Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]

Rapper’s DelightThe Sugarhill Gang71rank/position

Rapper’s Delight

Often described as the first hit song in hip-hop, this track captures the genre’s early heartbeat.

Hip-hop is said to have been born as Black communities gathered in parks to party, and this song evokes that origin.

The style in which MCs trade verses over a microphone while rapping on top of a simple, funk-based track—the foundation of hip-hop—developed from this song.

TalkKhalid72rank/position

Khalid – Talk – Dance Choreography by David Moore – #TMillyTV

Khalid’s song conveys the importance of honest communication in romantic relationships.

The lyrics strikingly portray the feelings of a protagonist who’s in the honeymoon stage of love but senses the relationship is moving too fast.

Released in February 2019 and included on the album Free Spirit, the track became Khalid’s fifth top-10 hit.

Created in collaboration with the British duo Disclosure, it achieved commercial success, earning platinum certifications in many countries.

It’s a recommended pick for anyone who wants to do rhythmic hip-hop dance to Khalid’s laid-back vocals.

Big Pimpin’ (feat. UGK)Jay Z73rank/position

Big Pimpin’ (feat. UGK)

This work became a mega-hit in 2000.

Handling the sound production was TIMBALAND, the hip-hop and R&B producer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia.

Featuring UGK from the then-overlooked South and Southwest, specifically Texas, it’s a classic that offered a glimpse of Jay-Z’s foresight.

Thugz CryBizzy Bone74rank/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.

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Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi75rank/position

Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

Despacito ft.

Daddy Yankee, a reggaeton masterpiece that became an extraordinary hit in 2019.

Created by Puerto Rican artist Luis Fonsi, the song became an international success, not just within the Latin world.

The catalyst was the remix version by Justin Bieber.

As expected of Justin Bieber—whether it’s with Piko Taro or this song—his level of name recognition is unbelievable (lol).

It’s a classic that encapsulates the best of traditional reggaeton.

Be sure to check it out.

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See You Again (ft. Charlie Puth)Wiz Khalifa76rank/position

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack

A heartwarming song portraying a tribute to the late Paul Walker and the bonds of friendship was born from the collaboration between Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

Released in March 2015, the track was produced for the soundtrack of the film Furious 7 and captured the hearts of people around the world.

Wiz Khalifa’s powerful rap and Puth’s delicate vocals blend beautifully, making it a song that deeply resonates with listeners.

With its moving lyrics and beautiful melody, this work is recommended for anyone who has experienced the loss of someone dear or wants to feel the importance of friendship.

MONTEROLil Nas X77rank/position

Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) (Official Video)

Rapper Lil Nas X has built a truly unique position with his distinctive musical style and persona.

With his recent run of hit songs, many of you are probably familiar with him.

MONTERO is one of his tracks that made an especially big splash among his auto-tune-driven songs.

It’s hip-hop wrapped in a dark yet pop-leaning vibe, and the power of the auto-tune in the drop is absolutely staggering.

Be sure to check it out.

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