2014 was a remarkable year for hip-hop. Rap music continued moving beyond traditional music audiences and became an even bigger part of mainstream pop culture. From instantly recognizable hooks and energetic performances to memorable music videos and viral dance trends, several rap songs dominated conversations throughout the year.
Some of the artists featured below were already established names, while others were emerging performers who suddenly found themselves at the center of the hip-hop spotlight. Their songs spread rapidly across radio, television, social media and YouTube, helping define the sound and culture of 2014.
Here are 10 of the hottest viral rap music videos of 2014 that captured attention and helped shape one of hip-hop's most memorable years.
1. Bobby Shmurda – Hot N***a
Few emerging rappers experienced a breakout quite like Bobby Shmurda in 2014. His energetic single “Hot N***a” quickly became a street anthem and introduced audiences around the world to the Shmoney Dance.
The music video helped fuel the song's popularity, with Shmurda and members of his GS9 crew delivering an energetic performance that perfectly matched the track's raw Brooklyn sound. The accompanying dance became a major viral phenomenon, with fans and celebrities attempting their own versions.
For a relatively new artist, the speed at which Bobby Shmurda became a household name demonstrated just how powerful viral hip-hop culture had become.
2. O.T. Genasis – Coco
O.T. Genasis delivered one of the most instantly recognizable rap hooks of 2014 with “Coco.” The song was built around a repetitive chorus that made it remarkably easy to remember and impossible to ignore.
The track became a major internet and radio sensation, helping establish O.T. Genasis as an artist to watch. Its simple but highly memorable concept was perfectly suited to the rapidly changing world of viral music.
“Coco” demonstrated that a catchy hook could travel remarkably far when audiences embraced it online and across social media.
3. Big Sean – IDFWU
Produced with a powerful combination of hip-hop energy and an instantly memorable chorus, the track resonated with listeners who connected with its unapologetic attitude. The video also featured appearances from major names including Kanye West and DJ Mustard.
The song's combination of humor, frustration and infectious production helped turn it into one of the year's most recognizable rap releases.
4. DJ Khaled – Hold You Down
DJ Khaled has always understood the power of an all-star collaboration, and “Hold You Down” was another example of his formula working perfectly.
The track brought together Chris Brown, August Alsina, Future and Jeremih, creating a star-powered collaboration that attracted attention from multiple corners of the music world.
The polished video, memorable performances and collection of major artists made “Hold You Down” one of the standout hip-hop releases of the year.
5. Nicki Minaj – Anaconda
Nicki Minaj's “Anaconda” was one of the defining music videos of 2014. The song famously incorporated elements of Sir Mix-A-Lot's classic “Baby Got Back,” giving the track a recognizable connection to an earlier generation of hip-hop.
The music video generated enormous attention thanks to its colorful visuals, choreography and bold performance style. It quickly became a major social-media talking point and further cemented Nicki Minaj's position as one of the most influential stars in contemporary rap.
Whether people loved it or debated it, “Anaconda” was impossible to ignore in 2014.
6. Iggy Azalea – Fancy
The music video drew inspiration from the classic film Clueless, giving the song a distinctive visual identity that made it especially memorable.
“Fancy” became a major commercial success and established Iggy Azalea as one of the most talked-about female rap artists of the period.
7. OG Maco – U Guessed It
Atlanta rapper OG Maco became one of the breakout names associated with the energetic “turn up” sound that was gaining momentum in hip-hop.
His track “U Guessed It” stood out because of its aggressive delivery, explosive production and highly recognizable vocal style. The song quickly spread online and became a favorite among listeners looking for high-energy party music.
Its viral success proved that an unconventional sound could still capture a massive audience when the performance and production connected with listeners.
8. Dej Loaf – Try Me
Dej Loaf emerged from Detroit with a sound that immediately separated her from many of her contemporaries. Her breakthrough song “Try Me” combined a relaxed musical style with confident, street-influenced lyrics.
The contrast between the laid-back production and Dej Loaf's delivery made the track especially distinctive. It quickly gained attention online and helped introduce the Detroit artist to a much wider audience.
“Try Me” became an important early milestone in Dej Loaf's career and one of the memorable breakout rap songs of 2014.
9. Rae Sremmurd – No Type
Mississippi duo Rae Sremmurd became one of the breakout acts of 2014. Signed to producer Mike Will Made-It's EarDrummers imprint, the brothers quickly gained attention with their energetic sound.
After the success of “No Flex Zone,” they followed up with “No Type,” an even bigger hit. The track's catchy production and memorable chorus helped it spread across radio, clubs and social media.
“No Type” became a defining early hit for Rae Sremmurd and helped establish the duo as one of hip-hop's exciting new acts.
10. ILOVEMAKONNEN – Tuesday
ILOVEMAKONNEN had one of the year's most unexpected breakthrough moments with “Tuesday.” The song had a relaxed, unconventional sound and a memorable hook built around the idea of enjoying a night out in the middle of the week.
The track gained even more momentum after Drake appeared on the remix. His involvement introduced the song to an even larger audience and helped transform “Tuesday” into a major hip-hop crossover hit.
The success of the song became a perfect example of how the internet, collaborations and word-of-mouth could turn an independent-feeling track into a mainstream phenomenon.
Why 2014 Was Such an Important Year for Viral Hip-Hop
Looking back, 2014 was an important turning point for rap music. Artists no longer had to rely exclusively on traditional radio promotion to reach a large audience. YouTube, social media, streaming platforms and viral dance trends were becoming increasingly important parts of the music business.
From Bobby Shmurda's Shmoney Dance to Nicki Minaj's “Anaconda,” these songs demonstrated how music could become a cultural moment almost overnight.
Many of the artists featured on this list went on to have significant careers, while others became remembered primarily for their breakout viral moments. Either way, these songs remain a fascinating snapshot of the hip-hop landscape in 2014.
Final Thoughts
The viral rap hits of 2014 helped show how quickly a song could move from an underground audience to mainstream pop culture. Catchy hooks, memorable videos, social-media conversations and major collaborations all played a role.
Which of these 2014 rap music videos was your favorite? Did we miss another viral hip-hop hit that deserves to be on the list? Let us know in the comments.