Ricky Reed. Inspired by a custom necklace she made, the song blends singing and rap as Tinashe seeks an equally bold partner. Viral on TikTok, it gained traction after a user's dance video was shared widely. The desert-themed music video, directed by Jojo Gomez, portrays Tinashe as a futuristic figure pursued by robots, enhancing the song's audacious energy. Genres : R&B, Pop, Electronic, Hip Hop,alternative r&b, dance pop, metropopolis, pop, r&b, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Jonah Haber Featured on the album Quantum Baby
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 2 . Usher - Good GoodUsher's "Good Good," featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage, blends R&B, Atlanta bounce, and nostalgic 2000s elements under Mel & Mus's production. The song examines the aftermath of a relationship where ex-partners remain amicable. Filmed at Atlanta's Jackson Street Bridge, the video reached the Billboard Hot 100's 25th spot, marking Usher's return to the top 40. Walker and Savage offer perspectives on loyalty and post-relationship respect, presenting a mature take on handling the end of romantic connections. Genres : Hip Hop, R&B, Pop,atl hip hop, contemporary r&b, dance pop, pop, r&b, rap, south carolina hip hop, urban contemporary, hip hop The music video is directed by Warren Fu Featured on the album Coming Home
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 3 . Partynextdoor - No Chill"No Chill" encapsulates a narrative of extravagant romance, weaving themes of luxury and personal introspection. PARTYNEXTDOOR reflects on his interactions with different individuals, ultimately spotlighting his admiration for a singular muse, described as the "star of the show." Lavish symbols such as diamond gifts punctuate the narrative, emphasizing both the depth of his emotions and their consequences on their connection. Released in April 2024, "No Chill" merges modern R&B rhythms with a confessional lyrical approach, revealing the complexity of relationships through its sonic and thematic layers. Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Edgar Daniel Featured on the album PND 4
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 4 . Jung Kook & Usher - Standing Next To You [Usher Remix]A collaborative R&B piece, this remix of Jung Kook's original "Standing Next to You" features Usher, blending their vocal strengths into a harmonious dialogue about enduring love. Produced by Cirkut and Andrew Watt, the remix premiered in December 2023, shortly after the track's initial release as part of Jung Kook's album "Golden." The song exudes sentiments of stability and partnership, enhanced by Usher's soulful contribution, solidifying its position as a standout in the evolving landscape of cross-genre collaborations. Genres : Hip Hop, R&B, Pop,k-pop, atl hip hop, contemporary r&b, dance pop, pop, r&b, rap, south carolina hip hop, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Yong Seok Choi Featured on the album Coming Home
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 5 . Ciara - How We Roll"How We Roll" emerges as a celebratory anthem of passion and intimacy, with Ciara and Chris Brown delivering a rhythmic ode to connection and spontaneity. Released in August 2023, the track showcases vibrant R&B elements, highlighting moments of freedom and sensuality. Notable for its chart success, the single climbed to the 9th position on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, marking a career milestone for Ciara. A November remix featuring Lil Wayne adds an edgy twist, further cementing its appeal. Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,dance pop, hip pop, pop, r&b, urban contemporary, rap The music video is directed by Christian Breslauer Featured on the album How We Roll (Versions)
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 6 . Jeremih - Wait On It (w/ Bryson Tiller & Chris Brown)Jeremih's "Wait On It," featuring Bryson Tiller and Chris Brown, unfolds as a sonic narrative of romantic pursuit, underlined by Retro Future and Cássio's smooth production. Released in June 2024 under Late Nights Records, the song marked Jeremih's first major release post-Def Jam exit. The music video vividly portrays a shared past and present connection, with each artist weaving their storylines around a central muse, symbolizing love's enduring complexity. Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,chicago rap, pop rap, r&b, southern hip hop, trap, urban contemporary, kentucky hip hop, rap The music video is directed by BenMarc
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 7 . T-Pain - I Like DatA refreshing nod to nostalgia, "I Like Dat" revives the energy of T-Pain's 2007 hit "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')," reimagined in collaboration with Kehlani. The track, released in May 2021, blends doo-wop stylings with contemporary flair. Set in a Western-inspired music video, T-Pain and Kehlani portray dynamic, entrepreneurial characters, echoing themes of partnership and resilience. A remix featuring rapper Bia expands the track's versatility, underscoring its place in modern R&B. Genres : Pop, Hip Hop, R&B,dance pop, gangster rap, hip hop, pop rap, r&b, rap, southern hip hop, trap, urban contemporary, pop The music video is directed by Christian Breslauer
