If you’re a fan of pop and hip-hop/rap music just as I am, then this article. Because we’re gonna talk about 33 great pop songs with rap verses that has been released over the years. And I’m sure you’ll find some of your favorite pop tunes in there. Sit back, and enjoy this list.
Table of Contents
Baby – Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris
Baby is a pop song sung by the famous Canadian singer Justin Bieber, which featured Ludacris, an American rapper. This song was released in January 2010 as part of Justin Bieber’s debut album titled “My World 2.0”, and it served as the lead single on the album. However, it was recorded in the year 2009.
The song Baby was written by quite a number of people. The recognized writers of this song are; Justin Bieber himself, Ludacris, The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, and Christina Milan. Right from the time this song was released, it has received lots of positive reviews and commendations due to its effective chorus and lyrics.
Furthermore, during the time of its release, this song became a part of the top ten charts in lots of countries. Some of these countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, and many others.
In France, it was adjudged as the fourth most successful single released in the year 2010. This song has sold over 3.9 million digital downloads in the United States alone. Here is a music video of the song Baby. The setting of the music video is a bowling alley.
Bad Blood – Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar
The song Bad Blood was sung by the American singer Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift doubles as a songwriter as well. Thus, she wrote this song herself along with Shellback and Max Martin. Shellback and Max Martin also double as the producers of the song.
This song was released in October 2014 under the recording label Big Machine Records. This song carries the message of the feeling of someone who has been betrayed by a close friend and is characterized by stomping drums.
Bad Blood is a song that has chalked great chart success in lots of countries It peaked at number one on chart lists and billboards in countries like the United States, Canada, Scotland, and many more when it was released.
In addition to all these, this song received a Grammy nomination for Best Group Performance/Pop Duo. This song’s music video has won a Grammy Award and MTV Video Music Awards as well.
Payphone – Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa
The song Payphone was sung by Maroon 5, an American pop rock band. They featured Wiz Khalifa on this track. This song was recorded in 2011 but was released in April 2012. It served as the lead single of the group’s fourth studio album titled “Overexposed”.
This song has a beautiful and catchy melody and thus has been at the receiving end of lots of favorable reviews from fans and music critics. It is not surprising then that over 490,000 copies of this song were sold in the first week of its release. In fact, the song Payphone was adjudged as the fifth best-selling single worldwide in the year 2012.
Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
The song Bang Bang is a single by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. It was recorded in the year 2013 but was released in July 2014. Upon its release, it made its debut at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, it climbed to number three in a short time.
Apart from the United States, this song reached the top ten on the charts in countries all over Europe and Asia.
This song has been hugely successful and has sold over 3.5 million copies alone in the United States from the time of its release. In addition, it has received lots of nominations as well. One of these nominations is a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in the year 2015.
Dua Lipa – Levitating ft. DaBaby
The song Levitating was sung by Dua Lipa, an English singer as part of her second studio album. This song was recorded in the year 2018 and was released in October 2020. The writers of this song are; Dua Lipa, Sarah Hudson, Clarence Coffee, Koz, and DaBaby.
This song has been a hit in many countries across the globe. As a result of this, in 2021, it was named the number-one song of the year. Apart from this, the song Levitating has received a number of awards and recognitions.
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
If you are an ardent fan of the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise, then this song titled “See You Again” needs no introduction to you whatsoever.
This song was sung by the American rapper/singer by the name Wiz Khalifa, featuring Charlie Puth. It was recorded in the year 2014 and released in March 2015. This song is Wiz Khalifa’s biggest single ever.
The song See You Again was produced by Charlie Puth, Andrew Cedar, and DJ Frank E. Upon its release, this song was formally chosen as the official soundtrack for the movie Furious 7 in memory of the actor Paul Walker.
From the time of its release, this song 12 non-straight weeks at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It also gained the number one spot in lots of other countries across the world.
Numb – Rihanna ft. Eminem
The song Numb was sung by the famous musician Rihanna as part of her seventh studio album titled “Unapologetic.” This song is primarily a hip hop and R&B song that features American rapper Eminem. It was recorded and released in the year 2012.
From the moment this song was released in 2012, it made its way to a number of music charts globally. Of notable mention are countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
It is worth noting that, the lyrics of the song Numb are comprised of a small portion of a song by Kanye West titled “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”
E.T. – Katy Perry ft. Kanye West
The song E.T. was sung by Katy Perry, an American singer. It was released in February of 2011. This song was part of the songs that made up one of her studio albums titled “Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection”.
