Hip hop music and dance has had a tremendous global impact, impacting millions around the globe. It began with DJ Kool Herc’s unique rhythmic combinations created in New York City; today breaking, gliding and locking are some of the most widely practiced moves within hip hop culture.
These hip hop songs will get you up and dancing like no one is watching! From inspiring anthems to funky grooves, there’s sure to be something here that will have you moving wildly!
OutKast
OutKast were trailblazers from their beginning, pushing Southern hip hop from its margins into mainstream popularity while simultaneously rewriting rap’s rules. Yet they remained innovators, always exploring new sounds and pushing hip hop further than before with each album release. OutKast built on their predecessors (the Princes, Parliaments), but created their own distinct sound using live instrumentation to blend hip-hop with gospel, rock rave and even ragtime–innovators who helped redefine musical history through musical experimentation! Their ability to fuse all these influences while making their music their own made them one of history’s most important and groundbreaking bands ever.
Stankonia was both critical and commercial success; yet despite their extensive catalog and longevity in hip-hop music, few seem to discuss them with reverence compared to Public Enemy or NWA. Young rap fans may associate them more as “Those Guys Who Did “Hey Ya!”” rather than with one of music’s deepest catalogs.
Part of the reason may be due to OutKast not offering an easily digestible narrative; Public Enemy and NWA had clear missions; 2Pac and Biggie served as martyrs of rap. OutKast stood apart by being more of a pop culture force throughout the 90s with high profile hits that had cultural impact without becoming watershed moments in themselves; instead they kept evolving and reinventing, sidestepping attention-grabbing beefs or polemics while expanding hip hop’s frontiers instead – thus earning them a spot on hip hop’s Mount Rushmore.
Mystikal
Michael Lawrence Tyler (Mystikal), was raised in one of New Orleans’ uptown areas – 12th Ward. Despite living in poverty, Mystikal’s mother and extended family provided plenty of love and support, encouraging him and his sister not to become involved with drugs and crime. Mystikal found rap music as a creative outlet to channel his aggressions.
Mystikal took an unconventional path into rapping after graduating Walter L. Cohen High in New Orleans: joining the army. While serving during the Gulf War and maintaining contact with local rap groups and labels while away, Mystikal did not pursue his rap career seriously until after returning home and joining a label himself.
Tyler first gained public notice with the single “Here I Go.” After signing to Master P’s No Limit Records collective and releasing Let’s Get Ready (2000 Jive), Mystikal released one of its most acclaimed tracks – “Danger (Been So Long),” featuring rising pop/R&B artist Nivea which peaked at number one on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart in June 2001.
Mystikal’s album Tarantula (Jive), was both critically and commercially successful, debuting at number one on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart dedicated to emerging artists.
On Tuesday, a judge denied Mystikal his bond for allegations that he engaged in unlawful raped and held her against her will at his Prairieville, Louisiana home. Michael Tyler (Mystikal’s real name), faces first-degree rape, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and simple robbery charges that could land him life behind bars if found guilty.
Trick Daddy
Trick Daddy rose to prominence during Southern hip-hop’s national popularity surge. He is widely credited with revitalizing Miami, Florida’s rap scene and becoming one of the genre’s most influential artists; Lil Wayne and Ludacris both credit him as one of their influences. However, his personal life wasn’t without incident: arrests followed numerous drug-related incidents; ultimately leading to him serving time for crack cocaine distribution charges although he claims his innocence of these charges.
Maurice Samuel Young, better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, was born in 1976 in Liberty City – an impoverished neighborhood of Miami – into a large family and quickly learned how to push and fight his way through society, leading him into legal troubles at an early age. By 1991 he had been sentenced to juvenile detention before spending some time at a prison camp before eventually being freed again.
Once he returned to the street, Trick Daddy began writing rhymes that detailed his experiences. Refusing to be labeled as a “thug poet,” his lyrics reflect real events from his life – gun play, sexual encounters, living in projects, welfare benefits, food stamps theft and auto theft were just some of his topics of discussion.
Trick Daddy has maintained his sense of humor despite his turbulent background, creating entertaining music. Although diagnosed with Lupus, he prefers not to dwell on its effects when writing his songs; instead focusing on how he makes an impactful difference in others lives instead. In and out of jail multiple times yet still performs live shows regularly.
Missy Elliot
Missy Elliott has been making waves in hip hop since 1991 and her impact is still felt today. A true multi-hyphenate, she is a rapper, producer, writer, dancer and designer all at the same time. Her style transcends time; from using breakdancers in videos reminiscent of early funk days all the way through to streetwear clothing that references graffiti culture in her clothing design choices; Missy has become one of hip hop’s premier icons since 1991.
