The Best Rap Verses of 2022

After counting down the 50 best albums and songs of the year, we narrowed our focus on the top 30 rap verses of the year—from Cardi B to Lil Wayne and more.

Dec 27, 2022

Image via Complex Original

There’s been a lot of talk lately about how pop stars are shifting to dance music and songs that provide escape. And—although some of these verses and songs host that energy, if you still want to stay at home, put on a pair of headphones, and dissect bars, don’t worry; this year gifted us a lot of great rap verses, too. From introspective efforts like Kendrick Lamar’s “Mother I Sober” and Che Noir’s “Communion” to more playful offerings like Tyler, the Creator’s verse on Pharell’s “Cash In, Cash Out,” there’s been a little something for everyone this year.

After counting down the 50 best albums and songs of the year, we narrowed our focus on the top 30 rap verses of the year. These are the verses that we’ve returned to over and over since we first heard them. To make room for more voices and styles, we limited ourselves to just one verse per artist. Without further ado, these are the 30 best rap verses of 2022.

Verse: 1

Throw genius wordplay, unhinged bar hurls, and public affirmations of one’s true self into the ocean of sound and we get a minute and 20 seconds of glory from SZA’s garden. In an album injected with familiar softness, this song is hard. It doesn’t hold back and, before the listener is made privy to her melodic reflections of lost trust after the first verse, we’re left—however briefly—wondering whose album we hit play on. This track is a tease and, as such, its only fault is its brevity. —Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Throw genius wordplay, unhinged bar hurls, and public affirmations of one’s true self into the ocean of sound and we get a minute and 20 seconds of glory from SZA’s garden. In an album injected with familiar softness, this song is hard. It doesn’t hold back and, before the listener is made privy to her melodic reflections of lost trust after the first verse, we’re left—however briefly—wondering whose album we hit play on. This track is a tease and, as such, its only fault is its brevity. *—Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Throw genius wordplay, unhinged bar hurls, and public affirmations of one’s true self into the ocean of sound and we get a minute and 20 seconds of glory from SZA’s garden. In an album injected with familiar softness, this song is hard. It doesn’t hold back and, before the listener is made privy to her melodic reflections of lost trust after the first verse, we’re left—however briefly—wondering whose album we hit play on. This track is a tease and, as such, its only fault is its brevity. *—Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo*

Verse: 1

Sauce Walka’s energy is irrepressible, and “Dangerous Daringer” puts the Houston rapper’s colorful character and bars on full display. “You’d want to play with Tim Duncan, or Carlos Boozer?” is such a hilariously nonsensical stray at the former Duke forward that it would sound out of place if Sauce wasn’t spitting it. The Austin SXSW From The Block verse isn’t on any streaming services, so you’ll have to enjoy Sauce spitting with a styrofoam cup in hand as he flexes in front of a Mercedes-Benz truck’s hydraulics in the background. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Sauce Walka’s energy is irrepressible, and “Dangerous Daringer” puts the Houston rapper’s colorful character and bars on full display. “You’d want to play with Tim Duncan, or Carlos Boozer?” is such a hilariously nonsensical stray at the former Duke forward that it would sound out of place if Sauce wasn’t spitting it. The Austin SXSW *From The Block* verse isn’t on any streaming services, so you’ll have to enjoy Sauce spitting with a styrofoam cup in hand as he flexes in front of a Mercedes-Benz truck’s hydraulics in the background. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Sauce Walka’s energy is irrepressible, and “Dangerous Daringer” puts the Houston rapper’s colorful character and bars on full display. “You’d want to play with Tim Duncan, or Carlos Boozer?” is such a hilariously nonsensical stray at the former Duke forward that it would sound out of place if Sauce wasn’t spitting it. The Austin SXSW *From The Block* verse isn’t on any streaming services, so you’ll have to enjoy Sauce spitting with a styrofoam cup in hand as he flexes in front of a Mercedes-Benz truck’s hydraulics in the background. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

On the second verse of Lola Brooke’s gritty anthem “Here I Come,” the Brooklyn native flexes a growly tone over a menacing beat, which is a dead giveaway to her New York roots. Her flow and delivery are super aggressive, but Lola Brooke also offers up feminine and seductive lyrics, spitting, “Love what you do when you talk to me, keep it sexy/I’m overrating on these bitches, who gon’ check me?” On the verse, Lola Brooke is intimidating yet sexy. It’s that type of duality that will likely make her the next artist to soar. *—Jessica McKinney*

Verse: 1

If you’ve been following Joey Badass from the beginning, you remember Capital STEEZ, and the void he left after he committed suicide a decade ago. Joey reflects on the loss for the first verse of “Survivors Guilt.” Wrestling with memory and regret, the Brooklyn rhymer recalls the aspirations that brought them together and the factors that would occasionally push them apart. Rendered with naked vulnerability, it’s a gripping tale of brotherhood that transcends life and death. —Peter A. Berry — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

If you’ve been following Joey Badass from the beginning, you remember Capital STEEZ, and the void he left after he committed suicide a decade ago. Joey reflects on the loss for the first verse of “Survivors Guilt.” Wrestling with memory and regret, the Brooklyn rhymer recalls the aspirations that brought them together and the factors that would occasionally push them apart. Rendered with naked vulnerability, it’s a gripping tale of brotherhood that transcends life and death. *—Peter A. Berry*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

If you’ve been following Joey Badass from the beginning, you remember Capital STEEZ, and the void he left after he committed suicide a decade ago. Joey reflects on the loss for the first verse of “Survivors Guilt.” Wrestling with memory and regret, the Brooklyn rhymer recalls the aspirations that brought them together and the factors that would occasionally push them apart. Rendered with naked vulnerability, it’s a gripping tale of brotherhood that transcends life and death. *—Peter A. Berry*

Verse: 1

GloRilla gained national attention with her upbeat, party anthems, but on “Out Loud Thinking,” she switches things up. The track consists of a lengthy, introspective verse, in which the Memphis rapper shows depth as she reflects on topics about friendships, fame, and more. “When they treat you like the strongest, it make you the weakest/The one that always gon’ come through when anybody need it,” she raps in her signature husky tone. What makes this verse so memorable is GloRilla’s willingness to be vulnerable and raw. It’s as if listeners got an excerpt from her personal journal. —Jessica McKinney — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

GloRilla gained national attention with her upbeat, party anthems, but on “Out Loud Thinking,” she switches things up. The track consists of a lengthy, introspective verse, in which the Memphis rapper shows depth as she reflects on topics about friendships, fame, and more. “When they treat you like the strongest, it make you the weakest/The one that always gon’ come through when anybody need it,” she raps in her signature husky tone. What makes this verse so memorable is GloRilla’s willingness to be vulnerable and raw. It’s as if listeners got an excerpt from her personal journal. *—Jessica McKinney*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

