2021 SoundCloud Playback: NBA YoungBoy, Polo G, Sweely, SoFaygo Top Fan-Powered Lists

SoundCloud revealed their annual end-of-year review – ‘The SoundCloud Playback’ on December 1st, 2021. Powered by the fans and communities on SoundCloud, ‘The SoundCloud Playback’ distinguishes itself from other year-in-review moments by highlighting both the 2021 trends and foreshadowing what’s next in music.

The 2021 year-end review recognizes influential artists with dedicated fandoms, such as the Top Artist, YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Polo G, who’s song “Rapstar” is named Hit of the Year. With six new categories this year, SoundCloud has expanded inclusivity into their list by highlighting independent and up-and-coming artists, like Top Independent Artist, SoFaygo and A1 x J1, who is awarded Biggest Debut of 2021.

To celebrate ‘The SoundCloud Playback’ picks, comedian, artist and writer, Zack Fox will be hosting their first ever, ‘Playback Awards Show’ on December 1st at 7pm ET that will stream via SoundCloud’s YouTube and Instagram. The “not-so-awards-show” takes viewers on a comedic journey through the year on SoundCloud while honoring the top artists, music, and moments that mattered most in 2021.

The 2021 year-end review recognizes influential artists with dedicated fandoms, such as the Top Artist, YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Polo G, whose song “Rapstar” is named Hit of the Year. With six new categories this year, SoundCloud has expanded inclusivity into their list by highlighting independent and up-and-coming artists, like Top Independent Artist, SoFaygo and A1 x J1, who is awarded Biggest Debut of 2021.

To celebrate ‘The SoundCloud Playback’ picks, comedian, artist and writer, Zack Fox hosted their first-ever, ‘Playback Awards Show’ on December 1st at 7pm ET that streamed via SoundCloud’s YouTube and Instagram. The “not-so-awards-show” took viewers on a comedic journey through the year on SoundCloud while honoring the top artists, music, and moments that mattered most in 2021.

Top Artist: YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Most fan engagement on a 2021 release of any artist on SoundCloud.

Fan-Powered Artist: Sweely **NEW**

Independent artist with the most growth in fan engagement on SoundCloud in 2021, driving major fan-powered royalties payouts.

Hit of the Year: Polo G – Rapstar

Most plays on a 2021 release.

Longest Run: Polo G – Rapstar – 7 weeks at #1

Most consecutive weeks spent topping the New & Hot chart in 2021.

Hardest Hit: Polo G – Rapstar

Most fan engagement on a track within 24 hours of all tracks on SoundCloud in 2021.

Top Independent Artist: SoFaygo **NEW**

Most fan engagement on a 2021 release for an independent artist.

Hardest Independent Hit: BabySantana – Antisocial 2 (feat. Slump6s, Yung Fazo, Xhulooo, SSGKobe) [prod. Maajins & Mudd] **NEW**

Most fan engagement on an independent artist’s track within 24 hours in 2021.

Top DJ Mix: A. G. Cook – Dream Logic

Most played eligible DJ set exclusive to SoundCloud in 2021.

Biggest Debut: A1 x J1 **NEW**

Most plays on a first upload in 2021.

Top Comments Award: TY – ‘먹구름 (Dark Clouds) **NEW**

Most comments on a track in the first week of release in 2021.

Jam of the Summer: Trippie Redd – Holy Smokes (ft. Lil Uzi Vert) **NEW**

Most fan engagement on a track released within June – August 2021.

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Tags: 2021, NBA Youngboy, Polo G, SoFaygo, SoundCloud, Sweely

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.