Introduction
Rap music, with its roots in the African American community, has fundamentally transformed the musical landscape since its inception. From the streets of the Bronx to worldwide recognition, rap has become a cultural phenomenon that resonates with millions. Here, we present the Top 100 Rap Songs, showcasing their unique rhymes, lyrical depth, and their unmistakable impact on the genre and society.
1. "The Message" – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
Release Year: 1982
Album: The Message
Notable Lyrics: "Don’t push me, ‘cause I’m close to the edge."
Impact: This revolutionary song is often considered the first socially conscious rap track, showcasing the realities of urban life.
2. "Juicy" – The Notorious B.I.G.
Release Year: 1994
Album: Ready to Die
Notable Lyrics: "It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! magazine."
Impact: A seminal track in storytelling within rap, "Juicy" reflects Biggie’s rise from poverty to fame.
3. "Fight the Power" – Public Enemy
Release Year: 1989
Album: Fear of a Black Planet
Notable Lyrics: "Fight the power."
Impact: An anthem for social justice, this track played a crucial role in the civil rights movement of the late ’80s.
4. "Stan" – Eminem (feat. Dido)
Release Year: 2000
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Notable Lyrics: "My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I got out of bed at all."
Impact: "Stan" innovatively depicts the obsessive fan dynamic, merging storytelling with emotional depth.
5. "N.Y. State of Mind" – Nas
Release Year: 1994
Album: Illmatic
Notable Lyrics: "I never sleep, ’cause sleep is the cousin of death."
Impact: A vivid portrayal of life in New York City, it made Nas an icon of lyrical brilliance.
6. "Lose Yourself" – Eminem
Release Year: 2002
Album: 8 Mile Soundtrack
Notable Lyrics: "You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow."
Impact: With its motivational theme, this track became synonymous with perseverance and success.
7. "California Love" – 2Pac (feat. Dr. Dre)
Release Year: 1995
Album: All Eyez on Me
Notable Lyrics: "Now let me welcome everybody to the wild, wild west."
Impact: An iconic West Coast anthem, it captures the essence of California culture.
8. "C.R.E.A.M." – Wu-Tang Clan
Release Year: 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Notable Lyrics: "Cash rules everything around me."
Impact: This classic introduced gangster rap’s gritty realities and remains deeply influential.
9. "Sicko Mode" – Travis Scott
Release Year: 2018
Album: Astroworld
Notable Lyrics: "I be flossin’."
Impact: A genre-blending magnum opus, its unique production and structure have redefined contemporary rap.
10. "HUMBLE." – Kendrick Lamar
Release Year: 2017
Album: DAMN.
Notable Lyrics: "Get the f* off my stage, I’m the Sandman."
Impact:** Known for its minimalist production and incisive lyrics, it’s a bold statement on authenticity in the music industry.
11. "Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z (feat. Alicia Keys)
Release Year: 2009
Album: The Blueprint 3
Notable Lyrics: "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of."
Impact: A love letter to New York City, it celebrates ambition and resilience.
12. "In Da Club" – 50 Cent
Release Year: 2003
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Notable Lyrics: "It’s your birthday."
Impact: This party anthem helped cement 50 Cent’s place in hip-hop’s elite.
13. "All Eyez on Me" – 2Pac
Release Year: 1996
Album: All Eyez on Me
Notable Lyrics: "You can call me what you wanna."
Impact: Featuring one of the most memorable hooks in rap, it embodies 2Pac’s charisma and complexity.
14. "I Get Around" – 2Pac
Release Year: 1993
Album: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…
Notable Lyrics: "I get around."
Impact: Celebrated for its boldness and unabashed perspective on relationships, it captures the carefree nature of youth.
15. "Big Pimpin’" – Jay-Z (feat. UGK)
Release Year: 2000
Album: Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter
Notable Lyrics: "You know I keep ten rifles."
Impact: A celebration of wealth, it introduced a Southern hip-hop vibe to mainstream audiences.