When this song was released, it topped the charts in the U.S, Canada, Poland, and other countries. It is not surprising then that this song was rated as the fourth biggest song of the year 2011 by Billboard.
The song E.T. has been hugely successful and has sold over 6 million digital downloads in the United States alone. The lyrics of this song talk about someone who falls in love with a foreigner.
As Long As You Love Me – Justin Bieber ft. Big Sean
This song titled “As Long As You Love Me” was sung by Justin Bieber, a Canadian singer. It is one of the songs found on his 2012 studio album titled “Believe”. This song features the American Rapper Big Sean and was released in July 2012. It was co-written by Justin Bieber, Big Sean, and a few others.
This song has featured prominently on a number of music charts across the globe. Due to its success as a single, over 2 million copies of this music have been sold in the United States alone.
Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj
Beauty and a Beat is another song by Justin Bieber that has made its way to this list. This song was released in October 2012. It was also part of his 2012 studio album titled “Believe”. He featured the widely known female rapper, Nicki Minaj on this track.
When this song was released initially, it debuted at 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, it climbed all the way to number 5 at a point.
The lyrics of this song tell the story of Justin Bieber’s desire to take the woman he is interested in into the club for them to party hard.
How Do You Sleep – Jesse McCartney ft. Ludacris
The song How Do You Sleep was sung by Jesse McCartney. It was released in January of 2009 as part of the songs on her third studio album. This song was written by Sean Garrett. Apart from being the writer of this song, Sean Garrett served as co-producer alongside Clubba Langg.
What you should know is that this song which features the rapper Ludacris is a remix of the official song that was released in 2009. This remix, which features raps by Ludacris is an amazing rendition of the original due to the strong muscular addition to the track.
California Gurls – Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
This is a song by the American singer named Katy Perry which was released in May of 2010. It was one of the songs found on her 2010 studio album titled “Teenage Dream”. This song actually served as the lead single for the album. She featured the American rapper Snoop Dogg on this track.
This song has received lots of great reviews from music enthusiasts and critics due to how its chorus and production beautifully complement each other. Upon its release, this song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and lots of other music charts in different countries.
Swish Swish – Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj
Swish Swish is an amazing song by Katy Perry which features Nicki Minaj. It was released in May of 2017. This song was part of the songs that made up Katy Perry’s fifth studio album which was released in 2017. However, it was released initially as a promotional single before being added to the album’s singles later on.
This song has appeared on lots of music charts in different countries across the globe. In the United States, in particular, it peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song has also been featured in a video game titled “Just Dance 2018”.
Swalla – Jason Derulo ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla Sign
Swalla is a song sung by the American singer Jason Derulo which features Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign. This song was recorded in 2016 but was released in February of 2017 under the Warner Bros Record Label.
This song has achieved lots of success and thus has made appearances on music charts in lots of countries worldwide.
What’s My Name – Rihanna ft. Drake
The song What’s My Name is the musical property of the singer Rihanna. It was recorded in 2010 and released in October of the same year. This song was part of the tracks on her fifth studio album titled “Loud”.
This song by Rihanna has achieved global success right from when it was released. It ranked number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart as well as music charts in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hungary. Apart from these, it reached the top five in lots of countries across Europe.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this song received a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 54th Grammy Awards.
American Boy – Estelle ft. Kanye West
The song America Boy was sung by the British rapper and singer by the name Estelle. It was recorded in 2007 but was released in March of 2008 as part of the tracks on her second studio album titled “Shine”. This song was released by Atlantic Records and it features the rapper Kanye West.
This song is typically a dance-pop and disco-funk song that talks about a romantic adventure between the singer and an American suitor. The song received lots of positive reviews upon its release. It reached the top five on music charts in lots of European and Oceanic music markets.
This song won lots of nominations during the period of its release. Apart from the nominations, it has won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Good for You – Selena Gomez ft. A$AP Rocky
This song titled “Good for You” is a song by the American singer Selena Gomez. It was recorded in the year 2015 and released in June of the same year. This song served as the lead single in the singer’s second studio album titled “Revival”. The American rapper A$ap Rock was featured on the track.
In the United States, this song debuted at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and rose to number five. The song performed well on the digital charts in lots of countries as well.