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 8 . Tory Lanez - Jerry Sprunger (w/ T-Pain)A vibrant homage to early 2000s aesthetics, "Jerry Sprunger" integrates the essence of T-Pain's 2005 classic "I'm Sprung," reimagined through Tory Lanez's lens. Released in November 2019, the song juxtaposes modern hip-hop with nostalgic elements, underscored by visual imagery of backyard gatherings and retro fashion. Platinum-certified in the U.S., it serves as a playful nod to cultural icons like Jerry Springer, encapsulating both eras in a cohesive, energetic sound. Genres : canadian hip hop, canadian trap, melodic rap, pop rap, r&b, rap, trap, dance pop, gangster rap, hip hop, southern hip hop, urban contemporary,canadian hip hop, canadian trap, melodic rap, pop rap, r&b, rap, trap, dance pop, gangster rap, hip hop, southern hip hop, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Mid Jordan, Tory Lanez Featured on the album Chixtape 5
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 9 . Partynextdoor - R E A L W O M A NCentered on admiration and empowerment, "REAL WOMAN" portrays a narrative of independence and mutual respect within a relationship. Released in March 2024, PARTYNEXTDOOR celebrates the confidence and achievements of his partner while intertwining elements of luxury and personal aspiration. With its rhythmic depth and affirming tone, the track reinforces themes of individuality and connection. Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Edgar Daniel Featured on the album PND 4
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 10 . Partynextdoor - For CertainA dreamlike exploration of longing and passion, "For Certain" by PARTYNEXTDOOR is an atmospheric blend of trap soul and R&B. Released in 2024, the song conveys themes of desire and intimacy, heightened by its sensual, layered production. Its introspective tone, marked by a minimalist yet emotive arrangement, reinforces its resonance within contemporary relationship narratives. Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Edgar Daniel Featured on the album PND 4
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 11 . Don Toliver - Attitude (w/ Charlie Wilson & Cash Cobain)"Attitude" stands as a drill-inspired R&B hybrid, distinguished by Cash Cobain's intricate production and Charlie Wilson's soulful touch. Don Toliver channels bold confidence, complemented by a nostalgic sample of Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful." Released in May 2024, the song's visual counterpart features sleek motorcycle aesthetics and cameo appearances, including label head Travis Scott, extending the narrative of previous video storylines. Genres : Electronic, Hip Hop,pop rap, rap, contemporary r&b, r&b, urban contemporary, jersey club The music video is directed by Jack Cactus Featured on the album HARDSTONE PSYCHO
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 12 . Ne-Yo - U 2 LuvNe-Yo and Jeremih's "U 2 Luv" intertwines retro elements from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" and Zapp's "Computer Love" into a contemporary R&B framework. Released in May 2020, the track blends themes of intimacy and romance, framed within a roller-skating rink and cozy home setting in its music video. With its classic influences and relatable themes, the single marked a prominent return for Ne-Yo on the charts. Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,dance pop, pop, r&b, urban contemporary, chicago rap, pop rap, southern hip hop, trap The music video is directed by Chad Tennies
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 13 . Joyner Lucas - Fall Slowly"Fall Slowly" navigates the turbulent landscape of love, where passion and discord coexist. Joyner Lucas and Ashanti depict a volatile yet deeply connected relationship, captured in raw lyrical exchanges and intimate visuals. Released in September 2020, the song's evocative themes resonate within the framework of hip-hop and R&B storytelling. Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,boston hip hop, hip hop, pop rap, rap, dance pop, hip pop, r&b, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Joyner Lucas, Ben Proulx Featured on the album Evolution (ep)
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 14 . Wale - On Chill (w/ Jeremih)A reflective commentary on romantic complexities, "On Chill" merges Wale's introspective lyricism with Jeremih's smooth vocals. Released in July 2019, the track samples Raphael Saadiq's "Ask of You," lending it a nostalgic R&B essence. It achieved significant chart success, becoming one of Wale's highest-performing singles since 2013. Genres : pop rap, r&b, rap, southern hip hop, trap, chicago rap, urban contemporary,pop rap, r&b, rap, southern hip hop, trap, chicago rap, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Daniel CZ Featured on the album Wow... That's Crazy
