Rap music has come under considerable fire for promoting drugs, misogyny and materialism; yet we should remember this is just art and appreciate well-written lyricism even when we don’t agree with its subject matter.
Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” with its energetic beat and humorous rhyming scheme, introduced hip-hop music to a worldwide audience. This track showcases how rappers create clever metaphors to get us thinking critically and connect the dots themselves.
1. NY State of Mind
One of the greatest hip hop songs ever written, NY State of Mind by Nasir Jones serves as an intimate portrait of his struggle living in Queensbridge as a young man. This song addresses issues like gang violence and drug use prevalent in urban neighborhoods as a warning against entering such lifestyles; also, this marks Nas’ first time touching upon gun violence as part of his music; later recordings would revisit this subject matter.
The song forms part of Illmatic, considered one of the greatest hip hop albums ever released. It was an essential release for Nas as he established himself as an influential voice within hip hop. Inspired by events that happened when he was growing up – such as Ill Will being shot – this album serves as an anthem for New York City residents while showing how hip hop can be used as a vehicle for positive social change.
Nas’ song does not glorify New York City’s criminal and gangsta culture like Jay Z did with Empire State of Mind; rather it highlights how these experiences have helped shape his lifestyle and formed him into the emcee that he is today.
Few artists in hip hop can reach such great heights without becoming irrelevant; Nas is one such artist and it is evident why his NY State of Mind still sounds fresh today.
2. Remember the Name
When discussing the best hip hop songs, beats and lyricism are usually at the forefront of people’s minds. However, making great hip hop songs takes true skill; some rappers can turn simple concepts into memorable rhymes that stick in your mind; others make references to literature or theater that may seem intimidating for those unfamiliar with it.
Sugarhill Gang may not have invented hip-hop, but their classic, “Rapper’s Delight”, is still revered over four decades after first debuting it to wider audiences. “Rapper’s Delight” showcases sharp flows and memorable lyrics over an energetic beat interpolating Chic’s “Good Times.” Today it remains a beloved classic.
Rappers use their skills to use social commentary and raise awareness of injustices that would otherwise go unnoticed. Public Enemy’s Chuck D once dubbed rap “the CNN of the ghetto,” with many artists using their platforms to protest police brutality or other forms of oppression through music. Unfortunately, over time rap has also evolved into an escape mechanism without its original impact still present in many songs.
At a time when critics were bemoaning the decline of gangsta rap, Kodak Black made headlines as a promising new face of street music. With his hit single, “No Flockin,” Kodak Black showcased an array of flow patterns and rhymes that helped distinguish himself from other emerging talent. He even popularized using “broccoli” as slang for marijuana – inspiring Cardi B’s 2018 hit single “Bodak Yellow”. No one did more to demonstrate why rap songs needed more than just beats and lyrics alone.
3. Lose Yourself
Eminem’s song from the 8 Mile soundtrack that remains one of his enduring and powerful compositions, this 2002 classic stands as a landmark in its genre. It demonstrated that rap could be cinematic yet motivational; an integral component to hip hop’s rise as an important cultural force. “Beat It!” serves as an anthem to those who refuse to allow circumstance define their lives – an outstanding example of creating timeless classics!
Although this track covers serious themes, it never feels gloomy or discouraging; instead providing an engaging drive that’s hard to resist. With its stomping beats and dramatic narration helping convey the sensation of running through streets to break free from circumstances and pursue your goals, refusing to let anything or anyone stand in your way.
This song’s longevity is testament to its timeless message; its lyrics speak directly to our collective quest to pursue our goals no matter how large or small they may seem. It speaks of a passion that unites all humans to pursue their goals no matter the cost involved in doing so.
It was an overwhelming success, topping charts both internationally and locally and reaching Diamond status (for sales of more than 10 million copies). Furthermore, it won a Grammy Award – an unprecedented feat for a rap song!
Still incredibly influential today, “Rise Up” remains an iconic East Coast track with Havoc’s straightforward production and Prodigy’s emotive lyrics conjuring Queens-based street life tension. The song remains relevant today and continues to motivate individuals around the globe to follow their dreams without listening to what others may tell them.
4. Not Afraid
After years of lurking behind hip-hop’s shadows, Brand Nubian burst forth into the limelight. Not merely an imitator of classic Golden Era rap nor an alien trying to redefine rap music’s sound entirely, their music was rooted in tradition yet futuristic in approach, perfectly suiting hip-hop’s transition towards becoming a socially aware medium. On this T-Minus beat which blends dusty horn samples with sleek synthesized blips this track finds the group taking pride in their unique place within hip-hop history while making no plans to depart anytime soon!
Eminem’s “Not Afraid” may not be his most critically-acclaimed track, but it remains one of his strongest tracks for anyone struggling with addiction. The dark operatic production–described by Eminem as “Rainswept Bombast”–gives this song its powerful emotional punch and proves one of its strengths; Eminem’s trademark acrobatic and overbearing rhymes even take on an almost gathering quality here.
Hip-hop has an unfortunate tendency to lean too heavily toward pop, but a new generation of rappers such as Playboi Carti brought the genre back to its roots through songs like “Magnolia.” With its flawless production and flow, “Magnolia” showcased Carti’s talent while showing how hip-hop could still remain relevant and modern.
“The Message,” by Grandmaster Flash, remains one of the defining tracks for rap artists to highlight social issues through hip-hop music. With its tense, claustrophobic production and vivid depictions of urban poverty, “The Message” remains at the forefront of hip-hop’s social commentary movement; serving as a powerful anthem that stands the test of time – setting precedent for generations of artists who would follow.
5. Nothin’ On You
As hip-hop marked its 50th year, speculation on its decline as a commercial force swirled. While no rap tracks or albums topped the charts during 2010’s first half, recent months have eased fears by yielding hits from underground heroes like Detroit punchline addict Veeze and Brooklyn doomsayer Billy Woods; moreover, looking back over 2010’s best rap music shows an enduringly vibrant scene offering various styles and flavors of hip-hop music.
B.o.B and Bruno Mars joined forces on this song that successfully blends pop and hip-hop, taking advantage of each artist’s strengths. Mars’ production style can be heard here with warm vamping piano chords, plucked electric guitar chords, slippery electronics and an aggressive kick-snare drum pattern reminiscent of his work; but what truly distinguishes the tune are its lyrics which convey B.o.B’s claim of having given up his once reckless lifestyle after meeting the woman of his dreams.
Gangsta rap has long been oversaturated, yet YG manages to add something new and refreshing with this track from his debut album. His trademark cigarette filter voice pairs well with the energetic instrumentals that shatter old-school gangsta cliches like they were shiny new diamonds.
Lil Nas X’s lyricism on “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” or the introspective themes of Kanye West’s “Jail” are among many powerful rap songs that tell powerful tales, from Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” to Kanye West’s introspective themes in “Jail.” Rap songs with powerful stories such as these transcend their creator’s mic; and this year several songwriters have managed to make their messages even more timely given today’s social climate: Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly stands out among many others as does Megan Thee Stallion in her unapologetic verses in “Thot Shit.” Each word in these songs matters and none is wasted; each line counts!