Whether you’re in Miami rolling down Collins or in Dubai zooming your way through Sheikh Zayed Road, these are the top 10 hiphop tracks and albums that reached platinum status in the past few weeks, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
If they’re not already blowing up the speakers on your red Rolls Royce limited edition 2021 Dawn with the ‘Neon Night Eagle Rock’ finish, then check them out and turn them up.
DJ Khaled – Popstar (Feat Drake)
Although he’s from New Orleans, you can’t get more Miami than the legend that is DJ Khaled. This guy has 305 in his blood and has been everything from a fixture of the local radio scene, a snapchat star (shout out to that jet ski video), a producer, a multi-platinum artist and now a spokesperson for the city. In his platinum record released in December, Khaled brings on close friend and banter buddy Drake – delivering another classic club hit, Popstar (we will be definitely hearing this on repeat for next 6 months). The song is catchy as hell and It has a pretty amusing video to boot, referencing 2020 frustrations, Buddakan, Drake’s Nike collab and a fun cameo with Bieber standing in for a lockdowned Drake who got stuck in Toronto and is missing all the MIA fun.
Gunna – Baby Birkin (Starring Jordyn Woods)
What a year for Gunna, he keep bringing nothing but hits, including this December 2020 platinum record, Baby Birkin. Currently on heavy rotation on most major radio stations and Spotify playlists alike, at first this feels like an off colour ode to the Birkin handbag but the song comes back in Gunna style with an uppercut jab to competitors and haters alike. The classic Georgia-style lyrics and beat keep it poppy but punchy – one to blare out at 1OAK as the party gets started.
Lil Baby, Moneybagg Yo – No Sucker
A bottle-popping club song that holds no bars, straight to the jugular and bouncy chorus and riffs throughout. Lil Baby has been dominating charts for a while but this recent platinum track has him hitting new highs, this is destined to become a ‘bottle show’ song at LIV soon enough.
The Kid LAROI, Juice WRLD – GO
If you haven’t hear this platinum track from Australian teen sensation The Kid LAROI, you’ve likely been hiding under a rock. The Sydney based singer/rapper blew up across socials this past year with his debut commercial mixtape F*CK LOVE and has been earwigging itself across the globe landing at your local Nammos opening set no doubt.
Lil Uzi Vert – Lo Mein
Straight off of the second studio album Eternal Atake by Lil Uzi Vert, Lo Mein brings fresh bravado in the form of humorous and challenging lyrics from Lil Uzi Vert, powerful cameos and collaborators and on trend synth-filled and beat-drum-laden tracks worthy of his third platinum plaque. One destined to hit regular rotation at Soho Garden’s Toy Room terrace.
Polo G – Beautiful Pain (Losin’ My Mind)
Chicago native Polo G hit platinum status this year with his second album, The Goat, an explosive and diverse 16 track tour de force, well worth listening from start to finish. Beautiful Pain (Losin’ My Mind)’s introspective lyrics on a failed relationship accompanied with catchy Spanish guitar riffs are a win. Another bonus is that album showcases some incredible collaborations and lots of fresh new talent – kickback with a spliff on Groot and take in this stellar effort from the young 21 year old.
Nav & Gunna – Turks Feat. Travis Scott
Canadian rapper (and ex-Drake producer) NAV joins two giants Gunna and Travis Scott to hit platinum with Turks, a sticky hot new track that deserves a crank up in a drophead coupé driving through the desert or SoBe alike. A solid follow up hit to Nav’s 2017 Call Me.
Doja Cat – Like That (Feat. Gucci Mane)
Doja Cat has been making waves for last few years, capitalising on platforms like TikTok to gain viral fandom. Platinum record, Like That, continues to service that fan base but offers a softer, female-empowerment lyrics and aesthetic. Although lyrics are characteristically less vulgar and brash than what Doja is known for, the tune is poppy and vibey with smooth rap verse interlude from Gucci Mane. The song was first performed at the 2020 MTV VMA’s followed by an end-of-year blow out on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and we can be sure that this will be invading dance floors everywhere in 2021.
Lil Durk – 3 Headed Goat ft. Lil Baby & Polo G
Huge track. Platinum, Miami flavour from Englewood’s Lil Durk together with fire verses from Lil Baby and Polo G, two of the hottest young artists right now. This one is climbing charts non stop with its phat bass beats and swerving lyrics, expect it staying around to blast all year round.
Future – Last Name (Audio) ft. Lil Durk
Few names in the game are bigger than Future. Born Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, Future excels as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer – dropping hit after hit in the last decade. This melodic collaboration with Lil’Durk is off his platinum record High Off Life and sees him address the women in their life that are after fame and fortune by bearing their children…A reflective track to play on the way home from Billionaire perhaps.
UP NEXT: The music that is bringing those retro vibes back….