THE BEST HIP-HOP SONGS EVER

To choose the best songs of any musical style, understanding the genre is key. Hip-hop, which is really more of a culture than simply music, got its start in 1970's New York, when disk jockeys would extend the back beat, or percussion, from a song for dancing purposes. Speaking over that music to make announcements or tell stories became custom, and eventually developed into Rap by the latter part of the decade. Here, hip-hop entered into the main stream of music and began gaining popularity. Since then, it has continued growing and gathering more fans. With so many great artists and songs to choose from, the following is just a highlight of the best hip-hop songs ever.

Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang (1979)

"I said a hip hop, a hippie to the hippie to the hip hip hop, and you don't stop." Whether you know the original version, or the one sung by Granny in Adam Sandler's movie, The Wedding Singer, Rapper's Delight is a classic hip-hop song. Being one of the first ever recorded, it set the stage for the future of hip-hop music.

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)

"Don't push me cause I'm close to the edge. I'm trying not to lose my head. It's like a jungle; sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under." The beat of this timeless tune, created by a synthesizer, is so unique, it has been used by other artists. The song was named one of Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Push It by Salt - - N - - Pepa (1989)

"Push it. Push it real good!" Although this song only pushed its way to number nineteen on Billboard charts, the release made Salt - - N - - Pepa the most successful female hip hop group ever, paving the way for other female artists, like Da Brat, Lauryn Hill, and Eve. It made Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Keep Ya Head Up by 2Pac (1993)

The soulful, funk backbeat of this positive-message tune make it very well-known, usually considered a second to 2Pac's hit, Dear Mama. Going against his "gangsta rap" facade, 2Pac delivers lyrics about respecting females, asking, "And since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman, and our game from a woman, I wonder why we take from our women."

Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio (1995)

"As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left." What an irony, beginning with a biblical verse and continuing into acts of violence. The song, however, is attempting to make those rough riders see the error in their way when it asks, "Why are we so blind to see that the ones we hurt are you and me?" The song was originally released for the soundtrack of the movie, Dangerous Minds. Later, Coolio won Best Rap Video and a Grammy for the song.

Tha Crossroads by Bone Thugs - - N - - Harmony (1996)

Meet Bone Thugs - - N - - Harmony "at the crossroads" with soulful, fast-rapped lyrics about the heartache of death. It held a number one position on the Billboard charts for eight straight weeks and was awarded a Grammy. Not only is the song one to remember, but the video is, too, as it further portrays the sincere meaning of the lyrics. An angel in disguise walks around taking souls with him, as parents, family, and friends look on, helpless. The song and video were dedicated to rapper, Eazy E, who died of AIDS in 1995.

Learn more about this author, Marisa Hefflefinger.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The best hip-hop songs ever?
We want to hear your view. Write now!