Best Rap Songs of All Time - Top 10 Greatest
by Maivizhi A | Updated Apr 07, 2023
Best Rap Songs of All Time
Rap songs are a type of musical composition that typically features spoken or chanted lyrics, often accompanied by a rhythmic beat. The lyrics are usually delivered in a rhythmic and rhyming style, known as "rapping," over a musical background, which may include drum machines, synthesizers, and samples from other songs. Rap songs often address social and cultural issues, personal experiences, and other topics, and have become an important form of expression and artistic creativity within the music industry. Rap music has been a crucial component of the music industry for more than four decades, originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s and spreading worldwide, influencing a range of cultures and subcultures. Throughout its evolution, the genre has produced iconic tracks that range from compelling protest anthems to contagious party tunes, securing a place in music history.
Rap music provides a platform for artists to express their personal experiences, struggles, and viewpoints, often relating to issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice. This has helped to create a diverse and powerful cultural movement that resonates with many people around the world. It has influenced many other genres of music, including pop, rock, and R&B. It has also inspired fashion trends, slang, dance styles, and other aspects of popular culture, making it a major cultural force. Rap music has become a major source of revenue for the music industry, generating billions of dollars in sales and streaming revenue. Many rap artists have become some of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, and their impact on the music industry cannot be overstated.
Top 10 Rap Songs of All Time
In this compilation, we will explore the ten greatest rap songs of all time, selected by you based on their impact, influence, and enduring popularity. These songs not only defined the genre but also surpassed it, inspiring generations of listeners and artists. From classic old-school jams to contemporary hits, these tracks have withstood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences today. So, without further delay, let's dive into the top ten best rap songs ever created.
S.No
Rap Songs
Rappers/Rap Group
1
Lose Yourself
Eminem
2
Changes
2Pac
3
Juicy
Notorious B.I.G.
4
Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang
Dr. Dre
5
N.Y. State of Mind
Nas
6
Stan
Eminem
7
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
8
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
9
Not Afraid
Eminem
10
Rap God
Eminem
Let us see each of the rap songs with their rappers in detail.
1. Lose Yourself - Eminem
The lead song on the soundtrack of the 2002 movie 8 Mile, "Lose Yourself," is a classic rap track from the 00s that Eminem wrote and produced in collaboration with Jeff Bass. The song secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 12 consecutive weeks and also topped 24 national charts. "Lose Yourself" won several awards, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Best Video from a Film at the MTV Video Music Awards, Grammy Award for Best Male Solo Performance, and Best Rap Song. With over 19 million copies sold in the United States alone, the song's success is not surprising. As a result of its numerous accolades, "Lose Yourself" is widely considered one of the best rap songs of all time and the best rap song of this century.
2. Changes - 2Pac
"Changes" is a song by Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, released in 1998 posthumously. The song addresses issues such as racism, police brutality, and inequality faced by African Americans. It features a sample of Bruce Hornsby's song "The Way It Is" and includes powerful lyrics like "Cops give a damn about a negro? Pull the trigger, kill a nigga, he's a hero" and "I see no changes, all I see is racist faces." "Changes" was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the UK, Germany, and New Zealand. It has been widely recognized as one of Tupac's greatest songs and an important piece of hip hop history. The song's message of social and political change continues to resonate with audiences today.
3. Juicy - Notorious B.I.G.
"Juicy" is a track from the debut album Ready to Die by American rapper Notorious B.I.G., who is widely recognized as one of the best rappers of all time. Sadly, he was killed by an unknown gunman on March 9, 1997, at a late hour. He was one of the most prominent rappers of his era. With over 10 million copies sold globally, "Juicy" is undoubtedly one of the greatest rap songs of all time. The track peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart and has received multi-platinum certification in both the United States and United Kingdom.
4. Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang - Dr.Dre
Dr. Dre, the renowned American rapper and record producer who co-founded Death Row Records, Beats Electronics, and Aftermath Entertainment, released "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang" in June 1992 on his debut solo album, The Chronic. The track featured Snoop Dogg, another prominent American rapper. "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs. It also received Silver certification in the United Kingdom and Platinum certification in the United States, selling over two million copies worldwide.
5. N.Y. State of Mind - Nas
N.Y. State of Mind" is a song by American rapper Nas, released on his debut album "Illmatic" on April 19, 1994. The song was produced by DJ Premier and is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. It features Nas' vivid storytelling and introspective lyrics, painting a gritty picture of life in the Queensbridge projects in New York City. The song has been sampled and referenced by many other artists and is a classic example of East Coast hip-hop.
6. Stan - Eminem
"Stan" is a song by Eminem, released on his 2000 album "The Marshall Mathers LP". The song tells the story of an obsessive fan named Stan who becomes increasingly unhinged as he writes letters to Eminem, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The song has been praised for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, and is widely regarded as one of Eminem's greatest works. The term "stan" has since been used in popular culture to refer to obsessive fans, and the song has become a cultural touchstone. In addition to its impact on popular culture, "Stan" was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance.
