The 50 Best Songs of 2012 (So Far)

Image via Complex Original

Album: Lover's Holiday II: Rose Island
Producer: DJ Carnage
Label: Warner Bros.


The oft-sampled "Big Spender" from iconic musical Sweet Charity gets another makeover here--this time with Brooklyn indie swag star London and Harlem's A$AP stud Rocky. Together they cash out on brands like Givenchy, steal girls, and clown haters. Sounds like time well spent.

Album: Gossamer
Producer: Chris Zane
Label: Columbia


With the first single off their sophomore album, Passion Pit makes it clear that they've come a long way since their debut. While the fervid, spastic energy of their first album is missing from "Take A Walk," the track introduces a new maturity, tighter sound, and more accessibility than ever. The new direction may disappoint some early fans longing for a more familiar sound, but it sets the tone for Passion Pit to take a step forward instead of trying to recreate the magic of the past.

Album: Welcome to: Our House
Producer: AraabMuzik
Label: Shady/Interscope


After a brief hiatus from making music following their 2009 debut album, Slaughterhouse bursts back on the scene with “Hammerdance.” Over an eerie AraabMuzik-produced track that samples Korn, of all bands, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9” and Crooked I get their lyrical two-step on as the ancticipation for Weclome to: Our House grows.

Album: Confess
Producer: George Lewis Jr., Chris Taylor
Label: 4AD


New Wave revivalist Twin Shadow caught everyone off guard with his latest single and the announcement of a full-length follow-up to his fantastic 2010 debut, Forget. "Five Seconds" is a honing of his style in a lot of ways; the analog synths and complex guitar work of the first album compressed into an infectious, powerful single good enough to raise expectations even higher for Confess. The rest of the year has a lot of exciting releases coming out, but this track ensured that Twin Shadow's was on the list of most anticipated.

Album: N/A
Producer: DJ Spinz
Label: Epic


L.A. Reid, who's responsible for signing The X Factor’s Astro, also tunes into the Atlanta streets. Cash Out was signed to Epic Records back in February—which was apparently a nine-hour process. But with Reid looking to rebrand Epic as an urban powerhouse, “Cashin’ Out” is a step forward in the right direction.

The DJ Spinz-produced single has heated up radio stations with turnt-up lyrics about riding around with girls named Nina and Keisha and having a condo on his wrist and neck. With a street remix featuring Fabolous, Yo Gotti, Akon, and Young Jeezy already out, Cash Out has another club crusher on his hands.

Album: The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 2
Producer: Trend
Label: Heavy on the Grind Ent./EMI


Over 20 years in the game, and 40 Water is still doing the damn thing. This West Coast anthem was not only a great look for a rapper who rhymed about taking “crackers to the Ritz” (LOL), but even spawned a new slang, “We out here trying to function.”

Album: I'm Sorry... EP
Producer: The Neighbourhood
Label: N/A


You probably wouldn't expect a song called "Sweater Weather" to be such a perfect summer soundtrack, but that's exactly what The Neighbourhood's jam is. This West Coast band is still under the radar, but with a song this catchy and cool, expect to see them creeping up into the spotlight, and don't be surprised if "Sweater Weather" becomes one of the season's breakthrough hits.

Album: Macadelic
Producer: Big Jerm
Label: Rostrum


With an erie beat and equally creepy video, Mac Miller's "Loud" definitely bangs. Still hot off of having the first independent chart-topping album since Doggystyle, Mac can't help but brag about his success and talk his shit over one of Big Jerm's hardest beats. Although the lyrics can get a little repetitive, the beat is more than enough to carry this song. And Mac's got a point that "people lie/numbers don't." (Where have we heard that before?) 

Album: R.A.P. Music
Producer: El-P
Label: Williams Street Recordings


The entirety of Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music album is a work of art, but the best track just might be the loud, angry and in-your-face sounds of the opening track. While Killer Mike and T.I. spend their verses warning sucka MCs about the perils of stepping into Atlanta, Bun B tells the story of being groomed for street life in his home state of Texas. It's three OGs at their lyrical best, making for one “beast” of a track.

Album: Blunderbuss
Producer: Jack White
Label: Third Man, XL Recordings, Columbia

There's a complexity about Jack White that sets him apart from most musicians. He possesses a certain rootsy wisdom, but he also has the ability to get completely unhinged. On "Love Interruption," the debut single from Jack's first solo album, we got the controlled, deliberate side of Jack. That was fine and everything, but it wasn't until the unrestrained "Sixteen Saltines" that we heard the side of Jack that we really love. The raucous Blunderbuss track is unfiltered, gritty, and feral, proving once again why Jack White is a rock star.

