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Last updated on Jan 1,2025, updated monthly. |
1 . D12 - Purple PillsThis 2001 track humorously delves into exaggerated tales of substance use, juxtaposing Eminem’s sharp wit with a censored "Purple Hills" version for radio play. The production by Eminem, combined with vibrant beats and irreverent lyrics, encapsulates the group’s satirical approach to hip-hop storytelling. The music video is directed by Joseph Kahn. Writer(s) : Jeff Bass, Deshaun Dupree Holton, Ondre C. Moore, Rufus B. Johnson, Eminem, Von M. Carlisle, Denaun Montez Porter Publisher(s) : Eight Mile Style Music, Emi April Music Inc, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Idiotic Biz Featured on the 2001 album Devil's Night 77.92% / -5.61% |
2 . IceCube - Check Yo Self"Check Yo Self" by Ice Cube is a standout 90s rap track. Sampling "I'm Blue" by The Sweet Inspirations, "The New Style" by Beastie Boys, and "The Group Fight" from "Juice," the remixed version featuring Das EFX with a sample of "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash is particularly famous. It appears in numerous films, TV shows, and the "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" video game on Radio Los Santos. The music video is directed by Ice Cube. Writer(s) : Muggs, Ice Cube Publisher(s) : Soul Assassin Inc, Universal Music Corporation, Gangsta Boogie Music Featured on the 1993 album The Predator 47.24% / -1.28% |
3 . Puff Daddy - Can't Nobody Hold Me Down (w/ Mase)"Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" is Puff Daddy's first single as a lead artist, featuring Mase. Released in 1997, it tops the charts and goes platinum. Sampling "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash, this track marks the rise of Bad Boy Records. The video features Puff Daddy and Mase in luxurious settings, reflecting the "bling-bling" style of the era. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Sean John Combs, Mason Betha, Matthew Wilder, Steven Jordan, Sylvia Robinson, Melvin Glover, Gregory Prestopino, Nashiem Sa-Allah Myrick Publisher(s) : Wilder Kingdom Music, Buchu Music, Unknown Publisher, Big Ears Music Inc, No Ears Music Featured on the 1997 album No Way Out 43.30% / -3.29% |
4 . 2Pac - Runnin' [Dying To Live] (w/ The Notorious B.I.G.)Released posthumously in 2003 as part of the *Tupac: Resurrection* soundtrack, “Runnin’ [Dying to Live]” unites 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. in a symbolic collaboration that reconciles their historic rivalry. Eminem's production reworks archival vocals over a reflective sample of Edgar Winter’s “Dying to Live.” A charting hit, the song bridges rap and passing poignantly with its introspective themes. The music video is directed by Philip G. Atwell. Writer(s) : Notorious B I G, Edgar Holland Winter, Luis Edgardo Resto, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Easy Moe B, Eminem Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Emi April Music Inc, Resto World Music, Amaru Publishing Featured on the 2003 album Resurrection 35.27% / -1.31% |
5 . Dr. Dre - Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang (w/ Snoop Dogg)"Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang" is one of Dr. Dre's most iconic tracks and the first single from his debut solo album. The song marks the first major collaboration between Dre and Snoop Dogg and samples "I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You" by Leon Haywood. Known for its innovative production and influence on gangsta rap, its music video, filmed in a single day, features a neighborhood party in Long Beach, California. The music video is directed by Dr. Dre. Writer(s) : Snoop Dogg, Otha Leon Haywood, Frederick Douglas Knight Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp Featured on the 1992 album The Chronic 34.17% / -0.59% |
6 . Lil Bow Wow - Bow Wow [That's My Name] (w/ Snoop Dogg)"Bow Wow (That's My Name)" launches Lil Bow Wow, then 13, into the music scene. Produced by Jermaine Dupri and featuring Snoop Dogg, who discovered Bow Wow at age six, the track samples "Dernier Domicile Connu" by François de Roubaix and "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton. It tops the Billboard Rap Songs chart and goes platinum. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers. Writer(s) : George Clinton Jr, Garrett Clinton Shider, Jermaine Dupri, Babyboy, Barry Alan Gibb, Andrew Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb, Maurice Ernest Gibb, David Lee Spradley, Snoop Dogg Featured on the 2000 album Beware of Dog 32.48% / -1.16% |
