As 2019 draws to an end, you know that we had to round up our selections for the Top 50 Songs Of 2019. For the past several weeks our team has been reflecting on the incredible year of music, documenting our top selections and refining the list. It’s with great pleasure that we present you with our picks for the best songs of 2019. We weighed each track against a variety of criteria including: overall quality, impact, support, popularity and personal preferences. Check out the full list below and let us know your favourites.
50. Skrillex x Diplo – To Ü ft. AlunaGeorge (Moore Kismet Reboot)
Our list would not be complete without the inclusion of the industry’s most promising young star, the truly unique character of Moore Kismet. Despite being only a mere fifteen years of age, Moore Kismet has accomplished what many dream of achieving in a lifetime, from an EP and two official remixes on Never Say Die, to remixing ATLiens and more. The greatest display of their growth over 2019 was their ‘To Ü’ remix, which was released early in the year as a thank you for reaching 5K SoundCloud followers. Moore Kismet has almost tripled that number since then – a truly unparalleled feat. The ‘To Ü’ flip was among Moore Kismet’s most popular tracks of the year and embodies the producer’s unique sound that has become a hot commodity throughout the industry. We are insanely excited to see what 2020 has in store for Moore Kismet.
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49. Voljum – Conceptual
A piano prodigy turned producer, Austria’s voljum. remains one of the most fascinating modern electronic music projects of the year. First revealing the breadth of his creative inclination with his debut Cyberglobe EP via VALE in July of this past year, voljum’s proclivity for blending heartfelt piano melodies with spatial, otherworldly sound design allows him to create an unmatched depth and precision in each of his releases. Sampling a tantalizing Middle-Eastern vocal melody in his track ‘Conceptual,’ voljum. leverages the impact of soft-strummed chords to craft an inescapable desert-like impression, which he protracts ingeniously with prodding metallic synth and captivating digital fills.
-SL
48. Inzo – Spectrum
Chicago-based Mike Inzano, aka Inzo, had a major breakout year in 2019, with multiple single releases and a wildly popular Multiverse EP release on Wakaan. That body of work in particular garnered him major attention due to his very approachable, yet completely individualistic production style. Our pick for his best piece of the year came from that particular EP in the form of ‘Spectrum,’ a track so impressive and forward-thinking, it was used in a Dell Computers commercial. Evoking a calm sense of focus and general sense of well-being, this track both relaxes and energizes. The latter drop has much more raw, primal energy to it, shifting the established vibe on its head and surely catching listeners off guard. With the chance for his sound to echo to the furthest corners of the globe, Inzo is definitely one to watch closely in the coming year.
-AB
47. Isqa – Hurricane in 3d
The amazing side project from well-respected producer No Mana, known as Isqa for his future trap productions, is a hidden gem on SoundCloud. Since choosing to put a vast majority of his energies into his No Mana project, Isqa releases have become few and far between. So when he drops something, it’s an enormous deal. 2019’s gift from him comes in the form of ‘Hurricane in 3d,’ a ridiculously beefed up remix of Eprom’s timeless banger ‘Hurricane’. The vocals “we make it hurricane, ya’ll make it drizzle” are an ego-buffet, priming you for one of the most creative and filthy drops of the year. Featuring swift switch-ups, earthquake-inducing bass, and the uncanny ability to promote compulsive replays, this is assuredly one of the can’t miss tracks of the year.
-AB
46. Rohaan x Bonnema – Bigfoot
Dropping on Quality Goods Records and premiering on FUXWITHIT, ‘Bigfoot’ was a favourite from the moment we heard it. Rohaan & Bonnema are two of the underground’s most inventive producers and ‘Bigfoot’ is a testament as to why. The track hits with an insane trap energy that’s infused with wild tribal chants and breaks. Just when you think the track can’t get any more wild, it drops into a brain-melting drum & bass section that defies all expectations. This was a secret weapon in DJ sets, getting support from San Holo, Boombox Cartel and more.
-CV
45. Rome In Silver – Fool
Truly a master of defying genres, Rome In Silver had a stellar year filled with impressive releases. None stood out quite like ‘Fool.’ From the pulsing bass lines in the introduction, to the syrupy sweet vocals and the sexy, smooth drops. This one is nearly impossible to categorize, except as an absolute bop. From spring to summer this was a warm weather anthem that’ll keep you warm through winter.
