Elliott Wilson’s Best Of Hip-Hop 2025

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It was the best of hip-hop times. It was the worst of hip-hop times. Ha! 2025 was a rollercoaster of rap music’s highs and lows. The duality was so real. I can’t recall a year with such a wide array of formidable full-length albums. But like I cried the blues on The Bigger Picture about more than a few times — there was a shortage of slaps.

Has the hip-hop industry forgotten how to make hit songs? I know most dismissed the reports about hip-hop’s lack of presence on the charts, but that’s exactly the kind of thing that ruffles the feathers of a curmudgeonly OG vet hip-hop journalist. Scanning the rankings over the holiday season nearly made me sick to my stomach. Salute to Bing Crosby — but where are the MCs?

Alright, I’ll cheer up, buttercup. My playlists were still packed with captivating content, enough to block out the noise. And now it’s time for the former Music Editor of The Source — the infamous 5-mic giver — to give up the goods and let you know who really deserves a listen and respect for their impact. My picks don’t just reflect my personal taste — they also reflect a non-emotional view of whose art truly shaped hip-hop culture over the past 365 days.

So in closing: I’m sorry I’m not sorry. If you didn’t make the cut, that sucks — but you’ll survive. Hip-hop — and the world — ain’t perfect, but it’s far more good than we give it credit for. Cheers to the ‘26 — go make some hits!

Sidebar: That new Doechii with SZA single is pretty good!

Best Hip-Hop Instrumentals

10. Culture Jam feat. Wale & Pusha T — “Damage Control” (Prod. Don Cannon & Sean Momberger)

Folarin and King Push unleash pure bravado all over this triumphant, chest thumping beat.

9. Boldy James & Real Bad Man feat. El-P — “It Factor” (Prod. Real Bad Man)

Gotta thank Adam Weissman for supplying this woozy, psychedelic shuffle.

8. Hit-Boy & The Alchemist — “Ricky” (Prod. Hit-Boy)

Chauncey delivers jazzy funk that feels even more cinematic than the song’s lyrical content.

7. Mobb Deep — “Against The World” (Prod. Havoc)

Blues-soaked boom bap from a Queensbridge legend, cheffed up with reverence for his fallen partner, Prodigy.

6. Metro Boomin feat. Travis Porter, Young Dro, Gucci Mane & DJ Spinz — “They Wanna Have Fun” (Prod. Metro Boomin)

A soothing standout that doubles as a love letter to Atlanta’s 2010s trap sound—Young Metro in his reflective bag.

5. Tyler, The Creator — “Sucka Free” (Prod. Tyler, The Creator)

T proves he’s the guy to provide some perfectly-crafted California cruising music.

4. Drake — “Nokia” (Prod. Elkan)

Aubrey owes this Sierra Leonean producer thanks for his finest post-battle moment.

3. Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist — “Bad Choices” (Prod. The Alchemist)

Those soulful stabs say it all—Good job ALC.

2. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist — “1995” (Prod. The Alchemist)

Alan supplies more flames for Freddie Kane to reign.

1. Clipse — “So Be It” (Prod. Pharrell Williams)

Sample clearance drama be damned—Skateboard P’s vision was undeniable.

Best Hip-Hop Guest Features

10. Clipse feat. Stove God Cooks — “F.I.C.O.”

Cooks took center stage with a chorus that hits harder than Joe Frazier’s left hand.

9. Benny The Butcher feat. Westside Gunn & Daringer — “Jasmine’s”

The Fly God sprinkles some Griselda greatness on his cousin Butch’s supreme presentation.

8. Westside Gunn feat. Doechii — “Egypt (Remix)”

All praises due to the Swamp Princess for her fiery flow.

7. Ovrkast. feat. Samara Cyn — “Small Talk”

Cyn deserves top billing—her striking performance reshapes the song.

6. OMB Peezy feat. Glorilla — “Lay Down (Remix)”

Short but deadly, Glo’s verse is all presence and pressure, reminding everyone she’s not the one to play with.

5. Central Cee feat. Dave — “CRG”

For his fellow UK star, Santan Dave reflects on his rags-to-riches rise in the rap game.

4. JID feat. Vince Staples — “VCRs”

Vince also gets his reminisce on, closing his verse with a clever numbers scheme that lingers long after the beat fades.

3. Clipse feat. Tyler, The Creator — “P.O.V.”

The student makes his teachers proud—Tyler steps into their world confidently, even sneaking in a jab at a shared adversary.