Missy Elliott is an auteur whose songs explore themes of feminism, body positivity and female empowerment. While many rappers have since integrated melody into their rhyming over time, Missy set the trend with her 1997 hit “She’s A Bitch”, an anthem that breaks stereotypes associated with black women swagger and confidence.
Elliott has had an immense influence on female artists and continues to push the boundaries of hip hop music. Working closely with longtime collaborator Timbaland, she produced classic hits for Aaliyah, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, Jazmine Sullivan Monica Fantasia. Additionally she operates her own label and retains full creative control of her works.
Elliot has long been considered a pioneer of her genre. As one of the first rappers to incorporate singing into her music, and considered one of the most influential female rappers ever. She has been described as both “bitch-slaying goddess” and an “unapologetic conduit of urban life”. Additionally, she actively advocates for women’s rights as well as works on multiple projects raising breast cancer awareness.
Busta Bus
Hyro The Hero has released an epic, fist-pumping cover of Busta Rhymes’ 1996 single Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check on digital platforms. His version fuses heavy rock with Busta Rhymes’ signature rap vocals – “I’m a man built to burn,” as he proclaims on this new rendition, which also showcases Jamaican rapper’s stage performances and features footage from its live recording sessions.
Busta Rhymes quickly established himself on the underground scene with his group Leaders of the New School before striking out solo. Already featuring on tracks by Craig Mack and TLC as well as Dallas Austin (writer of hits like Brandy & Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” and TLC’s “Creep”) as a producer, his efforts were focused on money rather than artistic inspiration.
Busta delivered an ambitious debut with The Coming. His intention was to demonstrate that his talent could make him successful as an independent artist; it is a boldly confident LP which deftly balances adult responsibilities with raw, head-turning style.
Busta made one nod to his past in this album with one line about his birthdate (“May 20, 19…”). Other than that, there was little in terms of personal or autobiographical material on The Coming, making it far removed from Biggie’s confessional Ready to Die which detailed suicide attempts and family strife. Furthermore, guest appearances – which had become common during that era’s rap landscape – were rarer still, allowing Busta the opportunity to showcase both technical skills as well as his incredible knack for writing verses.
Dance was an integral component of hip hop at its inception; any park in the Bronx would often feature dancers performing hip hop moves.
From its birth in the Bronx, hip hop has spread far and wide since then. From learning the Dougie to rocking out to classic breakbeat music – here are the top hip hop songs and dance routines that’ll get you moving!
Aaliyah’s “Try Again”
As one of the ’90s R&B stars, Aaliyah remains one of the most underrated. Her presence was felt across music genres and she seemed on track for becoming a movie star; during her short career, Aaliyah earned herself two MTV Music Video Awards nominations and two wins; had it not been for an unfortunate plane crash that she may have gone further with this dream; her talents might’ve flourished further still.
Timbaland provided Aaliyah with a futuristic production that allowed her voice to soar over its beats, layering drums with sounds such as digital snares and hi-hats, synthesizers reminiscent of Brad Fiedel’s Terminator score synthesizers with burnished steel tones, irregular intervals from horns playing irregularly throughout. Aaliyah added her signature murmuring vocals for added texture that felt right at home in any sci-fi film soundtrack.
The verses explore the dynamics of an emerging romance, with relatable yet cliched lyrics. Aaliyah explores her feelings before giving into someone but wants to understand if their chemistry will last before giving in completely. This song offered a more mature approach than most pop songs of its time and it was refreshing hearing Aaliyah share her concerns and doubts openly.
Timbaland and Aaliyah worked on three songs together during their collaboration. Timbaland had already worked with Missy Elliott and members of her associated group Ginuwine and Playa, so he knew exactly how to bring Aaliyah out as an exceptional talent in “future-funk”. While other female artists stuck to Diane Warren-style ballads like Diane Warren had done previously, Aaliyah immersed herself fully into Missy Elliott and Timbaland’s future-funk circle.
The “Try Again” song features an infectious, catchy chorus that will have you moving in no time! Plus, its message of perseverance can apply in every area of life: be it starting your own business, passing an exam or finding true love; just remember “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” will keep you on the right path!
Bruno Mars’ “Finesse”
Hip hop is a cultural movement that spans music, poetry, dance, art, fashion and political philosophy. Originating in New York’s Bronx in the 1970s, its influence soon spread worldwide through styles like breaking, locking popping krumping and boogaloo – providing a lively depiction of youth culture while inspiring generations to embrace creative self-expression through improvised performance.
The production of this song recalls late-’80s/early-’90s R&B music produced by Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and/or L.A. Reid artists like Blackstreet, Boyz II Men and New Edition – specifically with bass drums providing the groove but other subtle elements also contributing – such as auxiliary percussion sounds, peanut gallery screams, siren synth crescendos during bridges as well as siren synth crescendos – creating its bouncy feel and prompt listeners to move bodies with ease!
