It has been a long and strange year, with so many ups and downs. Even as things are getting closer to the new normal, everyday life has been an adjustment for everyone in the wake of a global pandemic. Lucky for rap fans, we’ve got some great music to hold us back – the soundtrack of better times and happiness. Hip-hop as a whole is picking up its pace after the artists went over a year without touring and took to the streets to chat with their fans. With live performances returning like they never left and many new albums coming out every week, the stars of the game are back and the acts to come are up to the task as well. Throughout 2021 there were a lot of songs to sort through, so XXL highlights 100 of the best hip-hop songs that were dropped this year, in no particular order, to put you in the game.

It’s been a huge year for the street rap of some newer names that reside across the country. Louisville’s own EST Gee, a signatory to Yo Gotti’s CMG label, has been making noise since last year and spent 2021 becoming his own. His group “5500 Degrees” starring his CMG 42 teammate Dugg, Lil Baby and Rylo Rodriguez is refreshing, with Gee shining next to three artists who have made names for themselves. The same could be said for Big30, signed with BreadGang / N-Less Entertainment from Moneybagg Yo. He’s a smart rapper from Memphis who came alongside his close friend, Pooh Shiesty. Big30 seems at ease next to any other rhymer, and that rings true on his song “Too Official”, with the aforementioned local legend Yo Gotti. Then, throughout the map in San Pedro, Calif., Remble seemingly came out of nowhere with their uniquely paced conversation flow. His off-center sense of humor and lyrical force has garnered him millions of views quickly, and his song “Book Bag” with fellow Californians BlueBucksClan is one of his stars.

The second half of 2021 also saw a lot of songs from the ladies of rap, who have gained more and more foothold in the genre every week. Doja Cat, an established hitmaker, released the soaring “Need To Know”, showing her her dexterity and mastery of often overlooked bars, especially on the last verse. Little Simz, a longtime British rapper who makes music in the social sense of things, has her track “Introvert” on this list. The song explores her inner feelings and reflects on the current state of the world. There are also lighter, more self-celebrating dishes, like “Magic” by Rico Nasty and “In Person” by Lakeyah and DJ Drama. There is also room for a woman to speak up, like KenTheMan does on “Damn Shame”.

Check out the best hip-hop songs of 2021 and see if your favorites are on the list.