Looking for cool hip hop songs? Hip-hop is more than just a musical genre. It represents a cultural movement that has shaped and defined generations. Hip-hop emphasizes beats and lyrics, painting vivid pictures of life, struggle, triumph, and everything in between. Since its inception, this style has consistently pushed the boundaries of music, art, and social commentary.
In this exploration, we dive into the realm of cool Hip Hop songs that have left indelible marks on the fabric of the music industry. These are songs that resonate with the soul, make you nod your head, and feel the groove deep in your bones.
Welcome to the vibrant world of hip-hop, where the beats are as deep as the lyrics, and the flow is as smooth as silk! Check out few best chill rap songs of all time as below!
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Hip-hop Vs. Rap: Understanding the Genres
The terms “Hip-Hop” and “Rap” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts. While the two are closely related, you cannot fully replace one with another.
Hip-hop is a broad cultural movement. Originating in the 1970s, it encompasses various elements including music, dance, art, and fashion. Hip-hop music is characterized by its rhythmic beats, DJing, and often an integration of various musical styles.
Rap, on the other hand, is a key element of hip-hop music but is specifically focused on rhyming vocal expression. It’s a musical form that emphasizes lyrical content, wordplay, and delivery. Rap music can vary greatly in terms of themes and styles, ranging from personal narratives to social commentary.
That’s why most rappers also identify themselves as hip-hop artists. However, saying all hip-hop is rap isn’t correct. Rap is the most prominent, most well-known genre of the hip-hop culture. Some of the songs you’ll find in the lists below aren’t rap songs, but they’re still considered hip-hop.
With that said, it’s time to check out the coolest hip-hop songs you must have on your playlist!
Cool Hip Hop Songs by Era
Hip-hop has evolved significantly since its inception. It underwent different eras, each bringing its own unique styles and influential artists. The following lists offer a quick look at some of the best hip-hop songs from different eras, as well as a tribute to Hip-hop’s history.
Late 1970s to Early 1980s: The Beginning
The formative years of hip-hop
- “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang (1979)
- “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982)
- “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force (1982)
- “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow (1980)
- “King of Rock” by Run-D.M.C. (1985)
- “Rock Box” by Run-D.M.C. (1984)
- “Buffalo Gals” by Malcolm McLaren (1982)
- “Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” by Grandmaster Flash (1981)
- “Paid in Full” by Eric B. & Rakim (1987)
- “Christmas Rappin'” by Kurtis Blow (1979)
80s 90s Hip Hop: The Golden Age
An era boasting diversity, innovation, and the emergence of various styles and sub-genres
- “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy (1989)
- “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock (1988)
- “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A (1988)
- “Me Myself and I” by De La Soul (1989)
- “Eric B. Is President” by Eric B. & Rakim (1986)
- “The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground (1990)
- “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick (1989)
- “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo” by A Tribe Called Quest (1990)
- “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J (1990)
- “My Philosophy” by Boogie Down Productions (1988)
Early to Mid-1990s: Gangsta Rap
The rise of Gangsta Rap and G-Funk
- “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
- “California Love” by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre (1995)
- “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Doggy Dogg (1993)
- “The Chronic (Intro)” by Dr. Dre (1992)
- “Regulate” by Warren G and Nate Dogg (1994)
- “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep (1995)
- “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube (1992)
- “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” by Snoop Doggy Dogg (1993)
- “Natural Born Killaz” by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube (1994)
- “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
Late 1990s to 2000s: Mainstream Hip-hop
A breakthrough era for hip-hop music, characterized by the diversification of its sound and the blending of hip-hop with other genres.
- “Lose Yourself” by Eminem (2002)
- “Hey Ya!” by OutKast (2003)
- “In Da Club” by 50 Cent (2003)
- “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast (2000)
- “Gold Digger” by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (2005)
- “Stan” by Eminem featuring Dido (2000)
- “99 Problems” by Jay-Z (2003)
- “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem (2000)
- “Hot in Herre” by Nelly (2002)
- “Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige (2001)
2010s to Now: The Modern Era
Hip-hop solidifies its status in the global music industry.
- “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
- “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott featuring Drake (2018)
- “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
- “Hotline Bling” by Drake (2015)
- “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B (2017)
- “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar (2017)
- “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
- “God’s Plan” by Drake (2018)
- “Rockstar” by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage (2017)
- “The Box” by Roddy Ricch (2019)
Essential Hip-hop Playlists
If you’re just getting into hip-hop, chances are you might feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s why we make it our mission to create the best playlists from the best hip-hop songs of all time, for you. Are you ready to “lose yourself in the music”?
Hip Hop Greatest Hits
Top-selling hip-hop songs of all time
- “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
- “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem ft. Rihanna
- “Old Town Road (Remix)” by Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
- “Hotline Bling” by Drake
- “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar
- “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott ft. Drake
- “God’s Plan” by Drake
- “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B
- “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans ft. 112
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio ft. L.V.
- “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
- “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton
- “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz
- “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj
- “California Love” by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre
- “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
- “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys
- “In Da Club” by 50 Cent
- “Gold Digger” by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
- “Jump Around” by House of Pain
Old School Hip Hop
Gold School!
- “Eric B. is President” by Eric B. & Rakim (1986)
- “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” by Grandmaster Flash (1981)
- “South Bronx” by Boogie Down Productions (1987)
- “Top Billin'” by Audio Two (1987)
- “Roxanne, Roxanne” by UTFO (1984)
- “The Bridge Is Over” by Boogie Down Productions (1987)
- “Rock The Bells” by LL Cool J (1985)
- “I Know You Got Soul” by Eric B. & Rakim (1987)
- “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick (1988)
- “The 900 Number” by The 45 King (1987)
- “My Mic Sounds Nice” by Salt-N-Pepa (1986)
- “Peter Piper” by Run-D.M.C. (1986)
- “Rebel Without a Pause” by Public Enemy (1987)
- “Raw” by Big Daddy Kane (1987)
- “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie (1989)
- “Paul Revere” by Beastie Boys (1986)
- “It’s Like That” by Run-D.M.C. (1983)
- “Potholes in My Lawn” by De La Soul (1988)
- “Paid in Full (Seven Minutes of Madness – The Coldcut Remix)” by Eric B. & Rakim (1987)
- “Basketball” by Kurtis Blow (1984)
Party Away!
That concludes our picks for cool Hip Hop songs you cannot miss! They provide a little peek into the history of one of the most influential movements the world has ever seen. Hip-hop is the language of soul and truth. It’s bold, gritty, and unfiltered, just like life itself.
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We must celebrate Hip-hop’s legacy. Time to crank the boombox and bang your head to the rhythms of hip-hop!
FAQs
What is some good Hip-hop music?
It depends on what your preferences are. However, songs such as “It Was a Good Day”, )”Lose Yourself”, and “In Da Club” generally fit the broad audience.
What is the best chill rap song?
Any track by A Tribe Called Quest is great to chill to. We recommend “Electric Relaxation”.
Which Hip-hop song has the best beat?
Arguably California Love.
What’s hot in Hip-hop right now?
Trap and mumble rap are currently in the spotlight.
