Street pop, also known as “urban pop” or “hip-hop influenced pop,” is a genre that fuses catchy pop melodies with the rhythms, beats, and cultural elements of street music. Emerging from the global intersection of hip-hop, trap, reggaeton, and R&B, street pop has become one of the most exciting and dynamic genres in the music world. It represents the voice of a new generation, blending street culture with mainstream appeal and attracting listeners from all corners of the globe.
This article highlights some of the most influential and iconic street pop hits that have not only defined the genre but also influenced global music trends. These tracks are a fusion of diverse musical influences, mixing gritty street sounds with the accessibility of pop music. Street pop has become a powerful voice of expression for urban youth, often discussing themes of struggle, triumph, and identity. Whether it’s the infectious beats or the relatable lyrics, street pop has captured the hearts of millions, and the songs listed here showcase the best that this genre has to offer.
10 Essential Street Pop Hits to Add to the Playlist
1. “Sicko Mode” – Travis Scott (2018)
Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” is one of the most defining street pop hits of the late 2010s. Released in 2018 as part of his album Astroworld, the song is a genre-defying track that blends trap beats with psychedelic, experimental production. With its shifting tempo and unexpected transitions, “Sicko Mode” feels like a rollercoaster of sound. The track features multiple phases, with verses that feature Scott’s signature laid-back flow alongside hard-hitting beats and catchy hooks. The song’s success was largely driven by its unique structure, which makes it stand out in both street pop and mainstream pop music. “Sicko Mode” showcases Travis Scott’s ability to innovate within the genre, offering an avant-garde approach to street pop that still appeals to a broad audience.
2. “Bad Bunny – Yo Perreo Sola” (2020)
“Yo Perreo Sola” by Bad Bunny is a bold street pop anthem that helped define the reggaeton and urban pop crossover in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Released in 2020 on his album YHLQMDLG, the song blends elements of reggaeton with hip-hop and Latin trap. The track’s infectious beat and catchy chorus made it an instant hit, while the lyrics, which promote female empowerment and independence, struck a chord with fans worldwide. Bad Bunny’s unapologetic style and unique voice contributed to the song’s global success. The music video, featuring vibrant and daring visuals, further reinforced the song’s themes of self-expression and confidence. “Yo Perreo Sola” is a key example of how street pop can transcend cultural and genre boundaries while maintaining its authenticity.
3. “Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B (2017)
Cardi B’s breakout single “Bodak Yellow” catapulted the Bronx rapper into superstardom. Released in 2017, the track blends elements of hip-hop, trap, and street pop, with Cardi B delivering a fierce and unapologetic rap that reflects her rise from the streets to the spotlight. The song’s catchy hook and bold lyrics about self-empowerment and success resonated with listeners everywhere. “Bodak Yellow” became an anthem of independence, with Cardi’s confident delivery and memorable lines making the track an instant classic. The song’s success on the charts, including its position as the first solo female rap song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrated how street pop could break barriers and capture mainstream attention.
4. “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” – Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo (2020)
“Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” is a perfect example of street pop’s influence on global music trends. The song, which started as a viral hit by producer Jawsh 685, was later remixed by Jason Derulo and became a chart-topping success in 2020. The track blends elements of Pacific Islander music, trap, and pop, with a catchy beat that combines traditional dancehall rhythms with contemporary pop hooks. The lyrics are light-hearted and playful, with a simple but effective chorus that draws listeners in. The viral success of “Savage Love” highlights how street pop can transcend regional sounds, taking something deeply rooted in one culture and making it a global phenomenon.
5. “Dákiti” – Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez (2020)
Bad Bunny’s collaborations often lead to some of the most exciting tracks in the street pop scene, and “Dákiti”, featuring Jhay Cortez, is no exception. Released in 2020, the song blends reggaeton, Latin trap, and R&B, with smooth, hypnotic beats that set the perfect backdrop for the artists’ sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of romance and nightlife, with a seductive rhythm that has become a staple in urban pop music. The collaboration between Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez captures the essence of street pop, combining raw street energy with catchy, mainstream-friendly elements. “Dákiti” quickly became one of the year’s biggest hits, showcasing the global appeal of the genre.