Finesse (Remix) – Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B
The song Finesse was sung by the American singer Bruno Mars. It was released in January of 2018. The song features verses from the American rapper Cardi B. The lyrics of this song tell the story of happiness that comes from being with those you love and the successes they achieve along the way.
Commercially, this song was a huge success. It has been the recipient of lots of awards. Some of these awards include; the Favorite Song Soul/R&B award during the 2018 American Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Awards Best Collaboration in the year 2019.
Side to Side – Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj
The song Side to Side was sung by the American singer Ariana Grande. This song was recorded in 2015 and released in May 2016. It was one of the tracks on Arianna Grande’s third album titled “Dangerous Woman”. The song is primarily a reggae song that features Nicki Minaj as a guest vocalist.
This song reached as high as number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, the Canadian Hot 100, and the UK Singles Chart. The song has sold over 1.1 million copies from the year of its release.
Yeah – Usher ft. Ludacris, Lil Jon
The song Yeah is the musical property of the American singer Usher. He featured Lil Jon and Ludacris on this track. This song was recorded in 2003 but was released in January of 2004. The song is basically a mixture of R&B and crunk. It served as the lead single in Usher’s fourth studio album titled “Confessions”.
This song hit the airwaves with force right from the time of its release. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for 12 straight weeks running. Thus, in the United States, it was adjudged as the longest-running number one single in the year 2004.
This song was a huge success in several countries worldwide as well. It is not surprising then that it won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration during the 47th Annual Grammy Awards.
Havana – Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug
Havanna is a popular song sung by a Cuban-American musician by name Camilla Cabello. This song was released in August of 2017 as one of the singles in her 2018 debut album titled “Camila”. She featured the rapper Young Thug on this track.
This song was a megahit globally. It peaked at number one on music charts in over twenty countries. Due to this, it received lots of international nominations and recognitions. Furthermore, the music video of this song won an award for the Video of the Year at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.
Smack That – Akon ft. Eminem
The song Smack That was sung by the American singer Akon. He featured Eminem on this track. Eminem doubled as the producer of this song as well. This song was recorded in the year 2006 and released in September of the same year. It formed part of the songs on his second studio album titled “Konvicted”.
This song was a global hit, thus it climbed to the top of quite a number of record charts. Due to how great this song by Akon was, it received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Commercially, more than three million download copies of this song were sold in the United States alone.
Slide – Calvin Harris ft. Migos, Frank Ocean
The song Slide is a song by Calvin Harris, a Scottish musician. It served as the lead single in his fifth studio album. The song was recorded in 2016 but was released in February 2017. It was released under the Song Music Label.
This song features the hip-hop trio known as Migos and the American singer Frank Ocean. Right from the time of its release, this song has made waves in lots of countries around the world.
Lay It On Me – Kelly Rowland ft. Big Sean
The song Lay It On Me was sung by the American singer Kelly Rowland. This song was recorded in 2010 but was released in August 2011. She featured the rapper Big Sean, who delivered two rap verses to the song. This song received lots of positive remarks and criticism due to its progressive production and sex appeal.
Unfortunately, this song did not chart on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, it peaked at 43rd on the US Hip-Hop/Hot R&B Songs chart. It also appeared on other music charts in Europe and Asia.
Dope – John Legend ft. JID
The song Dope, featuring JID is a fun new song sung by 12-time Grammy award-winning musician John Legend. This song is the first single of his eighth studio album. This song basically talks about the feelings the musicians have for the women in their lives.
This song made its public debut during John Legend’s performance with Charlie Puth at the iHeart Awards. This is a well-crafted song with the vocals perfectly in sync with the beat. Even though this song is very young, there is no doubt that its impact can go beyond the skies.
Crazy In Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay Z
Crazy In Love is a song by the American singer Beyoncé, which features a rap verse from her current husband Jay-Z.
The song was recorded between December 2002 and March 2003. It was finally released in May 2003. This was one of the songs on her debut solo album titled “Dangerously in Love” which was released in the year 2003.
This song was a hit right from the onset. It ranked number one in the United States and the United Kingdom as well. This song also reached top ten status in lots of countries across the globe. Due to the status of this song, it has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations.
It won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best R&B Song at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2004. The song has also been ranked number 16 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of all Time.