GloRilla gained national attention with her upbeat, party anthems, but on “Out Loud Thinking,” she switches things up. The track consists of a lengthy, introspective verse, in which the Memphis rapper shows depth as she reflects on topics about friendships, fame, and more. “When they treat you like the strongest, it make you the weakest/The one that always gon’ come through when anybody need it,” she raps in her signature husky tone. What makes this verse so memorable is GloRilla’s willingness to be vulnerable and raw. It’s as if listeners got an excerpt from her personal journal. *—Jessica McKinney*

Verse: 2

Prior to his tragic death, Takeoff was known as the best rhyme technician Migos had to offer. His verse on “Feel the Fiyaaaah” only reinforces that point. Coasting over Metro’s galactic soul, the late rhymer shifts through seamless schemes and imagistic flexes as he weaves in and out of the alphabet for a casual, but memorable wordplay exhibition. It’s a quintessential Takeoff verse; proof he clearly had a lot more to give. —Peter A. Berry — youtube.com

**Verse:** 2

Prior to his tragic death, Takeoff was known as the best rhyme technician Migos had to offer. His verse on “Feel the Fiyaaaah” only reinforces that point. Coasting over Metro’s galactic soul, the late rhymer shifts through seamless schemes and imagistic flexes as he weaves in and out of the alphabet for a casual, but memorable wordplay exhibition. It’s a quintessential Takeoff verse; proof he clearly had a lot more to give. —Peter A. Berry

youtube.com

**Verse:** 2

Prior to his tragic death, Takeoff was known as the best rhyme technician Migos had to offer. His verse on “Feel the Fiyaaaah” only reinforces that point. Coasting over Metro’s galactic soul, the late rhymer shifts through seamless schemes and imagistic flexes as he weaves in and out of the alphabet for a casual, but memorable wordplay exhibition. It’s a quintessential Takeoff verse; proof he clearly had a lot more to give. —Peter A. Berry

Verse: 1

Denzel Curry reflects the inner battles he has every day on the first verse of his track, “The Ills.” Behind a calming piano instrumental, Curry breathes life into easily misunderstood emotions, humanizing himself while still being critical of his thoughts and actions. Despite feeling like he’s damned, he closes the verse by recognizing that he, like all of us, still has time to devise a plan to rise above the madness in his mind. —Jordan Rose — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Denzel Curry reflects the inner battles he has every day on the first verse of his track, “The Ills.” Behind a calming piano instrumental, Curry breathes life into easily misunderstood emotions, humanizing himself while still being critical of his thoughts and actions. Despite feeling like he’s damned, he closes the verse by recognizing that he, like all of us, still has time to devise a plan to rise above the madness in his mind. *—Jordan Rose*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Denzel Curry reflects the inner battles he has every day on the first verse of his track, “The Ills.” Behind a calming piano instrumental, Curry breathes life into easily misunderstood emotions, humanizing himself while still being critical of his thoughts and actions. Despite feeling like he’s damned, he closes the verse by recognizing that he, like all of us, still has time to devise a plan to rise above the madness in his mind. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 1

It’s difficult to pick just one verse from Vince Staples’ excellent new project Ramona Park Broke My Heart, but the opening bars on “The Beach” are a good place to start. Setting the tone for the rest of the project, Vince invites us to his neighborhood in Long Beach. “Growin’ up, ain’t had no lights unless it said to check the engine/ ‘Less we had to spark the wick, show somebody that we miss ‘em,” he raps, symbolizing the challenging reality of growing up in the area. In just 46 seconds, he builds a vivid world, anchoring the next 15 songs that beautifully tackle his relationship with home. This is storytelling and world-building at its finest. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

It’s difficult to pick just one verse from Vince Staples’ excellent new project *Ramona Park Broke My Heart,* but the opening bars on “The Beach” are a good place to start. Setting the tone for the rest of the project, Vince invites us to his neighborhood in Long Beach. “Growin’ up, ain’t had no lights unless it said to check the engine/ ‘Less we had to spark the wick, show somebody that we miss ‘em,” he raps, symbolizing the challenging reality of growing up in the area. In just 46 seconds, he builds a vivid world, anchoring the next 15 songs that beautifully tackle his relationship with home. This is storytelling and world-building at its finest. *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

It’s difficult to pick just one verse from Vince Staples’ excellent new project *Ramona Park Broke My Heart,* but the opening bars on “The Beach” are a good place to start. Setting the tone for the rest of the project, Vince invites us to his neighborhood in Long Beach. “Growin’ up, ain’t had no lights unless it said to check the engine/ ‘Less we had to spark the wick, show somebody that we miss ‘em,” he raps, symbolizing the challenging reality of growing up in the area. In just 46 seconds, he builds a vivid world, anchoring the next 15 songs that beautifully tackle his relationship with home. This is storytelling and world-building at its finest. *—Eric Skelton*

Verse: 4

On “Nynex,” Quelle Chris talks of doing what you’ve got to do. Using an off-kilter flow, he pairs the most eclectic combinations of words imaginable with a psychedelic beat. It’s a verse that evokes confidence and a sense of danger: “Some niggas run when they see niggas runnin’/Some niggas run and see; I be the latter.” As eccentric as it is braggadocious, Chris’ verse is a whole ass adventure. —Peter A. Berry — youtu.be

**Verse:** 4

On “Nynex,” Quelle Chris talks of doing what you’ve got to do. Using an off-kilter flow, he pairs the most eclectic combinations of words imaginable with a psychedelic beat. It’s a verse that evokes confidence and a sense of danger: “Some niggas run when they see niggas runnin’/Some niggas run and see; I be the latter.” As eccentric as it is braggadocious, Chris’ verse is a whole ass adventure. *—Peter A. Berry*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 4

On “Nynex,” Quelle Chris talks of doing what you’ve got to do. Using an off-kilter flow, he pairs the most eclectic combinations of words imaginable with a psychedelic beat. It’s a verse that evokes confidence and a sense of danger: “Some niggas run when they see niggas runnin’/Some niggas run and see; I be the latter.” As eccentric as it is braggadocious, Chris’ verse is a whole ass adventure. *—Peter A. Berry*

Verse: 1

If you like punchlines and quotables, look no further than BabyTron. From the moment he evokes the legacy of 7’7” NBA icon Manute Bol to make a point about how long his money is getting, it’s a wrap. Later on the aptly titled “Manute Bol,” he goes on a dizzying tirade about burning Sam’s Club down, getting high, and dropping three hundred dollars on a meal at the Crab House. By the end of the verse, he crowns himself as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper,” and he might have a point. BabyTron’s on top of the world right now. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