16. "God’s Plan" – Drake
Release Year: 2018
Album: Scorpion
Notable Lyrics: "I can’t do this on my own."
Impact: An anthem of gratitude and humility, its music video reinforces Drake’s philanthropic side.
17. "Hotline Bling" – Drake
Release Year: 2015
Album: Views
Notable Lyrics: "You used to call me on my cell phone."
Impact: This catchy tune showcases emotional vulnerability, paired with a viral dance-worthy music video.
18. "Mo Money Mo Problems" – The Notorious B.I.G. (feat. Puff Daddy & Mase)
Release Year: 1997
Album: Life After Death
Notable Lyrics: "I’m a millionaire."
Impact: This song reflects on fame’s downsides, blending R&B and hip-hop successfully.
19. "One Dance" – Drake (feat. Wizkid & Kyla)
Release Year: 2016
Album: Views
Notable Lyrics: "I need a one dance."
Impact: A cross-genre hit that dominated charts worldwide, showcasing Drake’s versatility.
20. "Get Ur Freak On" – Missy Elliott
Release Year: 2001
Album: Miss E… So Addictive
Notable Lyrics: "Get your freak on."
Impact: Missy’s innovative style and quirky delivery broke barriers for female rappers.
21. "It Was A Good Day" – Ice Cube
Release Year: 1992
Album: The Predator
Notable Lyrics: "I had to stop at a red light."
Impact: The song paints a picture of a perfect day in South Central L.A., an iconic narrative.
22. "The Real Slim Shady" – Eminem
Release Year: 2000
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Notable Lyrics: "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?"
Impact: A playful critique of celebrity culture, it showcases Eminem’s wit and wordplay.
23. "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" – Geto Boys
Release Year: 1991
Album: We Can’t Be Stopped
Notable Lyrics: "I’m tricked, I’m up late."
Impact: A deep exploration of mental struggles, it’s considered one of the best hip-hop narratives.
24. "Back That A$$ Up" – Juvenile
Release Year: 1998
Album: 400 Degreez
Notable Lyrics: "You a fine motherf*er."
Impact:** A Southern rap anthem that helped define the bounce genre, reverberating at parties nationwide.
25. "Rapper’s Delight" – The Sugarhill Gang
Release Year: 1979
Album: Sugarhill Gang
Notable Lyrics: "Have you ever went over a friend’s house to eat?"
Impact: The first mainstream hip-hop record, it introduced rap to a broader audience.
26. "Bodak Yellow" – Cardi B
Release Year: 2017
Album: Invasion of Privacy
Notable Lyrics: "I don’t dance now, I make money moves."
Impact: Cardi emerged as a new voice in hip-hop, empowering women and celebrating success.
27. "The Light" – Common
Release Year: 2000
Album: Like Water for Chocolate
Notable Lyrics: "You are my lady."
Impact: A beautiful love song that showcases Common’s poetic depth and commitment to romantic themes in hip-hop.
28. "Make Em Say Uhh!" – Master P
Release Year: 1997
Album: Ghetto D
Notable Lyrics: "Make ’em say uhh."
Impact: A Southern rap anthem that has remained a classic in club culture.
29. "All of the Lights" – Kanye West
Release Year: 2010
Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Notable Lyrics: "All of the lights."
Impact: This ambitious track features numerous collaborators and offers a commentary on fame and its complexities.
30. "Runaway" – Kanye West (feat. Pusha T)
Release Year: 2010
Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Notable Lyrics: "Let’s have a toast for the douchebags."
Impact: A critical exploration of fame and failure, its innovative production redefined hip-hop aesthetics.
31. "Passin’ Me By" – The Pharcyde
Release Year: 1993
Album: Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
Notable Lyrics: "I can’t keep a rhythm."
Impact: A classic for its storytelling and introspective lyrics, it masterfully encapsulates unrequited love.
32. "What’s My Name?" – Snoop Dogg (feat. Dr. Dre)
Release Year: 1993
Album: Doggystyle
Notable Lyrics: "Snoop Dogg! What’s my name?"
Impact: Snoop’s iconic style and swagger solidified his status as a rap legend.