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 15 . Meghan Trainor & T-Pain - Been Like ThisInfused with doo-wop and contemporary jazz influences, "Been Like This" is a confident declaration of self-assuredness. Released in March 2024, the track contrasts Meghan Trainor's upbeat persona with T-Pain's charismatic interjections, creating a playful yet affirming sonic experience. Jazz-infused melodies and lyrical callbacks to Trainor's earlier hits reinforce its vibrant tone. Genres : Pop, Hip Hop, R&B,hip pop, pop, dance pop, gangster rap, hip hop, pop rap, r&b, rap, southern hip hop, trap, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Lauren Dunn, Phillip Lopez Featured on the album Timeless
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 16 . Teyana Taylor - Bare Wit MeTeyana Taylor's "Bare Wit Me" pays homage to the 1930s aesthetic, with a video inspired by Harlem Nights. Produced by Bizness Boi, Cardiak, and Ninety Four, the song combines R&B and soul with retro funk. The storyline follows Taylor through a crime drama narrative, where she takes on a masculine character in a zoot suit, adding a unique, stylized flair to the song's themes of trust and romantic indecision. Genres : R&B, Pop, Hip Hop,alternative r&b, hip pop, r&b, urban contemporary The music video is directed by The Aunties Featured on the album The Album
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 17 . Usher & Pheelz - RuinUsher and Pheelz craft a poignant exploration of love and vulnerability in "Ruin," blending R&B with Afrobeat influences. Released in February 2024, the song's emotive narrative unfolds through intimate lyrics and a visually striking video, shot entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro. Themes of home and love intertwine, reflecting both artists' global and personal musical landscapes. Genres : R&B, Hip Hop, Pop,atl hip hop, contemporary r&b, dance pop, pop, r&b, rap, south carolina hip hop, urban contemporary, afrobeats, nigerian pop The music video is directed by Dave Meyers Featured on the album COMING HOME
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 18 . Leela James - ComplicatedA heartfelt reflection on relational challenges, "Complicated" by Leela James delves into the emotional intricacies of love. Released in February 2021, the song's soulful delivery propelled it to the top of the Adult R&B Airplay charts, cementing James's status as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. Genres : neo soul, r&b, urban contemporary,neo soul, r&b, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Chris Scholar Featured on the album See Me
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 19 . Usher - Bad Habits"Bad Habits" confronts cycles of self-destructive tendencies in love. Sampling Zapp's "Computer Love," the 2020 single weaves vulnerability into its narrative, exploring themes of remorse and recurring mistakes. It reached the pinnacle of the Adult R&B Songs chart, resonating as a modern confessional anthem. Genres : Hip Hop, R&B, Pop,atl hip hop, contemporary r&b, dance pop, pop, r&b, rap, south carolina hip hop, urban contemporary The music video is directed by Chris Robinson
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 20 . Jazmine Sullivan - Pick Up Your FeelingsA spirited declaration of emotional independence, "Pick Up Your Feelings" by Jazmine Sullivan channels themes of empowerment and closure. Released in November 2020, the track's acoustic guitar-driven arrangement underscores its resolute tone, inviting listeners to embrace self-worth in the aftermath of a failed relationship. Featured on the album Heaux Tales
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Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen. ABOUT URBAN CONTEMPORARYOrigins and EvolutionUrban Contemporary originates from Afro-American communities in major U.S. cities, reflecting social, economic, and cultural realities. Emerging in the 1980s, this genre initially targeted young urban Afro-American audiences through radio, blending contemporary R&B, burgeoning hip-hop, and soul to resonate with the realities of life in urban neighborhoods. Lyrical themes often addressed:
Urban Contemporary thus established itself not only as a musical style but also as a mirror of the aspirations and challenges faced by Afro-American working-class communities. Over the decades, especially in the 2020s, the genre transforms to reflect global sociocultural dynamics, integrating influences from Afrobeat, reggaeton, and even K-pop. The rise of streaming platforms expands its reach, breaking geographic and socioeconomic boundaries, with platforms like TikTok amplifying viral tracks, including those from independent or emerging artists. SubgenresUrban Contemporary encompasses a spectrum of subgenres, each with a distinct cultural or aesthetic imprint:
Recurring Themes and Distinctive FeaturesLyrics in Urban Contemporary play a pivotal role in defining the genre’s identity, enabling artists to explore themes that resonate both personally and collectively. Written frequently in the first person, they create a sense of intimacy and relatability.
Producers and LabelsProducers play a key role in shaping the Urban Contemporary sound, often blending traditional and innovative elements. Among many others:
Leading labels in Urban Contemporary include:
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