Heading into 2017, there was a lot of uncertainty as to what the new year would bring and how the next 365 days would play out. Some of this apprehension can be attributed to the clean slate that a fresh calendar symbolizes, which is natural, however, the drama that stemmed from the 2016 Presidential Election and the effects it would have once the change of the guard was complete was a major concern for people of all walks of life.

This past year may have been a tough one in terms of sociopolitical matters, but the one thing that kept us sane was the constant stream of new music made available to us by a wide range of artists. From legendary veterans to virtual unknowns, the artists that infiltrated the airwaves in 2017 made an indelible impression on the public solely by making incredible music that became part of the soundtrack to our lives, making it one of the more exciting years in hip-hop and r&b this decade.

With the calendar year quickly coming to a close and as we prepare for a new one, we reflect on the past year in music and all of the songs that defined it. From chart-topping smashes to sleeper hits and deep album cuts, 2017 presented us with an array of music that spoke to the times we're living in, while also giving us hope for the future. Without further adieu, here are 50 of the best songs from 2017 that made an impact on urban culture as a whole, as well as in our personal lives. Did your favorite make the cut?

  • 1

    "Bodak Yellow"

    Cardi B
  • 2

    "Magnolia"

    Playboi Carti
  • 3

    "Crew"

    GoldLink featuring Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy
  • 4

    "Santorini Greece"

    Rick Ross
  • 5

    "Left Hollywood"

    Meek Mill
  • 6

    "Portland"

    Drake featuring Quavo & Travis Scott
  • 7

    "HUMBLE."

    Kendrick Lamar
  • 8

    "DNA."

    Kendrick Lamar
  • 9

    "LOYALTY."

    Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna
  • 10

    "The Story of O.J."

    JAY-Z
  • 11

    "4:44"

    JAY-Z
  • 12

    "Unforgettable"

    French Montana featuring Swae Lee
  • 13

    "Rake It Up"

    Yo Gotti featuring Nicki Minaj
  • 14

    "T-Shirt"

    Migos
  • 15

    "XO Tour Llif3"

    Lil Uzi Vert
  • 16

    "1-800-273-8255"

    Logic featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid
  • 17

    "Everyday We Lit"

    YFN Lucci featuring PnB Rock
  • 18

    "No Limit"

    G-Eazy featuring Cardi B & A$AP Rocky
  • 19

    "Slippery"

    Migos featuring Gucci Mane
  • 20

    "iSpy"

    Kyle featuring Lil Yachty
  • 21

    "Mask Off"

    Future
  • 22

    "First Day Out"

    Tee Grizzley
  • 23

    "Love Yourself"

    Mary J. Blige featuring Kanye West
  • 24

    "Chanel"

    Frank Ocean
  • 25

    "I'm The One"

    DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne
  • 26

    "Privacy"

    Chris Brown
  • 27

    "Slide"

    Calvin Harris featuring Frank Ocean & Quavo
  • 28

    "Shape of You"

    Ed Sheeran
  • 29

    "That's What I Like"

    Bruno Mars
  • 30

    "Prblms"

    6LACK
  • 31

    "Distraction"

    Kehlani
  • 32

    "Wild Thoughts"

    DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna & Bryson Tiller
  • 33

    "Location"

    Khalid
  • 34

    "Get You"

    Daniel Caesar featuring Kali Uchis
  • 35

    "Love Galore"

    SZA featuring Travis Scott
  • 36

    "The Weekend"

    SZA
  • 37

    "Bounce Back"

    Big Sean
  • 38

    "False Prophets"

    J. Cole
  • 39

    "Passionfruit"

    Drake
  • 40

    "Good Drank"

    2 Chainz featuring Gucci Mane & Quavo
  • 41

    "Tunnel Vision"

    Kodak Black
  • 42

    "Power"

    Rapsody featuring Kendrick Lamar & Lance Skiiiwalker
  • 43

    "Despacito"

    Luis Fonza
  • 44

    "Drownin"

    A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie featuring Kodak Black
  • 45

    "Lemon"

    N.E.R.D & Rihanna
  • 46

    "Plain Jane"

    ASAP Ferg
  • 47

    "Bank Account"

    21 Savage
  • 48

    "Malcolm"

    G Herbo
  • 49

    "Best Part"

    Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R.
  • 50

    "Something Tells Me"

    Bryson Tiller

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