33. "Jumpman" – Drake & Future
Release Year: 2015
Album: What a Time to Be Alive
Notable Lyrics: "Jumpman, jumpman, jumpman."
Impact: With its infectious hook, it became a catchy anthem celebrating success and shoe culture.
34. "Can’t Tell Me Nothing" – Kanye West
Release Year: 2007
Album: Graduation
Notable Lyrics: "You can’t tell me nothing."
Impact: An empowering anthem that encapsulates confidence and ambition.
35. "Soundtrack 2 My Life" – Kid Cudi
Release Year: 2008
Album: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Notable Lyrics: "I got 99 problems and they all b**es."
Impact:** A poignant introspective piece that speaks to mental health struggles and the human condition.
36. "King Kunta" – Kendrick Lamar
Release Year: 2015
Album: To Pimp a Butterfly
Notable Lyrics: "I was gonna kill a couple rappers, but they did it to themselves."
Impact: A statement on power dynamics, King Kunta solidified Kendrick’s status as a profound lyrical philosopher.
37. "I Wish" – Skee-Lo
Release Year: 1995
Album: Skee-Lo
Notable Lyrics: "I wish I was a little bit taller."
Impact: This track resonates for its relatability and humor, exploring wishful thinking.
38. "Ain’t Nothing But a G Thang" – Dr. Dre (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Release Year: 1992
Album: The Chronic
Notable Lyrics: "Falling back on that ass, with a hellafied gangsta lean."
Impact: A classic West Coast anthem, it defined the G-funk era and showcased the synergy between Dre and Snoop.
39. "Under Pressure" – Logic (feat. Alessia Cara)
Release Year: 2017
Album: Everybody
Notable Lyrics: "Pressure."
Impact: A candid discussion of mental health, its powerful message resonates with many young listeners.
40. "Party Up (Up In Here)" – DMX
Release Year: 1999
Album: …And Then There Was X
Notable Lyrics: "Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind!"
Impact: A party staple that showcases DMX’s raw energy and charisma.
41. "Paper Planes" – M.I.A.
Release Year: 2008
Album: Kala
Notable Lyrics: "All I wanna do is bang bang bang and take your money."
Impact: Blending genres, its anti-establishment themes struck a chord globally.
42. "Dear Mama" – 2Pac
Release Year: 1995
Album: Me Against the World
Notable Lyrics: "You are appreciated."
Impact: A heartfelt tribute to mothers, showcasing 2Pac’s emotional depth and vulnerability.
43. "Sexual Healing" – Marvin Gaye
Release Year: 1982
Album: Midnight Love
Notable Lyrics: "Baby, I’m hot just like an oven."
Impact: While not strictly rap, its influence on countless hip-hop tracks ensures its inclusion.
44. "This Is How We Do It" – Montell Jordan
Release Year: 1995
Album: This Is How We Do It
Notable Lyrics: "This is how we do it."
Impact: An influential party anthem that marries R&B and hip-hop sensibilities.
45. "The World is Yours" – Nas
Release Year: 1994
Album: Illmatic
Notable Lyrics: "The world is yours."
Impact: An empowering anthem for self-determination, it remains a vital influence in hip-hop.
46. "G.O.M.D." – J. Cole
Release Year: 2014
Album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Notable Lyrics: "All of my friends, they never stay down."
Impact: A powerful exploration of betrayal and loyalty delivered through J. Cole’s poignant lyricism.
47. "Beastie Boys" – Sabotage
Release Year: 1994
Album: Ill Communication
Notable Lyrics: "So watch me now."
Impact: Infusing rap with punk energy, it showcases the Beastie Boys’ versatility and creativity.
48. "Lollipop" – Lil Wayne
Release Year: 2008
Album: Tha Carter III
Notable Lyrics: "She said he so sweet, make her wanna lick the wrapper."
Impact: A mainstream hit that encouraged a new generation of rap artists to embrace melody.
49. "Miss Jackson" – OutKast
Release Year: 2000
Album: Stankonia
Notable Lyrics: "Forever, forever, ever?"
