The top 10 Canadian hip-hop songs of 2023
With exciting tracks from Haviah Mighty, Drake and more
Hip-hop had a big moment in 2023, and for good reason: the year marked the genre's 50th anniversary, and both established names and emerging artists came together to celebrate. From a lively medley performed by rap icons on the Junos stage to hip-hop pioneers revealing the genre's most important songs, it was a big year for rap music's big bash.
Celebrations aside, there were a number of new Canadian releases, including Drake's record-breaking album, as well as exciting collaborations from Juno and Polaris Music Prize winners. These are the top 10 Canadian hip-hop songs of the year.
10. 'Huh,' Haviah Mighty
Sexy and scathing, "Huh" perfectly evokes the whiplash of a specific type of hookup or relationship: passionate but toxic; hot but not always healthy; a good time not a long time. The music video also features cameos from Mighty's friends, Sakina Garcia and Jordan Alexander, who form the pop group MND3GMA.
9. 'Yuteman Denis,' Skiifall feat. Charlotte Cardin and Zibs
Skiifall's commanding delivery bounces over the beat as he shows off his signature St. Vincent patois flow. Much of the song flexes how he refuses to be defined, until the very end when Zibz closes the song out with a spoken-word outro to neatly tie everything together. (Songs You Need to Hear, Aug. 9)
8. 'Fill Isself,' Clairmont the Second
Clairmont the Second rides the beat with mischievous glee, his raps bursting with energy: "Imma dip out and never come back." Gassing himself up over the quirky melody with choppy beats and alien-like synths, he takes you on a joyride. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 19)
7. 'Find My Love,' Mattmac feat. Mariame
The CBC Searchlight winner teams up with R&B Cree singer Mariame for a celebratory empowerment anthem about finding success. (Songs You Need to Hear, Sept. 20)
6. 'Run for Cover,' Boogey the Beat feat. Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Boogey the Beat teamed up with previous collaborators Snotty Nose Rez Kids to deliver a thundering track that reverses tropes and explodes with energy thanks to Boogey's smooth production and the Rez Kids' fast-paced delivery. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 21)
5. 'I Won't Stop,' Wolf Castle
Wolf Castle keeps the vibe light, fresh and dancey on "I Won't Stop," a track about "escaping the weight of the world." (Songs You Need to Hear, Oct. 11)
4. 'First Person Shooter,' Drake feat. J. Cole
For their first collaboration in 10 years, Drake and J. Cole trade bars on a high-energy track that ended up making history: it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying Drake with Michael Jackson for the most-ever No. 1s by a male solo artist (and whom he references in the song's final verse).
3. 'Politics,' Phoenix Pagliacci and Cadence Weapon
Two of the country's most insightful rappers team up in this powerful ode to staying true to yourself despite the complications of navigating interpersonal and professional relationships.
2. 'Flatline,' Tobi
"Flatline" is the embodiment of Tobi's self-described style of "unapologetic soul music." Exploring the theme of power — who has it, how one seizes it, etc. — the Toronto rapper weaves the personal and political into one bold, ambitious track. Jabbing piano notes anchor "Flatline" as Tobi effortlessly raps around the beat, covering a swath of topics including the Land Back movement and Black death, as he unabashedly points out: "How they gon' steal the wave? We on stolen land." Pain is inevitable, but here, Tobi encourages listeners to transform that pain into power: "Flatline" is the motivational anthem that we needed this year.
1. '4eva,' Kaytramine
Kaytranada is no stranger to collaboration, and this year, he teamed up with rapper Aminé for one of the summer's hottest records. Smashing their names together to create the moniker Kaytraminé, their first single "4eva" was as groovy as you'd expect, with Kaytranada delivering his signature funky beats over a thumping bassline. Aminé's punchy flow injects a dose of energy, while Pharrell Williams, who co-produced the track and sings on the chorus, elevates the song in a magical way. Even though the summer months are behind us, "4eva" remains a staple on our playlists — a sunny burst of serotonin that is guaranteed to brighten up your mood and make you dance no matter what time of year it is. (Songs You Need to Hear, April 12)