When it comes to the Yay Area, there’s never a shortage of rappers churning out dope ass music. This year was a particularly strong year for hip-hop, with a lot of up-and-comers dropping debut and sophomore albums and many old-timers (no offense, E-40 and Too $hort!) releasing solid gold loosies.

It was an arduous task, but somehow we whittled down all of the rap that came out of the Bay Area in the past 12 months to find the 20 best slaps. It’s a varied mix, featuring everything from mob and hyphy bangers to contemplative, laidback ditties to dark, gangsta jams. But one thing’s for sure: These tracks are fire!

(Editor’s note: These songs are listed in no particular order because it was just too hard to rank them!)

1. “Gamed Up” by E-40

2. “Ahh Shit Gah Damn” by Kool John

 

3. “Bone Marrow” by G-Eazy

 

4. “Shit N’ Floss” by Rexx Life Raj

 

5. “The Scale” by Larry June

 

6. “Niggas” by Kamaiyah

 

7. “Fuck I Look Like” by Philthy Rich

 

8. “What U Mean” by Lil Yase

 

9. “Hearts of Men” by Mani Draper

10. “West Oakland Nigga” by J. Stalin

 

11. “CGH” by Yared Kiflai

 

12. “The Juice” by Caleborate

13. “Gucci” by Iamsu!

14. “Freaky” by Detroit City featuring Too $hort

15. “Numbers” by Philthy Rich

16. “Up Until Then” by Mistah F.A.B.

17. “How We Rock” by Show Banga

18. “Day Ones” by Ezale

19. “Weakend” by Tree Thomas

20. “War” by Lil Yee