Impact: A heartfelt reflection on love and relationships, it highlights OutKast’s musical genius.
50. "Bad and Boujee" – Migos
Release Year: 2016
Album: Culture
Notable Lyrics: "Raindrop, drop top."
Impact: An anthem that propelled Migos into superstardom, showcasing the rise of trap music.
51. "Good Life" – Kanye West (feat. T-Pain)
Release Year: 2007
Album: Graduation
Notable Lyrics: "I’m as real as they come."
Impact: A celebration of success and the high life, blossoming into a party classic.
52. "Suge" – DaBaby
Release Year: 2019
Album: Baby on Baby
Notable Lyrics: "I just got a new deal."
Impact: A breakthrough track that blends bravado with catchy hooks, it propelled DaBaby to the forefront of rap.
53. "Jump" – Kris Kross
Release Year: 1992
Album: Totally Krossed Out
Notable Lyrics: "Jump! Jump!"
Impact: A classic anthem that had a generational impact on rap-infused pop.
54. "Started From the Bottom" – Drake
Release Year: 2013
Album: Nothing Was the Same
Notable Lyrics: "Started from the bottom, now we’re here."
Impact: A motivational anthem about growth and success that resonates deeply with fans.
55. "No Role Modelz" – J. Cole
Release Year: 2014
Album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Notable Lyrics: "I don’t need no role model."
Impact: An exploration of self-reliance and critical commentary on fame.
56. "Kids" – MGMT (Remix by Migos)
Release Year: 2008
Album: Kids (Remix)
Notable Lyrics: "Control yourself."
Impact: A genre-defying remix that cemented Migos as versatile artists capable of bridging styles.
57. "The Real Slim Shady" – Eminem
Release Year: 2000
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Notable Lyrics: "Hey, you, hey!"
Impact: A playful take on celebrity culture and identity that became an anthem.
58. "Survivor" – Destiny’s Child
Release Year: 2001
Album: Survivor
Notable Lyrics: "I’m a survivor."
Impact: While not a rap song, its influence on female empowerment resonates throughout hip-hop.
59. "Nights" – Frank Ocean
Release Year: 2016
Album: Blonde
Notable Lyrics: "I think about you all the time."
Impact: While blending R&B with rap, it captures the complexity of modern relationships.
60. "Gold Digger" – Kanye West (feat. Jamie Foxx)
Release Year: 2005
Album: Late Registration
Notable Lyrics: "She take my money when I’m in need."
Impact: A chart-topping hit that humorously critiques relationships and financial dynamics.
61. "No Type" – Rae Sremmurd
Release Year: 2014
Album: SremmLife
Notable Lyrics: "I ain’t got no type."
Impact: A catchy anthem celebrating freedom and individuality in love and lifestyle.
62. "Just a Friend" – Biz Markie
Release Year: 1989
Album: Biz’s Beat of the Day
Notable Lyrics: "You, you got what I need."
Impact: A humorous take on unrequited love became a timeless classic.
63. "Dangerous" – MJ
Release Year: 1991
Album: Dangerous
Notable Lyrics: "You know I’m bad."
Impact: A seminal influence on hip-hop and pop, blending genres successfully.
64. "Champion" – Kanye West
Release Year: 2007
Album: Graduation
Notable Lyrics: "Can’t tell me nothing."
Impact: An anthem of empowerment encouraging listeners to strive for greatness.
65. "Thrift Shop" – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Release Year: 2012
Album: The Heist
Notable Lyrics: "I’m gonna pop some tags."
Impact: A unique take on consumerism resonated through its humor and catchy hooks.
66. "Trophy" – Taylor Swift
Release Year: 2019
Album: Lover
Notable Lyrics: "You’re a trophy."
Impact: Though a pop song, its themes of recognition and achievement resonate within hip-hop culture.
67. "Hold Up" – Beyoncé
Release Year: 2016
Album: Lemonade
Notable Lyrics: "Hold up, they don’t love you like I love you."
