“Essence” by afrobeat superstar WizKid, featuring Tems, was another of the year's undeniable songs. Reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop airplay and the adult R&B airplay chart, the sultry, melodic duet record was crowned by many as the song of the summer. “Essence,” which beckoned listeners to find their significant other — or perspective crush— to get up and dance, would explode and become so gigantic that the Nigerian native welcomed a remix from another R&B star: Justin Bieber.
'Essence,' WizKid, featuring Tems
Justin Bieber's “Peaches” was one of 2021’s most dominant songs. It's among the best songs of the year, as selected by AP entertainment writers.
