Onika provides a pervert’s delight as she celebrates her ample back side in this soft porn visual. Can’t believe Nick flipped Sir Mix-A-Lot’s classic into a modern day hit. But you probably couldn’t tell cause you was watching this shit with the sound off. Ha!—YN
I ain’t tripping. Brosolini delivers the most captivating visual of the year. Biker blues. Bar room fights. Mountain climbing. Just give the man his guitar and get out the way. Ride on.—YN
Another Chicago rapper on the rise is Coke Boy Lil Durk. He pours his impassioned street perspective into his latest installment of Signed To The Streets. But it’s all not dark drill, guest Young Thug brings punch to “Party” and Durk even effectively uses autotune on songs like “Live It Up”. As his upcoming Def Jam debut states remember his name.—YN
The baritone-voiced bars are back! Bibby returns sounding even more confident than on his mixtape debut. Money is the motivation here on songs like the T.I.-assisted “Boy” and the soulful “What You Live For”. Free Crack put this Chitown MC on the map and this satisfying sequel proves he belongs there.—YN
You can’t front on Spitta’s consistency. This guy has truly carved his own lane and he continues to feed his fans with projects like SNCT. Birdman (“10 G’s Remix”), Rich Boy (“Night Like This”) and his old buddy Wiz Khalifa (“Dojo”) all pull up to the party but the focus remains on the author of the upcoming Pilot Talk 3.—YN
The oddball of the Houston hip-hop scene continues to evolve with his strongest collection of tracks to date. The rapper/producer shines with Big Sean on “Don’t Play” and rises to greater heights with Young Thug on the Metro Boomin-produced “Skyfall”. Although you can still hear him finding his way, Scott is a true talent. Straight up.—YN
Following up his Beach House mixtapes, Dolla $ign returns to his free music roots. Ty sounds equally comfortable collaborating with MCs (Juicy J and Rich Homie Quan on “Dead Presidents”) or gettin’ his R.Kelly-esque freak on (“Stretch”). Understand that Sign Language should have a bar code.—YN
I knew about it. Cause Mike Will Made It told me about it. “No Flex Zone” wins because of its bouncy groove and one of the year’s strongest choruses. Nicki and Pusha have recognized and so should you.—YN
Drizzy can take a local song and make it better. This time he’s done it for ATL’s Makonnen who’s distinctive sing-songy style first caught the attention of Mike Will Made It and Miley Cyrus. With this tune as our soundtrack, Tuesdays will never be the same. Ha!—YN
The singer from the Chi and the gang banger from Cali make a good combination on this song about keeping this things discreet. It ain’t no secret. This DJ Mustard production is potent.—YN
What strength this artist has! You can feel the balance, and in the music that surrounds you, you can't help but hear the rhythm of the voice calling you. I like it because it represents the style I listened to a few years ago, but faster and more enveloping. The artist tries to communicate her moods and her desire to wake up from this nightmare life she's living.