The 2025 essentials: ft. Dave, Doechii, Central Cee, Skepta, Sexyy Red and more

Available for 37 days

1Xtra’s Rap List: Best of 2025, your ultimate guide to the tracks that shaped the year in rap, drill, grime and hip-hop. If it mattered in the culture, it’s on this list. Only the biggest, boldest and most talked-about names made the cut. From viral breakouts to pure bar merchants, legends still shelling it to fresh heat from the underground this is what defined 2025. Dave, Skepta, Doechii, Flo Milli, Central Cee, Cardi B, Latto, J Hus, Ice Spice, D-Block Europe and more came through with serious weight. These are the songs that soundtracked the year. All handpicked by the team at BBC Radio 1Xtra, this playlist is fully certified. No skips, no filler — just the records that ruled. Turn it all the way up. This is the sound of 2025. Produced by BBC Audio for BBC Radio 1Xtra.