-CV
44. Hydraulix x Krischvn – Chopper
Gleaned from Hydraulix’s Space Cadet EP via Wakaan Records, ‘Chopper’ depicts a voyage to the fringe of freeform bass music with Germany’s KRISCHVN. An ominous piano-infused melody weave an eerie introduction to the track before a protracted build lets loose a permeating surge of ardent, simmering bass that contrasts exquisitely with the tight metallic roll of snares provided by the percussion fills.
-SL
43. Hapa – Chrome (ft. Dayle)
Courteous Family’s Hapa dropped his long-awaited debut album this year and needless to say it blew our socks off. Our favourite song off the LP is a half-time thumper that Hapa cooked up with Dayle, and we simply can’t get enough of it. A close listen to this track discloses a sedated, unquantized flow driven by some of the richest, thickest bass crafted by the underground mastermind. Paved with grainy, throbbing percussion and heinous sound design, the swing on this track has a pulse like no other. Alongside many other unforgivably groovy tracks on the album, this chonker is truly bananas and was an essential part of our year in review.
-JZS
42. Jordnmoody x sømething – FIU
The collaborative effort from jordnmoody x sømething combined an addictive vocal loop with absolutely insane production. The track which came off of Partica x Myopic’s joint EP saw East meets West collide for what became an underground anthem. While the vocals remains consistent throughout, what makes this one standout is the evolution. Far removed from cut and paste drops, ‘FIU’ never stagnates. Add to the fact that this track received both a house VIP and 2.0 rendition with ujuu, and this one was getting rinsed all year long in some shape or form.
-CV
41. Laxcity – Focus
2019 saw Laxcity moving from a SoundCloud darling, to an industry favourite. From premieres on Billboard to an EP with ALT:VISION, Joshua Mbewe put his mark on music this year. His incredible EP Purity helped to illustrate his diversity and wealth of talent. Mixing touching RnB leaning vocals with upbeat house/garage inspired drops, ‘Focus’ was instant hit. The universal appeal is what makes it so special, allowing it to find its way in RnB sets, house sets and pop leaning playlists, all without alienating his original fan base. It’s a delicate balance to find, but ‘Focus’ does it with ease and divine grace.
-CV
40. Runnit x Gurf x Xtals x Klayvay x bd hbt x ZCR x RAFTYR x DHITTO x XAVIER – Mug Club
The Partica Artist Group has been one of our favourite collectives/labels to watch in 2019. With their tracks being played by the likes of Oski, ATLiens and more, it’s clear that each artist can hold their own. But when 9 of their members come together for a single collab, you’re guaranteed a massive track. Orchestrated by Runnit, he assembled parts from each artist into a wonky, trapped out banger that is sure to demolish any crowd that hears it. This is next level collaboration and creativity and easily one of the most played tracks in our FUXWITHIT Guest Mix series. How could it not be on the list?
-ZB
39. Floret Loret – Juniper
When it comes to experimental and emotional bass music, few artists compare to Floret Loret. 2019 was a breakout year for the talented producer that included an EP on Deadbeats and a set at EDC Orlando. Laying the foundation for his breakout year was the release of the impeccably produced Tangled Roots EP. The body of work cemented his signature sound and no song encapsulates it better than ‘Juniper.’ Combining hauntingly beautiful melodies with brutish bass and mind-warping sound design, the track proves that experimental bass music truly can have heart.
-CV
38. Tyler the Creator x A$AP Rocky – Who Dat Boy (Chee Bootleg)
South-African mastermind of musical domination Chee had an incredibly successful 2019 campaign including an EP on Inspected titled Read Once Then Destroy and a massive collab with Liquid Stranger titled ‘Zero Frontier’ on Stranger’s Infinity EP. But, our pick for his best track of the year and one worthy of a spot on our list is his remix of Tyler the Creator and A$AP Rocky’s song ‘Who Dat Boy,’ a perfect showcase of Chee’s dark and immensely heavy production. Both menacing and soul-crushing, this track bodies speaker systems into feeble submission. Featuring some of the most impressive and unique sound design of the year, this ‘Who Dat Boy’ remix is surely one of the best remixes of the year.
