Sometimes you’ve got to take that L! Whether you just got turned down by your crush, declined for that dream job, or you had your goals brushed off by someone who’s approval you covet, nothing stings quite like the savagery of rejection. We’ve all been there, and although no one likes being slept on, there’s nothing better than the epic glo’ up in the face of your naysayers to soothe a bruised ego. Front like you’re above it if you want to, these hip-hop and R&B songs prove that you’re never too mature to twirl on ’em. Check out this cure-all revenge playlist below.
1. Drake – “How About Now”
Drake’s reputation for being all nuzzled up in his feelings is on full display on this track as he dangles his superstar status before his ex-girl.
“Cause I’m up right now and you stuck right now. You thought you had it all figured out back then girl, how ’bout now?”
2. Mariah Carey – “Someday”
In this ’90s throwback, a young Mariah predicts the forthcoming regret that her childhood boy crush will have once she grows into a Supernova.
“Don’t come back crying/You should have known.”
3. Mike Jones – “Back Then”
You can keep your clever word play, Mike Jones gets straight to the point with no chaser.
“Back then they didn’t want me, now I’m hot they all on me”
4. Chris Brown – “Look At Me Now”
In a bold career resurrecting move, Breezy came hard with this taunt to his critics. The title says it all.
5. Jay-Z – “Lost One”
If ever Hov feels the need to lead with, “It’s not a diss song, it’s just a real song,” just prepare to get owned.
6. Beyoncé – “Best Thing I Never Had”
Oh, you thought Bey wouldn’t freestyle on you, boo? You know the shade is real when you take time out of your wedding day to shut someone down.
“Thank God you blew it. Thank God I dodged the bullet. I’m so over you, baby good lookin’ out.”
7. Anthony Hamilton – “I Did it Fo Sho'”
In a thorough and comprehensive down-in-the-gutter read, your boy A. Ham presents his ex with itemized receipts for the luxuriation he is currently bestowing upon his new boo.
“All the trips abroad, maxed out credit cards, throwing down at Mr Chows — I did it for sho.”
8. Destiny’s Child – “So Good”
The ladies of DC see no need to be coy.
“All the things I’m doing that you thought I never could, I want you to know that I’m doing so good.”
9. Meek Mill – “Flexin On ‘Em”
That good ole’ fashioned lifestyle flex to “stunt and style on ’em.”
10. Drake and Soulja Boy – “We Made It”
In this 2013 track, Drake and Soulja Boy rub it in like lotion for that ash.
“My life for your life, man I wouldn’t trade it. I would just look at you dead in yo’ face and say, you know we made it!”
11. Bryson Tiller – “Sorry Not Sorry”
If you weren’t checking for him back then, Bryson is not here for it.
“Now you done switched up on me. Now you wanna say what’s up to me?”
If we’re being honest, we have all been on the giving and receiving ends of rejection, so although you’re singing your revenge playlist all overly aggressive and extra-animated, just know that someone somewhere is dedicating a mental shout-out to you.