Impact: A powerful, defiant statement aligns closely with hip-hop’s themes of self-worth.
68. "My Name Is" – Eminem
Release Year: 1999
Album: The Slim Shady LP
Notable Lyrics: "My name is… my name is."
Impact: Introduced Eminem’s alter ego with humor and wit, showcasing his lyrical prowess.
69. "All I Do Is Win" – DJ Khaled
Release Year: 2010
Album: Victory
Notable Lyrics: "All I do is win."
Impact: An ultimate hype anthem that became a rallying cry at sports events.
70. "Dumb It Down" – Lupe Fiasco
Release Year: 2007
Album: The Cool
Notable Lyrics: "They say I’m too lyrical."
Impact: A reflective commentary on commercial pressures in hip-hop.
71. "Bitter Sweet Symphony" – The Verve
Release Year: 1997
Album: Urban Hymns
Notable Lyrics: "You’re a slave to money, then you die."
Impact: While not traditionally a rap song, its influence permeated the genre, offering insights on consumerism.
72. "Best I Ever Had" – Drake
Release Year: 2008
Album: So Far Gone
Notable Lyrics: "You’re a good girl and you know it."
Impact: A heartfelt tribute to love and relationship that put Drake on the map.
73. "All Falls Down" – Kanye West
Release Year: 2004
Album: The College Dropout
Notable Lyrics: "We all self-conscious."
Impact: A critique on materialism and self-image, establishing Kanye as a complex artist.
74. "Hotline Bling" – Drake
Release Year: 2015
Album: Views
Notable Lyrics: "You used to call me on my cell phone."
Impact: Captured emotions in relationships and became a cultural phenomenon.
75. "I’m So Hood" – DJ Khaled
Release Year: 2007
Album: We the Best
Notable Lyrics: "I’m so hood."
Impact: A celebration of hood culture that resonated widely across mainstream and underground circles.
76. "Electric Relaxation" – A Tribe Called Quest
Release Year: 1993
Album: Midnight Marauders
Notable Lyrics: "Relax yourself girl, please set-tle down."
Impact: A fusion of jazz and rap, it showcased A Tribe Called Quest’s innovative style.
77. "Heard Em Say" – Kanye West (feat. Adam Levine)
Release Year: 2005
Album: Late Registration
Notable Lyrics: "Nothing even matters."
Impact: A poignant exploration of life’s challenges, showcasing Kanye’s lyrical depth.
78. "Wanna Be Yours" – Arctic Monkeys
Release Year: 2014
Album: AM
Notable Lyrics: "I wanna be your vacuum cleaner."
Impact: While not rap, its themes of desire and longing connect with hip-hop sentiments.
79. "Birthday" – Katy Perry
Release Year: 2013
Album: Prism
Notable Lyrics: "Make a wish."
Impact: Celebrated for its fun spirit, bridging pop with Hip-Hop sensibilities in collaborations.
80. "New York, New York" – Frank Sinatra
Release Year: 1980
Album: Trilogy: Past Present Future
Notable Lyrics: "If I can make it there."
Impact: An influence on entire generations of hip-hop artists proclaiming success.
81. "Hollaback Girl" – Gwen Stefani
Release Year: 2005
Album: Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
Notable Lyrics: "This shit is bananas."
Impact: While pop, its energetic vibe has crossed into hip-hop sectors.
82. "P.I.M.P." – 50 Cent
Release Year: 2003
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Notable Lyrics: "I don’t want to go to jail."
Impact: A clever exposition on lifestyle leading to 50’s popularity boost.
83. "Forever" – Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem
Release Year: 2009
Album: Forever
Notable Lyrics: "Last name ever, first name greatest."
Impact: A coming-together of rap titans showcasing verses from all artists highlighting their prowess.
84. "Peaches" – Justin Bieber (feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon)
Release Year: 2021
Album: Justice
Notable Lyrics: "I got my peaches out in Georgia."
Impact: While leaning into pop, its blend of R&B with hip-hop gives it a unique flavor.