-AB
37. ZEKE BEATS x AVANCE – Bad Robot
Turntablist sensation ZEKE BEATS has blossomed into a versatile production asset and deadly live performance spectacle over the course of the past year, accomplishing both an EP release via Deadbeats and the preceding state-side Purple Haze tour with G-REX. Elected as the title track for his inaugural Deadbeats project, ‘Bad Robot’ alongside Australia native AVANCE illustrates a sensational collision of talent. Leveraging the free-flowing song structure that ZEKE has grown notorious for, the beginning stages of the track commence like the opening scene of a major box office film, building an immeasurable level of anticipation as burgeoning horns unleash a convoluted strand of vacillating digital synth work and gritty heaves of bass.
-SL
36. What So Not – We Can Be Friends (Quiet Bison Remix)
Quiet Bison has had a breakout 2019. Continuing to define his sound that is comparable to the likes of Flume and which some have dubbed ‘vapor twitch,’ Quiet Bison pushed new boundaries with two incredible EPs. When he got his hands on What So Not’s ‘We Can Be Friends,’ he delivered an emotionally-fuelled powerhouse of a track that is sure to stop listeners dead. With forward-thinking sound design such as his, it’s clear to see why he’s been added to Electric Forest’s 2020 lineup and is regarded as one of the industry’s brightest new talents.
-ZB
35. Mersiv – Beautiful & Filthy ft. Chill Bobby
One of the fastest growing artists of 2019, Anderson Benoit, also known as Mersiv, showcased his next-level sound design and straight-up ridiculous live mixing to hundreds of thousands of ears. The Denver native had majorly successful releases in the form of his self-released downtempo Digital Eden EP, along with his collaboration with sfam titled ‘Don’t Test Me’ and NKODB EP released on Wakaan. Arguably his biggest single track release though, came in the form of ‘Beautiful & Filthy,’ also released on Wakaan, a magnificent ode to all the various styles he’s attempted in his youthful production career wrapped into 4 minutes and 23 seconds. Garnering support from some of the biggest names in the industry, including being rinsed in several detox sets from head T-Rex Excision, and 300,000 streams between Spotify and SoundCloud, this piece lives up to its aptly-named title. With purring, all-encompassing bass lines and buttery-smooth vocals from Chill Bobby, ‘Beautiful & Filthy’ can be a perfect track no matter the mood you’re in, and is undoubtedly deserving of a spot on this list.
-AB
34. Hudson Lee & Frequent – Windows
There weren’t many more dazzling or dizzying displays of creativity in 2019 than Hudson Lee and Frequent’s ‘Windows.’ A mystifying melodic dubstep number, the track features a melange of futuristic and organic sounds that, as Lee says in the description, arise out of the numerous encounters the internet has made possible. It is an epic assortment of ideas somehow cohesively combined into one brilliant banger that will leave you wondering just what happened over its six minute span. If a list like this is meant to be representative of not just the year itself, but of what the future could sound like, then ‘Windows’ certainly deserves a nod.
-OJ
33. G-Rex – Ladi
Carrying enormous amounts of momentum into 2019 on the heels of ‘Babatunde,’ arguably the biggest track of 2018, G-Rex had fans waiting with bated breath for what he would whip up next. His answer? The unreal nutty Requiem EP, which we had the pleasure of premiering ‘Warning’ from. The real crown jewel from that body of work, though, was ‘Ladi,’ a track Liquid Stranger had been rinsing in his own sets for months, frying minds to a distinct crispness. The dark vocals of “ladi-da” are looped, creating the sense that some form of evil magic is about to be unleashed onto everyone in the area. The first drop is the sonic embodiment of anger, immense, crushing noise that oozes style and of course has G-Rex’s patented horse neigh. The second drop sounds like a tractor beam straight to a UFO, abducting bodies and consciousnesses alike. He’s put forth some of the most impressive sounds of the year, but 2019 was only a warm-up.
-AB
32. Tsuruda – Caustic
While Tsuruda was ‘blowing off steam,’ the rest of the bass music world has been desperately attempting to keep up. Casually dropped as a single on his SoundCloud and included on his legendary FUBAR EP, this beast of a track very well might be the catalyst of an epidemic across the underground and festival circuits alike. Dipping his toes into the treacherous world of riddim, this hazardously raunchy tune speaks for itself through vocal samples of Apex Legends character (you guessed it), Caustic, with the pertinent quotes “Science is precise, as am I” and “The kill is more important than the pride.” Between quotes comparable with Tsuruda’s humble attitude and meticulous production style, the quality delivered on ‘Caustic’ (and many other tracks) are just some of the reasons we love him. Alongside an endless list of impossibly good tracks, the wonk that Tsuruda has brought to the table this year makes us giddy for what he has in store.
