No. 10 - Azealia Banks “Idle Delilah”
Best for: Trail running
Play it when: First thing after you head out.
Get things going from the jump with this exotic banger from Azealia’s Broke with Expensive Taste. It’s the perfect song to get things going, whether it’s first thing in the morning or after work during sunset. It kicks off with some unassuming drums and hi-hats, then at about the thirty second mark, “Idle Delilah” really begins to take shape with its pounding low end.
No. 9 - Rae Sremmurd “No Flex Zone”
Best for: Marathons/marathon training
Play it when: That moment when you breeze by a pack of sloth-like runners.
Running is as competitive as any sport, and there’s nothing like that feeling when you pass the competition for the first (or second, or third) time. Have Rae Sremmurd’s breakout hit “No Flex Zone” on tap for that stretch when you need to tell the haters to back up off of you.
No. 8 - DJ Snake and Lil Jon “Turn Down For What”
Best for: Road running
Play it when: You feel like you might need to stop and take a breather.
At this point, you’re probably sick of hearing DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down For What.” It’s been played ad nauseam, but the electronic-fueled smash still has its uses. If you feel like you just can’t push any further, throw this one on. The results may surprise you.
No. 7 - Sia “Chandelier”
Best for: Road running
Play it when: You’re approaching the home stretch.
One of 2014’s most talked about music videos is also a running playlist necessity. Its triumphant hook is the perfect for finishing off strong, and maybe you’ll even have the urge to co-op a few of the dance moves from the video.
No. 6 - Wiz Khalifa “We Dem Boyz”
Best for: Marathons
Play it when: You and your crew arrive.
Running a marathon with friends always makes things more exciting, but without the right soundtrack, your squad is just another pack of runners. Let ‘em know who to watch out for as you arrive swagging out to “We Dem Boyz.”
No. 5 - Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar “Never Catch Me”
Best for: Marathons
Play it when: You’re crushing your competition.
Sometimes, you just know you’re good. We’re not saying you should start getting cocky about your abilities, but no one can motivate you better than yourself, and going in with the right attitude is a good way to get a jump on the competition before the race even starts. Win or lose, they’ll never, ever catch up to you.
No. 4 - Future featuring Pusha T & Pharrell “Move That Dope”
Best for: Road running
Play it when: You’re trying to navigate through vehicles and pedestrians.
Foot traffic getting on your nerves? Throw on this Mike Will Made It-produced trap banger when you just want to keep things moving. Just try to resist the urge to rap along, or you might catch some awkward looks.
No. 3 - Run the Jewels “Blockbuster Night Part 1”
Best for: Road running
Play it when: You need to get hyped up for a night run.
Killer Mike and El-P’s Run the Jewels duo doesn’t actually have anything to do with running, but we’ll be damned if they don’t make some stellar running anthems. We could’ve picked almost any song from their 2014 release, but this apocalyptic joint is ideal for night time outings.
No. 2 - Kendrick Lamar “i”
Best for: Road running
Play it when: On a sunny day when everything seems to be going your way.
Take a page from Kendrick in the music video for “i” and hit the streets running to some positive vibes. His video is set during nighttime, but this is the kind of song that just feels like a sunny day. Soak up that Vitamin D and take in the psychedelic vibes of K. Dot's latest single.
No. 1 - X Ambassadors, Jamie N Commons, and Jay-Z “Jungle (Remix)”
Best for: Trail running
Play it when: You’re deep in the trail feeling like an explorer.
X Ambassadors and Jamie N Commons teamed up for “Jungle,” which was already a great song on its own. Then, Hov added a guest verse for one of the best (and somehow, most overlooked) remixes of the year. The pulsating drums and intense vocals pair flawlessly with Hov’s inspirational bars, resulting in a song that you won’t want to get caught in the jungle without.
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