Album: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
Producer: Andrew 'Pop' Wensel, Oak, Flip, JProof
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic

After throwing many of her hip-hop fans for a loop with "Starships," Nicki followed up with this second single off Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. While she caters to many diverse audiences, Nicki somehow manages to mesh pop, R&B, and that one tight verse that reminds us all that Nicki can still, in fact, kill it on the mic.

"It ain't your spit game, it's your dick game" she raps on behalf of any woman who's ever felt jealous, irrational, and "hella bent" during an argument with her man. While Chris Brown's feature verse is eerily similar to "No Air," his collab with Jordin Sparks, this isn't too far from Nicki's "Right Thru Me" either—but it's definitely an upgrade. And we get to watch Nicki and Nas swap some tongue in the video. Nicki fans rejoice!

Album: 1993
Producer: SPORTING LIFE
Label: N/A


Okay fine, this came out last year but whatever. It’s not like all that many people ever heard this song until the video dropped a few months back. But "Wikispeaks" has more than just excellent visuals going for it. The song is the birth of one of rap’s newest, most promising acts. Wiki’s nasally voice and intricate lyrics are oh-so-reminiscent of a young Slim Shady, but he’s NYC to the core. Like he says in the song, “Damn I feel like Jay-Z in '96/Man I feel like ODB in '93/Am I even an '04 Ye?” All that remains to be seen—but this is still a great start.

Album: Blue Dream & Lean
Producer: Mike Will
Label: Self-Released


You've got to give it up for Juicy J’s recent output. Ever since he teamed up with Taylor Gang, the Three Six Mafia mainstay has supplied us with plenty of mixtape bangers. “Bands A Make Her Dance”—off the bonus cut version of Blue Dream & Lean—is a clear standout anthem for the strip clubs. Who can churn out rhymes about ratchet girls and blowing stacks better than Juicy? The veteran’s unhinged charisma keeps us entertained for three minutes straight.

Album: Fragrant World
Producer: Yeasayer
Label: Secretly Canadian


Five years after the release of their first full-length project, Brooklynites Yeasayer still refuse to play by the rules. Instead of an Internet release, "Henrietta" surfaced online after the band mailed physical CD copies of the single to fans on their mailing list. The track comes complete with their signature ethereal production and ambient vocals that just won't let you go.

Album: Careless World: Rise of the Last King
Producer: Dnyc3
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic

Thought "Rack City" was going to be the only thing knocking on Tyga's debut album? Think again. Here he lets Young money boss Lil Wayne get in on the action, giving the strip clubs another rain-making cut.

Album: N/A
Producer: Party Supplies
Label: Fool's Gold


Party Supplies is mostly known for his production. He collected buzz thanks to his indie remixes and has worked with artists like Action Bronson and Danny Brown on the hip-hop end of the spectrum. When he dropped "Guy Friends," the reaction was, "Yo, it's a good record, but who's the guy with no shirt that you remixed?" Well, that's not a remix.

"Guy Friends" suggests the direction the Brooklyn-based artist will be taking on his upcoming album—and yes, he's doing it all, from production to instruments to vocals. If the rest of the project is on the level of this lively, funked-up single, Party Supplies will soon be known for a lot more than just his production.

Album: Control System
Producer: Tae Beast
Label: Top Dawg Entertainment


Ab-Soul sounds headstrong and self-assured on the majority of Control System. However, there is something almost desperate at the core of "Pineal Gland." Maybe it's Tae Beast's dissonant keys and ominous drum loop, but for whatever reason Ab-Soul sounds like he's been pushed to the edge. Soul Brother Number Two is rapping like he's about to meet his doom and he's trying to take everyone with him. He name-drops Street Fighter character Blanka, opens the third eye with DMT, and gets to traveling through different galaxies in his laser-focused verses. It's a helluva way to go.

Album: N/A
Producer: A-Trak
Label: Fools Gold


Two of the most quotable rappers in the game on the same song together? Yes please! Fuck a piss test!

Album: Cancer 4 Cure
Producer: El-P
Label: Fat Possum Records


On his third solo album, El-P's rhymes and production are still top-notch, and "The Full Retard" is a prime example. The chorus's "pump this shit like they do in the future" is a reasonable demand, since the beat sounds like traditional boom-bap crossed with Battlestar Galactica. El-P delivers on the verses too with a relentlessly aggressive flow and highbrow multis that are sure to impress his purist fan base and new listeners alike.

