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Best Songs of 2012 (So Far): Jay-Z, Usher, Rihanna, Kirko Bangz & More

• Posted May 30th 2012 12:35PM by Kathy Iandoli
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The halfway mark of 2012 is upon us, and the world hasn't ended yet. That's pretty good news, isn't it? Meanwhile, some of our favorite artists have added to the soundtrack for two of the four seasons this year. These songs move through hip-hop and R&B, while circling the pop realm as well. As we enter the summer months and inch even closer to closing out the year, The BoomBox highlights 10 hot songs that have carried us through the first six months. Most of these songs came from artists we already know and love. However, some newbies slid onto the list -- and even an artist from a totally different genre. Everyone's invited to this party, so plug in your expensive headphones and check out our picks.

It seemed like pixie pop folkster Sia would never be caught dead on a track like this. But, with the rhythmic beat and optimistic tone to the song, perhaps Sia saw this as a good opportunity to rock with musclebound musician Flo Rida. The song reflects that in betweeny hip-pop that mixes dance with rap, and the result is shamelessly jumping around your room like the opening scene of a bad '80s movie. Bad meaning good.
 

Even if you're too young to drink liquor, this song makes you want to fill a red Solo cup with apple juice and raise it like you're toasting to the good life. This Houston, Texas rapper adopted his moniker through a phonetic interpretation of Kurt Cobain's name. Everyone knows the late Nirvana frontman rocks, and so does Kirko Bangz. His introductory track became a surefire hit. Dare we say, he Bangz, he Bangz?
 

Think of one song Rihanna's released since "Pon de Replay" that hasn't been a total hit. Go ahead, we'll wait. After "We Found Love" closed out last year with a bullet, RiRi goes ahead and drops this mainstream monster on us. Then she turns around and adds her controversial ex-boyfriend Chris Brown to the remix. Why is Rihanna so damn successful? Because she simply doesn't care. She knows how to start a party, and it's not even her birthday.