No. 10 - French Montana “Don’t Panic”
Best for: CrossFit
One of the year’s most unexpected celebrity fitness icons was French Montana, whose swagger earned him the admiration of Khloe Kardashian, an icon in her own right. Fittingly, he dropped a number of gym-suited jams, but none had quite the impact that “Don’t Panic” did. With its shifting drops and transitions, the schizophrenic beat is perfect for anything interval related.
No. 9 - Bobby Shmurda “Hot N*gga”
Best for: Outdoor cardio
It remains to be seen if Brooklyn’s Bobby Shmurda will be able to shake the one hit wonder stigma, but one thing’s for sure: he had the hottest song of 2014. Everyone from Jadakiss to Lil Kim has taken their turn at this frantic beat, and we’ll be hearing “about a week ago!” reactions for months to come. Whether you’re doing the Shmoney Dance or pounding the pavement, this one’s sure to keep you moving.
No. 8 - YG “BPT”
Best for: Weight training
You don’t have to be from Compton to feel the energy behind YG’s “BPT.” One of many bangers on My Krazy Life, “BPT” is driven by a monstrous DJ Mustard soundscape that will keep you pushing through those reps.
No. 7 - A$AP Ferg “Dope Walk”
Best for: Zumba class
A$AP Ferg vs. Cara Delevingne? That happened, and it’s all thanks to “Dope Walk.” Ferg’s latest mixtape just dropped on November 28, and it’s already motivating us to keep it moving through the holiday season. Just imagine cranking out a Zumba class to this electronic-tinged track.
No. 6 - Drake “0 to 100”
Best for: Basketball
Drake’s “0 to 100” has the perfect overall vibe and transitions for a game of hoops. “The Catch Up” is a little slow for the hardwood, but throw the first half of the track on repeat and you’ll be set for at least a half hour of highlights.
No. 5 - O.T. Genasis “Coco”
Best for: Weight training
There haven’t been many songs this year that have have elicited the response that O.T. Genasis’ “Coco” has. Thus far, the hypnotizing hymn has caused Busta Rhymes to fall off stage and came close to getting the Golden State Warriors in hot water. Use this one with caution!
No. 4 - Eminem “Detroit vs. Everbody”
Best for: Indoor cardio
The pounding beat and tough-as-nails lyrics on Eminem’s “Detroit vs. Everybody” posse cut will have you feeling like you can beat, well, everybody. D Town alumni Royce Da 5’9”, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Def Loaf, and Trick Trick come through for one of the most triumphant tracks of the year.
No. 3 - Rustie “Attak”
Best for: Spin class
Scottish EDM producer Rustie is known for his psychedelic trap beats, while Detroit’s Danny Brown has a reputation for being one of the most high energy MCs in the game. Combine the two and you get “Attak,” which is suited for pretty much any workout you have in mind. We think it’d be best in a spin class, complete with a dizzying light show.
No. 2 - Rick Ross “Movin’ Bass”
Best for: Dance class
Timbaland, Jay Z, and the newly slimmed down Rick Ross created a monster with “Movin’ Bass.” The funky, low-end fueled Timbaland production is the kind of beat you can’t help but want to move to, and Rozay’s verses are as inspirational as they come. Sweat it out to this one, which can be found on Hood Billionaire.
No. 1 - Run the Jewels “Close Your Eyes (and Count to F*ck)”
Best for: Weight training
The dynamic duo of El-P and Killer Mike have already claimed Stereogum’s album of the year and Consequence of Sound’s artist of the year slots, and now the two veterans can add another notch under their belt. The Zack de la Rocha-assisted “Close Your Eyes (and Count to F*ck)” should be your go-to song this holiday season. Run them weights, fast.
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