Happy Black History Month! Black artists have defined the sound and direction of the top charting songs throughout the 2020s. Listen to these favorites below:
Roddy Ricch – “The Box” (2020)
-One of the longest-running #1s of the decade
-Blew up through streaming + TikTok
-Defined early-2020s trap sound
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé – “Savage Remix” (2020)
-Houston collaboration
-Grammy-winning track
-Became a viral dance and empowerment anthem
-Debuted at No. 1 right after release
-Reinforced Drake’s dominance
-Showed how anticipation alone could lead to a hit
Lil Nas X – “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” (2021)
-Debuted at No. 1 and sparked major conversation
-Blended music and identity in a bold way
-One of the most culturally impactful songs of the year
Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit” (2022)
-A breakout alternative R&B hit
-Gained traction through TikTok
-Showed how genre-blending Black artists are reshaping charts
Future ft. Drake & Tems – “Wait for U” (2022)
-Blends hip-hop with R&B and Afrobeats influences
-Highlights the global reach of Black music
-Tems brought Nigerian sound to a mainstream U.S. hit
-First solo No. 1 hit for SZA
-Stayed on the charts for months
-Reinforced R&B’s staying power in mainstream music
Doja Cat – “Paint the Town Red” (2023
-One of the biggest rap hits of the year
-Dominated both streaming and radio
-Continued Doja Cat’s run of chart success
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” (2024)
-Debuted at No. 1 and became a cultural moment
-Fueled one of the biggest rap rivalries in recent years
-Showed the continued impact of lyric-driven hip-hop
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (2024)
-One of the biggest crossover hits of the year
-Blended hip-hop, country and pop
-Stayed at No. 1 for multiple weeks
Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA – “Luther” (2025)
-One of the longest-running No. 1 hits of the year
-Showcased the power of collaboration between top artists
-Combined rap and R&B
The Weeknd & Playboi Carti – “Timeless” (2025)
-Major 2025 chart-topper
-Blended R&B with experimental hip-hop
-Represented the evolving sound of the decade
Keep celebrating Black History Month by tuning in to VIBE 93.3 in your car, on the app, or here on Vibe’s website!
