2025: The Year Of The Hustle

2025 feels like the perfect year to take your hustle to the next level. We’ve been manifesting and girlbossing our way to the top decades, but this year we can all finally say: I made it. Whether you picture yourself building an empire, sipping champagne in your new LA mansion, or leaving your mundane 9 to 5 for a whole new career pivot, music is here to help steer you as you fulfill those ambitions. Choosing the right songs doesn’t just set the mood: it rewires your mindset. We’ve all experienced the lure of an effective soundtrack – it’s no secret that music has the power to alter your perception and change the way you see yourself.

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In the arena of modern pop music, the pursuit of wealth has proven time and time again to be an enduring inspiration for some of the bestselling artists of all time: we admire (or admonish) Ariana Grande for buying her sorority inner circle diamonds in ‘7 rings’, or Rihanna for sitting on a golden throne making it rain in ‘Pour It Up’; and we feel a sense of kinship and familiarity with the transatlantic come-up of A$AP Rocky and Skepta on ‘Praise The Lord (Da Shine)’. 

The road to success certainly isn’t easy, but one of the best ways to stay motivated is to press play on a galvanizing playlist. This curated selection is a visual affirmation of power, success and aspiration. Lock in!

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Future ft. The Weeknd – Low Life

This 2016 Future/The Weeknd collaboration has recently made a massive comeback on social media, reminding millions of listeners to tap into God mode and chase the high life they deserve. The song itself is one of diametrics; the ups and downs of life, the grind and the flex, the light and the dark within us. With Future’s iconic bars and The Weeknd’s smooth delivery, ‘Low Life’ is, once again, a mindset track to savour.

Ariana Grande – 7 Rings

Ariana Grande’s 2019 hit from her iconic ‘Thank U, Next’ album serves as a statement of having made it. Inspired by a real-life shopping spree where she bought matching diamond rings for herself and her besties after years of hard work, the song is a loud, proud declaration of self-love and sisterhood. The accompanying music video is a lavish display of girl power; a reminder you that if you want it, you should go get it – because you’ve earned it.

Gwen Stefani ft. Eve – Rich Girl

This unapologetic duo introduced a whole generation to ‘manifestation’ with their 2004 hit ‘Rich Girl’. The hook-laden, upbeat track features positive affirmations about being the material girl of your dreams. With Gwen’s dreamy vocals, which paint a picture of pure fantasy, and Eve’s fierce verse bringing pure boss energy, the song shifts from childlike daydreaming to bold statements about their lifestyle of choice. The music video itself is a pop culture gold, blending a playful pirate scenario with high-fashion paraphernalia.

A$AP Rocky ft. Skepta – Praise The Lord (Da Shine)

It was already clear upon its release in 2016: this isn’t just a song, it’s an anthem for the ages. With a hypnotic, flute-driven beat paired with Skepta’s striking delivery, ‘Praise The Lord’ turned out to be more than just a hit; it became a celebration of finally making it and a reminder that success does not come overnight. The narrative is split between Rocky’s Harlem roots and Skepta’s London origin story, essentially proving the grind is universal.

Lady Gaga’s verse on Video Phone

Lady Gaga’s upbeat verse on Beyoncé’s 2008 seductive track ‘Video Phone’ exudes unadulterated confidence. Gaga stepped into this song like she owns it, balancing seduction with lofty ambition. A year later, Mother Monster and Queen B teamed up for the unforgettable ‘Telephone’, and after a decade of speculation, Gaga recently hinted that a continuation of the killer spree collaboration could be in the works. If it ever materialises one thing is certain: this combo will be just as inspiring, fierce, and legendary as the first.

Nicki Minaj’s verse on Flawless

There is nothing better than the meeting of two Queens, each at the top of their game. Nicki’s verse on the ‘Flawless remix’ is nothing short of a masterclass in confidence and audacity. Her bars are a declaration of power as she shuts down all the haters and the naysayers. Beyoncé’s iconic “I woke up like this” hook sets the stage but when Nicki comes in dropping lethal bars like “Winning is my mother***** protocol,” she makes her lyrical prowess resoundingly clear.

Eminem – Till I Collapse

Eminem has dozens of motivational songs in his catalogue, and we are eternally grateful for them. His fourth album ‘The Eminem Show’ is a wonderful blend of raw emotion, struggle and hope for better days. One of its most powerful tracks, ‘Till I Collapse’, is a timeless hit powered with strength and power. Released in 2002, the song is fuelled by intensity and a desire to succeed. “‘Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out / Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth,’” Eminem offloads like a true champion.

Rihanna – Pour It Up

Whether she’s asserting dominance in ‘B*tch Better Have My Money’ or simply living it up unashamedly like on ‘Pour It Up’, Rihanna has reminded us time and time again she does not play when it comes to her acquisition of wealth. With lyrics such as “Throw it up, throw it up / Watch it all fall out”, the accompanying mise en scène tracks our favourite bad girl throwing stacks and twerking on a golden throne whilst dripping in diamonds. A Capitalist Queen like no other.

50 Cent – P.I.M.P.

Over two decades have passed since 50 Cent released this hit song, yet the song remains a timeless classic. ‘P.I.M.P.’ is a hedonistic anthem made for all hustlers across the world enjoying their diamonds, cars and mansions. 50’s delivery is mellifluous and every line carries the weight of someone who’s earned his success and knows exactly how to keep it.

Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z – Upgrade U

Audemars-Piguet? Hermes briefcase? Cartier tie clips? The OG power couple showed off their refined taste and love of excess on their 2006 collaboration titled ‘Upgrade U’, lifted from Bey’s underrated sophomore album, ‘B’Day’. At first, ‘Upgrade U’ seems like calvacade of unattainable luxuries, but its true message lies in levelling up together and building an empire. “It’s very seldom, that you’re blessed to find your equal / Still played my part and let you take the lead role, believe me…” as always Beyoncé proves that she’s not a bystander to greatness. She is greatness.

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Words: Velvet Coke