Album: Yiy Change
Producer: Elvis Redwood
Label: Sounique Records


Simplicity is key in dancehall, and Popcaan displayed his mastery over that concept in his biggest hit to date, "Only Man She Want." Vybz Kartel's former sidekick is straightforward without being cliche, and he does it all with a reassurance that forces even casual listeners to take notice. "Only Man She Want" is set to be this year's dancehall staple.

Album: Mysterious Phonk: The Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp
Producer: SpaceGhostPurrp
Label: 4AD


SpaceGhostPurrp introduced the listeners to his ethos, intentions, and even threw in some grim predictions in his verse on "The Black God." The production doesn't aim to be atmospheric like some of the others on Mysterious Phonk: The Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp, but it's every bit as effective. As its cold and calculating instruments inches their way under your skin, "The Black God" hits hard even without any punchlines.

Album: Born To Die
Producer: Emile Haynie, Jeff Bhasker
Label: Interscope


When the video for "National Anthem" dropped last week, Lana Del Rey had a lot of critics after her; some in disgust, others in awe. With A$AP Rocky as JFK and Lana as Jackie, the stunning visuals and historical accuracy of the video fit Del Rey's beautifully captured the "love story for the new age."

Awesome video aside, there's no denying that the fifth single from her Born to Die album is one of this year's best. Del Rey's ability to match her sultry vocals to an elegant string section is remarkable—and with lyrics like "Um, do you think you'll buy me, lots of diamonds? (Yes, I also brought my gun)," she reminds us that her housewife-gone-gangster persona ain't no joke.

Album: N/A
Producer: Rico Beats
Label: G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam

What's beef? Pusha T's track "Exodus 23:1" is known as the song that kicked off the latest squabble between G.O.O.D. Music and YMCMB, but it deserves more recognition as one of the hardest records in a minute. Accompanied by The-Dream, Push simultaneously fired shots at Drake and Wayne, got his frustration off his chest, and sounded like classic Pusha T in the process. If this record is any indication we can expect quite a lot from the king of the coke flow this year.

Album: Swing Lo Magellan
Producer: Dave Longstreth
Label: Domino


Instead of lush backdrops, echoing melodies, or complicated production, Dirty Projectors cut right to the point with "Gun Has No Trigger." There are only a few forces at work here, but each element is pointed and confident, and the combination of bass, drums, and show-stealing vocals build up to an epic chorus that has us excited to hear what else is in store on the upcoming Swing Lo Magelllan.

Album: Triple F Life: Fans, Friends, & Family
Producer: DJ Spinz
Label: 1017 Brick Squad, Brick Squad Monopoly, Asylum, Warner Bros.


Pay no attention to the giant Foghorn Leghorn dude in the video—there is no actual bird in Waka Flocka's Ferrari. Waka is a PETA spokesman after all, so the last thing he would want to do is ruffle anybody's feathers. So when Waka raps about "Rooster," what is he referring to? Well he might be talking about a "bird," as in a brick, as in Brick Squad Monopoly.

Except that in one interview, Waka's bodyguards said "Rooster" referred to blow-jobs—you know how chickens' heads are always bobbing up and down. That would make sense since most of the song is devoted to "these hoes." But if that's the case, shouldn't the song have been called "Hen in my Rari," seeing as how a rooster is a male chicken? Of course that wouldn't have sounded anywhere near as cool—there's something about the alliteration that makes this whole song work. Oh well, why overthink it? Squad!

Album: Reign of Terror
Producer: Derek Miller
Label: Mom+Pop


We've all had to cut a certain person out of our lives at some point or another, and it hasn't always been easy. It isn't a walk in the park for Sleigh Bells lead singer Alexis Krauss either, but luckily she's got a microphone to vent her anger. With her sultry but defiant vocals floating over a high-pitched guitar riff and the hip-hop drums the duo has become known for, Krauss makes sure whoever it was that wronged her feels awful about it.

Album: good kid, m.A.A.d city
Producer: Scoop DeVille/Dr. Dre
Label: Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope

Women, weed and weather. The three most important W's all exist in excess out on the west coast, and Compton native Kendrick Lamar penned an ode to California on the first single off his much anticipated debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city. Over throbbing drums and a subtle bassline, Kendrick even recruits Compton legend Dr. Dre to add his left coast adoration to the track. Dre's two verses (ghostwritten or not) sound awfully nice over his own production, setting up Kendrick to take the reins and really make the track his own. When the TDE MC says “It's not my fault that it's 82 degrees and my top peeled off,” we all wish we were basking in a little bit of that California sunshine.