If you like punchlines and quotables, look no further than BabyTron. From the moment he evokes the legacy of 7’7” NBA icon Manute Bol to make a point about how long his money is getting, it’s a wrap. Later on the aptly titled “Manute Bol,” he goes on a dizzying tirade about burning Sam’s Club down, getting high, and dropping three hundred dollars on a meal at the Crab House. By the end of the verse, he crowns himself as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper,” and he might have a point. BabyTron’s on top of the world right now. *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

If you like punchlines and quotables, look no further than BabyTron. From the moment he evokes the legacy of 7’7” NBA icon Manute Bol to make a point about how long his money is getting, it’s a wrap. Later on the aptly titled “Manute Bol,” he goes on a dizzying tirade about burning Sam’s Club down, getting high, and dropping three hundred dollars on a meal at the Crab House. By the end of the verse, he crowns himself as “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper,” and he might have a point. BabyTron’s on top of the world right now. *—Eric Skelton*

Verse: 1

To Billy Woods, the end of days isn’t an eventuality, it’s now—and he isn’t trying to escape it. He reflects on that idea on the first verse of “Remorseless,” which merges philosophy with an undercurrent of doom. For 16 bars, he piles references to Nebuchadnezzar, an Incan empire, and African proverbs atop everyday financial and existential concerns, a jarring combo that accomplishes the rare feat of making desolation seem colorful. —Peter A. Berry — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

To Billy Woods, the end of days isn’t an eventuality, it’s now—and he isn’t trying to escape it. He reflects on that idea on the first verse of “Remorseless,” which merges philosophy with an undercurrent of doom. For 16 bars, he piles references to Nebuchadnezzar, an Incan empire, and African proverbs atop everyday financial and existential concerns, a jarring combo that accomplishes the rare feat of making desolation seem colorful. *—Peter A. Berry*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

To Billy Woods, the end of days isn’t an eventuality, it’s now—and he isn’t trying to escape it. He reflects on that idea on the first verse of “Remorseless,” which merges philosophy with an undercurrent of doom. For 16 bars, he piles references to Nebuchadnezzar, an Incan empire, and African proverbs atop everyday financial and existential concerns, a jarring combo that accomplishes the rare feat of making desolation seem colorful. *—Peter A. Berry*

Verse: 1

Freddie Gibbs is a master of cinematics, distilling paranoia, violence, and passion in palpable detail. On “Black Illuminati” he uses tightly coiled rhymes to unspool vivid memories of betrayal and PTSD from secondhand crack smoke—all with a funny tone. At one point he begins a bar with what sounds like a sign of tacit respect for a fallen enemy, only to subvert it with a measure of icy practicality: “I don’t rap about dead ops, I let his name die.” —Peter A. Berry — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Freddie Gibbs is a master of cinematics, distilling paranoia, violence, and passion in palpable detail. On “Black Illuminati” he uses tightly coiled rhymes to unspool vivid memories of betrayal and PTSD from secondhand crack smoke—all with a funny tone. At one point he begins a bar with what sounds like a sign of tacit respect for a fallen enemy, only to subvert it with a measure of icy practicality: “I don’t rap about dead ops, I let his name die.” *—Peter A. Berry*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Freddie Gibbs is a master of cinematics, distilling paranoia, violence, and passion in palpable detail. On “Black Illuminati” he uses tightly coiled rhymes to unspool vivid memories of betrayal and PTSD from secondhand crack smoke—all with a funny tone. At one point he begins a bar with what sounds like a sign of tacit respect for a fallen enemy, only to subvert it with a measure of icy practicality: “I don’t rap about dead ops, I let his name die.” *—Peter A. Berry*

Verse: 2

The beauty of Ab-Soul’s second verse on “Do Better” is that it isn’t one-sided. With a pensive tone that contributes to the seriousness of the record, the California artist is able to capture and explain all of his many emotions in a way that feels relatable and clear. “Mixed emotions prohibit my focus/This what you wanted, what’s wrong with you? You don’t make sense/Feel like I can flip at any moment,” he raps. —Jessica McKinney — youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

The beauty of Ab-Soul’s second verse on “Do Better” is that it isn’t one-sided. With a pensive tone that contributes to the seriousness of the record, the California artist is able to capture and explain all of his many emotions in a way that feels relatable and clear. “Mixed emotions prohibit my focus/This what you wanted, what’s wrong with you? You don’t make sense/Feel like I can flip at any moment,” he raps. *—Jessica McKinney*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

The beauty of Ab-Soul’s second verse on “Do Better” is that it isn’t one-sided. With a pensive tone that contributes to the seriousness of the record, the California artist is able to capture and explain all of his many emotions in a way that feels relatable and clear. “Mixed emotions prohibit my focus/This what you wanted, what’s wrong with you? You don’t make sense/Feel like I can flip at any moment,” he raps. *—Jessica McKinney*

Verse: 2

Street rappers don’t always have to make street raps. Conway the Machine takes the second verse on “Stress” as an opportunity to exorcise his demons by way of bars and discusses some of the darkest moments of his life, including losing a cousin to suicide and the death of his newborn child. The stress he feels is visceral and it’s only with the help of his elite rhymes that the Buffalo rapper is finally able to share his grief. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Street rappers don’t always have to make street raps. Conway the Machine takes the second verse on “Stress” as an opportunity to exorcise his demons by way of bars and discusses some of the darkest moments of his life, including losing a cousin to suicide and the death of his newborn child. The stress he feels is visceral and it’s only with the help of his elite rhymes that the Buffalo rapper is finally able to share his grief. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Street rappers don’t always have to make street raps. Conway the Machine takes the second verse on “Stress” as an opportunity to exorcise his demons by way of bars and discusses some of the darkest moments of his life, including losing a cousin to suicide and the death of his newborn child. The stress he feels is visceral and it’s only with the help of his elite rhymes that the Buffalo rapper is finally able to share his grief. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 1

If you’re a Black American with any familial ties to the South, then JID’s verse on “Kody Blu 31” will instantly teleport you to your grandma’s house with the big front yard where cousins would trade childhood stories. While the tale the Atlanta rapper spins about protecting his siblings on the first verse is his own, he delivers it in a way that sounds deeply relatable. The verse serves as a reminder that stories from our youth travel with us as we age. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

Verse: 1

If you’re a Black American with any familial ties to the South, then JID’s verse on “Kody Blu 31” will instantly teleport you to your grandma’s house with the big front yard where cousins would trade childhood stories. While the tale the Atlanta rapper spins about protecting his siblings on the first verse is his own, he delivers it in a way that sounds deeply relatable. The verse serves as a reminder that stories from our youth travel with us as we age. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

Verse: 1

If you’re a Black American with any familial ties to the South, then JID’s verse on “Kody Blu 31” will instantly teleport you to your grandma’s house with the big front yard where cousins would trade childhood stories. While the tale the Atlanta rapper spins about protecting his siblings on the first verse is his own, he delivers it in a way that sounds deeply relatable. The verse serves as a reminder that stories from our youth travel with us as we age. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 1