-JZS
31. Jon Casey x Dabow x aedfx – Birds
Jon Casey, Dabow and AedFX are the future of trap. Coming off Jon Casey’s Catharsis EP, ‘Birds’ is one of the hands down trap bangers of the year. Alluring strings, majestic birds samples, spiritual pre-drop vocals and percussion programming that’ll leave you dizzy, all come together in perfect harmony. Jon Casey teased this in his FUXWITHIT Guest Mix nearly a year before it dropped and it proved to be well worth the wait. This is trap perfection.
-CV
30. Zeds Dead x DROELOE – Stars Tonight
Enjoy kicking back with your best friends and having those late night conversations looking up at the stars? Well Zeds Dead and DROELOE captured that feeling with their euphoric single ‘Stars Tonight.’ Bringing out a softer side from these producers, goosebumps run down your spine as beautiful vocals flow immaculately into the picture. However, we all know Zeds Dead and DROELOE will always showcase their alternative persona as an explosion of bass and slow tempo instrumentals surprise listeners at the drop. ‘Stars Tonight’ provides listeners the perfect amount of feels and bass, well executed by Zeds Dead and DROELOE.
-AK
29. Liquid Stranger x Ganja White Night – Jungle Juice
One of the most anticipated collaborations of the entire year, ‘Jungle Juice’ seemed to be a distant dream for many fans of both Wakaan and SubCarbon, solely being rinsed in live sets from Liquid Stranger and Ganja White Night for months on end. The opening vocals of “a snake snatching, bush-whacking adventure” couldn’t be more appropriate, as this song feels like a romp through an unfamiliar jungle wilderness. Incorporating insane bass-lines and a wobbly flow that is a perfect melding of both groups’ styles, this piece has laid-waste to all that have been graced with its presence. With 1.6 million combined streams between Spotify and SoundCloud, this track has accumulated immense amounts of all-around success, leaving fans of both artists on the edges of their seats in anticipation of any future combined efforts.
-AB
28. MUST DIE! – CHAOS
With a fleet of potential options to select from, 2019 has been an exceptional year of innovation and productivity for MUST DIE! While the Seattle-based producer has been notorious for weaving voracious synth melodies to hoist detrimental volume of bass since first releasing to Rottun Records in late 2012, ‘CHAOS’ flawlessly eclipses each of MUST DIE!’s abundance of styles all within one track, composing a riveting opening scene that blends seamlessly with poignant horns to heighten the track to a peak, before unleashing an unpitying torrent of bass.
-SL
27. YBN Cordae x Anderson .Paak – RNP
YBN Cordae is the future of rap. Perfectly bridging the gap between classic lyrical skills and new age swagger, the young MC dropped arguably the best rap album of 2019 in The Lost Boy, not to mention one of the best debuts of the decade. While a handful of tracks were considered for the list, ‘RNP’ alongside Anderson .Paak was our top pick. The production is excellent but what really made this one so special is the chemistry between the two artists. Their in-and-out flow had hip hop fans reminiscing of classic Jadakiss and Style P collabs. Punchlines, humour, impeccables flows; this is rap at its finest.
-CV
26. thook – Numbers
If we’re strictly talking talent and originality, few producers in music compare to thook. The Toronto-based beat-maker brings a freshness and creativity to the trap scene that can only be likened to legends like Mr. Carmack and TroyBoi. Although his Noise LP was dripping with potential candidates for songs of the year, it’s actually a self release that takes the cake. ‘Numbers’ proves why thook is truly on another level. From the ominous sci-fi inspired atmosphere of the intro, to the drop that’ll make your mind melt, it’s the perfect balance of musicality and madness. Oh, and the addition of the violin in the final drop takes this one from massive to iconic.
