Hip hop songs frequently utilize rapping as their primary vocal style. This rhythmic, rhymed form of speech complements the beat.
NYC’s melting-pot community gave rise to hip hop in the 1970s when DJs such as Kool Herc hosted block parties with DJ-sampled disco hits and encouraged dancing during long percussive breaks (“breaks”).
Salt & Peppa have shown women can be hip hop stars too with this seductive dance track, which doubles as an anthem for inner city survival.
1. Alright by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics convey a strong sense of optimism that things will get better in time. Although current world conditions may appear dismal, Kendrick Lamar reassures his listeners that things will eventually improve. While acknowledging issues such as institutional racism, police brutality, and weaknesses of himself and others in his generation, such as institutionalized racism or his own failings; his assurances remain the same: everything will eventually work out if people trust in God.
This song also showcases some of the unique terms often employed in hip hop culture. One such term was popularised by Snoop Dogg by adding an “izz” at the end of each word to form “shizznit”, an act later adopted by other rappers and has become widespread within music as an industry.
While the genre’s hallmark slang and language are key components, the message delivered by this song is no less essential: It calls upon people to advocate for their rights in an environment characterized by fear and hostility.
Kendrick released this song as a protest song on his 2015 To Pimp a Butterfly album and it has since become a rallying point for oppressed communities, being played during Black Lives Matter marches and protest events, along with other socially aware gatherings. Nina Simone’s Mississippi Goddam and Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit stand alongside it as powerful songs that transcend musical genres.
Although this song serves as an effective call to action, it also serves as a powerful reminder that there are good people fighting for others’ rights around us. We must all take a moment to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice due to injustices they were experiencing; their deaths must not go in vain and we must continue fighting for change together – hence why this song remains relevant today and was recognized among the most powerful hip hop songs of all time.
2. Walk This Way by Aerosmith
One of the most iconic songs in music history and first cover by hip hop artists is Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” first released for their Toys in the Attic album in 1975. By that time, Aerosmith had fallen into a bit of a slump as sales had steadily decreased since their 70s peak while members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry struggled with drug addiction issues; indeed they hadn’t had a top 10 single since “Walk This Way” made history almost ten years earlier.
Run-DMC’s cover of this song in 1986 rejuvenated both Run-DMC and the genre, becoming a hit and ushering in an entirely new subgenre of rock/rap fusion music. Furthermore, mainstream rock and pop radio stations began playing hip hop – which at that point had been predominantly underground music genre – for the first time.
Run-DMC’s rendition of the song became an instantaneous hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the first rap songs ever to break into the top 10. Additionally, their album Raising Hell became an enormous success and catapulted Run-DMC to new heights of success in their careers.
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry never foresaw that their 1974 recording would be covered by hip hop artists in 1986; their lead singer even concedes he thought the lyrics resembled country-bumpkin, mountain-climbing hillbilly gibberish!
Producer Rick Rubin persuaded the group to allow him to cover it, giving the MCs the song and notepad with instructions to listen at home and transcribe its lyrics so they could rap over it. At first, they were skeptical and worried they’d ruin its original sound by adding an element of rap rapping over it, but soon came around after hearing its initial performance and enjoyed what they heard!
This iconic music video depicts Hollis, Queens rap trio MCs Run and DMC and DJ Jam Master Jay trying to drown out Aerosmith bandmates Joe Perry and Steve Tyler practicing across the street, before coming together for an explosive rap-rock mashup that forever altered our culture. Since its initial release, this song has been covered by multiple artists such as British girl groups Sugababes and Girls Aloud; American groups *NSYNC, Britney Spears and Mary J Blige – among others.
3. Push It by Salt & Peppa
Salt-N-Pepa were among the most revered hip hop acts of the 1980s, pioneering female rap artists who created groundbreaking hits like “Push It.” Formed at Queensborough Community College nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton from Queensborough Community College nursing programs Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton quickly rose to prominence by recording songs for Hurby Azor’s birthday party and then recording it themselves. Following local successes they recruited another member, DJ Spinderella who later on made waves within hip hop circles before breaking through with “Push It”, becoming classic hit that set the precedent for other female rappers later on.
Hot, Cool & Vicious became the first platinum album released by an all-female hip hop act in history. Though not technically proficient rap artists themselves, Hot Cool & Vicious managed to convey an air of strength and confidence in their music that stood in stark contrast with misogyny often experienced from male counterparts during that era.
Salt-N-Peppa quickly established themselves as hip hop royalty with their follow up albums A Salt with a Deadly Pepa and Black’s Magic, further cementing their place within the genre. Songs like “Push It” showed their confidence as well as how adeptly they addressed issues surrounding sexuality in song; showing women could run hip hop just as successfully as men did.
Although other artists (JJ Fad, L’Trimm and Oaktown 357) were able to make waves on the hip hop scene during this era (such as JJ Fad, L’Trimm and Oaktown 357) they did not enjoy Salt-N-Peppa’s staying power; each member took on different paths following its breakup; Salt stayed within industry as she became religious while Pepa became popular appearing on The Surreal Life and hosting daytime talk shows later on.
This classic ladies’ track remains an integral component of hip hop legacy and was even mocked up in a 2014 commercial for Geico insurance. In this commercial, people use this song to demonstrate various instances where they would like to push various items such as elevator buttons, lawn mowers or even birthing classes!
4. Ready to Die by Drake
Hip hop music was originally developed by African Americans and has become incredibly popular since. Combining elements of R&B, dance and rock to produce an emotionally charged blend. Furthermore, its lyrics often employ various autotuned techniques to express what its artist feels.
Drake has long been known for writing heartbreaking breakup songs, and “Peak” is no different. The track explores an unsatisfactory relationship and how sometimes it’s best to move on when something just isn’t working out – something which may be difficult but it may ultimately be best for all parties involved.
Although this track contains some serious lyrical content, it remains an enjoyable listen. The production quality is outstanding with an infectious beat accompanied by some excellent piano samples. Drake delivers incredible vocals that will have you singing along! His lines will keep you singing along until the very last note.
If you’re feeling down and need an upbeat tune to boost your spirits, listen to this song for some instantaneous relief. Its catchy tune will put a smile on your face and will have you wanting to dance along!
This classic Drake song captures his struggle of living life under the spotlight, dealing with all its pressures and dealing with fame itself. The production on this is outstanding and any fan of Drake should check out this song immediately!