Fusing conviction with hyper-specific details from the clandestine criminal underworld, Benny The Butcher updates The Notorious B.I.G.’s “10 Crack Commandments” with more hard-learned lessons in trap savvy. Here, he schools aspiring hustlers on the covert benefits of flossy chains and how to spot fake bankrolls. Like the best street raps, it feels like he’s letting you in on a secret. Twenty-five years after Biggie’s classic, “10 More Commandments” is a worthy re-up. —Peter A. Berry — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Fusing conviction with hyper-specific details from the clandestine criminal underworld, Benny The Butcher updates The Notorious B.I.G.’s “10 Crack Commandments” with more hard-learned lessons in trap savvy. Here, he schools aspiring hustlers on the covert benefits of flossy chains and how to spot fake bankrolls. Like the best street raps, it feels like he’s letting you in on a secret. Twenty-five years after Biggie’s classic, “10 More Commandments” is a worthy re-up. *—Peter A. Berry*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Fusing conviction with hyper-specific details from the clandestine criminal underworld, Benny The Butcher updates The Notorious B.I.G.’s “10 Crack Commandments” with more hard-learned lessons in trap savvy. Here, he schools aspiring hustlers on the covert benefits of flossy chains and how to spot fake bankrolls. Like the best street raps, it feels like he’s letting you in on a secret. Twenty-five years after Biggie’s classic, “10 More Commandments” is a worthy re-up. *—Peter A. Berry*

Verse: 2

Tyler, the Creator always has fun when he links up with Pharrell, and his verse on “Cash In Cash Out” is just the latest example of how elite Tyler is as a lyricist. All of his flexes are authentic and unique to him, like when he calls himself “the headline and you the plus one,” or boasts that he declined $2.5 million for a show because “the stage ain’t match my ethos.” (Tyler is one of the best rappers to catch live right now, with an immersive set design that includes interactive pieces like a literal moving boat and car across the stage.) Tyler always sounds great when he taps into his luxurious rap pockets, and that’s exactly what he does here. —Jordan Rose — youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Tyler, the Creator always has fun when he links up with Pharrell, and his verse on “Cash In Cash Out” is just the latest example of how elite Tyler is as a lyricist. All of his flexes are authentic and unique to him, like when he calls himself “the headline and you the plus one,” or boasts that he declined $2.5 million for a show because “the stage ain’t match my ethos.” (Tyler is one of the best rappers to catch live right now, with an immersive set design that includes interactive pieces like a literal moving boat and car across the stage.) Tyler always sounds great when he taps into his luxurious rap pockets, and that’s exactly what he does here. *—Jordan Rose*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Tyler, the Creator always has fun when he links up with Pharrell, and his verse on “Cash In Cash Out” is just the latest example of how elite Tyler is as a lyricist. All of his flexes are authentic and unique to him, like when he calls himself “the headline and you the plus one,” or boasts that he declined $2.5 million for a show because “the stage ain’t match my ethos.” (Tyler is one of the best rappers to catch live right now, with an immersive set design that includes interactive pieces like a literal moving boat and car across the stage.) Tyler always sounds great when he taps into his luxurious rap pockets, and that’s exactly what he does here. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 1

Central Cee is bridging the gap between nations with slick UK slang on his “LA Leakers Freestyle.” The London spitter goes full UK urban dictionary for the Leakers, acting as a drill Rosetta Stone as he delivers 1:1 definitions of different commonly used terms like “waps” and “skengs” (all words for guns) while maintaining the integrity of his bars. My favorite interpretation? “In London, I’m verified, in NY I’m valid.” —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Central Cee is bridging the gap between nations with slick UK slang on his “LA Leakers Freestyle.” The London spitter goes full UK urban dictionary for the Leakers, acting as a drill Rosetta Stone as he delivers 1:1 definitions of different commonly used terms like “waps” and “skengs” (all words for guns) while maintaining the integrity of his bars. My favorite interpretation? “In London, I’m verified, in NY I’m valid.” *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 1

Central Cee is bridging the gap between nations with slick UK slang on his “LA Leakers Freestyle.” The London spitter goes full UK urban dictionary for the Leakers, acting as a drill Rosetta Stone as he delivers 1:1 definitions of different commonly used terms like “waps” and “skengs” (all words for guns) while maintaining the integrity of his bars. My favorite interpretation? “In London, I’m verified, in NY I’m valid.” *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 2

Doechii is one of the most creative and entertaining rappers out right now, and her verse on Smino’s “Pro Freak” proves why. The Florida rapper’s imaginative bars envelop her verse, and her energetic delivery gives them life. Fun wordplay like “waist is Ms. Incredible” help her stand out and prove that Doechii is poised for a bombastic 2023. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Doechii is one of the most creative and entertaining rappers out right now, and her verse on Smino’s “Pro Freak” proves why. The Florida rapper’s imaginative bars envelop her verse, and her energetic delivery gives them life. Fun wordplay like “waist is Ms. Incredible” help her stand out and prove that Doechii is poised for a bombastic 2023. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Doechii is one of the most creative and entertaining rappers out right now, and her verse on Smino’s “Pro Freak” proves why. The Florida rapper’s imaginative bars envelop her verse, and her energetic delivery gives them life. Fun wordplay like “waist is Ms. Incredible” help her stand out and prove that Doechii is poised for a bombastic 2023. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 2

Lupe Fiasco dropped his new album Drill Music in Zion just a few days before we put together this list, but it was immediately clear he deserved to be on here. There are a lot of great verses to choose from, including the opening verse on “On Faux Nem” where he very succinctly states: “Rappers die too much/ That’s it, that’s the verse.” For the purposes of this list, we landed on his second “Ms Mural” verse, after hearing Lupe deliver the third and final installment of his “Mural” trilogy. Diving into an extended metaphor that centers around a conversation between a painter and a patron, Lupe provides commentary on the music industry, race, and gender roles, as he wrestles with his own place in the industry machine. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Lupe Fiasco dropped his new album *Drill Music in Zion* just a few days before we put together this list, but it was immediately clear he deserved to be on here. There are a lot of great verses to choose from, including the opening verse on “On Faux Nem” where he very succinctly states: “Rappers die too much/ That’s it, that’s the verse.” For the purposes of this list, we landed on his second “Ms Mural” verse, after hearing Lupe deliver the third and final installment of his “Mural” trilogy. Diving into an extended metaphor that centers around a conversation between a painter and a patron, Lupe provides commentary on the music industry, race, and gender roles, as he wrestles with his own place in the industry machine. —*Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Lupe Fiasco dropped his new album *Drill Music in Zion* just a few days before we put together this list, but it was immediately clear he deserved to be on here. There are a lot of great verses to choose from, including the opening verse on “On Faux Nem” where he very succinctly states: “Rappers die too much/ That’s it, that’s the verse.” For the purposes of this list, we landed on his second “Ms Mural” verse, after hearing Lupe deliver the third and final installment of his “Mural” trilogy. Diving into an extended metaphor that centers around a conversation between a painter and a patron, Lupe provides commentary on the music industry, race, and gender roles, as he wrestles with his own place in the industry machine. —*Eric Skelton*