-CV
25. Spag Heddy – Zoom
A track that was teased for months as an unreleased gem, Spag Heddy’s ‘Zoom’ quickly became a secret weapon in all dubstep and trap sets due to its raw, unadulterated energy and innate versatility. Initially thought to be the ‘Babatunde’ of 2019 until ‘Griztronics’ came along, there’s no denying the ‘Zoom’ was both a DJ and crowd favourite. With a revival later in the year with remixes from Never Say Die favourites such as Krimer, L.U.X and Moore Kismet, ‘Zoom’ remained a staple in sets for all of 2019 and there was no debate about its inclusion in this list.
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24. Mr. Carmack – THINGS I CANNOT TELL YOU TO YOUR FACE
Mr. Carmack. Need we say more? If there is one track to lure listeners into a state of hypnosis, it is this one. With smooth snares and space like melodies, Mr. Carmack perfected his masterpiece by incorporating his unique sound design filled with slow tempo synths and discreet melodies. With experimental instrumentals and futuristic sound, crowd control just got a whole lot easier. Carmack blessed us with no shortage of incredible releases this year, but the complexity and diversity contained in ‘THINGS I CANNOT TELL YOU TO YOUR FACE’ easily made it one of his best works of the year.
-AK
23. Moody Good – SIXTYSIXTY
Moody Good is another artist who decided 2019 was his year to return to the scene with a bang. This return was catapulted with the release of the wickedly innovative Goofball EP on Never Say Die and, more specifically, with the release of ‘SITXTYSIXTY.’ Arguably the most aggressive, bass-in-your-face track of the year, ‘SIXTYSIXTY’ is a relentless offering of insanely produced sounds from the previously-elusive legend, propelling him back atop the dubstep throne. With a recent revival in the form of a VIP, it’s safe to say the ‘SIXTYSIXTY’ put Moody Good back on the map as a king of production and ingenuity.
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22. ISOxo x Knock2 – Radial
RL Grime’s mission for 2019 was to highlight the most promising names in trap with his newly-founded Sable Valley record label. Perhaps the best display of bringing underground names to light was with ISOxo and Knock2’s infectious ‘Radial.’ A track that quickly propelled the two producers to the forefront of trap music, ‘Radial’ became an instant-favourite in the industry due to its combination of exceptional tension-building soundscapes and truly unique and futuristic drops. With the recent release of ISOKNOCK 1, a mix dedicated to the fans and the community, ISOxo and Knock2 prove that they are just getting started.
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21. Leotrix – Hive Bounce
‘Hive Bounce’ is easily recognized as one of the most innovative dubstep tracks in the game right now. Leotrix has been consistently delivering hypnotizing tracks to make the ground shake and melt your face off at the same time. With a cinematic intro to warn his listeners for the disaster approaching, Leotrix constructs a perfect balance of slow tempo bass chops and rapid drum claps to represent the idea that “musical ideas or thoughts are spread so rapidly that it’s almost as if we are all part of a digital hivemind.” With creativity and precision in his favour, Leotrix is always one step ahead when it comes down to intertwining bouncy, yet filthy tracks such as ‘Hive Bounce.’
-AK
20. Bassnectar x Peekaboo – Illusion ft. Born I
It’s no surprise at this point that any track by Bassnectar will do exceedingly well, but couple him with one of the fastest rising talents in the game, Peekaboo, and you’ll have a product that is truly special. Sitting at the 3rd spot on Nectar’s Reflective Pt. 4, ‘Illusion’ not only snaps your neck in half, it whips it back in the opposite direction just for good measure. One of the most vicious tracks of the year, every aspect of this track spikes your adrenaline, from the main vocals of “I gotta get the place moving” courtesy of Born I, to the absolutely ludicrous second drop sounding like a bass demon crawling out of a portal to hell. The track may say “jump in the whip and we cruisin,” but proceed at your own caution, as you might find yourself headbanging so hard you lose track of the road. With Peekaboo earning several headlining appearances around the country and pumping out some of the most forward-thinking productions of the year, and Bassnectar continuing to reign supreme as the King of the Sound, selling out every curated event he’s held with the loudest sound system in North America, these two will be worth making the trek to any performance they have in 2020.
