Some names just suit hip-hop artists better than others, and Kendrick Lamar used his name to make a rapid ascent in the 2010’s from mixtape to major label superstar seemingly overnight. I remember sitting in a hotel room with family members during a get-together and discussing hip-hop with my sister, as my nephews were at the age I was when I was a young music consumer with disposable income and college looming on the horizon. She asked what I thought they were listening to and I said “Probably Kendrick.” She asked what he sounds like and I sang “I’ma show you how to turn it up a notch! First you get a swimming pool full of liquor and you diiiiive in it.”

She cut me off immediately. “NO WAY they’re listening to that. I wouldn’t allow it. That’s a horrible message to be giving teenagers. Terrible.”

Sorry sis, I guarantee you, they were listening to Mr. Duckworth.

11.) Flo Rida – “Whistle”

12.) Meek Mill f/ Drake – “Amen”

13.) 2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”

14.) Future – “Turn On the Lights”

15.) Young Jeezy f/ Ne-Yo – “Leave You Alone”

16.) Future – “Same Damn Time”

17.) Ca$h Out – “Cashin’ Out”

18.) Wale f/ Meek Mill, Rick Ross, T-Pain – “Bag of Money”

19.) Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Tyga – “The Motto”

20.) J. Cole f/ Missy Elliott – “Nobody’s Perfect”