Verse: 1

My favorite thing about Pusha-T verses is how precise they are. He never wastes a bar, and every word is carefully chosen with a clear purpose in mind. On “Just So You Remember,” he doubles down on that philosophy, rapping over stripped-back production with maniacal glee (complete with a well-placed Architectural Digest reference). It’s the kind of verse that’ll smack you over the head on your very first listen; no subtleties necessary. Pusha-T is an artist at the very top of his game, refining a craft that he does better than anyone else on the planet, and halfway through the verse, he can’t help but laugh at how damn good he’s become, cackling like the damn Joker. You gotta love it. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

My favorite thing about Pusha-T verses is how precise they are. He never wastes a bar, and every word is carefully chosen with a clear purpose in mind. On “Just So You Remember,” he doubles down on that philosophy, rapping over stripped-back production with maniacal glee (complete with a well-placed *Architectural Digest* reference). It’s the kind of verse that’ll smack you over the head on your very first listen; no subtleties necessary. Pusha-T is an artist at the very top of his game, refining a craft that he does better than anyone else on the planet, and halfway through the verse, he can’t help but laugh at how damn good he’s become, cackling like the damn Joker. You gotta love it. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

My favorite thing about Pusha-T verses is how precise they are. He never wastes a bar, and every word is carefully chosen with a clear purpose in mind. On “Just So You Remember,” he doubles down on that philosophy, rapping over stripped-back production with maniacal glee (complete with a well-placed *Architectural Digest* reference). It’s the kind of verse that’ll smack you over the head on your very first listen; no subtleties necessary. Pusha-T is an artist at the very top of his game, refining a craft that he does better than anyone else on the planet, and halfway through the verse, he can’t help but laugh at how damn good he’s become, cackling like the damn Joker. You gotta love it. —Eric Skelton

Verse: 1

Church is meant to be a place of worship where one brings their pain and trauma to the pulpit in order to be saved. Che Noir morphs the booth into her confessional as she takes communion in the house of rap, transmuting her darkest thoughts into the blood and the body that she passes out to her congregation of listeners in the powerful opening verse of her song “Communion.” “Tragic news, pain that left me in the saddest mood/ Depressed and family assumin’ it’s just my attitude,” Che raps, illustrating a struggle that many Black folk have faced, coming from homes that don’t take mental health seriously because of stigmas created by systemic issues that have stifled their access to understanding it better. This verse is equal parts a confessional and therapy session, as she explains how childhood trauma has made it difficult for her to maintain relationships as an adult. Despite religion being at the backdrop of “Communion,” Che still recognizes that “it’s gon’ take more than a prayer just to fix that” as she embarks on the journey to defeat her demons. —Jordan Rose — youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Church is meant to be a place of worship where one brings their pain and trauma to the pulpit in order to be saved. Che Noir morphs the booth into her confessional as she takes communion in the house of rap, transmuting her darkest thoughts into the blood and the body that she passes out to her congregation of listeners in the powerful opening verse of her song “Communion.” “Tragic news, pain that left me in the saddest mood/ Depressed and family assumin’ it’s just my attitude,” Che raps, illustrating a struggle that many Black folk have faced, coming from homes that don’t take mental health seriously because of stigmas created by systemic issues that have stifled their access to understanding it better. This verse is equal parts a confessional and therapy session, as she explains how childhood trauma has made it difficult for her to maintain relationships as an adult. Despite religion being at the backdrop of “Communion,” Che still recognizes that “it’s gon’ take more than a prayer just to fix that” as she embarks on the journey to defeat her demons. —Jordan Rose

youtu.be

**Verse:** 1

Church is meant to be a place of worship where one brings their pain and trauma to the pulpit in order to be saved. Che Noir morphs the booth into her confessional as she takes communion in the house of rap, transmuting her darkest thoughts into the blood and the body that she passes out to her congregation of listeners in the powerful opening verse of her song “Communion.” “Tragic news, pain that left me in the saddest mood/ Depressed and family assumin’ it’s just my attitude,” Che raps, illustrating a struggle that many Black folk have faced, coming from homes that don’t take mental health seriously because of stigmas created by systemic issues that have stifled their access to understanding it better. This verse is equal parts a confessional and therapy session, as she explains how childhood trauma has made it difficult for her to maintain relationships as an adult. Despite religion being at the backdrop of “Communion,” Che still recognizes that “it’s gon’ take more than a prayer just to fix that” as she embarks on the journey to defeat her demons. —Jordan Rose

Verse: 2

As the only pure rap track on Drake’s dance album Honestly, Nevermind, “Jimmy Cooks” was already a standout. But it’s 21 Savage’s verse that makes this song so magical and Complex’s No.1 song of the year. The Atlanta rapper’s verse is ushered in by a beat switch and a both hypnotizing and elongated chant in which he repeatedly raps, “pussy.” Throughout the rest of the verse, 21 delivers a dizzying flow as he drops sinister bars about gun activity and pop culture references (“This Glock 45 came with a switch/If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick”). He also plays with cadence and pace throughout the song, which adds more to its appeal. “I got mad love for the boy, yeah, that’s my twizzin/If them niggas keep on dissin’, slide agizain,” he spits, elongating both the “twin” and “again.” Much of the song’s tone and replayability are because of 21 Savage’s fiery verse. It’ll undoubtedly go down as one of his best. —Jessica McKinney — youtu.be

**Verse**: 2

As the only pure rap track on Drake’s dance album *Honestly, Nevermind*, “Jimmy Cooks” was already a standout. But it’s 21 Savage’s verse that makes this song so magical and Complex’s No.1 song of the year. The Atlanta rapper’s verse is ushered in by a beat switch and a both hypnotizing and elongated chant in which he repeatedly raps, “pussy.” Throughout the rest of the verse, 21 delivers a dizzying flow as he drops sinister bars about gun activity and pop culture references (“This Glock 45 came with a switch/If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick”). He also plays with cadence and pace throughout the song, which adds more to its appeal. “I got mad love for the boy, yeah, that’s my twizzin/If them niggas keep on dissin’, slide agizain,” he spits, elongating both the “twin” and “again.” Much of the song’s tone and replayability are because of 21 Savage’s fiery verse. It’ll undoubtedly go down as one of his best. *—Jessica McKinney*

youtu.be

**Verse**: 2

As the only pure rap track on Drake’s dance album *Honestly, Nevermind*, “Jimmy Cooks” was already a standout. But it’s 21 Savage’s verse that makes this song so magical and Complex’s No.1 song of the year. The Atlanta rapper’s verse is ushered in by a beat switch and a both hypnotizing and elongated chant in which he repeatedly raps, “pussy.” Throughout the rest of the verse, 21 delivers a dizzying flow as he drops sinister bars about gun activity and pop culture references (“This Glock 45 came with a switch/If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick”). He also plays with cadence and pace throughout the song, which adds more to its appeal. “I got mad love for the boy, yeah, that’s my twizzin/If them niggas keep on dissin’, slide agizain,” he spits, elongating both the “twin” and “again.” Much of the song’s tone and replayability are because of 21 Savage’s fiery verse. It’ll undoubtedly go down as one of his best. *—Jessica McKinney*