Down – Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne
The song Down was sung by a British singer by name Jay Sean. It served as the debut single of his first album when it was released in North America. However, for other parts of the world where Jay Sean was already a household name, the song served as the lead single of his third studio album. This song featured Lil Wayne in its verses.
This song was recorded between the period of 2008 and 2009. However, it was released in May of 2009. Right from the time of its release, this song crossed barriers and was a global hit. Due to this, it was adjudged as the seventh best-selling single of the year 2009. Commercially, over six million copies of this song have been sold in the United States alone.
Talk That Talk – Rihanna ft. Jay Z
This song titled “Talk That Talk” is a song by Rihanna. The song was recorded in 2011 but was released in January 2012. It was one of the songs on Rihanna’s sixth studio album titled “Talk That Talk”. Just like Rihanna’s song “Umbrella”, this song features a rap verse by Jay-Z.
This song has made an appearance on many music charts worldwide. In the United States, it peaked at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Outside the United States, it made its way to the top ten on many music charts. The song has been a huge success and it received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2013. Commercially, this song has recorded strong digital sales.
Let It Go – DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, 21 Savage
The song Let It Go was sung by American producer DJ Khaled. It served as the second single on his twelfth studio album titled “Khaled Khaled”. This song was released in May of 2021. He featured Justin Bieber and 21 Savage in this song. The song was co-written by these three musicians and the producer, named SkipOnDaBeat.
Let It Go is a great song with playful lyrics and bouncy production that carries the message of not worrying over things you cannot control. The song has made its way to the music charts in countries in North America and across Europe.
Umbrella – Rihanna ft. Jay Z
The song Umbrella was sung by Rihanna. It was one of the songs on her third studio album titled “Good Girl Gone Bad”. She featured the American rapper Jay-Z on this track. This song was recorded in 2007 and was released in March of the same year.
This song is undoubtedly one of Rihanna’s most successful songs. It is not surprising since this song has earned Rihanna lots of nominations and awards. Some of these awards include; two awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007. In 2008, this song also earned Rihanna a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
In 2007, it was ranked number one in the list of 10 Best Singles of 2007. Time Magazine and Rolling Stone also listed this song at number three on the list of 100 Best Songs of 2007. Currently, this song is listed at number 332 on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”
Turn Me On – David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj
This song titled “Turn Me On” is a song by David Guetta, a French DJ. It was recorded in 2011 and released in December of the same year. This song was part of the songs on his fifth studio album titled “Nothing but the Beat”. He featured Nicki Minaj in this song.
This song has been hugely successful, however, it has received both positive and negative reviews from music enthusiasts and critics due to Nicki Minaj’s appearance and verse on the track. This song peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Commercially, over 2.5 million copies of this song have been sold in the US alone. Away from the music scene, this song was used briefly in promoting WWE Wrestle Mania XXVIII. The lyrics of this song talk about addiction.
Timber – Pitbull ft. Ke$ha
This song titled “Timber” is a song sung by the American rapper known as Pitbull. It was released in October of 2013 as the lead single in his Meltdown EP. He featured the singer Ke$ha on this track.
This song has been one of Pitbull’s most successful songs. This song has been so successful that it was ranked as part of the 100 most popular songs of the decade. It peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for three straight weeks.
Apart from the US, it climbed to the top spot in music charts in more than fifteen countries. Commercially, more than 9 million units of this song have been sold worldwide.
Time Of Our Lives – Pitbull and Ne-Yo
The song Time of Our Lives is a song by American musicians Pitbull and Ne-Yo. Thus, this song appeared on the individual albums of both musicians.
It was part of the songs on Pitbull’s eighth studio album titled “Globalization” and also on Ne-Yo’s sixth studio album titled “Non-Fiction”. This song was recorded in 2014 and released in November of that same year.
This song was hugely successful. It peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the number one spot on the US Rhythmic chart. This song has recorded a total number of streaming and sales of more than four million units in the US alone.
Away from the music scene, this song has also appeared in two films titled “Office Christmas Party” and “The 5th Wave”.
Final Words
There is a lot of pop music with rap verses in them. The list I have provided is just a few of the most popular ones.
Hello, I’m Elijah. A writer on Geek Musician, based in Ghana-West Africa. I am a writer with a passion for research and reading. I usually spend my free time playing chess or watching movies. For more info, check out my about me page. Or read more of my articles here.