Album: Celebration Rock
Producer: Brian King, David Prowse
Label: Polyvinyl


The Japandroids were on the verge of breaking up when their debut album, Post-Nothing (2009), caught critical attention and exposed them to a wider fanbase. The entirety of Celebration Rock sounds like a band that has just been rejuvenated with new life, and at the center of it all is "The House That Heaven Built." The adrenaline rush that of the duo's power-happy guitar and drums was enough to buoy the song, but Brian King steals the show with lyrics about life and death, good and evil, and heaven and hell. All of this at 150 mph.

Album: Pluto
Producer: Sonny Digital
Label: Epic


Late last year, Atlanta buzz rapper Future released “Same Damn Time,” a head-banger that tore up the charts and clubs alike. First catching fire in the ATL, the song eventually spread elsewhere—appealing to both urban and mainstream audiences. The reason? “Same Damn Time” has it all covered. Future’s Auto-Tuning croons and street-savvy lyrics are a perfect counterpoint to Sonny Digital’s hard-hitting production. The tune got so hot that it even inspired Diddy had to lay down his best rant so far. Don’t be mad, be motivated.

Album: Forever
Producer: Haim
Label: National Anthem


Three Los Angeles sisters, all 22 or younger, make up the R&B-influenced rock band that burst onto the scene this year. So far, the title track from their three-song EP is the young group's best and most known, and rightfully so. The record has hints of disco and Madonna/Michael Jackson-era pop sensibilities, but Haim's unique brand of '90s baby assertiveness saves "Forever" from being drowned by its inspirations.

Album: Based on a T.R.U. Story
Producer: Mike WiLL Made It & Marz of Eardrummers
Label: Def Jam

2 Chainz needed to make a splash with the first single off his upcoming album to help him transition from mixtape rapper to full-blown star. So what better way to do that than to call in a favor from his old pal Drizzy Drake? “No Lie” is another killer guest spot from Drake (seriously, he’s just giving away hits this year) and finds Chainz spazzing on the last verse ready to out-rap and out-trap any and all challengers. 2Pac without a nose ring? Not quite, but we’ll live with it.

Album: Master of My Make-Believe
Producer: Ricky Blaze
Label: Atlantic


Like many of Santigold's best songs, this one's about the struggle for youth, individuality, creative freedom, and "a life worth fighting for." Santi's music posits a universe divided between "They"—who "want to sit and watch it wither"—and "We"—who "said our dreams will carry us." Once these roles are defined, it's all about learning "how to win what they all lost." Sounds pretty simple, right? "So let them say we can't do better / Lay out the rules that we can't break." If Santi's with us, who could be against us?

Album: Taylor Allderdice
Producer: Rob Holladay
Label: Taylor Gang, Rostrum


Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Allderdice was his moment to reclaim the Kush And OJ style of rapping. On “My Favorite Song,” Wiz rarely leaves his comfort zone, going in about spending money, smoking marijuana and proving once again that he’s the star of the show. Juicy J pops up near the second half, expressing his love for those same leisure activities and basically being that trippy dude in the club. To wrap it all up, Wiz reveals the real reason why Juicy got signed to the Taylor Gang: “That’s why Juicy J is with us, nigga. Because we spent 30,000 racks in the clubs.” Damn.

Album: Life Is Good
Producer: No I.D.
Label: Def Jam

Producer No I.D. blessed Nas with a smooth beat to let loose on and the god did not hold back. Nasty Nas bares all about the feelings he had when his daughter Destiny posted some inappropriate images on Instagram. "At that point I realized I'm not the strictest parent," he spits. Gotta love that real talk.

Album: Dreamchasers 2
Producer: KeY Wane
Label: MMG


This joint is so big that Meek's Warner Music bosses have jacked the Dreamchasers 2 jewel and made it his first single from his forthcoming debut album Dream and Nightmares. With a slick feature from Drizzy, "Amen" has club-goers singing its praises with every play.

Album: Matangi
Producer: Danja
Label: Interscope


Part of what made M.I.A.'s sophomore album, Arular (2005), such a classic was how it balanced abrasive instrumentals and new-world awareness with a pop sensibility. "Bad Girls" sounds like it could have easily came from that era. Danja's excellent production backs M.I.A. as she aggressively retakes her throne. "Don't go screaming if I blow you with a bang," she sings like she means it. Is that bad enough for ya? OK then. Get the hell out of this girl's way.