6. “Nonstop” – Drake (2018)
Drake is a master of blending street-inspired sounds with mainstream pop elements, and “Nonstop” from his 2018 album Scorpion is a perfect example of this. The song features a minimalistic, hard-hitting beat, with Drake rapping about his success, lifestyle, and his dominance in the rap game. The track’s trap-inspired production, combined with Drake’s effortless flow, gives it a street pop feel while still maintaining the polished appeal of a radio hit. “Nonstop” quickly became a fan favorite, further cementing Drake’s role as one of the leading figures in the street pop genre. The song’s success in both the hip-hop and pop markets underscores the genre’s ability to bridge the gap between street culture and mainstream appeal.
7. “Taste” – Tyga ft. Offset (2018)
Tyga’s “Taste” featuring Offset is one of the catchiest street pop tracks of 2018. The song’s infectious beat, which features a smooth combination of trap and Latin-inspired instrumentation, made it a hit on both hip-hop and pop charts. Tyga and Offset’s chemistry on the track is undeniable, with each artist delivering their verses with precision and confidence. The song’s playful lyrics about attraction and indulgence, combined with its laid-back yet energetic vibe, make it a perfect example of street pop at its best. The success of “Taste” proves how the genre can seamlessly integrate multiple influences, from rap to Latin music, creating a sound that resonates across various musical landscapes.
8. “Oye Mi Amor” – Rauw Alejandro (2020)
“Oye Mi Amor” by Rauw Alejandro is a street pop hit that showcases the fusion of reggaeton, R&B, and Latin trap. Released in 2020, the song’s smooth flow and romantic lyrics have made it one of the most popular tracks of the year. Rauw Alejandro’s silky vocals combine with an infectious beat that captures the essence of street pop while maintaining a danceable, upbeat feel. The song’s catchy chorus, combined with its contemporary production, helped it achieve viral success, further propelling Alejandro into the mainstream. “Oye Mi Amor” is a prime example of how street pop can seamlessly blend romantic themes with the rhythmic energy of reggaeton.
9. “Goosebumps” – Travis Scott ft. Kendrick Lamar (2016)
“Goosebumps” from Travis Scott’s 2016 album Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight is a track that blends psychedelic hip-hop with street pop elements. Featuring a memorable guest verse from Kendrick Lamar, the song’s smooth production and ambient beats create a haunting atmosphere. The lyrics, which touch on themes of fame, desire, and the highs and lows of life, are delivered with a laid-back flow by both Scott and Lamar. The track’s ability to merge deep introspection with mainstream appeal made it an instant hit. “Goosebumps” highlights how street pop can be both a vehicle for emotional expression and a catchy, radio-friendly hit.
10. “Moo” – Doja Cat (2018)
“Moo” by Doja Cat is a playful and satirical street pop track that took the internet by storm in 2018. The song’s infectious beat and quirky lyrics about being a “cow” became an instant viral hit, showcasing Doja Cat’s unique ability to blend humor with street pop influences. The track’s low-fi production and catchy chorus made it a fun and memorable anthem for Doja Cat’s rise to fame. While “Moo” might not be a conventional street pop song, its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and viral success are a testament to how the genre can break through in unexpected ways. Doja Cat’s playful approach to street pop helped her build a strong fanbase, and “Moo” remains a fan favorite.
See Also: The 10 Best 90s Pop Songs You Can’t Miss!
Conclusion
Street pop has evolved into one of the most influential and exciting genres in contemporary music. Blending elements of hip-hop, trap, reggaeton, and R&B, it captures the energy and emotions of urban life while appealing to a global audience. The songs highlighted in this article represent some of the most iconic and impactful hits in the genre, showcasing the diversity and innovation that street pop continues to offer. From the experimental sounds of Travis Scott to the catchy hooks of Bad Bunny, these tracks have paved the way for street pop to influence mainstream music. As the genre continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the future of pop music and remain a voice for urban youth worldwide.
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