Rappers use music as a powerful platform for sharing their personal stories and views. From urban life struggles to political unrest, Hip Hop provides a voice to those without one.
Back when Hip Hop was becoming saturated with flash and superficial beats, KRS-One dropped this thought-provoking track as a reminder that money alone may never bring happiness.
1. Lil Uzi Vert – “Stay”
Uzi Vert quickly rose from Soundcloud buzz to global success within just months, thanks to his unique songwriting approach incorporating hooks, bars and adlibs all into one track over colorful trap beats that sound both old and new. His devil-may-care attitude makes him an inherently charismatic rock star – any prospect of him moving on now would be greatly regrettable.
He also boasts an undeniably beautiful voice. Unmistakably distinctive without AutoTune and perfectly in sync with his hyperactive rapping style, his unmistakably unique vocals add depth and texture to each verse and track he writes. One of few young rappers who can make songs instantly classic by simply adding vocal gymnastics; his delivery of “I dunk on the money like it’s a basketball court” being one such line is evidence of this talent.
Unfortunately, NoCap may soon retire early from music due to legal troubles, but when on his game he is an unbeatable force in hip hop rap music. Not only are his rhymes clean and hard-hitting; but he is one of hip hop’s master storytellers and this song about a Brooklyn street gang stands as testament to that fact.
This song’s title may seem too good to be true, yet that is precisely why it works so well. The drum beat could melt a brick while Lou Reed’s bass line from “Walk on the Wild Side” adds some weighty bass lines. Meanwhile, its lyrics depict an unlikely tale about an underworld figure who gets his own back and goes on a killing spree, leaving behind bodies in his wake.
Slick Rick was already one of hip hop’s premier storytellers when this classic hit the shelves, and it still remains his best work to this day. This heartbreaking tale about an upstart MC and his motherfucking girlfriend riveted audiences from its first appearance back in 1988 to its current day screenings.
2. Kanye West – “Famous”
Kanye West (aka Ye) is an award-winning rapper, producer, author, and fashion designer. He first made an impactful mark on hip hop production through working with GLC, D-Dot and the Go-Getters; his distinctive production style included pitch-up vocal samples from soul tracks mixed in with original drum beats and instruments to form his productions.
West’s 2004 debut album College Dropout was widely lauded. The record marked an innovative departure from gangsta rap at that time and led to more rappers who focused on personal struggles instead of the typical gangster lifestyle cliches found within mainstream rap music.
After the success of College Dropout, West became more involved with his rap career and touring with Jay-Z. He established GOOD Music and experimented with various sounds for his albums. Graduation featured anthemic arena-sized rock influences as well as house music from his native Chicago; its release coincided with 50 Cent’s Curtis release date and was seen by some as a battle for hip hop between an intellectual showman versus a street thug.
Graduation was followed up with 808s & Heartbreak, which again showcased West’s ability to craft songs using his distinctive sound and also included vocal passages – something rare among rap standards at that time. Yeezus, West’s sixth studio album released in 2013 and debuting at number one on Billboard 200 was widely received both critically and commercially, featuring popular tracks such as Black Skinhead being popular on both pop and hip hop charts.
Ye released a music video for her song Famous that featured nude wax figures of celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Bill Cosby – an influence taken from Vincent Desiderio’s 2008 Sleep painting featuring nude sculptures of celebrities laid together on a bed. However, this video caused widespread outrage due to its political and social commentary regarding controversial politicians as well as Tristan Thompson-Khloe Kardashian cheating scandal references.
3. Drake – “God’s Plan”
Drake’s “God’s Plan” is a catchy and profound trap song. It addresses important themes in Drake’s life, such as his fame and wealth; enemies around him who want bad things for him; yet this doesn’t stop Drake from using his money and fame to help those around him.
In his music video, he gives away $1 Million cash to people and organizations throughout Florida, as well as spending time with children at a community center and celebrating his success by dancing with high school students – an action-packed performance with joyousness evident all through.
The song has received mixed reviews from music critics; however, many have praised its catchy lyrics and production value. Furthermore, it topped several global charts upon release and remains one of Drake’s most beloved tracks ever with several remixes being created around it.
Rappers are famed for their captivating imagery and profound rhymes. The most successful MCs utilize their art to address pressing social issues ranging from politics to street violence – with some taking even further, using music to promote positive social change through its lyrics.
Hip hop music has taken the world by storm, profoundly altering our culture in ways no one could have predicted. Its influence can be felt all across the planet, with this playlist featuring some of its iconic hits.
No matter if it’s B-Real with his menacing beat or Raekwon with their gangsta anthems, hip hop’s best songs always carry an undeniable edge that cannot be denied. Featuring some of the biggest names like Drake, Cardi B, and Khaled – this playlist will keep you informed on everything going on in hip hop today.
4. Kendrick Lamar – “To Pimp a Butterfly”
Kendrick Lamar has made waves within hip hop culture due to his technical artistry and complex songwriting, earning him one of the most influential rappers of his generation and even winning a Pulitzer for his 2017 album “DAMN”. Lamar excels at telling stories through music that resonate with people while depicting struggles they can relate to – making him a role model for younger generations of rappers looking up to him as someone pushing hip hop forward.
Although predominantly hip hop in its musical stylings, To Pimp a Butterfly also includes jazz, soul and funk styles to provide listeners with an enjoyable listening experience. Lyrically it focuses on topics including racism inequality depression institutional racism.
To Pimp a Butterfly’s success can be attributed to its varied production. The record features various producers, such as Sounwave, Terrace Martin, Taz “Tisa” Arnold, Rahki, Boi-1da and Knxwledge; several are adept at using beat switches to create dynamic rhythms that shift tempo, rhythm and mood – an important tool in crafting meaningful hip hop tracks.
Popular hip hop songs feature artists delivering powerful messages through their songs. Many top tracks have been released by rappers who address various topics like mental health, racism and sexual abuse in their music.
Rappers like Lil Uzi Vert, Drake and Kanye West can reach wide audiences due to their relatable content and upbeat lyrics.
As hip hop continues to advance and flourish, fans can look forward to more innovative lyrics and insightful narratives from their favorite artists. It is crucial that we support these artists so they may continue creating hip hop music!