2021 was a monumental year for hip-hop, delivering a diverse soundscape that pushed boundaries and solidified the genre's continued reign. From introspective lyricism to hard-hitting beats, the year gifted us with an abundance of unforgettable tracks. This list dives deep into the cream of the crop, exploring the best songs of 2021 hip hop that defined the year’s musical landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hip-hop head or a casual listener looking to discover new favorites, this curated collection will transport you back to the sounds of 2021 and reignite the energy of those iconic releases. We’ll be examining not just chart-toppers, but also the underground gems that deserve recognition for their innovation and impact. Get ready to relive the year's most memorable moments in hip-hop, song by song.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Montero | Lil Nas X | 586M+ | |
| 2. INDUSTRY BABY |
Jack Harlow Lil Nas X | Stoney (Deluxe) | 477M+ |
| 3. Kiss Me More |
Doja Cat SZA | Aquarius | 468M+ |
| 4. Super Gremlin | Kodak Black | Sniper Gang Presents Syko Bob & Snapkatt: Nightmare Babies | 326M+ |
| 5. Best Friend |
Doja Cat Saweetie | 308M+ | |
| 6. Up | Cardi B | 296M+ | |
| 7. Calling My Phone |
6LACK Lil Tjay | 244M+ |
1. Montero
Genre-bending Innovation: Montero masterfully blends hip-hop bravado with a surprisingly catchy pop sensibility, setting it apart from many 2021 releases.
Unforgettable Visuals: The music video's striking imagery and bold themes cemented Montero's place in pop culture history, further enhancing its impact.
Enduring Catchiness: Its infectious rhythm and Lil Nas X's distinctive vocals ensure Montero remains a highly replayable and memorable track even years later.
2. INDUSTRY BABY (Jack Harlow ft Lil Nas X)
Catchy Beat: INDUSTRY BABY boasts a relentlessly infectious beat that perfectly encapsulates the high-energy vibe of 2021 hip-hop.
Star Power Collaboration: The pairing of Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X created undeniable chemistry, resulting in a track that's both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
Unforgettable Hook: The song's memorable hook and playful lyrics cemented its status as an instant classic within the year's hip-hop landscape.
3. Kiss Me More (Doja Cat ft SZA)
Sultry Vocals: Doja Cat and SZA's voices blend seamlessly, creating a sultry and irresistible atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of a top-tier 2021 hip-hop track.
Infectious Beat: The song's rhythm is undeniably catchy, making it instantly memorable and perfect for both casual listening and energetic playlists.
Effortless Cool: "Kiss Me More" embodies a cool confidence that defined a significant portion of 2021's hip-hop landscape, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.
4. Super Gremlin
Hard-Hitting Lyricism: Kodak Black's signature raw and unflinching delivery shines in "Super Gremlin" making it a standout track for its potent storytelling.
Infectious Hook: The song's memorable hook and hypnotic rhythm cemented its place as a 2021 hip-hop anthem, sticking in listeners' heads for weeks.
Undeniable Vibe: "Super Gremlin" expertly blends dark and atmospheric production with an undeniable energy, creating a captivating listening experience that perfectly encapsulates the raw intensity of the year's hip-hop scene.
5. Best Friend - 2025
Top-Tier 2021 Hip Hop Collaboration: Doja Cat and Saweetie's "Best Friend" is a dynamic duo effort, seamlessly blending their signature styles for a track that dominated the airwaves.
Infectious Beat and Catchy Hook: The song boasts an irresistible rhythm and a hook so catchy it's practically brainworm-inducing – a perfect recipe for a chart-topping hit in the hip-hop scene of 2021.
Unforgettable Summer Anthem: "Best Friend" perfectly captured the carefree energy of summer 2021, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year's hip-hop landscape.
6. Up (2021)
Anthemic Hook: Cardi B's "Up" boasts a fiercely confident and instantly catchy hook that solidified its place in 2021's hip-hop landscape.
Unmatched Energy: The song's relentless energy and undeniable swagger make it perfect for any playlist needing a powerful boost.
Production Prowess: The track's crisp, hard-hitting production complements Cardi B's vocal delivery flawlessly, showcasing the best of 2021's hip-hop sound.
7. Calling My Phone (6LACK ft Lil Tjay)
Smooth Vocals: 6LACK and Lil Tjay's contrasting vocal styles blend seamlessly, creating a captivating sonic landscape that defines the song's unique character.
Infectious Beat: The track boasts a memorable, rhythmic drive that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of 2021 hip-hop.
Unforgettable Collaboration: "Calling My Phone" showcases a chemistry between two distinct artists that elevates it above a typical collaboration, solidifying its place in the year's best hip-hop releases.
8. Who Want Smoke??
Hard-Hitting Production: The beat on "Who Want Smoke??" is a relentless banger, perfectly capturing the raw energy of 2021 hip hop's aggressive side.
Unstoppable Lineup: 21 Savage, Lil Durk, G Herbo, and Nardo Wick deliver ferocious verses, each showcasing their unique styles and adding layers of intensity.
Peak 2021 Vibe: This track perfectly encapsulates the braggadocios, trap-influenced sound that defined a significant portion of 2021 hip hop; a must-listen for any fan of the era.
9. RAPSTAR (Polo G)
A 2021 Hip Hop Classic: Polo G's "RAPSTAR" solidified its place in 2021's hip-hop landscape with its infectious beat and undeniable swagger.
Unforgettable Hook: The song's instantly recognizable hook is both catchy and deeply memorable, a testament to its songwriting prowess.
Enduring Impact: Its blend of hard-hitting bars and melodic sensibilities ensured its lasting appeal within the broader hip-hop conversation.
10. EVERY CHANCE I GET
Anthemic Vibe: Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and DJ Khaled deliver a powerful, infectious track with "EVERY CHANCE I GET" solidifying its place among 2021's top hip-hop hits.
Unstoppable Energy: The song's relentless rhythm and confident delivery create an undeniably energetic listening experience, perfect for any playlist focused on high-octane bangers.
Collaborative Fire: The combined forces of these three rap heavyweights result in a track that showcases their individual strengths while creating a cohesive and explosive whole.
112055
Sleepy Hallow
2021
Still Sleep?
12Straightenin
Migos
2021
13family ties
Kendrick Lamar,Baby Keem
2020
The Melodic Blue
14Knife Talk
21 Savage,Drake,Project Pat
2023
Certified Lover Boy
15Way 2 Sexy
Drake,Young Thug,Future
2023
Certified Lover Boy
16Wants and Needs
Drake,Lil Baby
2021
Championships
17Wockesha
Moneybagg Yo
2021
18Thot S---
Megan Thee Stallion
2021
19ESCAPE PLAN
Travis Scott
2021
My Moment
20Off The Grid
Kanye West
2021
Donda
21Range Brothers
Kendrick Lamar,Baby Keem
2021
- 22
Jail
JAY-Z,Kanye West
2021
23WusYaName
Tyler, The Creator
2021
24Nobody
Nas, Lauryn Hill
2021
25Life of the Party
Kanye West,André 3000
2021
26Bath Salts
JAY-Z,DMX,Nas
2021