1. MALAMENTE (Cap.1: Augurio)
Rosalía just snapped the timeline in half. "Malamente" wasn't just a song; it was a cultural reset, pulling centuries of flamenco into a trap-pop vortex. The vocal runs, the handclaps, the sheer audacity of blending tradition with cutting-edge production. She built a new pop language, proving local authenticity is the ultimate global flex. Pure genius, truly.
2. DDU-DU DDU-DU
BLACKPINK's "DDU-DU DDU-DU" is pure, unadulterated maximalism. That drop? Instantly iconic. It’s the sonic equivalent of a diamond-encrusted tank rolling through your speakers. They perfected the K-Pop formula: undeniable hooks, relentless swagger, and a production gloss so slick it redefines "global standard." This track is peak chart-topping energy, no question.
3. Bunny Me Preguntó
Bad Bunny just built his own lane, didn't he? "Tití Me Preguntó" is carnival-level hype fused with that signature melancholic swagger. It’s bachata, dembow, reggaeton, all chopped and screwed into something undeniably him. He proved you don't need English to own the world; just impeccable vibe and a beat that demands movement. An absolute masterclass, truly unstoppable.
4. Alors On Danse (DubDogz Remix)
Stromae’s original was already a global moment, but the DubDogz remix of "Alors On Danse" just weaponized it for every summer festival playlist. It’s that perfect blend of nostalgic earworm and modern house beat, hitting that sweet spot between classic euro-pop and current club energy. Pure viral gold, this is absolute dancefloor alchemy, setting trends.
5. Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat)
SZA’s "Kill Bill" already owned the internet, but adding Doja Cat was a masterclass in extending virality. It's that R&B melancholy hitting with a sharp edge, then Doja drops in with her hyper-specific, genre-fluid flow. This collab showed how smart features can reboot a track, keeping it fresh and charting for months. Strategic genius.
6. NewJeans 1st EP 'New Jeans'
NewJeans debuted and immediately recalibrated K-Pop's soundscape. Their first EP wasn't about aggressive drops; it was about this effortlessly cool, 'easy listening' vibe, drenched in Y2K nostalgia. They proved soft power and impeccable aesthetics can be just as impactful as any bombastic anthem. A refreshing, genre-defining shift that set a new benchmark.
7. Say So (feat. Nicki Minaj)
Doja Cat's "Say So" was already a TikTok sensation, but bringing Nicki Minaj onto the remix just solidified its legendary status. It’s that perfect disco-pop throwback, then Nicki comes in with a verse that reminds everyone why she's queen. This track showed how a viral moment plus an iconic feature equals unstoppable chart dominance. Textbook strategy, really.
