Wired 25: The 25 Best Songs Of 2013
Wired 25: The 25 Best Songs Of 2013 [LISTEN]
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Man, time flies. It’s December 19, the year’s just weeks away from closing, and because of this, Hip-Hop Wired reflects on the respective the songs (often times anthems) that shaped fans’ experiences near and far over 365 days’ time.
A ton of music released over the last 12 months. What else would you expect from a year that delivered albums from nearly each of Hip-Hop’s prime time players?
The term “turn up”  permeated the culture, and the tons of songs we heard were reflective of that. On the same token, a few MCs distinguished themselves by offering up material that challenged the status quo; some were even effective on radio.
Find it all in our list of the 25 best songs of 2013 on the following pages. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo: Roc Nation
25. Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip – “Thank You”
We received amazing tune from two Hip-Hop legends just before year’s end. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
24. Tyler, The Creator – “IFHY”
Odd Future had a hell of a year, spearheaded by Tyler’s underrated WOLF LP. This track (and it’s treatment) was one of the best the album had to offer.
23. 2 Chainz – “Used 2”
“Feds Watching” was at hit. That, we cannot deny. But this tune should have been the Hair Weave Killer’s first single in our opinion.
22. Lil Wayne ft. Drake & Future – “Love Me”.
Say what you want about this song, but the phrase “Long as my b**ches love me” was constantly reiterated by rap fans earlier this year. Enough said.
21. ScHoolboy Q – “Collard Greens”
Despite numerous album delays, the Real Puff Daddy delivered some quality tracks and feature verses in 2013. Of this bunch, “Collard Greens” is the bar none fan-favorite.
Jigga Man killed 2013 with his Magna Carta Holy Grail album, and it’s unprecedented roll out. On it, there were a list of records that can move a crowd, but few are like this.
MMG’s first Washington D.C. rep scored a platinum single with this lyrical depiction of a black girl lost. It also brought singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas to the forefront.
You can have your opinions on the Bronx rapper’s lyrical prowess, or lack thereof, but you cannot deny that he can churn out singles like these at the drop of a dime.
Bronsolino is making Queens proud one track at a time. This just happened to be his most popular record of the year.
16. Lil Wayne ft. 2 Chainz – “Rich As Fuck”
By now you know that Chainz can collaborate with just about any artist. Paired him with Tunechi when he’s spot on, and this is the end result.
15. Jeezy ft. 2 Chainz – “R.I.P.
This is certainly one of the catchiest tracks you’ll find on this list. The Snowman showed us that his wave is still at tsunami levels, while the Hair Weave Killer just did what he does best.
Yes, Weezy spit a line with ill taste, but radio still found a way to play this fan favorite, unlike other controversial tracks.
13. Rocko ft. Rick Ross & Future – “U.O.E.N.O.”
Controversy aside, if the MMG rapper never kicked that questionable line, this song would have easily became more popular.
Time and time again, Jermaine proves that he can bring radio to him without compromising his sound. This is perhaps his best example yet.
We wouldn’t be surprised if this song has a place in DJ rotations well into next year. That’s just us, though.
10. Meek Mill – “Levels”
The lane for streets rappers on the mainstream isn’t filled with many, but Meek Mill, one of the few properly representing that aesthetic, delivered an undeniable street anthem with this one.
9. Ty Dolla Sign ft. B.o.B – “Paranoid”
Easily the best cheater anthem of the year.
8. Big Sean ft. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica – “Control”
Well, this really shook things up. TDE’s rising star’s verse had everyone up in arms. And we mean everyone. It drew responses from rappers like Joell Ortiz and Papoose and tons of Internet banter. But more importantly, it single-handedly made mainstream MCs step their game up, lyrically. Hats off to that.
7. Pusha T – “Numbers On The Boards”
The Internets collectively had the screw-face when Pusha Ton unveiled this absolutely filthy tune. The drums are crisp and the rhymes somehow exceed their normal potency.
6. Ace Hood ft. Future & Rick Ross – “Bugatti”
If you stepped foot in any club any time between February and August, this was played at the peak moment of the night.
5. Kanye West – “New Slaves”
Before the rants, before the bedazzled mask, and months before he was a husband-to-be, Kanye West rolled out his new album via projections strategically placed on buildings across the world. At that moment, the world knew two things: Yeezy had something potent in “New Slaves” and he still reigned supreme as an elite Hip-Hop artist.
4. Jay Z ft. Rick Ross – “F**kWithMeYouKnowIGotIt”
Hov and The Bawse are batting for a thousand with their collaborative history. Yes, this sounds more like a Ross/MMG record, but the Brooklyn native naturally adapts, making it a hit in the process.
3. Rich Homie Quan – “Type Of Way”
This Atlanta newcomer drew comparisons to another hometown favorite because of the style heard on this popular single. But that’s neither here nor there, because this cut was an unquestionable heater. Brush off that criticism, bro. This was a hit.
2. Migos ft. Drake – “Versace”
Drizzy’s had the Internets, clubs, and pretty much anyone with access to new music in an uproar, making the track an undeniable candidate for song of the summer; better yet, the year.
1. Drake – “Started From The Bottom”
At it’s peak, Hip-Hop fans heard this record everywhere from New York City to Tupelo, Miss. Dropping the visual on Grammy night to coincide with winning the Best Rap Album of the Year award was a nice tactic, too.
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