Verse: 3

This was not the best Jay-Z verse in recent memory, despite what Twitter may tell you, but Hov is still delivering bars that remind you of why he’s often deemed the greatest rapper alive. “Jesus turned water to wine/For Hov, it just took a stove” is one of them. There are a few of those poignant one-liners littered throughout his very long verse on “God Did,” but they all feel fresh. Despite delivering many bars that we’ve come to expect from the rap mogul, Hov demonstrates he still has his ear to the streets with this verse. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 3

This was not the best Jay-Z verse in recent memory, despite what Twitter may tell you, but Hov is still delivering bars that remind you of why he’s often deemed the greatest rapper alive. “Jesus turned water to wine/For Hov, it just took a stove” is one of them. There are a few of those poignant one-liners littered throughout his *very* long verse on “God Did,” but they all feel fresh. Despite delivering many bars that we’ve come to expect from the rap mogul, Hov demonstrates he still has his ear to the streets with this verse. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 3

This was not the best Jay-Z verse in recent memory, despite what Twitter may tell you, but Hov is still delivering bars that remind you of why he’s often deemed the greatest rapper alive. “Jesus turned water to wine/For Hov, it just took a stove” is one of them. There are a few of those poignant one-liners littered throughout his *very* long verse on “God Did,” but they all feel fresh. Despite delivering many bars that we’ve come to expect from the rap mogul, Hov demonstrates he still has his ear to the streets with this verse. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 2

Yeah, we did this on purpose. While Hov’s verse on “God Did” made the most noise, Wayne’s was more substantive. In many respects, the Young Money Head Huncho is the blueprint (no pun intended) for many of the “lil” rappers of today, and Wayne uses his brief 18 bars to lay out how far that impact and influence extends. “Dreadlocks, face tats, I’m the apex/I made the culture, what up, twin? They relate back,” he spits. Wayne is a humble GOAT, so it’s notable when he does take pride in his legacy. —Jordan Rose — youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Yeah, we did this on purpose. While Hov’s verse on “God Did” made the most noise, Wayne’s was more substantive. In many respects, the Young Money Head Huncho is the blueprint (no pun intended) for many of the “lil” rappers of today, and Wayne uses his brief 18 bars to lay out how far that impact and influence extends. “Dreadlocks, face tats, I’m the apex/I made the culture, what up, twin? They relate back,” he spits. Wayne is a humble GOAT, so it’s notable when he does take pride in his legacy. *—Jordan Rose*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

Yeah, we did this on purpose. While Hov’s verse on “God Did” made the most noise, Wayne’s was more substantive. In many respects, the Young Money Head Huncho is the blueprint (no pun intended) for many of the “lil” rappers of today, and Wayne uses his brief 18 bars to lay out how far that impact and influence extends. “Dreadlocks, face tats, I’m the apex/I made the culture, what up, twin? They relate back,” he spits. Wayne is a humble GOAT, so it’s notable when he does take pride in his legacy. *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 3

The entirety of Kendrick Lamar’s latest studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a therapy session for the rapper, but not until the project’s penultimate track “Mother I Sober” does he finally reach his breakthrough. The whole song is revelatory, and in the final verse, Dot fully comes to grips with how the cyclical nature of family trauma affected him as an adult. “Pure soul, even in her pain, know she cared for me/ Gave me a number, said she recommended some therapy,” he raps, revealing the moment when his wife Whitney suggested that he should go to therapy to face his unhealthy relationship with sex and unearth childhood trauma that he had long buried. It’s through therapy that Kendrick learns the trauma his mom faced was inadvertently passed down to him because it was never addressed, and that the only way to break this toxic cycle is by having difficult conversations and healing from past experiences. “I pray our children don’t inherit me and feelings I attract/ A conversation not bein’ addressed in Black families/ The devastation, hauntin’ generations and humanity,” he spits with the passion and conviction of a man healed. This pivotal third verse on “Mother I Sober” encapsulates a central theme of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers: the only way to be “set free” and break generational curses is by looking inward and embracing the darkest parts of your past. —Jordan Rose — youtu.be

**Verse:** 3

The entirety of Kendrick Lamar’s latest studio album *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers* is a therapy session for the rapper, but not until the project’s penultimate track “Mother I Sober” does he finally reach his breakthrough. The whole song is revelatory, and in the final verse, Dot fully comes to grips with how the cyclical nature of family trauma affected him as an adult. “Pure soul, even in her pain, know she cared for me/ Gave me a number, said she recommended some therapy,” he raps, revealing the moment when his wife Whitney suggested that he should go to therapy to face his unhealthy relationship with sex and unearth childhood trauma that he had long buried. It’s through therapy that Kendrick learns the trauma his mom faced was inadvertently passed down to him because it was never addressed, and that the only way to break this toxic cycle is by having difficult conversations and healing from past experiences. “I pray our children don’t inherit me and feelings I attract/ A conversation not bein’ addressed in Black families/ The devastation, hauntin’ generations and humanity,” he spits with the passion and conviction of a man healed. This pivotal third verse on “Mother I Sober” encapsulates a central theme of *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers*: the only way to be “set free” and break generational curses is by looking inward and embracing the darkest parts of your past. —Jordan Rose

youtu.be

**Verse:** 3

The entirety of Kendrick Lamar’s latest studio album *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers* is a therapy session for the rapper, but not until the project’s penultimate track “Mother I Sober” does he finally reach his breakthrough. The whole song is revelatory, and in the final verse, Dot fully comes to grips with how the cyclical nature of family trauma affected him as an adult. “Pure soul, even in her pain, know she cared for me/ Gave me a number, said she recommended some therapy,” he raps, revealing the moment when his wife Whitney suggested that he should go to therapy to face his unhealthy relationship with sex and unearth childhood trauma that he had long buried. It’s through therapy that Kendrick learns the trauma his mom faced was inadvertently passed down to him because it was never addressed, and that the only way to break this toxic cycle is by having difficult conversations and healing from past experiences. “I pray our children don’t inherit me and feelings I attract/ A conversation not bein’ addressed in Black families/ The devastation, hauntin’ generations and humanity,” he spits with the passion and conviction of a man healed. This pivotal third verse on “Mother I Sober” encapsulates a central theme of *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers*: the only way to be “set free” and break generational curses is by looking inward and embracing the darkest parts of your past. —Jordan Rose