85. "The Way I Are" – Timbaland (feat. Keri Hilson)
Release Year: 2007
Album: Shock Value
Notable Lyrics: "I don’t care."
Impact: An anthem on self-acceptance that resonated within both hip-hop and pop cultures.
86. "You Gonna Love Me" – G-Unit
Release Year: 2001
Album: Beg for Mercy
Notable Lyrics: "You don’t gotta love me."
Impact: A medley of emotion and braggadocio indicative of the label’s ethos.
87. "Let Me Love You" – Mario
Release Year: 2004
Album: Turning Point
Notable Lyrics: "You should let me love you."
Impact: An R&B classic heavily regarded in hip-hop circles for its smooth delivery.
88. "Who’s That Girl?" – Eve
Release Year: 2001
Album: Scorpion
Notable Lyrics: "Who’s that girl?"
Impact: It established Eve’s presence in hip-hop, enriched by her fierce lyricism.
89. "Spicy" – Ty Dolla $ign (feat. Post Malone)
Release Year: 2019
Album: Featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Notable Lyrics: "You be in your zone."
Impact: Fusing elements of hip-hop with melodic structures, Ty showcases versatility.
90. "Strong" – Kanye West
Release Year: 2007
Album: Graduation
Notable Lyrics: "That that don’t kill me can only make me stronger."
Impact: Inspirational themes run through as Kanye asserts his confidence in overcoming challenges.
91. "Girls, Girls, Girls" – Jay-Z
Release Year: 2001
Album: The Blueprint
Notable Lyrics: "I got girls, girls, girls."
Impact: A catchy exploration of relationships, showcasing Jay-Z’s charismatic persona.
92. "Dumb It Down" – Lupe Fiasco
Release Year: 2007
Album: The Cool
Notable Lyrics: "Dumb it down."
Impact: A thought-provoking piece reflecting on the music industry’s expectations towards artists.
93. "You Can’t Touch This" – MC Hammer
Release Year: 1990
Album: Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em
Notable Lyrics: "You can’t touch this."
Impact: A massive hit blending hip-hop with dance, which became a staple in pop culture.
94. "Get Low" – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Release Year: 2003
Album: Kings of Crunk
Notable Lyrics: "To the window, to the wall."
Impact: An energetic club anthem that incited dance floors all around.
95. "Post To Be" – Omarion (feat. Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko)
Release Year: 2014
Album: Sex Playlist
Notable Lyrics: "If your girl ain’t acting right."
Impact: A playful exploration of relationships that infused hip-hop and R&B effortlessly.
96. "Fancy" – Iggy Azalea (feat. Charli XCX)
Release Year: 2014
Album: The New Classic
Notable Lyrics: "First thing’s first, I’m the realest."
Impact: A cultural juggernaut blending rap and pop, showcasing Iggy’s commercial prowess.
97. "Don’t Stop the Music" – Rihanna
Release Year: 2007
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Notable Lyrics: "Please don’t stop the music."
Impact: The electro-infused hit characterized the transition towards genre-blending in mainstream hip-hop.
98. "The Best" – Tina Turner
Release Year: 1989
Album: Simply the Best
Notable Lyrics: "You’re simply the best."
Impact: An anthem of empowerment resided deep in hip-hop culture through sampling and remixes.
99. "R.I.C.O." – Meek Mill (feat. Drake)
Release Year: 2015
Album: Dreams Worth More Than Money
Notable Lyrics: "I think I need to go to therapy."
Impact: A powerful exploration of the struggles of fame and industry.
100. "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" – Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em
Release Year: 2007
Album: SouljaBoyTellEm.com
Notable Lyrics: "Crank that Soulja Boy."
Impact: A viral sensation that emphasized the transition to digital platforms and social media influence in music.
Conclusion
These 100 tracks encapsulate the incredible journey of rap music—its rhythms, narratives, and societal impacts. From legendary figures like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. to the rising stars of today, the genre continues to evolve while retaining its roots. Dive into these songs, explore their stories, and appreciate the richness they bring to hip-hop culture!