Dance Into 2024 (And Stunt On The Haters) With These Lyrical Gems From 24 Of The Best Songs Of 2023
Look, I’m not gonna start the new year off, lying to you, I haven’t really been invested in the music scene lately. It’s like, I’ve turned into the ‘old folks’. Because they just don’t make music like they used to.
Some of it at least. Most of it, if we’re being honest.
However, I’m no longer the 16-year-old girl who has time to comb through the bad, in search of gold. I used to be the “search every mixtape I found for the good songs” kinda girl. To the point where I thought I’d put those skills to use and become an A&R rep.
But after giving music blogging a go, for a bit, a few years ago, I stopped trying altogether.
A lot of the music made these days, is trash. And if you know me, KNOW me, you know I’m about my shit! I can spot a banger, from the first few seconds. I take pride in having a good ear for dope music. But I just don’t have as much free time as I used to.
So I tend to play the same songs over and over, instead of searching for new music that I love.
However, in 2023, I decided I would give listening to new music a try again, and boy am I happy I did! The songs below are pulled from my favorite albums of 2023, and are some of the best of the year!
And since I’m turning things up a notch for Popcorn and Tequila, I’ve decided to dabble in music blogging again. Just a tad. So you can expect to hear my favorites all year long, and hopefully I’ll make it to a few music festivals and concerts this year, to highlight a few dope Black music artists.
The way I do for Black films. But until then, here are …
24 Of The Best Songs Of 2023 And Their Lyrical Gems To Use In 2024
1. I Told Them by Burna Boy
I told them that I was the realest
For some reason they didn't believe it, so here we are
2. Tested, Approved & Trusted by Burna Boy
Dance make you feel like carnival
3. Big 7 by Burna Boy
If you see me tonight
You can clearly see that I've been wavy since mornin'
Don't like squares in my crew
If I call you my brother, then you best believe you're stuck with me
4. Dey Play by Burna Boy
Last time I check I was balling On a Sunday Open the bank on a Sunday
5. If I’m Lying by Burna Boy
I make fire when it's cold in the night
6. Thanks by Burna Boy
Is this the motherf*cking thanks I get? For making my people proud every chance I get?
7. Talibans II by Burna Boy
'Cause I'm real to my skeleton (real to my skeleton) If you insult my intelligence Then I make the sparks fly like electrician
7. Talk Too Much by Reneè Rapp
I'm here again
Talking myself out of my own happiness
If I see a blue car today
We'll probably have to break up
So I close my eyes while I drive
8. Poison Poison by Reneè Rapp
You almost got away with it
You got a little bit ahead of me, but, unlucky for you
I am that bitch
Forgiving you is pointless, you could poison poison, baby girl
9. Tummy Hurts by Reneè Rapp
I just want some recognition for having good tits and a big heart
Maybe I should try religion 'Cause Jesus, you're hard to rely on
10. Bongos by Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion
Bitch, I look like money (like money)
You could print my face on a dollar
11. Me & U by Tems
Give me something I'm lacking
I don't need nothing
12. Bad Idea Right? by Olivia Rodrigo
I only see him as a friend
I just tripped and fell into his bed
13. Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo
I've made some real big mistakes
But you make the worst one look fine
14. Logical by Olivia Rodrigo
And now you got me thinking
Two plus two equals five
And I'm the love of your life
15. Alright by Victoria Monét
Makin' niggas feel a way, it's a forte, really
Might not even hit you when I'm in your city
16. How Does It Make You Feel by Victoria Monét
I'll always love you with no compromise
Deeper than seas and higher than the sky
17. On My Mama by Victoria Monét
Body rude, it's unpolite
Done being the humble type
They say, "Ooh, she smell good"
That's just 'cause I'm Heaven-sent
18. I’m The One by Victoria Monét
You would've already won
If you knew I was the one
19. Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt) by Victoria Monét
Ooh, these niggas always want something
You know they always want something
But nigga, I want something too
A nigga just got paid
And the hair is laid
And my soul is saved
But I'm not your bank
Ask your mama
20. Hollywood by Victoria Monét
Simple things, little things
Get lost in all the glitter and the bling
What are you here for?
How could you give more?
How could you love more?
What do you live for?
21. You Wish by Flyana Boss
I be Michael Phelps
All the brand deals that I'm swimmin' in
You can call me Dr. Evil 'Cause I got many men
Slap a bitch
Bitch, slap back
'Cause I'm feminine
Get like me?
Nah, you wish
You could never, ever, ever be that bitch
Me and my bestie are the same, like a synonym
22. Chasing Peace Of Mind by Adekunle Gold
Too many lows and no highs
Life is a joke, don't cry
Who get joy? I wan buy
It's alright, don't ask me why
I decided, no more worries (more worries, ah-ahh)
I'm grateful for this moment
A new season
Just living
23. Party No Dey Stop by Adekunle Gold
I'm not moved by what I see
I know who I be
I just want my peace, make money dey
I go get everything I need
In my own timing
Party no dey stop, when we pop
Yeah, we're up, plenty spending like it's nothing
Can't believe this my life
Everything come align
If you still dey hate, you need therapy
Good vibes, no bad energy oh
Original, not made in China
24. Ogaranya by Adekunle Gold
Butterflies in my tummy when the money enter, me, I like it Getting rich and it's all in the plan
Of course, there are a ton more songs that I loved, but these were on rotation from the moment they dropped — day after day! And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be dancing all year to these hits, and throwing shade to the haters on Instagram with these quotes — since they’re perfect for captions.