Verse: 2

J. Cole takes his myth-making to the next level in the opening moments of his “Johnny P’s Caddy” verse, illustrating his birth like that of Hercules or another demigod: “On the night I was born, the rain was pourin’,God was crying/ Lightnin’ struck, power outage, sparks were flyin’/ A real one here.” Going into his last album, The Off-Season, Cole said he had rediscovered his passion for the craft of rapping and fine-tuned his skills like he was a rookie in the game again, and all of those writing exercises are reflected in verses like these. After commenting on culture vultures that have infiltrated the rap community, Cole asserts his dominance in the game when he spits, “Nigga want me on a song, he gon’ see the wrath of the reaper/ I’m prolly gon’ to hell if Jesus ask for a feature,” before dramatically closing his verse by once again laying claim to the title of “best rapper alive” and challenging anyone who disagrees with him to “go and ask the best rappers that died. They’ll tell you he never lied.” —Jordan Rose — youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

J. Cole takes his myth-making to the next level in the opening moments of his “Johnny P’s Caddy” verse, illustrating his birth like that of Hercules or another demigod: “On the night I was born, the rain was pourin’,God was crying/ Lightnin’ struck, power outage, sparks were flyin’/ A real one here.” Going into his last album, *The Off-Season*, Cole said he had rediscovered his passion for the craft of rapping and fine-tuned his skills like he was a rookie in the game again, and all of those writing exercises are reflected in verses like these. After commenting on culture vultures that have infiltrated the rap community, Cole asserts his dominance in the game when he spits, “Nigga want me on a song, he gon’ see the wrath of the reaper/ I’m prolly gon’ to hell if Jesus ask for a feature,” before dramatically closing his verse by once again laying claim to the title of “best rapper alive” and challenging anyone who disagrees with him to “go and ask the best rappers that died. They’ll tell you he never lied.” *—Jordan Rose*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

J. Cole takes his myth-making to the next level in the opening moments of his “Johnny P’s Caddy” verse, illustrating his birth like that of Hercules or another demigod: “On the night I was born, the rain was pourin’,God was crying/ Lightnin’ struck, power outage, sparks were flyin’/ A real one here.” Going into his last album, *The Off-Season*, Cole said he had rediscovered his passion for the craft of rapping and fine-tuned his skills like he was a rookie in the game again, and all of those writing exercises are reflected in verses like these. After commenting on culture vultures that have infiltrated the rap community, Cole asserts his dominance in the game when he spits, “Nigga want me on a song, he gon’ see the wrath of the reaper/ I’m prolly gon’ to hell if Jesus ask for a feature,” before dramatically closing his verse by once again laying claim to the title of “best rapper alive” and challenging anyone who disagrees with him to “go and ask the best rappers that died. They’ll tell you he never lied.” *—Jordan Rose*

Verse: 2

Malice has been through a lot, and he makes you feel all of it with his piercing verse on Pusha T’s “Pray for You,” a standout Clipse reunion on Pusha’s It’s Almost Dry album. Swerving between reflection and career victory laps, the rapper bears all, letting loose decades of trauma while making time to bask in his own glory. “Vietnam flashbacks, I get triggered by a sniff/Today’s top fives only strengthening my myth,” he raps, juxtaposing images of trench trevails and rap stardom. It’s part recap, part proverb. His precise rhyme schemes and clarity of thought paint a portrait of a mythic rhymer who’s at once at peace and re-energized: “Light another tiki torch and carry it again/Back up on my high horse, it’s chariots again/Put the ring back on her finger, marry it again.” Don’t tease us. —Peter A. Berry — youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Malice has been through a lot, and he makes you feel all of it with his piercing verse on Pusha T’s “Pray for You,” a standout Clipse reunion on Pusha’s *It’s Almost Dry* album. Swerving between reflection and career victory laps, the rapper bears all, letting loose decades of trauma while making time to bask in his own glory. “Vietnam flashbacks, I get triggered by a sniff/Today’s top fives only strengthening my myth,” he raps, juxtaposing images of trench trevails and rap stardom. It’s part recap, part proverb. His precise rhyme schemes and clarity of thought paint a portrait of a mythic rhymer who’s at once at peace and re-energized: “Light another tiki torch and carry it again/Back up on my high horse, it’s chariots again/Put the ring back on her finger, marry it again.” Don’t tease us. —Peter A. Berry

youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

Malice has been through a lot, and he makes you feel all of it with his piercing verse on Pusha T’s “Pray for You,” a standout Clipse reunion on Pusha’s *It’s Almost Dry* album. Swerving between reflection and career victory laps, the rapper bears all, letting loose decades of trauma while making time to bask in his own glory. “Vietnam flashbacks, I get triggered by a sniff/Today’s top fives only strengthening my myth,” he raps, juxtaposing images of trench trevails and rap stardom. It’s part recap, part proverb. His precise rhyme schemes and clarity of thought paint a portrait of a mythic rhymer who’s at once at peace and re-energized: “Light another tiki torch and carry it again/Back up on my high horse, it’s chariots again/Put the ring back on her finger, marry it again.” Don’t tease us. —Peter A. Berry

Verse: 2

“Churchill Downs” is one of Drake’s best verses in years. And to think, it only took linking up with Jack Harlow on vacation in Turks and Caicos for this moment to happen. (According to Lil Yachty, anyway, it took Drake just 11 minutes to write it.) On the track, we hear a familiar Drake—reflective and somewhat paranoid—but he digs deeper, with much more clarity and energy than we’ve heard from him of late. When it comes to his feelings of retaliation, he says, “My urges for revenge are uncontrollable/ I know we’re gettin’ older, though, yeah/ But I gotta get a nigga back for that, it’s non-negotiable/ It’s not even debatable.” True to form, he also throws a few subliminals at Pusha-T (“If I see ya, I spit in ya faces, ha-tu/ Daytonas with the green faces”). But the verse is most successful when he reveals his weaknesses, his struggles with abandonment, PTSD, and need for therapy. “Cold hearts and heated floors/ No parental guidance, I just see divorce/ Therapy sessions, I’m in the waiting room, readin’ Forbes/ Abandonment issues I’m gettin’ treated for,” he raps. You might be tempted to think you understand everything there is to know about The Boy at this stage in his career, but “Churchill Downs” suggests there is still a lot more to unpack. —Jessica McKinney — youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

