Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]

Are You That Somebody?Aaliyah99rank/position

Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody (Original Video)

The latest “Top 250 Songs of the 1990s,” released in September 2022 by the renowned American music site Pitchfork, was boldly revamped to reflect its impact on today’s music industry and culture, and it became a major topic among music fans.

All five of the top spots were taken by female artists, and particularly noteworthy within this edition’s theme of Black music is Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?” at No.

3.

A genius singer who tragically died in an accident at the young age of 22—and someone even Hikaru Utada admired—Aaliyah released “Are You That Somebody?” in 1998.

Interestingly, it wasn’t included on an original studio album; it was written specifically for the film Dr.

Dolittle.

Produced by Timbaland, the hitmaking producer who would dominate the charts from the 2000s onward, the track brilliantly fuses streetwise hip-hop vibes with refined R&B and pop elements, achieving major commercial success.

Aaliyah’s restrained vocal delivery is entirely different from singers who belt with soulful power, and precisely for that reason, the song’s exceptional coolness stands out.

Within such an information-dense track, her composed vocal style influenced many artists.

Now, in the 2020s, many young artists are emerging who are influenced by ’90s R&B.

By listening to this song—which already radiates a classic sheen—you can trace the roots of today’s R&B-oriented singers.

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Bring Em OutT.I.100rank/position

T.I. – Bring Em Out (Official Video)

A proud anthem by T.I., one of America’s quintessential hip-hop artists.

Its commanding message that flaunts presence and success, paired with an irresistible beat, has continued to captivate listeners since its release in October 2004.

Representing Atlanta-born Southern hip-hop, this track was launched as the lead single from the album Urban Legend through a stellar collaboration with producer Swizz Beatz.

It has also been widely embraced in the sports world, notably used as the Miami Heat’s player introduction music during the 2006 NBA Finals.

Brimming with power and energy, this song is perfect for getting pumped before a game or staying motivated during training.