7. The Message - Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
On July 1, 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released "The Message" on the Sugar Hill record label. It was the first major rap track to offer a socially conscious commentary through its lyrics, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time. The song earned the top position on Rolling Stone's aforementioned list of the top 100 Hip Hop Songs. As expected, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, making them the first hip hop group to receive this honor.
8. Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A
"Straight Outta Compton" is a popular track from N.W.A.'s first studio album of the same name, which was released on August 8, 1988, under Ruthless Records. N.W.A, an abbreviation for "Niggaz Wit Attitudes," was a dominant rap group from the late 80s to the early 90s, featuring rap legends such as Ice Cube, DJ Yella, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince. The iconic song, which inspired an N.W.A. The biopic years later, is undoubtedly one of the greatest rap songs ever recorded. It peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and was certified Silver in the United Kingdom and Platinum in the United States.
9. Not Afraid - Eminem
"Not Afraid" is a song by American rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from his seventh studio album, Recovery, in 2010. The song was written and produced by Eminem, along with Boi-1da, Jordan Evans, and Matthew Burnett. "Not Afraid" received critical acclaim for its positive message and motivational lyrics, with many praising Eminem's vulnerability and honesty in the song. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has been certified 10x Platinum in the United States. The music video for "Not Afraid" also received positive reviews, with many praising its visual effects and overall message. The song has been cited as one of Eminem's most popular and successful singles, and has become an anthem for overcoming personal struggles and adversity.
10. Rap God - Eminem
"Rap God" is a song by American rapper Eminem, released in 2013 on his eighth studio album, "The Marshall Mathers LP 2". The song is known for its fast-paced delivery and intricate wordplay, with Eminem showcasing his lyrical abilities and technical skills. The track debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified multi-platinum in various countries. "Rap God" is considered one of Eminem's most popular and critically acclaimed songs, and is often cited as an example of his exceptional talent as a rapper.
Which is the Best Rap Song of All Time ?
"Lose Yourself" is a rap song by American rapper Eminem. It was released on October 28, 2002, as the lead single from the soundtrack of the movie 8 Mile. Eminem co-wrote and produced the song with Jeff Bass, and it features an intense and energetic beat that builds throughout the song. The lyrics of "Lose Yourself" describe the struggles of a young rapper named B-Rabbit, who is trying to make it in the music industry while facing various personal and professional challenges. The song encourages listeners to seize opportunities and take risks, while also acknowledging the fear and self-doubt that can hold people back.
The song's chorus features Eminem passionately rapping, "You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime." This line has become an iconic part of the song and has been used in popular culture and advertising. "Lose Yourself" is widely regarded as one of the best rap songs of all time, and it has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy Award for Best Male Solo Performance, and a MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film. The song has sold over 19 million copies in the United States alone, and it continues to be a popular and influential piece of music in the rap genre.
Best Rap Songs 2022
The below list describes the Best Rap songs of 2022.
S.No
Best Rap Songs 2022
1
GloRilla & Hitkidd - "FNF (LET'S GO)"
2
Gunna & Future, "Pushin P" Feat. Young Thug
3
Future, "WAIT FOR U" Feat. Drake & Tems
4
Lil Uzi Vert, "Just Wanna Rock"
5
Drake & 21 Savage, "Jimmy Cooks"
6
GloRilla & Cardi B "Tomorrow 2"
7
Kendrick Lamar, "Rich Spirit"
8
Quavo & Takeoff, "Hotel Lobby"
9
Vince Staples, ‘When Sparks Fly"
10
DJ Khaled, "God Did" Feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, Fridayy
Conclusion
In conclusion, rap music has been a significant cultural force for over four decades, providing a platform for artists to express their experiences, struggles, and viewpoints on various social and cultural issues. Rap music has influenced many other genres, inspired fashion trends, slang, dance styles, and other aspects of popular culture, and has become a significant source of revenue for the music industry, generating billions of dollars in sales and streaming revenue. The top 10 rap songs of all time, which include classic old-school jams and contemporary hits, have withstood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. From Eminem's "Lose Yourself" and "Stan" to 2Pac's "Changes" and Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy," these songs have defined and surpassed the rap genre, inspiring generations of listeners and artists. The impact and influence of rap music and its most iconic songs cannot be overstated.
Best Rap Songs of All Time - FAQs
Lose Yourself is a classic rap song written and performed by Eminem. It was released in 2002 as the lead song on the soundtrack of the movie 8 Mile, which starred Eminem himself.
Lose Yourself was written and produced by Eminem in collaboration with Jeff Bass.
Lose Yourself won several awards, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Best Video from a Film at the MTV Video Music Awards, Grammy Award for Best Male Solo Performance, and Best Rap Song.
Lose Yourself was a huge success, securing the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 12 consecutive weeks and also topping 24 national charts. It has sold over 19 million copies in the United States alone, making it one of the most successful rap songs of all time.
Lose Yourself is widely considered one of the best rap songs of all time due to its success, critical acclaim, and enduring popularity. The song's powerful and emotional lyrics, combined with Eminem's skillful delivery and production, have made it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.