Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]

Thugz CryBizzy Bone57rank/position

Thugz Cry

Busy Bone, a rapper who played a huge role as a member of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

As a child, he was abducted and grew up believing the kidnapper was his real parent.

Words from Busy Bone, who carries such a harrowing past, have undeniable weight.

But that’s not all—he’s also one of the most skilled rappers in the world.

The track “Thugz Cry” is a classic where you can experience both his way of life and his skillful flow.

ChantajeShakira58rank/position

Shakira – Chantaje (Official Video) ft. Maluma

She started music when she was only eight years old.

Her first release was “Tus gafas oscuras,” and the message contained in its lyrics skillfully unfolds the inner emotions surrounding a father grieving the death of his son in a traffic accident.

While a student, she joined a choir, and her talent was such that she was even told her voice was too powerful.

Hotline BlingDrake59rank/position

Drake – Hotline Bling

Drake’s signature track, which captivated the world with its unique blend of R&B and hip-hop.

Released in July 2015 and later included on the album “Views,” this song is an emotional piece about a lost connection with a former lover.

Its simple yet striking beat pairs perfectly with Drake’s smooth vocals, resonating deeply with many listeners.

The music video also became a major sensation, inspiring countless parodies across the internet.

For anyone feeling the pain of heartbreak or loss, this is a song that can help heal the wounds.

Lucid DreamsJuice WRLD60rank/position

Juice WRLD – Lucid Dreams (Official Music Video)

Juice WRLD’s debut single, which portrayed the pain of heartbreak with addictive melodies and lyrics and built a fervent fan base, even though he passed away at a young age.

The raw, honest words about being haunted by memories of an ex struck a chord with many listeners, becoming a massive hit that peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Released in May 2018, the track was also included on that year’s album Goodbye & Good Riddance.

It candidly depicts self-destructive behavior as a way to escape pain, leaving a strong impression as if speaking on behalf of young people’s emotions.

Its style, somewhere between singing and rapping, makes it an easy recommendation for newcomers to hip-hop.

Call Out My NameThe Weeknd61rank/position

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

This is a song called Call Out My Name by The Weeknd, a new-generation R&B singer from Canada, released in 2018.

The track is included on the album My Dear Melancholy and was nominated for the Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year.

The title means “call out my name,” and it’s a somewhat lingering breakup song.

It’s also been said that the song might be directed at his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez.

The Way I AreTimbaland ft. Keri Hilson, D.O.E., Sebastian62rank/position

Timbaland – The Way I Are ft. Keri Hilson, D.O.E., Sebastian

A track released in 2007 by American rapper Timbaland.

It features skillful vocals and samples Justin Timberlake’s 2006 track “SexyBack.” The track was used in a McDonald’s commercial.

Old Town Road (Official Movie) ft. Billy Ray CyrusLil Nas X63rank/position

Lil Nas X – Old Town Road (Official Movie) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

The 2019 trend: crossovers with country.

Crossovers with hip-hop and R&B feel very fresh.

The country legend Billy Ray Cyrus is portrayed in the music video almost like cosplay.

The movie-style MV is highly compelling.

The punchy jokes you hear are cool, too.