It’s New Year’s Eve—a time to reflect on the past year and look ahead at what 2020 has to offer. A day like this requires a perfect soundtrack, so whether you’re looking for a pre-game playlist or songs to put on right as the clock strikes midnight, the Complex Music team has your back. We selected 15 rap songs that represent some of the best sounds that 2019 had to offer, while also foreshadowing what might come next in 2020. Earlier this month, we put together a ranked list of the 50 best songs of 2019, but this time we focused on high-energy music that will set a celebratory mood as the clock strikes midnight. Happy New Year’s, everybody.
Baby Keem, “Moshpit”
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In 2019, Baby Keem laid the foundation for a takeover in the 2020s. After dropping one of the best rap albums of the year, Die For My Bitch, he earned the admiration of everyone from Drake to JAY-Z. So, why not start the decade with music from a guy who might become rap’s next superstar? The whole album bangs, but “Moshpit” might bang the hardest, so if we have to pick just one, this deserves a spot on your midnight soundtrack. “I am 50 Cent! I am 50 Cent!” —Eric Skelton
Mustard & Roddy Ricch, “Ballin”
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As we announced earlier this month, “Ballin” is the best song of 2019. Compton’s new star, Roddy Ricch, delivered soulful, celebratory vocals over a timeless beat from Mustard. “Growing up on the west side, I've been listening to him for 10 years,” Roddy told us, speaking about his natural chemistry with the producer. “So me and him had a bond before we even met each other. It’s second nature with us.” So, as you celebrate the end of the year (and the beginning of a new decade), do yourself a favor and play the very best song that 2019 had to offer. —Eric Skelton
DaBaby, “Bop”
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DaBaby took over 2019, staying on everyone’s radar throughout the year as he released two albums and a string of viral singles. The Charlotte MC proved he can rap circles around his peers, delivering hard-hitting bars on every single, while also introducing a fun energy that was lacking from the game. “Bop” is proof that DaBaby knows how to have fun and spit heat at the same time. The track is gritty and cool enough to play at a party but also family-friendly enough that Kevin Hart and his daughter recorded a video of themselves dancing to it. That versatility is part of what makes DaBaby a star. —Jessica McKinney
Pop Smoke, “Welcome to the Party”
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Pop Smoke’s “Welcome to the Party” was 2019’s biggest Brooklyn drill anthem, and quintessential to every New Year’s playlist. The beat, courtesy of 808MeloBeats, is haunting, and mixed with Pop Smoke’s distinctly deep voice and aggressive delivery, it’s the perfect record to get rowdy to. “Bitch, I’m a thot, get me lit,” he raps. Whether you put this song on to start the night off strong or usher in the New Year at midnight, this needs to be on your 2019 NYE playlist. It’s not a real party until you hear Pop Smoke. —Jessica McKinney
Drake & Rick Ross, “Money in the Grave”
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Not many artists can do what Drake and Rick Ross have done. Throughout the decade, the duo have delivered hit after hit, dropping anthems like “Lord Knows,” “Stay Schemin,” and “Aston Martin Music” to list a few. And they’re finishing out the decade strong with “Money in the Grave.” Whether you’re bouncing to Drake’s catchy hook or vibing to Ross’ smooth verse, just make sure you have a bottle of champagne in hand. —Jessica McKinney
SAINt JHN f/ Lil Baby, “Trap”
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New Year’s Eve is a night of self-indulgence; a night of celebration. And SAINt JHN’s Lil Baby collab, “Trap,” is the perfect song to set the mood for an evening of debauchery. SAINt JHN knows how to party. And perhaps even more importantly, he knows how to enjoy the finer things in life. “With the bass turned loud/will you turn on the light?/Wish you furs for the winter, wish you champagne on ice/Middle finger to the police.” —Eric Skelton
Fivio Foreign, “Big Drip”
![“I think [drill] is going to be the sound of 2020,” Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip” producer AXL Beats recently told Complex. “A lot of rappers are going to hop onto the wave. A lot of mainstream rappers are going to hop on drill.” In the closing moments of 2019, Drake and Travis Scott each hopped on the drill wave, which had been picking up steam all year in the UK and Brooklyn (after owning the beginning part of the decade in Chicago). One of the best drill songs of the year was Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip,” so if you’re looking for a growling, bass-heavy song to celebrate the new year with (and get your brain ready for all the drill you’re about to hear in 2020), this is the one. —Eric Skelton](https://img.youtube.com/vi/xf3eAb4l38Y/mqdefault.jpg)
