25 Best Hip Hop Songs of 2009: The Ultimate Playlist

Updated at: 16/03/2025

2009 was a monumental year for hip-hop, a year that saw the genre reach new heights of creativity and commercial success. This wasn't dominated by a single artist or group, but rather a collective explosion of talent, showcasing the diverse sounds and styles that defined the era. We're diving into the soundscape of that year to celebrate the enduring legacy of these tracks, reminding ourselves of the innovative beats and powerful lyrics that continue to resonate today. From introspective anthems that explore themes of ambition and success to the infectious energy of party bangers, this era offered a rich tapestry of musical experiences. Think of the emotionally charged vulnerability alongside the boastful braggadocio, the smooth melodies alongside the hard-hitting rhymes.

This collection isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a testament to the enduring power of great music. These songs transcended fleeting trends, becoming anthems for a generation and shaping the soundscape of hip-hop for years to come. Whether you were a devoted fan back then or are discovering this era for the first time, prepare to be captivated by the raw emotion, undeniable skill, and sheer musical brilliance that made 2009 such a defining year in hip-hop. The diversity within this list alone highlights the incredible breadth of talent and the genre’s remarkable ability to constantly evolve while staying true to its core. It's a journey well worth taking for any music lover.

  • Beautiful
    1

    Beautiful

    Eminem

    2009

    Relapse: Refill

  • Forever
    2

    Forever

    Drake,Eminem,Kanye West,Lil Wayne

    2009

    Relapse: Refill

  • Pursuit of Happiness
    3

    Pursuit of Happiness

    Kid Cudi

    2009

  • Empire State Of Mind
    4

    Empire State Of Mind

    JAY-Z,Alicia Keys

    2009

    The Blueprint 3

  • I'm So Paid
    5

    I'm So Paid

    Lil Wayne,Akon, Young Jeezy

    2009

  • Diva
    6

    Diva

    Beyoncé

    2009

    I AM...SASHA FIERCE

  • Ridin' Solo
    7

    Ridin' Solo

    Jason Derulo

    2010

    Jason Derulo

  • Hustlin'
    8

    Hustlin'

    Rick Ross

    2006

    Port Of Miami

  • My Life
    9

    My Life

    50 Cent

    2009

  • I Get Money
    10

    I Get Money

    50 Cent

    2009

    Curtis

  • I'm On a Boat
    11

    I'm On a Boat

    The Lonely Island

    2009

  • Love Lockdown
    12

    Love Lockdown

    Kanye West

    2008

  • Best I Ever Had
    13

    Best I Ever Had

    Drake

    2009

    So Far Gone

  • Good Girls Go Bad
    14

    Good Girls Go Bad

    Cobra Starship

    2009

  • I Can Transform Ya
    15

    I Can Transform Ya

    Lil Wayne,Chris Brown

    2009

  • A Milli
    16

    A Milli

    Lil Wayne

    2008

    Tha Carter III

  • Run This Town
    17

    Run This Town

    JAY-Z,Kanye West,Rihanna

    2009

    The Blueprint 3

  • Dope Boys
    18

    Dope Boys

    The Game,Travis Barker

    2008

  • Crack A Bottle
    19

    Crack A Bottle

    Eminem,50 Cent,Dr. Dre

    2009

    Relapse: Refill

  • Ransom
    20

    Ransom

    Lil Wayne

    2009

  • Itty Bitty Piggy
    21

    Itty Bitty Piggy

    Nicki Minaj

    2009

  • Swagga Like Us
    22

    Swagga Like Us

    JAY-Z,Kanye West,Lil Wayne,T.I.

    2009

  • Bastard
    23

    Bastard

    Tyler, The Creator

    2009

  • Dead Presidents
    24

    Dead Presidents

    JAY-Z

    2009

  • D.O.A
    25

    D.O.A

    JAY-Z

    2009