2. Big L feat. Nas — “U Ain’t Gotta Chance”

Nasir blessed plenty of his peers in 2025, but this verse stands tallest—effortless dominance from Mr. Mass Appeal.

1 Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar — “Chains & Whips”

The Thornton brothers left Def Jam to preserve this moment, keeping Kendrick on a masterwork that justified every risk.

Best Underrated Hip-Hop Albums

10. Babyface Ray — Codeine Cowboy

Detroit cool at its most consistent, proving subtle street rap still hits hardest.

9. Anycia — Grady Baby

Nene makes history and noise as the first ATL lady to land a DJ Drama-hosted Gangsta Grillz.

8. Hit-Boy & The Alchemist — Goldfish

Two elite producers step to the mic and put belts to ass on you average rappers.

7. Ray Vaughn — The God The Bad The Dollar Menu

Don’t let the dust-up with Joey Badass overshadow Ray’s enriching origin story.

6. Saba & No I.D. — From The Private Collection Of Saba and No I.D.

This Chicago connection should be more highly respected.

5. Lil Baby — Wham

Rumors of Dominique’s career demise will never materialize.

4. 21 Savage — What Happened To The Streets?

Interview clips and twitter antics aside, Savage’s new music matters.

3. Mobb Deep — Infinite

This project is so thorough that at times you’ll feel like Prodigy is still here.

2. Key Glock — Glockaveli

Dolph’s cousin got Memphis rap in a headlock and he ain’t letting go.

1 YFN Lucci — Already Legend.

Against all odds and rivals, Lucci proves the streets never forgot him.

Best Hip-Hop Songs

10. Pooh Shiesty — “FDO”

Shiesty stole Christmas with a ferocious first-day-out statement.

9. Jim Legxacy — “Father”

A breakthrough year for UK rap was anchored by this sing-song reflection on perseverance, pain, and personal growth.

8. Rob49 — “WTHelly”

A catchphrase turned cultural moment—simple, infectious, and still surprising every time it hits.

7. Lil Tecca — “Dark Thoughts”

The native New Yorker pours his heart out over a Neptunes-esque bounce, balancing vulnerability with pop precision.

6. Key Glock — “She Ready”

Flipping a Barbara Mason classic into a modern street anthem, Glizock is out here breaking hearts.

5. Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz — “Take Me Thru Dere”

Nuff respect to the long-standing Migo, but it’s the women who take over Metro’s dynamic posse cut.

4. Pluto feat. YK Niece — “Whim Whamiee”

We can forever appreciate a summer rap anthem and thanks to these two young ladies this was the one.

3. Offset feat. JID — “Bodies”

Two ATLiens link up to flex lyrical muscle and drop the competition down to the ground.

2. Doechii — “Anxiety”

Doe revisited her 2019 creation and transformed it into something timeless.

1 G Herbo — “Went Legit”

Salute Lil Herb—this career-spanning manifesto reframed his journey and placed him back at the center of hip-hop culture.

Best Hip-Hop Albums

10. Central Cee — Can’t Rush Greatness

This British rapper kicked in the door for UK Rap’s most celebrated year yet, turning crossover ambition into global momentum.

9. De La Soul — Cabin In The Sky

A loving tribute to Trugoy that balances grief with joy—proof that De La Soul’s spirit still
feels resilient.

8. Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist — Life Is Beautiful

With beats and bars this smooth, who has time to cry the blues?

7. Chance The Rapper — Star Line

Don’t call it a comeback—just give Chancelor Bennett his props for the growth, clarity and conviction.

6. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist — Alfredo 2

A strong sequel that expands the duo’s world with sharper focus and richer texture.

5. JID — God Does Like Ugly

The Dreamville standout delivers his strongest, most complete body of work to date.

4. Wale — Everything Is A Lot.

Folarin flourishes on his career-defining magnum opus that finally gives his pen the spotlight it deserves.

3. Cardi B — Am I The Drama?

Bardi did the impossible—then somehow she did it twice.

2. Playboi Carti — Music

Sir Cartier transformed cult appeal into full-blown mainstream push without losing the mystique.

1 Clipse — Let God Sort Em Out

The Thortnon brothers remind everyone why their blueprint remains untouchable—hard, precise, and everlasting.



source https://uproxx.com/music/best-hip-hop-2025-elliott-wilson/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.