7 . Jay Z - Run This Town (w/ Rihanna, Kanye West)"Run This Town" brings together Jay Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West, marking a significant moment in 2009 hip-hop. The track wins two Grammy Awards. Kanye West co-produces it with No I.D. The video, directed by Anthony Mandler, showcases the trio in a post-apocalyptic setting, surrounded by angry protesters. The song also features in the 2010 film "The Book of Eli" directed by the Hughes Brothers, starring Denzel Washington. The music video is directed by Anthony Mandler. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Nath Bhasker, Athanassios Alatas, Rihanna, Kanye West, No I.D., Jay Z Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Songs Ltd, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Annarhi Music Llc, No I D Music Publishing, Way Above Music, Please Gimme My Publishing Inc, Carter Boys Music, Sony Atv Songs Llc, Warner Chappell Mus Greece Ltd Featured on the 2009 album The Blueprint 3 31.03% / -1.53% |
8 . Mase - Breath Stretch Shake"Breathe, Stretch, Shake" marks Mase's triumphant return to the rap scene after a five-year hiatus. Produced by Rick Rock and featuring P. Diddy on the chorus, this song peaks at 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earns a gold certification. It’s featured in the NFL Street 2 video game and the 2004 "Fat Albert" movie. The music video, directed by Benny Boom, shows Mase and dancers dressed in black and white. The music video is directed by Benny Boom. Writer(s) : Ric Rock, Mase Publisher(s) : Cyphercleff Music Publsihing, Emi April Music Inc, Mason Betha Entertainment Inc, Justin Combs Publishing Featured on the 2004 album Welcome Back 30.55% / -2.08% |
9 . Nelly - N Dey Say"N Dey Say" by Nelly, released in 2004, is a track that samples Spandau Ballet's "True." Produced by Jayson "Koko" Bridges, the track incorporates elements of pop and hip-hop and addresses themes of positivity and perseverance. Nelly, known for hits like "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," continues to blend different musical styles to deliver messages of hope and resilience. The music video is directed by Chris Robinson. Writer(s) : Gary James Kemp, Nelly Publisher(s) : Bmg Songs Inc, Jackie Frost Music Inc Featured on the 2004 album Sweat 29.58% / -0.63% |
10 . Jay Z - Empire State of Mind (w/ Alicia Keys)Produced by Al Shux, "Empire State of Mind" is an ode to New York, blending Jay Z and Alicia Keys' talents. Sampling "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments, it tops the Billboard Hot 100 and becomes an unofficial anthem for NYC. The black-and-white video shows Jay Z and Keys in iconic New York locations. Keys wrote and recorded her chorus in one take, and the song was performed at the 2009 World Series opening ceremony. The music video is directed by Hype Williams. Writer(s) : Angela Ann Hunte, Alicia Keys, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Shux, Jay Z Publisher(s) : Masani El Shabazz, Kmr Ii Gt Publishing Limited, Universal Music Corporation, Carter Boys Music, Emi April Music Inc, Foray Music, J Sewell Publishing, Lellow Productions Inc 23.94% / -0.80% |
11 . Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It"You Know How We Do It" is an iconic single by Ice Cube, known for its distinctive West Coast style. Released in 1994, it samples "The Show Is Over" by Evelyn "Champagne" King and represents the G-funk sound of 90s West Coast hip-hop. The track reflects life in South Central Los Angeles, Ice Cube's hometown. The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy. Writer(s) : Theodore Life Jr, Quincy Delight Jones II, Ice Cube, Dexter Wansel Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Full Keel Music Co, Unichappell Music Inc, Deep Technology Music, Gangsta Boogie Music Featured on the 1994 album Lethal Injection 22.46% / -0.67% |
12 . Jay Z - Holy Grail"Holy Grail" is a collaboration between Jay Z and Justin Timberlake, exploring the challenges of fame and its impact on personal life. Produced by The-Dream, Timbaland, and J-Roc, the song wins a Grammy Award. Notably, it includes a sample of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, approved by Courtney Love. The music video is directed by Anthony Mandler. Writer(s) : Krist Novoselic, Justin R Timberlake, Jerome J Harmon, Terius Adamu Ya Gesteelde-Diamant, David Grohl, Timbaland, No I.D., Jay Z, Kurt D Cobain Publisher(s) : Vb Rising Publishing, Tennman Tunes, Universal Music Z Tunes Llc, Let The Story Begin Publishing, 2082 Music Publishing, Carter Boys Music, Warner Tamerlane Publishing Co, Jerome Harmon Productions Featured on the 2013 album 197222222222222 20.15% / -0.68% |
