As the year 2020 shone a spotlight on a tumultuous period in human existence, the world of rap and hip-hop too had its share of turbulence and triumph. A genre that has always borne the battle scars of society, rappers delivered poignant lyrics, throbbing beats, and unforgettable performances that mirrored the zeitgeist. Fat beats found harmony with tight verses as we countdown the top rap songs of 2020.
Unmasking the Rhymes: Top Rap Anthems of 2020
In a year where masks became more than metaphorical, there were certain tunes that cut across the chaos, echoing the pulse of the streets. Eminem’s “Godzilla,” featuring Juice WRLD, sat atop this list, unmasking rhymes so rapid and intricate they’d leave your head spinning faster than a turntable. It was a tribute to rap’s prodigious son, Juice WRLD, and Marshall Mathers’ lyrical prowess, turning the song into a symbol of resilience and redemptive power.
Roddy Ricch’s "The Box" became a viral sensation, with a unique beat, leisurely flow, and catchy chorus making it a ubiquitous presence on the airwaves and streaming platforms. It was a celebration of success, echoing the ever-evolving and innovative nature of the genre. "Savage Remix" by Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé further underscored this brilliance, as the Texas-bred rapper brought in the queen of pop for a track that sparked a viral dance challenge and underscored themes of empowerment and self-love.
Beats, Bars, & Breakthroughs: 2020’s Game-changing Rap Hits
Rap extends beyond mere music – it’s a culture, a commentary, a means to express. 2020 saw several songs, new artists, and fresh collaborations that redefined the genre’s soundscape. Brooklyn drill found its breakout star in Pop Smoke with “Dior,” an addictive anthem that became an unofficial protest song during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, echoing through streets across the nation.
Drake’s “Toosie Slide” demonstrated the power of TikTok, a song that was more a marketing masterstroke than a musical marvel. Nevertheless, it underscored the importance of engaging with fans in creative, innovative ways. “Life is Good” by Future featuring Drake was a landmark collaboration, the duo’s dynamic verses swaying over beats that alternated between mellow and grime. The song offered a send-off to a tumultuous 2020.
Little Baby’s “The Bigger Picture” was a game-changer, a rap hit that encapsulated the sentiment of a whole generation standing up against racial injustice. The song stood as a testament to the transformative power of music and the potential of rap to drive meaningful conversation and change.
Rap music in 2020 resonated with the year’s kaleidoscope of emotions – despair, resilience, anger, hope – creating a tapestry of noises that narrated the human experience. Each song, a time-capsule of 2020’s trials and tribulations, highlighted the genre’s chameleon-like adaptability. It’s been a wild ride, but one thing’s clear – be it unmasking the rhymes or reshaping the beats, rap music remains the pulse of a generation, and these rap anthems of 2020 are a testament to its enduring resonance.