-AB
19. Stormzy – Vossi Bop
With the imminent release of Heavy Is The Head, this list would not be complete without the first single from Stormzy’s upcoming sophomore album (and first single in over two years), ‘Vossi Bop.’ A mixture of the grime artist’s aggressive vocal style and softer, more lyrical works, ‘Vossi Bop’ catapulted Stormzy back to stardom and created an insane amount of hype worldwide. Following this first single with heaters such as ‘Sounds Of The Skeng’ and ‘Wiley Flow,’ Stormzy proved that no rust had accumulated during his inactivity and that Heavy Is The Head is sure to be a welcome follow-up to Gang Signs & Prayer.
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18. Space Laces – Phone Tap
Amongst the ever-increasing throng of dubstep producers, the artists that stand out the most from the crowd are ones that push the boundaries of sound design, opening fresh neural pathways in all who rinse their material. Space Laces is one of the finest examples of this in the current era, utilizing menacing arrangements and truly computer-sounding noises, with his tracks played out by some of the biggest names in the game. Arguably his most magnificent piece from this year is ‘Phone Tap,’ a track that elicits only the grimiest of bass faces. This track has some of the most top-tier production I’ve personally ever heard, and absolutely crushes on any sound system that’s blessed to have it rumble through its subwoofers. With a ludicrous number of IDs, fans should surely be on the edge of their seats for what this madman will put out next in 2020.
-AB
17. Calcium – Mega Punch
While 2018 was a breakout year for Calcium, 2019 was the year where he pushed his sound to new heights and broke out into the festival and touring circuit. This success was catapulted with the release of ‘Mega Punch,’ a track that was first teased by many in mixes before infiltrating heavy bass sets across North America and beyond. A track that sees Calcium solidify his brand and signature through its chainsaw-esque synths, Gatling gun basses and distinct percussion fills, ‘Mega Punch’ played a key role in the producer’s rapid rise to the top and helped bridge heavy dubstep into the mainstream.
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16. Young Thug – The London ft. J. Cole & Travis Scott
An epic collaboration between three of the rap game’s biggest names, ‘The London’ became an instant-hit due to its infectious nature and perfect balance between wavy and knocking. Travis Scott’s smooth hook pulls you in, before J. Cole drops off a stellar verse that has him flirting with a Young Thug inspired flow. Following another hook, Young Thug hops in with his signature steez to round out the summer jam. There’s no denying that ‘The London’ was one of this year’s biggest hip hop tracks and we’ll let its numbers do the talking.
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15. Flume – Rushing Back ft. Vera Blue
Many moons after Skin, Flume resurfaced this year to deliver us a plethora of long-awaited tunes. Among them was the sensational ‘Rushing Back’ featuring elegantly beautiful vocals from the talented Vera Blue. Reminiscent of his hit ‘Never Be Like You (feat. Kai),’ this track speaks to all audiences through a uniquely satisfying harmony expressed through a variety of luscious synths, led by infectious melody while still maintaining the far reaching experimental side of the bad boy of EDM. This beauty is guilty of being stuck on repeat, and couldn’t be overlooked in our top 50.
-JZS
14. UZ – Bang Bang
UZ and his label Quality Goods Records have been working tirelessly to not only keep trap alive, but to help see it thrive and evolve. His incredible single ‘Bang Bang’ personifies this and everything that makes UZ one of the most important artists of the past few years. A simple but evocative loop draws you in with each passing bar. The first drop is unbridled trap filth in its purest form. With a break that flexes his turntablist roots, we’re reminded of UZ’s range of talents. Capping things off comes an experimental leaning drop that’s harder than a baseball bat to the skull. ‘Bang Bang’ is the perfect fusion of classic trap influence and forward-thinking sound put together by an absolute master.
-CV
13. JOYRYDE – I’M GONE
Another year has passed and JOYRYDE’s highly elusive BRAVE album is still nowhere to be found. Despite keeping fans out of the loop with all things album-related, it would be unjust to omit his biggest track of the year from the list. ‘I’M GONE’ was the first BRAVE single and showed fans a new side of the producer’s already legendary sound, where he combines his usual bass house-driven signature with orchestral soundscapes to create a masterpiece. Building an insane amount of hype for the rest of the project before releasing a few other hard-hitting singles, ‘I’M GONE’ marked JOYRYDE’s return and we eagerly anticipate what is next.