Album: Excuse My French
Producer: Anthony Lee
Label: Bad Boy

French Montana’s first single off his Bad Boy debut, Excuse My French, is stacked with some major talent. “Pop That” is an accumulation of Montana working overtime on a variety of guest appearances to call in favors for Rick Ross, Drake, and Lil Wayne to hold him down over Anthony Lee’s booming 808s and icy synths. As you might guess from the title, the single captures Montana and his boys in strip-club mode, spitting rhymes, admiring the ladies and all that they're “twerkin’ with.

Album: Visions
Producer: Grimes
Label: 4AD


Grimes' "Oblivion" combines all the elements that make Visions, her breakout album, so excellent. There's a touch of the gothic influence that lends an underlying darkness to almost everything the Canadian singer/producer creates, but there are also rubbery synths and airy, impish vocals to lighten things up. Beneath it all lurks a fantastically catchy pop song, which is ultimately what ends up making the track so addictive.

Album: Cruel Summer
Producer: Hit-Boy
Label: Def Jam

Kanye West always keeps us on our toes. Just when we were expecting the first single from the G.O.O.D. Music album Cruel Summer, Yeezy handed off this Hit-Boy-produced heatrock to DJ Khaled. The song left no toe unstepped-on—from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (who took exception to the line "Tell PETA my mink is draggin' on the floor") to Novartis International AG (the manufacturers of Theraflu, who expressed extreme disapproval of this track, which was initially named after their over-the-counter remedy) to Kim Kardashian's ex-husband, who will forever wonder whether he's still playing for the Nets just because Kanye let him. Now if that's not flyer than a parakeet, then what is? Yes, as its (third and final) title suggests, this track is just plain "Cold."

Album: good kid, m.A.A.d city
Producer: THC
Label: TDE

Who would have guessed that Gunplay was such a great rapper? Who knew that sounding like you’re 60 years old could be such an asset? And who really wants to listen to a seven-minute rap song? The one person who knew the answer to all of those questions: Kendrick Lamar.

One of the most ambitious, innovative releases in recent memory, “Cartoons and Cereal” starts as a simple ode to Kendrick’s father but stands out due to its unique composition. The song goes back and forth between verses, hooks, and a channel-surfing skit before Gunplay (of all people) comes in for the kill. Maybe it’s not the song that’s going to take K. Dot’s fame to the next level—frankly, it was too original to be a big hit—but let it stand here as a reminder of why hip-hop needs this exciting young artist so badly.

Album: Back From The Dead
Producer: Young Chop
Label: N/A


Upon first listen, one would be hard pressed to guess where the hook to Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like” ends and where the actual verses start. The song is mostly an endless refrain of hip-hop’s newest, most-applicable-to-almost-any-situation-ever ab-lib: “That’s that shit I don’t like!” (It's the perfect thing to scream out for all of us who suffer from rap Tourettes.)

The song went viral on the Internet but really took off when Kanye and company went in on it to create a high-powered G.O.O.D. Music Remix—apparently without direct knowledge or approval from Keef himself, and much to the ire of the song’s producer Young Chop. Regardless, that remix played a big part in Keef getting a major label deal from Interscope. What's not to like about that?

Album: N/A
Producer: Hit-Boy
Label: Sony


Over one of Hit-Boy's hottest beats, young Rakim lets us peek into his world and it's hard not to like what you see or hear. Besides being one of the best songs of the year, A$AP Rocky's "Goldie" perfectly captures where the Harlem MC is at right during his dizzying ascent towards the top of the rap game. In one line he'll spit about his new 'rari and drinking expensive champagne but the next line he'll remind us that he still chases that Ace with a 40. In the accompanying video we see A$AP stunting in Paris but of course he's doing so with his A$AP Mob. Harlem + Paris = Trill.

Album: Channel Orange
Producer: Frank Ocean, John Mayer
Label: Odd Future, Def Jam

Sometimes it feels like Frank Ocean doesn't even mean to make all these hits. Last year's "Novacane" sounded unlike any R&B song on the radio, but it still became one of the biggest songs of the year. Ocean originally recorded "Thinking About You" as a reference track for Bridget Kelly, but his version is the one that's still being played in bedrooms.

