Music in 2014 set the tone for many Zillennials on Vine, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube through several hit songs that dropped. In the peak moments of standom and reposts, there was a secret behind the several hits that touched our speakers: virality.
From Beyoncé dropping a surprise homemade music video to Nicki Minaj’s meme-filled Billboard hit, these songs created moments online that continue to live on through the internet. The musical movement happening in 2014 continues to be a memory-filled nostalgia bank as Gen Z continues to get older and reflect on what life was like 10 years ago. Check out these bonafide hits from 2014 that shaped musical consumption for Gen Z.
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Hot N-gga By Bobby Shmurda
We all remember where we were when this song dropped. Bobby Shmurda had everyone stopping in their tracks to do his signature dance. Not only did the dance become a staple at parties, school dances and car rides, but the memes were in constant rotation.
Wiggle By Jason Derulo Featuring Snoop Dogg
Like most Zillennials on Vine, this song played nonstop thanks to its catchy hook and infectious beat, which made you want to dance. Jason Derulo and Snoop Dogg created a hit that stayed on the charts and in our favorite Vine videos.
2 On By Tinashe Featuring Schoolboy Q
Through her high-energy choreography and airy vocals, the second Tinashe stepped on the scene; she caught our attention with “2 On.” The Aquarius singer brought a new element to the club banger-filled catalog of 2014.
Anaconda By Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj broke the internet through “Anaconda,” not only a catchy sample to “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot but also through visuals, memes, and jaw-dropping lyrics. The song grew an entire movement of memes with everyone doing the infamous pose from the single artwork that catapulted Minaj’s career and visibility worldwide.
Bang Bang By Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
“Bang Bang” became a fun and vocal anthem that took over as Barbz and Arianators joined forces for the first time. The sultry lyrics and Minaj’s catchy bars were a match made in heaven, and pop radio played this song nonstop.
7/11 By Beyoncé
Coming off the heels of a surprise drop that changed the climate of music, Beyoncé makes another shocking move. The singer’s dropping of a home-video aesthetic music video revealed a new layer: She also wants to have fun and be free with her girls.
No Type By Rae Sremmurd
Through their unique cadence and heavy trap beats, Rae Sremmurd started a new attention-grabbing wave that catered to the new generation of consumers. The upbeat energy and catchy lyrics in “No Type” became the caption on everyone’s Instagram and got everyone hyped no matter where the occasion was.
Lifestyle By Rich Gang Featuring Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan
This braggadocious anthem took the internet by storm. After hearing the mesmerizing hook from Young Thug and the heavy-hitting verse from Rich Homie Quan, we witnessed a dynamic duo form right before our eyes in 2014.
Studio By ScHoolboy Q Featuring BJ The Chicago Kid
As TDE continued to build its roster, we met ScHoolboy Q through his hit song “Studio,” featuring the gritty vocals and BJ The Chicago Kid. It showcased a fun new class of rappers coming into the mix as music began to evolve.
Happy By Pharrell
Whether you loved or hated it, Pharrell’s “Happy” epitomized a viral sensation that grew into a larger movement. The song curated a positive feeling worldwide that people of all ages could engage in, and it still stands the test of time.
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About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.