13 . Dr. Dre - Keep Their Heads Ringin'"Keep Their Heads Ringin'" by Dr. Dre, released in 1995, is renowned for its funky groove underscored by the sample of George McCrae's "I Get Lifted," adding a disco touch to its aggressive rap ambiance and lyrics typical of 90s West Coast rap, blending confidence and defiance. The song was featured on the "Friday" movie soundtrack starring Ice Cube, directed by F. Gary Gray. This single peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Rodd Houston and Marcus Raboy. Writer(s) : Gwendolyn Yvon Chisolm, Sylvia Robinson, Cheryl Lorraine Cook, Dr Dre, Sam Sneed, Angela Laverne Brown Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Gambi Music Inc Featured on the 1995 album Friday : Soundtrack 18.43% / -0.53% |
14 . Jay Z - Girls Girls Girls"Girls Girls Girls" sees Jay Z celebrating his experiences with women from various backgrounds. Produced by Just Blaze, it samples "There's Nothing in This World That Can Stop Me from Loving You" by Tom Brock. Directed by Hype Williams, the video shows Jay-Z in luxurious settings surrounded by women. Kanye West contributed to the initial production, although uncredited. The music video is directed by Marc Klasfeld. Writer(s) : Jay Z, George Edward Belton Jr, Charles Michael Fleming, Michael Larry Miller, Tom J Brocker, Robert Nelson Relf, Reginald A Payne, Barry Ridgeway Bailey Publisher(s) : Lil Lu Lu Publishing, Peermusic Iii Ltd, Malaco Music Company Featured on the 2001 album The Blueprint 18.17% / -0.43% |
15 . Snoop Dogg - Snoop's Upside Ya Head (w/ Charlie Wilson)Sampling the Gap Band’s funk classic "Oops," this 1996 track features Charlie Wilson and showcases Snoop’s lyrical prowess over DJ Pooh’s production. Released amid industry turmoil, it reinforces Snoop’s ability to navigate challenges while honoring funk influences. Writer(s) : Rudy Taylor, Ronnie James Wilson, Lonnie Simmons, Charles Kent Wilson, Robert Lynn Wilson Publisher(s) : Minder Music Ltd Featured on the 1999 album Tha Doggfather 18.15% / -1.17% |
16 . Flo Rida - Low (w/ T_Pain)Released in late 2007, "Low" by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain captured the zeitgeist of the late 2000s nightlife with its contagious hooks and club-ready energy. Driven by DJ Montay's polished production and T-Pain's unmistakable autotuned vocals, the track became an instant phenomenon, fusing slick hip-hop verses with irrepressible pop influences. The lyrics revolve around nightclub allure, marrying themes of attraction, material obsession, and kinetic rhythms into a sharply commercial package. “Low” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 10 consecutive weeks, demonstrating its grip on both radio airwaves and dance floors alike, while stacking certifications, including a Diamond plaque from the RIAA for more than ten million units shifted stateside. The music video, laced with neon-lit choreography and nightclub visuals, cemented the song's reputation as an ode to after-dark culture. Its inclusion in "Step Up 2: The Streets" provided further cultural capital, positioning it as an enduring anthem for party-goers and dancers the world over. The track's international success, topping charts across continents, underscores its ability to distill nightlife bravado into three minutes of undeniable rhythm. "Low" represents a moment where hip-hop's lyrical bravado intersected seamlessly with a broader pop sensibility, paving the way for Flo Rida's emergence as a genre-fluid hitmaker whose influence outlasted temporary dance crazes. Featured on the 2008 album Step Up 2: The Streets (Original Soundtrack) 16.08% / -0.22% |
17 . Jay Z - On To The Next One"On to the Next One" is a collaboration between Jay Z and producer Swizz Beatz. Sampling "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice, the track explores themes of evolution and overcoming challenges. The song is used in several sports events, including NBA games. The music video is directed by Sam Brown. Writer(s) : Xavier De Rosnay, Jessie Chaton, Kasseem Daoud Dean Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Headbangers Publishing, Carter Boys Music Featured on the 2016 album The Blueprint 3 15.65% / -0.77% |
18 . Ice Cube - Bop Gun [One Nation]"Bop Gun (One Nation)" is a track by Ice Cube featuring funk pioneer George Clinton. The song incorporates P-Funk elements and pays homage to African American culture. The music video, rich with funk culture references, is directed by Marcus Raboy. The music video is directed by Cameron Casey. Writer(s) : George Clinton Jr, Quincy Delight Jones II, Walter Morrison, Ice Cube, Garry Marshall Shider, William Earl Collins Featured on the 1993 album Lethal Injection 14.86% / -0.91% |