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12. Eliminate – Weeble Wobble
There’s no denying that Eliminate knows how to make a hit. His unique, squeaky-clean signature sound has been used in dubstep, trap and house tracks to consistently send crowds into a frenzy, and ‘Weeble Wobble’ is certainly no exception. A track that was played in a plethora of various-styled sets, ‘Weeble Wobble’ is an incredibly infectious and highly versatile heater that fits perfectly just about anywhere. While edging on the house side for the majority of its duration, its trap and halftime breaks are ideal for mixing, and its popularity in heavy bass sets are the proof.
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11. DJ Snake x Eptic – SouthSide
There really is no surprise in seeing DJ Snake and Eptic’s ‘SouthSide’ as the highest ranked dubstep track on this year’s list. A true anthem that was among the most rinsed at EDC Las Vegas and other bass-oriented festivals, ‘SouthSide’ sees Eptic’s signature robotic sounds and DJ Snake’s trap-leaning influences come together to form a cohesively invigorating banger. Never holding back on the energy, the product of this unlikely collaboration proved to be a hit for heavy bass music lovers around the globe.
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10. TNGHT – Dollaz
After years of teasing us, TNGHT finally made their long anticipated return this year. Hudson Mohawke and Lunice proved that their time apart did not dull their chemistry in the slightest with the release of their sophomore EP II. ‘Dollaz’ is a reminder of why the duo are trap icons. The simple vocal sample provides the perfect foundation as they create a massive trap anthem around it. Perfectly blending the early trap sound they helped to define with modern sensibility, ‘Dollaz’ is an instant classic.
-CV
9. NGHTMRE x A$AP Ferg – Redlight
What happens when you combine one of the hottest producers in electronic music with one of the hottest rappers out? We found out just that with NGHTMRE & A$AP Ferg coming together for ‘Redlight.’ Ferg’s infectious energy and rowdy flow paired perfectly with NGHTMRE’s snapping trap beat for a sound that was an anthem before it was even officially released. With many fans expecting something a bit more electronic leaning, it instantly spawned a sea of bootlegs and unofficial remixes with each artist vying to take to drop the best flip. Proving that he’s only outdone by himself, NGHTMRE blessed fans with the VIP version; a murderous flip that cemented its status of one of the hottest records of the year.
-CV
8. Skrillex – Mumbai Power
2019 was an epic year for Skrillex. From returning as Dog Blood to receiving a Grammy-nomination, the legend returned stronger than ever, displaying a versatility that is truly unparalleled in the industry. His most successful track, however, was not his Grammy-nominee, but ‘Mumbai Power’ from his Show Tracks EP that finally saw the light of day after being teased in his live sets for months. From the intoxicating melody, to the quintessential Skrillex vocal chops, to the pristinely clean production, ‘Mumbai Power’ quickly became a smash and reminded us all why Skrillex is one of the greatest of all time.
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7. Boombox Cartel – NEW WIP
Skrt Skrt! MadeinTYO’s swag-infused bars and addictive adlibs proved to be the perfect compliment to Boombox Cartel’s heavy-hitting trap sound. You’d be hard pressed to find a more impressive and impactful example of rap and electronic coming together than on ‘NEW WIP.’ This was the trap anthem of the year. It was practically impossible to hit a festival this year and not hear it pounding and setting crowds ablaze. Cheeky lyrics, like “I am not Rae Sremmurd, baby I got a type” and some insane synth work in the drops had this ringing off all 2019. The addition of remixes from Chris Lorenzo, PIERCE x Volt, and NXSTY only added to its already impressive impact.
-CV
6. Fisher – You Little Beauty
Australian producer Fisher does not need an introduction as he has been bringing the groove to clubs and festivals around the world ever since the fan favourite ‘Losing It.’ Continuing to solidify his position in the music industry, his electric sound shines bright on ‘You Little Beauty.’ With vibrant instrumentals leading into a deep house vibe, Fisher is truly a beauty by cruising with his listeners alongside subtle percussions, dark basslines and euphoric vocals to heat up the dance floor. Fisher once again brought us the biggest house record of the year with ‘You Little Beauty’.
-AK
5. Flume x Eprom – Spring
First teased as the soundtrack to Lollapalooza, ‘Spring’ unofficially marked the return of Flume. Hailing from the boundary pushing, Grammy-nominated mixtape Hi This Is Flume, ‘Spring’ is the love child of two of the most highly respected sound designers of our time. The song draws ethereal vocal samples into a forward-thinking, elastic rhythm driven by spring-loaded 808s and witty percussion. The lead blurs the lines between a synth lead and percussion, blending seamlessly into a brightly woven track that shimmers and gleams. When the worlds of Flume and Eprom collided on this track, a feel-good, timeless banger was born.
