Required Listening: The 20 Best Rap Songs of 2017

We emphasize: "of 2017." And if there's any track that shows just how far endless meme-ability can take you these days, it's this runaway caricature.

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On the other hand, we've got this other runaway hit that sent the 24-year-old soaring all the way to the top of the charts. An anthem for women hustling everywhere.

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For anyone who still thinks rap is just about pills and private planes, here's a critique of international politics that's dividing audiences—but also getting them talking.

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Like the Nick Fury of bangers, DJ Khaled assembled Chance, Quavo, and Lil Wayne (and Bieber) for one infectious track.

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Total K.O.

You can hear it in your head, can't you?

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Still listening in October, mostly because of that hook withSwae Lee.

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Who knew flutes would have such a moment? (And, incidentally, molly and Percocet, not that they needed the help.) Included for overwhelming cultural influence, earworm-iness.

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While his album All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ continues the Trump takedown theme, this celebratory, "look Ma, we made it" track stands out for its infinite listenability and hopefulness.

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Greatest of the greatest.

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More motivation, more grime, and a jacket zip that's more secure than Fort Knox.

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In a year that saw the rise of the female MC, Megz Kelli is picking up steam for her brashness (and the unique sound of her backing band). Want more? Check out 2016's "Angela Bassett."

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Yes, this came out in 2017, even if it feels like it's been ages since we stopped making "rain drop, drop top" memes. That's how ingrained it is.

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It came out earlier this month, but we'd bet our (tastes like) lunch money that you've already danced to it, watched the hypnotic video multiple times, and briefly considered shaving your head too. Rihanna really can do anything!

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Not super here for the perpetuation of the "girls as hangers-on" stereotype, but man, is this catchy.

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"YO, PIERRE." Another one that's deservedly reached Internet ubiquity.

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::KLAXONS SOUND FOR A FEMALE RAPPER WHO MAKES GREAT MUSIC AND FLINGS HOT SOUP AT RACISTS::

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Rap doesn't all have to be saying "I told you so" to everyone who didn't think you would make it—it can be doing that over a feel-good beat that's made for bumping as you cruise past the aforementioned haters. Who else wants to name their daughter Beyoncé or Chardonnay now?

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If you haven't listened yet, hit play immediately for A1 grime Drake didn't introduce to you.

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There's nothing like "My brother told me f*ck them get that money sis" to get you going in the morning.

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