19 . Jay Z - Izzo [H.O.V.A.]"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" is one of Jay Z's flagship singles, produced by Kanye West. The title plays on "Hova," short for Jehovah, and "Izzo" representing the letter O. Sampling "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5, it’s among the first collaborations between Jay Z and West, marking the start of their prolific partnership. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers. Writer(s) : Robert G Bourdon, Joseph Hahn, Frederick J Perren, Michael Kenji Shinoda, Jay Z, Berry Gordy Jr, Bradford Philip Delson, Alphonso James Mizell, Linkin Park, Deke Richards, Chester Charles Bennington, Kanye Omari West Featured on the 2001 album The Blueprint 14.37% / -0.30% |
20 . Kanye West - Runaway"Runaway" is an introspective track by Kanye West, marking a key moment on his album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Featuring rapper Pusha T, its famous piano intro explores themes of self-sabotage, responsibility, and redemption. It debuted with a memorable performance at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The 35-minute video, written by Hype Williams and directed by West, stars model Selita Ebanks as a fallen phoenix. The music video is directed by Kanye West. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Bhasker, Emile Haynie, Jarad Higgins, Kanye Omari West Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Universal Music Corporation, Bmg Platinum Songs Us Featured on the 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 14.09% / -0.25% |
ABOUT Gangster RapWhat Is Gangster Rap ?Originally, Gangster Rap, often called gangsta rap, focuses on the experiences and realities of life in urban ghettos, particularly crime, street violence, drugs, poverty, racism, and confrontations with law enforcement. Artists in this genre often use provocative and controversial lyrics to tell their personal stories or those of their communities. In the 1990s, Gangster Rap gains popularity with artists bringing a more personal and introspective dimension to street narratives. This period sees the genre diversifying its content, addressing themes like self-reflection and personal struggles. In the 2000s, Gangster Rap continues to evolve, integrating influences from pop and Southern hip-hop. Productions become more sophisticated, using advanced musical production techniques to create catchy and complex tracks. Gangster Rap, Rhythms, Beats & SamplesGangster Rap is characterized by heavy and powerful rhythms, often built around electronic drum beats, deep basslines, and samples of funk and soul music. Key figures in creating this distinctive sound, like Dr. Dre, use advanced production techniques to craft captivating instrumentals. Gangster Rap frequently samples funk, soul, and jazz music from the 1970s and 1980s. These samples add musical depth, rich texture, and cultural grounding to the productions. Producers chop and manipulate these excerpts to create original beats that support the rappers’ lyrics. Gangster Rap, From Dark Reality To Celebrating SuccessOver the years, Gangster Rap lyrics have evolved from dark and realistic narratives to anthems celebrating luxurious living and personal success. Many Gangster Rappers from the 1990s, like Jay-Z, start their careers by narrating their difficult life experiences. As they achieve success and wealth, their lyrics naturally evolve to reflect their social ascent, financial success, and entrepreneurial endeavors. With the massive commercial success of rap in the 2000s, record labels encourage content that is more appealing to a broader audience. Additionally, the popular culture of the 2000s glorifies the celebrity lifestyle, including wealth, parties, and luxury brands. Rappers, as cultural icons, adopt and promote these themes, reinforcing their star status. Gangster Rap & Cultural MarkersGangster Rap popularizes baggy clothes, long t-shirts, and tracksuits. Streetwear brands like FUBU, Karl Kani, and Sean John (created by Puff Daddy) gain popularity thanks to rappers adopting these styles. Accessories like gold chains, rings, and luxury watches become status symbols, greatly influencing urban fashion. Luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace are integrated into the Gangster Rap style, often mentioned in song lyrics and worn by artists. Collaborations between rappers and fashion brands become common, with artists launching their own clothing lines. The success of films like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Menace II Society,” which depict life in tough neighborhoods and are often linked to Gangster Rap, helps popularize the genre. Documentaries and series about famous rappers or groups (e.g., “Straight Outta Compton” about N.W.A) draw attention to Gangster Rap culture. Gangster Rap influences urban art, with graffiti and artworks by artists like Shepard Fairey (Obey), Marquis Lewis (Retna), and Kehinde Wiley, who create posters, street art, and paintings honoring iconic rap figures. These works draw inspiration from the themes and icons of the genre. |
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