The Associated Press released its top 10 songs of 2019, and the list is full of melanin.
It goes without saying that Black people are trendsetters in every way, but especially when it comes to music. That reigns true even in 2019 as Black artists dominated the airwaves with songs to offset every season. Unlike other establishments, including Billboard and the Grammys, the AP obviously took notice with its list reflecting the artists' hard work.
Topping the charts with the number one spot is Jhené Aiko's song "Triggered." The song, which was released in May, combines the singer's raw emotions with relatable lyrics atop of melodies known to accompany her songs.
In a now-deleted post, according to Genius, Aiko shared the inspiration behind the song, which was released around the time of her suspected breakup with rapper Big Sean.
"One night I was so deep in my feelings, I was afraid of what I might do. I didn’t want to revert to the same bad habits that have set me back time and time again. I realized that instead of running away from my emotions… I needed to sit with them, express myself and say whatever came to mind. It was healing to say the least… and now i feel a bit more free ????#triggered," the singer wrote.
Normani, a former member of girl group Fifth Harmony, appeared twice on the list with her feature on Sam Smith's "Dancing with a Stranger" and her single "Motivation."
"Motivation" gave us all nostalgia vibes with her 90s inspired music video and her unforgettable dance move with a basketball bouncing off of her behind.
H.E.R.'s song "Make It Rain— Live at Austin City Limits" was ranked third on the list. The 22-year-old did a cover of Foy Vance's original song and added a "bluesy" and R&B twist to the song like only she can. It's been roughly four months since the singer posted the song online, and we honestly still get all the feels from it.
Kehlani and Ty Dolla $ign's song "Nights Like This" was number six on the list. While the song may not have been the one to get us on the dance floor, it certainly put us in our feelings over no-good relationships centered around mind games.
It's not a list of top songs if Chris Brown doesn't find his way on it. The song "Heat" featuring Gunna brought hella heat to summer playlists after being released in June.
Brown's album Indigo included 32 songs, requiring stamina and determination to make it all the way through, but all the while worth it. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making it Brown's second of the year with "No Guidance."
And what's a list of 2019's hottest songs without Miami, Florida's hottest duo, City Girls. The song "Act Up," written by Lil Yachty, served as a poetic reminder that acting up can and most certainly will get you "snatched up."
The AP's list certainly proves that Black artists have dominated the charts all year long, but well-revered music establishments such as the Billboard charts and Grammy Awards have repeatedly failed to give credit where due when concerning Black artists.
Back in March, Billboard removed Lil Nas X's song "Old Town Road' from its Hot Country Songs chart, sparking an immediate response from fans. The entertainment brand said it was a "mistake" that the song was initially placed on the list.
Still, Lil Nas X rose, literally, to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, even going on to make history for having the longest-running number-one song on the music chart. Additionally, last month, he went on to become the first openly gay artist to win a Country Music Award.
Additionally, in 2013, in Billboard's ranking for the top 10 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs of the year, half of the artists were white. Not to mention, a number of the songs leaned far more into pop than the hip-hop we've grown to know.
Also in recent years, prominent Black artists have boycotted the Grammys for neglecting to recognize and honor those in the hip-hop world.
Ken Ehrlich, a producer for the award show, recognized the disconnect.
"The fact of the matter is, we continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world," he told Complex back in February. "When they don’t take home the big prize, the regard of the academy, and what the Grammys represent, continues to be less meaningful to the hip-hop community, which is sad."
Despite the Grammys' little efforts to rectify its lack of diversity and inclusion, it looks as if the 2020 award show will be a repeat of its past. Vulture predicts Billie Eilish to win the award for Best New Artist, a category which also includes Lil Nas and Lizzo being nominated for the same category.