Cardi B’s contribution to the song’s meaning and purpose stands out, too. Her rapping stanzas are unabashedly confident while its lyrical content emphasizes how good Mars and his partner look when out together strolling the streets.
Bruno Mars may not be known for pioneering this specific style of dance, but “Finesse” by Bruno Mars was heavily inspired by New Jack Swing; an offshoot of hip-hop and R&B that draws influence from soul, funk, disco and big band jazz. Re-recording his song to fit this new aesthetic but keeping its unique harmonies, tempo and beat structure that distinguish New Jack Swing so significantly is something he achieved with ease.
This song pays a fitting ode to hip hop’s legacy and serves as a reminder that its impact extends far beyond music genres; rather it represents a lifestyle with global influences. From New York City streets came DJs spinning turntables; now this mindset can be found DJing turntables in Sao Paulo Brazil; Arabic-spouting MCs can be found spitting rhymes in Qatar clubs; battle b-boys and girls battle on concrete surfaces in Finland; while graffiti artists leave their marks on Washington D.C walls.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” stands as more than just a cultural landmark; it marks an inflection point for hip hop as an artform that questions norms and sparks deep introspection. Both lyrics and video explore modern hip hop with bold honesty that has led to further conversations among fans and critics alike.
Mike WiLL Made-it is an Atlanta rapper best known for producing Drake’s “More Life” and Rae Sremmurd’s #MannequinChallenge viral hit ‘Black Beatles.” His beats can also be heard on Drake’s “More Life.” ‘Black Beatles’ features a deep piano riff with an 808 bass line that creates feelings of introspection while its instrumental also includes an infectious and catchy moombahton chorus that makes for a memorable listening experience!
As a result, the song quickly went viral, reaching number one in both the United States and Australia (where it was voted into Triple J’s Hottest 100) as well as topping charts in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and the UK. Lamar first claimed US #1 single status with this track; commercially speaking it has proven extremely successful to date.
Dave Meyers and the Little Homies directed an eye-catching music video for “Don’t” that features religious iconography melded with urban aesthetics. It begins with Lamar under an overtly religious spotlight before featuring a recreation of Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th century painting The Last Supper later in the clip, amongst a dizzying variety of scenes including him rolling money, taunting police, and hitting golf balls off his roof!
Though praised for its visual style, this video has also drawn considerable criticism for being misogynistic and hypocritical. Most notable among its detractors are lyrical jabs aimed at his fellow rappers – such as those referenced herein who “roll in money and sleep with baby mamas”. Some see these criticisms as justified since they highlight double standards within hip hop culture as well as how men like Lamar are represented in media portrayals; nevertheless it remains popularly heard today both radio-played radio-played clubs alike! Nonetheless, its success remains strong as its success can still be heard often today on radio stations worldwide!
Digital Underground’s “Humpty Hump”
Digital Underground was an influential group during an era of social activism and Black pride rap that stood out for its clever lyrics and innovative beats. Members went on to collaborate with Tupac Shakur on several of his landmark albums; thus making Humpty Hump an allego for their diversity as a musical character.
Released as the second single from Digital Underground’s debut album Sex Packets in January 1990, “Humpty Hump” quickly rose up the charts reaching number 11 on Billboard Hot 100, number 7 on R&B chart and topping rap charts – becoming an instant classic and sampling by numerous artists since. Jacobs’ signature nasal voice as Humpty Hump has even been sampled by numerous other acts!
The song’s lyrics poke fun at Hammer’s hyperactive dance style: “No two people will do it the same;/The unifying factor is enthusiasm, not technical skill,” according to its lyrics. In addition to its humorous takedown of dance floor performance, its chorus celebrates diversity: its references to African, Jewish, East Indian and Pakistani heritage align perfectly with their group’s multiracial make-up.
Digital Underground’s debut hit cemented them a place in New York City culture, thanks to its infectiously funky sound and visually striking visuals. Beyond being catchy, this song showcased Digital Underground’s talent at mixing funk with absurdist humor – according to Chopmaster J, a Digital Underground show was like attending a vaudevillian variety show!
Though DU’s subsequent albums, This Is an EP Release and Sons of the P, were less successful than their debut, they continued into the 2000s with Shock G acting as their leader. He also stayed active as a producer by co-writing “Mama Said Knock You Out,” as well as co-producing two tracks from 2Pac’s debut album 2Pacalypse Now with two of its tracks being written by Shock G. Additionally he featured as writer/director in movies such as Free Guy and The Body-Hat Syndrome.