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“I think [drill] is going to be the sound of 2020,” Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip” producer AXL Beats recently told Complex. “A lot of rappers are going to hop onto the wave. A lot of mainstream rappers are going to hop on drill.” In the closing moments of 2019, Drake and Travis Scott each hopped on the drill wave, which had been picking up steam all year in the UK and Brooklyn (after owning the beginning part of the decade in Chicago). One of the best drill songs of the year was Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip,” so if you’re looking for a growling, bass-heavy song to celebrate the new year with (and get your brain ready for all the drill you’re about to hear in 2020), this is the one. —Eric Skelton
Polo G f/ Lil Tjay, “Pop Out”
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Polo G and Lil Tjay’s “Pop Out” ruled the summer, and its menacing melodies will help usher in the new year. Drawing fans in with bars about robberies and gun-slinging, the song represents a career-altering year for both artists. “Pop Out” was Polo G’s highest-charting song to date, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is one of many sign sthat Lil Tjay’s star power is going to skyrocket in 2020. —Jessica McKinney
Megan Thee Stallion f/ DaBaby, “Cash Shit”
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Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby are were two of the biggest breakout rappers of 2019, so it only makes sense they’re included on this list. “Cash Shit” is the bouncy anthem that will get both men and women out of their seats at your party. It’s raunchy, sexy, and filled with a southern twang that only a native Houston Hottie and Charlotte MC can bring to life. —Jessica McKinney
Young Thug f/ Gunna “Hot”
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Young Thug is one of the most influential rappers for a whole new generation of artists, but until 2019, he had never quite attained the commercial success and recognition he deserves. That changed with the release of So Much Fun, which became his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. The best (and most party-appropriate) song on the project is “Hot,” so please pay your respects to his big year and ring in 2020 by yelling along with Thugger as he raps about Cartier coats, Cartier bags, Cartier jeans, and Cartier thots. —Eric Skelton
Travis Scott, “Highest in the Room”
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Travis Scott is finishing the decade on a high note. While “Highest in the Room” likely won’t go down as the biggest or best record of his career, its title alone sums up the kind of dizzying and intoxicating ride Travis has had over the past couple of years. Additionally, the track sets the tone for a great night of celebrating with friends. If you aren’t feeling the original, try the remix, which features additional vocals from ROSALÍA and Lil Baby.—Jessica McKinney
Young M.A, “BIG”
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If you’re looking for a flossy record to flex to, Young M.A’s “BIG” is that track. “BIG” is that materialistic song that is all about bragging about your drip and the finer things in life. So if you’re hitting an extravagant New Year's Eve party, there’s no better song to get ready to than this. —Jessica McKinney
Chris Brown & Drake, “No Guidance”
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“No Guidance” is the closest thing to R&B on this list, but it’s so catchy that you can play it at a function and not miss a beat. It’s the first official collaboration between Chris Brown and Drake since they squashed their longstanding beef last year, which makes the moment even sweeter. It’s not the uptempo track you might have expected from the duo, but all drama and expectations aside, “No Guidance” is a banger that catches both artists doing what they do best. —Jessica McKinney
03 Greedo & Kenny Beats, “Disco Shit”
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03 Greedo is behind bars at the moment, but he’s been keeping his word about delivering great music even in his absence. Netflix & Deal, Greedo’s joint album with Kenny Beats is one of those special releases. Album standout, “Disco Shit,” draws parallels to one of the rapper’s favorite movies, 2001’s Blow featuring Johnny Depp. So if you’re trying to have a picture-perfect, movie-esque kind of night night, we highly recommended play “Disco Shit” at some point to set the mood. —Jessica McKinney
Lil Uzi Vert, “Futsal Shuffle 2020”
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The “Futsal Shuffle 2020” isn’t the easiest dance routine to learn, but it’s worth a try. The track displays all sides of Lil Uzi’s artistry, with a hectic beat you might catch at a rave, lightning raps, and youthful energy. The song’s release also marks the end to a chaotic year for Uzi. “Futsal Shuffle 2020” is the third release of the year for Uzi, marking his return to rap after enduring struggles with his record label over his forthcoming album, Eternal Atake. Uzi hasn’t dropped too many clues about what we can expect from ET, but based on this single, it will be worth the wait. —Jessica McKinney