But it would be a disservice to list "Pyramids" as a case of accidental genius. It takes a specific type of focus (and genius) to be able to make a song this epic. Switching from adventurous synths and keys to the late-night grime, this 9:57 masterpiece remains entrancing throughout. Ocean reaches peaks both vocally and lyrically as he weaves his tragic tale of beauty and loss. John Mayer ends the other-worldly song with a world-weary guitar solo.

Album: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
Producer: Kenoe
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic

With her third single off Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Nicki effortlessly taunts all her so-called competition over Kenoe's bubbly pop beat. Nicki's verbose verse backs up every boast as she rattles on about who "ain't saying nothing." While her geographical role call of every borough and major metropolitan area may be somewhat unoriginal, hearing her rhyme about how she secured that top spot in the game reminds us of why we fell for Nicki in the first place. A mesmerizing 2 Chainz feature completes the package, and that video of Nicki in a leopard-print bodysuit twerking alongside Chainz just proves that 100 motherfuckers really can't tell her nothing.

Album: Dreamchasers 2
Producer: Jahlil Beats
Label: Maybach Music Group


Usually when bells toll and alarms sound, like they do in the beginning of “Burn,” it signifies some kind of disaster barreling towards a city. In this case, that disaster is a lyrical tornado in the form of Meek Mill and Big Sean. The two bounce killer verses off each other, barely stopping to catch their breath between bars. Meek and Sean sound focused and determined to out-spit each other, and when Meek announces "I'ma let that shit burn," we can only assume he's talking about the city he and Sean just left smoldering in their wake.

Album: Bloom
Producer: Chris Coady
Label: Sub Pop


Beach House came soaring back into the indie spotlight with the March release "Myth," an incredibly lovely cut from the duo's fourth album, Bloom. Between Victoria Legrand's perfectly familiar smoky, bittersweet vocals and Alex Scally's heartstring-pulling guitar work reminiscent of 2010's "Take Care," the duo proved that sometimes more of the same really is better. "Myth" is dreamy, nostalgic pop at its best and a perfect opener for what is surely one of the year's best albums.

Album: Looking 4 Myself
Producer: Diplo
Label: RCA


Handing Usher a murky techno cut, Diplo's unconventional pop wisdom is on full display here—along with the crooner's silky falsetto. The first single from Usher's Looking 4 Myself is a breakup cut masked as a slow jam. It's an unlikely winner, but this sleeper was just what Usher needed to wake people up.

Album: Habits & Contradictions
Producer: Best Kept Secret
Label: TDE


Flipping Lissie's live version of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Hapiness," Best Kept Secret crafted an eerie beat suitable for Schoolboy Q and A$AP Rocky to swap tales of weed, brew, and bitches: "If I fucked her once, then I could fuck her twice, if I fucked her twice I might change her life." This song sounds as epic as we need our hip-hop to be, starting with the fact that Cudi's raw source material is all about rock-and-roll's ultimate life-or-death struggle—as the song says "if I fall, if I die, know I lived it till the fullest." SBQ and Dat PMF are on the same shit, but they're going so hard they don't even have time to reflect on it.

Album: Cruel Summer
Producer: Lifted
Label: G.O.O.D. Music

Let's break down G.O.O.D. Music’s “Mercy.” It kicks off with the vocals of a dancehall legend, Fuzzy Jones. Kanye West shares production credits with Mike Will and in-house producer Lifted, who crafted an instrumental that’s tailored to the streets—over which West, Pusha T, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz deliver their boastful raps flawlessly. With Cruel Summer on the horizon, this song sounds like the perfect set-up for a G.O.O.D. Music takeover. Like Sean says, "Don't we do this every day-day?"

Album: Rich Forever
Producer: The Beat Bullies
Label: MMG


You know a song is dope when it makes you forget all its apparent contradictions. Rick Ross, French Montana, and Drake turn The Beat Bullies' brooding track into a referendum on realness in hip-hop of all things. Don't think too hard, just puff another blunt and play it again. Ross opens the discussion by wishing "RIP to all the real niggas worldwide" then proceeds to complain that life's too short to go to court—but at least he can take comfort in the fact that he's getting money. (No doubt about that.)

Drake goes hard on the second verse, observing without a trace of irony that rap has changed and that "there was a time it was rugged." French contributes the song's woozy singsong hook and a deceptively ill third verse ("watch the body tilt when you hit the head"). Until that point the threat is all implied, but the song works because, as Ross reminds us, "I ride for my niggas dawg."