It’s that time of the year again. 2015 was an eventful year for Hip-Hop which was full of ups & downs. One thing which can not be denied is, there was some great music released during the twelve months.
As a staff of several members, we wanted to bring to our readers a list of songs and albums that we think made an impact in 2015. Our decision on the lists was collective but our criteria may be a little different from other critics or media publications so make sure you take a look at that before continuing to read the selections.
The criteria (songs):
We made our selections based on the following:
1. The list contains the songs which we played the most in 2015 hence the term “favorite”. Sales, radio spins or critical acclaim are no factors.
2. Only those songs released between January 1 and December 31, 2015 have been considered.
3. The selections are based on collective votes from our staff members — Navjosh, Akaash, Maher, Eric, Joe & Jason.
4. And most importantly, the list is in no particular order.
Kendrick Lamar – ‘Alright’ (Prod. by Pharrell Williams & Sounwave)
We gon be alright! All thanks to Kendrick, of course. The Grammy-nominated emcee gave hope and promise to the communities suffering at the hands of police violence this year, and just like his entire album To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick crafted “Alright” for us, the people. A socially relevant song and a banger at the same time, this was a winner.
Post Malone – ‘White Iverson’ (Prod. by FKi)
Post Malone made everyone a fan this year with his hit single ‘White Iverson’. The goofy, free spirited rapper by way of Dallas has been nothing short of humble this year. “White Iverson” is a catchy tune that everyone can vibe out to. Question is, with a promise that his debut album “will change the world”, can Post maintain the vibes going into 2016? We will soon find out.
Drake – ‘Hotline Bling’ (Prod. by Nineteen85)
Drizzy did it again in 2015 with ‘Hotline Bling’. The “song of the year” in many critics’ eyes, Drake was able to capture the entire world’s attention with this song. From the viral video to the 100s of remixes, “Hotline Bling” is pure gold.
Future – ‘March Madness’ (Prod. by Tarantino)
Future had a ton of hits this year, but ‘March Madness’ stuck out the most for us. Upon first being released, every club in the universe had bottles popping and people turning up the moment Future’s voice was heard. Excellent song from start to finish.
Young Thug – ‘Check’ (Prod. by London On Da Track)
While many demean Young Thug for failing to create music of substance, one thing you can’t deny is his ability to craft feel good music. The best example of that in his array of music this year was Barter 6‘s ‘Check’ which was a perfect record to turn up to all Summer. We hate to say we told you so but…
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Drake & Future – ‘Jumpman’ (Prod. by Metro Boomin)
One of the more hyped songs from the duo’s joint album What A Time To Be Alive, ‘Jumpman’ quickly elevated itself above the rest, thanks to its club friendly appeal. The instrumental was one of those that every rapper feels the need to spit over despite the fact that the original will always be a fan favorite.
Lupe Fiasco – ‘Dots & Lines’ (Prod. by DJ Simonsayz & JackLNDN)
Lupe fiasco’s Tetsuo & Youth was a masterpiece and one of its best records by far is track 4, ‘Dots & Lines’. Many are confused when they hear the banjo in the beginning and the end of the track but everything in between is nothing short of beautiful music. Oh good lord.
Drake & Future – ‘Diamonds Dancing’ (Prod. by Metro Boomin, Allen Ritter & Frank Dukes)
A stand out from What A Time To Be Alive, ‘Diamonds Dancing’ is a great display of Drake and Future’s song-writing ability and ear for infectious melody. The pair go back and forth effortlessly before Drake’s heartfelt outro which is easily one of our favourite moments of his from 2015.
Fetty Wap – ‘My Way’ (Prod. by NickEBeats & TMF Lil Brandon)
Fans are spilt about whether or not Fetty Wap & Monty’s ‘My Way’ would have been as big as it was if Drake hadn’t jumped on it early in the year. We’ll never truly know but regardless, the song was brought to our attention and just like most of what Fetty released in 2015, stuck with us throughout.
Drake’s “Back To Back” will be remembered for several years to come. The man got a Grammy nomination for a diss track, he won the beef against Meek Mill by a landslide and the amount of punchlines found in “Back To Back” is insane. If he didn’t drop “Hotline Bling,” this would be Drake’s best song of the year, and maybe one of his best ever.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Lupe Fiasco – ‘Mural’ (Prod. by The Buchanans)
When this song came out in January, we predicted nothing would match its level in lyricism and it’s tough to say we were wrong. It sits at 8 minutes long and consists of some of the best rapping you’ll ever hear in your life. Hit play and let your mind be blown. Oh, and ‘Mural Jr.’ is on the way.
Wiz Khalifa – ‘See You Again’ (Feat. Charlie Puth) (Prod. by DJ Frank E)
If you turned on a radio at any point last year, chances are that you heard Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s ‘See You Again’. What started off as a song on the Furious 7 soundtrack ended up being much more, a tribute to the life of Paul Walker and the theme music to people around the world. Not to mention – it made Hip-Hop history.
Big Sean – ‘One Man Can Change The World’ (Feat. Kanye West & John Legend) (Prod. by Amaire Johnson)
What a year Big Sean has had. Filled with successes and learning points, this single with Kanye West and John Legend was moving for anyone who listened to it. The lyrics are introspective and unapologetically honest, making this not only a favorite from Dark Sky Paradise but one of the stand out records last year.
