Yankie's "Sold Out" featuring Zion.T, Loco And Epik High's Tablo may have received top honors, but all of the rappers on this list of the best rap songs of 2015 are among the most innovative performers of the genre.
Though they were chosen from a group of previously unknown performers courtesy of the South Korean reality TV program "Sixteen," TWICE pull off an incredible feat on "The Story Begins," released Oct. 20.
On Yolhoon's debut single, released Wednesday, they don't just pay homage to David Bowie in vocal inflection and production, they both channel EDM and mid-career material of Radiohead and U2.
South Korean girl group Lovelyz latest single "For You," released on Dec. 7, is a cheery mid-tempo slice of K-pop, driven by a peppy electro groove and an optimistic-feeling chorus.
Bump "Beer In My Backpack," the standout cut from the 11-song album "Made In '98" released on Nov. 25 by South Korean rapper illinit and you may find yourself waving your hand in the air like you just don't care.
On "To Hayden," from Freelow's "Halftime Mixtape," (released Friday) the squarely quantized rhythm track creates the perfect sense of detachment and the springboard for Freelow's best performance on the album.
"iiF" the latest single released Wednesday by Innovator, a semi-finalist on the fourth season of the rap competition "Show Me The Money," and Scary P of the group High Flies is a powerful and creative beat.
In her riveting single from 2014, "Bird No Singing," Korean electronic producer Haihm uses technology and inginuity to make modern-day magic in her music.
A good example of the great results of a classic rap sound through a different cultural lens is "Want Me Girl," released Nov. 27 by Wekeyz and featuring vocalists Kirin and Hoody.
Considering how few artists disappear after their first release, its exhilarating to see Kassy release another quality slow jam like "Ooh Ooh Ooh" featuring rapper Eluphant of the rap group VIRUS, released on Nov. 30.
With achord progression straight out of Tin Pan Alley, a guitar part acknowledging Motown and Stax and a punchy drum beat that will shake you awake, Kim dials in the vibe immediately on "Icecap," released Monday.
On the single "Studio," released on Tuesday, Green Club embody both the playful experimentation and laidback attitude of 1940s beboppers. The result is one of the year's best tracks.
On the new Nine Muses single "Sleepless Night," producer Brave Brother lands the singers in their sweet spot embodying both the detached cool of Lim Kim or IU with the powerful precision of Wonder Girls or 4Minute.