“Churchill Downs” is one of Drake’s best verses in years. And to think, it only took linking up with Jack Harlow on vacation in Turks and Caicos for this moment to happen. (According to Lil Yachty, anyway, it took Drake just 11 minutes to write it.) On the track, we hear a familiar Drake—reflective and somewhat paranoid—but he digs deeper, with much more clarity and energy than we’ve heard from him of late. When it comes to his feelings of retaliation, he says, “My urges for revenge are uncontrollable/ I know we’re gettin’ older, though, yeah/ But I gotta get a nigga back for that, it’s non-negotiable/ It’s not even debatable.” True to form, he also throws a few subliminals at Pusha-T (“If I see ya, I spit in ya faces, ha-tu/ Daytonas with the green faces”). But the verse is most successful when he reveals his weaknesses, his struggles with abandonment, PTSD, and need for therapy. “Cold hearts and heated floors/ No parental guidance, I just see divorce/ Therapy sessions, I’m in the waiting room, readin’ *Forbes*/ Abandonment issues I’m gettin’ treated for,” he raps. You might be tempted to think you understand everything there is to know about The Boy at this stage in his career, but “Churchill Downs” suggests there is still a lot more to unpack. *—Jessica McKinney*

youtu.be

**Verse:** 2

“Churchill Downs” is one of Drake’s best verses in years. And to think, it only took linking up with Jack Harlow on vacation in Turks and Caicos for this moment to happen. (According to Lil Yachty, anyway, it took Drake just 11 minutes to write it.) On the track, we hear a familiar Drake—reflective and somewhat paranoid—but he digs deeper, with much more clarity and energy than we’ve heard from him of late. When it comes to his feelings of retaliation, he says, “My urges for revenge are uncontrollable/ I know we’re gettin’ older, though, yeah/ But I gotta get a nigga back for that, it’s non-negotiable/ It’s not even debatable.” True to form, he also throws a few subliminals at Pusha-T (“If I see ya, I spit in ya faces, ha-tu/ Daytonas with the green faces”). But the verse is most successful when he reveals his weaknesses, his struggles with abandonment, PTSD, and need for therapy. “Cold hearts and heated floors/ No parental guidance, I just see divorce/ Therapy sessions, I’m in the waiting room, readin’ *Forbes*/ Abandonment issues I’m gettin’ treated for,” he raps. You might be tempted to think you understand everything there is to know about The Boy at this stage in his career, but “Churchill Downs” suggests there is still a lot more to unpack. *—Jessica McKinney*

Verse: 2

On this awning of a song, Cardi B’s verse hits all the notes: she affirms and co-signs both her counterpart and Bronx’s potential up-next (That n**ga a munch and he gon’ eat me like a mango”) and utters her best batty trash talk yet (“I stay on her mind, I got condos in that bitch head”). All in all, Cardi B reminded listeners that she’s the modern day woman rapper who paved the way for the proudly “hood as fuck” spitters we see taking ground today. In a year full of colossal pairings (like Wayne and Hov on “God Did”) and long-awaited meditations from seasoned greats (like Kendrick and Ab-Soul), we, as both listeners and critics, strongly gravitated toward the songs and verses that lightened the load during a heavy year and, beyond that, echoed the direction we see rap headed in. Placed alongside the projects of heavyweights who unashamedly knock down women, the slow and steady horrid annihilation of an entire section of rising rappers by way of gun violence and more, it’s verses and tracks like these that make me look forward to rap’s tomorrow. —Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo — youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

On this awning of a song, Cardi B’s verse hits all the notes: she affirms and co-signs both her counterpart and Bronx’s potential up-next (That n**ga a munch and he gon’ eat me like a mango”) and utters her best batty trash talk yet (“I stay on her mind, I got condos in that bitch head”). All in all, Cardi B reminded listeners that she’s the modern day woman rapper who paved the way for the proudly “hood as fuck” spitters we see taking ground today. In a year full of colossal pairings (like Wayne and Hov on “God Did”) and long-awaited meditations from seasoned greats (like Kendrick and Ab-Soul), we, as both listeners and critics, strongly gravitated toward the songs and verses that lightened the load during a heavy year and, beyond that, echoed the direction we see rap headed in. Placed alongside the projects of heavyweights who unashamedly knock down women, the slow and steady horrid annihilation of an entire section of rising rappers by way of gun violence and more, it’s verses and tracks like these that make me look forward to rap’s tomorrow. *—Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo*

youtube.com

**Verse**: 2

On this awning of a song, Cardi B’s verse hits all the notes: she affirms and co-signs both her counterpart and Bronx’s potential up-next (That n**ga a munch and he gon’ eat me like a mango”) and utters her best batty trash talk yet (“I stay on her mind, I got condos in that bitch head”). All in all, Cardi B reminded listeners that she’s the modern day woman rapper who paved the way for the proudly “hood as fuck” spitters we see taking ground today. In a year full of colossal pairings (like Wayne and Hov on “God Did”) and long-awaited meditations from seasoned greats (like Kendrick and Ab-Soul), we, as both listeners and critics, strongly gravitated toward the songs and verses that lightened the load during a heavy year and, beyond that, echoed the direction we see rap headed in. Placed alongside the projects of heavyweights who unashamedly knock down women, the slow and steady horrid annihilation of an entire section of rising rappers by way of gun violence and more, it’s verses and tracks like these that make me look forward to rap’s tomorrow. *—Ecleen Luzmila Caraballo*

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The Best Rap Verses of 2022

30. SZA, "Smoking On My Ex Pack"

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29. Sauce Walka, "Dangerous Daringer"

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28. Lola Brooke, "Here I Come"

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27. Joey Badass, "Survivors Guilt"

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26. GloRilla, "Out Loud Thinking"

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25. Takeoff, “Feel the Fiyaaaah”

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24. Denzel Curry, "The Ills"

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23. Vince Staples, "The Beach"

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22. Quelle Chris, "Nynex"

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21. BabyTron, "Manute Bol"

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20. billy woods, "Remorseless"

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19. Freddie Gibbs, “Black Illuminati”

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18. Ab-Soul, "Do Better"

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17. Conway the Machine, "Stressed"

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16. JID, "Kody Blu 31"

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15. Benny the Butcher, "10 More Commandments"

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14. Tyler, the Creator, "Cash In Cash Out"

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13. Central Cee, "LA Leakers Freestyle"

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12. Doechii, "Pro Freak"

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11. Lupe Fiasco, "Ms Mural"

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10. Pusha-T, "Just So You Remember"

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9. Che Noir, "Communion"

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8. 21 Savage, "Jimmy Cooks"

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7. Jay-Z, "God Did"

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6. Lil Wayne, "God Did"

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5. Kendrick Lamar, "Mother I Sober"

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4. J. Cole, "Johnny P’s Caddy"

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3. Malice, "I Pray For You"

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2. Drake, "Churchill Downs"

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1. Cardi B, "Tomorrow 2"

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