Wired 25: The 25 Best Singles Of 2014 [LISTEN]
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With 2014 all but over, Hip-Hop Wired ushers in the holiday week with the first of many year-end lists. Prep your ears for Wired 25: The 25 Best Singles Of 2014.
Taking a trip down memory lane, yours truly has provided a comprehensive assortment of the singles rap fans will acknowledge as heaters, so to say. Let this list guide time capsules to come.
Without further adieu, hit the jump to hear the top 25 singles of 2014, as we saw it. Leave your thoughts on the order of the songs, or whatever your gripe may be in the comments.
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Photo: YouTube
25. Common ft. Vince Staples – “Kingdom”
Com’ Sense and Staples waxed vivid poetics, leaving very little to listeners’ iminations in this street tale. And that’s without mentioning No I.D.’s gospel-inspired production.
24. O.T. Genasis – “Coco”
Though fairly new to the conversation, West Coast rapper O.T. Genasis managed to make a major impact in a short time with this epic single.
23. OG Maco – “U Guessed It”
The rising Atlanta rapper’s latest material shows his range as a songwriter, but it was the minimalistic production and riot-inspiring vocal riffs on this viral sensation that put him on rap’s radar. No pun intended.
22. Jeremih ft. YG – “Don’t Tell Em”
The thump of DJ Mustard’s bouncy production brings listeners to the dance floor, but it’s Jeremih’s butter vocals that has people singing along.
21. Tinashe ft. Drake/ScHoolboy Q – “2 On”
Whether the version featuring ScHoolboy or Drake’s remix is your preference, let’s all agree and say Tinashe delivered one hell of a single.
20. Lil Wayne ft. Drake – “Believe Me”
Tha Carter V is the center of strife between Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records; too bad that this record got fans excited a bit prematurely.
19. YG ft. Drake – “Who Do You Love?”
The undeniable bounce on this YG cut, and a catchy guest verse from Drizzy, had cats blasting this tune out of their speakers.
18. Dej Loaf – “Try Me”
Representing Detroit, especially in style and flair, the young rapper solidified herself early with this radio smash. Not to mention that some of rap’s elite remixed the song.
17. ScHoolboy Q ft. BJ The Chicago Kid – “Studio”
Not only did Quincy pen a love song that’s far from a simp tune, he also managed to score a number one record out of the deal.
16. Nicki Minaj – “Lookin Ass Ni**a”
There’s a reason Nicki claimed to be heartbroken over this track not making The Pinkprint.
15. Future ft. Pusha T, Pharrell, & Casino – “Move That Dope”
Fewcha had party goers standing on couches, whipping fictional bricks to sound of this Mike WiLL Made-It-produced cut.
14. ILOVEMAKONNEN ft. Drake – “Tuesday (Remix)
We’re not exactly wowed by ILOVEMAKONNEN’s music just yet, but he solidified a hit with “Tuesday.” Of course, Drake, who later signed MAKONNEN to OVO Sound, helped, too.
13. Kendrick Lamar – “i”
Let the lush sounds of instrumentation from the Isley Brothers sample inspire head nods and toe-taps all around.
12. Rich Gang (Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan) – “Lifestyle”
Who cares if Thugga’s hook is audible mush? We somehow sing along anyway, and that’s all that matters.
11. Jeezy ft. Jay Z – “Seen It All”
Both MCs spit riveting recollections of the ghosts of their dope dealing pasts. Yes, that’s the basis of the bulk of the duo’s collabs. Also, who cares?
10. Rae Sremmurd – “No Type”
So, you thought the Mississippi duo couldn’t follow-up their breakout single with a track equally catchy? Think again.
9. Wiz Khalifa – “We Dem Boyz”
Songs that inspire camaraderie among friends, and strangers in some cases, wherever it’s spun is a win. Well played, Wiz.
8. Drake – “0-100”
Drizzy didn’t put an album out this year, but remained relevant by releasing random singles. The greatest, of course, was the very same tune that reportedly sparked beef between he and Diddy.
7. Iggy Azealia – “Fancy”
At times, it’s best to call a spade just what it is…. a spade that will likely nab a Grammy Award.
6. Beyonce ft. Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”
Yes, Queen Bey this track released back in 2013, but just 18 days before the year closed and without any promotion prior to her shocking surprise album dropping. Therefore, the track didn’t truly flourish until 2014.
5. Big Sean – “IDFWU”
Sean delivered this timely record, and based on the world’s reaction, just about everyone has at least one ex they don’t rock with.
4. Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Tyga/French Montana – “Loyal”
Breezy struck gold with this hit song, despite being in jail while it gained traction.
3. Bobby Shmurda – “Hot Ni**a”
We’ve heard the song, seen and even done the dance that put Brooklyn’s own Shmurda on the map.
2. T.I. ft. Young Thug – “About The Money”
The Kang can still conjure up a damn good single. The proof is above.
1. Rae Sremmurd – “No Flex Zone”
Hip-Hop Wired’s staff fought over this choice, seeing as though the impact of Shmurda’s single was also undeniable. However, Ear Drummers spelled backwards showed that they could create this heater and follow up with more.