-JZS
4. Dog Blood – Turn Off The Lights
Among the many legends who made their return to releasing frequent music in 2019, Skrillex and Boys Noize reuniting as Dog Blood was at the top of everyone’s list. In their first release in over five years, Dog Blood created a decade-defying anthem with ‘Turn Off The Lights,’ drawing inspiration from old-school industrial parties and modern bass music to concoct a rave-ready anthem that made its way through countless sets worldwide. Later releasing a four-track EP with the same name, it’s safe to state that the return of Dog Blood set the electronic music scene into a frenzy, with producers from all over taking a stab a remixing the greats.
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3. Drake x Meek Mill – Going Bad
There are few comeback stories sweeter than Meek Mill’s. After taking an L to Drake during their beef and being sent back to prison for questionable reasons, it seemed Meek could not catch a break. But as the chips were down, Meek was able to persevere and become a fan and industry favourite once again. The controversial ruling that sent him back to jail ended up being the tipping point that had everyone from Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin to Jay-Z vying for his release and showing love. Upon his release in 2018, Meek was on a path to takeover the game once more. His ascent back to the top was fully realized as he linked up with former enemy Drake for the iconic hit ‘Going Bad’. Officially released at the end of 2018, this track became the hardest rap smash of 2019. Seeing two rap heavyweights put their beef aside to lay down a banger was a moment that will not be forgotten in hip hop. With over 500+ million streams, this one still goes off every time it’s rinsed over a year later.
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2. J. Cole – Middle Child
J. Cole came through and snatched the rapper of the year crown in 2019. From his incredible feature run, to the epic cultural moment that was Revenge of The Dreamers III, this was undeniably Cole’s year. In January, J. Cole put the world on notice with ‘Middle Child’. Opening with, “Niggas been countin’ me out/ I’m countin’ my bullets, I’m loadin’ my clips/ I’m writin’ down names, I’m makin’ a list/ I’m checkin’ it twice and I’m gettin’ ’em hit/ The real ones been dyin’, the fake ones is lit/ The game is off balance, I’m back on my shit/ The Bentley is dirty, my sneakers is dirty/But that’s how I like it, you all on my dick,” J. Cole came through to restore that balance and let everyone know he wasn’t here to play around. The track proved that quality rap was still in high demand. Devoid of poppy, catchy sounds, this wasn’t meant for the radio, but they still played it though. Clocking well over half a billion collective streams online, this was one of the biggest, and definitely the best rap records of the year. The track perfectly embodied what makes Cole one of the greatest artists of the decade. Sharp bars, honesty and a message, all over a triumphantly fitting beat. Cole really lived everything he spoke on within the track especially the idea of bridging the gap between the legends and the future; feeling as at home alongside Gangstarr as he did with artists like Moneybagg Yo and Young Thug. Cole claimed King in 2019 and ‘MIDDLE CHILD’ was the battle cry that rang off all year.
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1. Griz x Subtronics – Griztronics
This massive track needs no introduction. A no-doubter for song of the year, this was a unanimous decision amongst our staff to sit proudly atop our list. A perfect melding of styles between two immensely talented artists, ‘Griztronics’ has over 7 million streams on both Spotify and SoundCloud in only 3 months, along with trending on various social media platforms (#1 on Tik Tok) and cracking the top 10 on Billboard (dance/electronic), not to mention becoming the unofficial anthem of Lost Lands. Besides producing an international sensation, both artists had incredible years all around, with Griz releasing his full-length album Ride Waves, and 4 Bangers EP’s, with Griztronics sitting atop the 2nd of those, and Subtronics releasing his Wooked on Tronics EP 2 months ago to critical acclaim, with 80% of the tracks included surpassing 100k streams on SoundCloud alone. Seeing the weird bass music we love making its way into the mainstream is a beautiful thing. Wobbly, wubby, and full of attitude, this shit really do be hitting different.
-AB
Words by Alex, Alshaan, Colin, Jeremy, Oggie, Sam, Steph and Zach.
