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Last updated on May 4,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Panjabi MC - BewarePanjabi MC’s “Mundian To Bach Ke” aka "Beware" is a fusion of cultures that somehow manages to sound both timeless and hyper-modern, even decades after its original release in 1998. The track stands out by cheekily lifting its iconic hook from the unmistakable theme of “Knight Rider,” pairing it with the earthy gravitas of Punjabi vocals and a bhangra beat sturdy enough to withstand an international re-release wave in 2002. Its unlikely marriage of old-world instrumentation and slick rhythmic loops turned heads—and hips—in nightclubs from Birmingham to Berlin. The Jay-Z remix didn’t hurt either, injecting even more swagger while pulling the song deeper into the Western mainstream without diluting its distinctly Desi identity. Even if one could argue the production dips into predictable 2000s hip-hop tropes here and there, the sheer energy propels it forward, making it a worldwide hit. And whether blasting through your speakers during a wedding procession or soundtracking a cinematic goal in “Bend It Like Beckham,” one can’t deny its staying power as a bridge between cultural audacity and cross-continental appeal. Featured on the 2003 album Beware
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 2 . 2Pac - Toss It UpReleased weeks after his death under the alias Makaveli, "Toss It Up" leads Tupac's posthumous album with a pointed diss at Dr. Dre and a recycled groove close enough to Blackstreet's "No Diggity" to trigger a cease and desist from Jimmy Iovine. Death Row reworked the beat, producing a single version with alternate lyrics and a reshuffled mix. In the video, Tupac, wielding a blowtorch and baseball bat, paces a garage in safety goggles, hours before his final hospital admission. The music video is directed by Lionel C. Martin. Writer(s) : Danny Boy Steward, Cedric R Hailey, Kc (Us 1), Tupac Amaru Shakur, Jo-Jo, Aaron Hall Publisher(s) : Music Corporation Of America Inc, Mca Music Publishing, Wc Music Corp, Joshua S Dream Music, Suge Publishing, Cord Kayla Music Publishing, Jamron Featured on the 1994 album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
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 3 . 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
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 4 . Space Jam - Hit'em High"Hit 'Em High," from the "Space Jam" soundtrack (1996), brings together the talents of B-Real, Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J, and Method Man. Directed by Joe Pytka and starring Michael Jordan alongside the Looney Tunes characters, "Space Jam" has become a cult classic. The music video is directed by Hype Williams. Writer(s) : Jean Claude Olivier, Tone Lover, Method Man, L L Cool J, B-Real, Busta Rhymes, Coolio Publisher(s) : Jumping Bean Songs Llc, Slam U Well, Twelve And Under Music, L L Cool J Music, Starbus Llc, Hits From Da Bong Music, Jelly S Jams L L C, Universal Music-Mgb Songs Featured on the 1996 album Space Jam: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture
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 5 . 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
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 6 . Lil Bow Wow - Bow Wow [That's My Name]"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
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 7 . Dr. Dre - Nuthin' But A ‘G' ThangDr. Dre's "Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang," featuring Snoop Dogg, leads his 1992 solo debut "The Chronic," under Death Row Records with Dre's own production. Sampling Leon Haywood’s 1975 "I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You," it introduces Snoop Dogg after their Warren G-facilitated connection. Peaking at No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and No. 1 on Hot Rap Singles, its MTV-rotated Dre-directed barbecue video marks an early hip-hop visual milestone. Nominated for a 1994 Grammy, it ranks No. 29 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time while echoing in "Straight Outta Compton" and "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." The music video is directed by Dr. Dre. 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 1992 album The Chronic
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 8 . 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
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 9 . Jay Z - Run This Town"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
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 10 . Puff Daddy - Can't Nobody Hold Me Down"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
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 11 . Jay Z - Empire State of MindProduced 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
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 12 . 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
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 13 . 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
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 14 . 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
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 15 . Flo Rida - LowFlo Rida’s “Low” featuring T-Pain, the lead single from his debut album *Mail on Sunday*, emerges as a crunk juggernaut of 2007, propelled by DJ Montay’s dynamic production and T-Pain’s hook written in a single night with Mike Caren. Dominating the *Billboard* Hot 100, Hot Rap Songs, and more, it peaks at #9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and garners RIAA Diamond certification, later featuring in the *Step Up 2: The Streets* soundtrack. The lyrics orbit a clubgoer's allure, epitomized by her Apple Bottom jeans and fur-trimmed boots, while the music video offsets Flo Rida’s verses with shots of exuberant dancing and T-Pain’s cameo with a DJ. Before this breakout, Flo Rida, born Tramar Lacel Dillard, was a relative unknown, though T-Pain, aka Faheem Rasheed Najm, was already a chart staple. The music video is directed by Bernard Gourley. Writer(s) : Montay Humphrey, Howard Simmons, T-Pain, Florida, Korey Roberson Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Universal Music Z Songs, Nappypub Music, Sony Atv Songs Llc Featured on the 2008 album Step Up 2: The Streets (Original Soundtrack)
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 16 . Jay Z - Girls Girls GirlsGirls, Girls, Girls, the second single from Jay-Z’s album "The Blueprint," released on October 2, 2001, intertwines Tom Brock’s "There’s Nothing In This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You" and Crash Crew's "High Power Rap." Uncredited vocals by Q-Tip, Slick Rick, and Biz Markie layer the track, which landed at No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. Marc Klasfeld’s video features cameos from Carmen Electra, Tamala Jones, and Kanye West, as well as Jay-Z donning a Sammy Baugh throwback jersey. The music video is directed by Marc Klasfeld. Writer(s) : Snoop Dogg, Otha Leon Haywood, Frederick Douglas Knight Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp Featured on the 2001 album The Blueprint
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 17 . 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
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 18 . Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot"Drop It Like It's Hot" pairs Snoop Dogg with Pharrell Williams in a track that strips production to its bare essence—just tongue clicks, sparse keys, and a crisp drum machine beat. Released in 2004 as the lead single from "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece," it becomes Snoop's first Billboard Hot 100 number one. Grammy recognition follows with two nominations in 2005. The black-and-white video features Chad Hugo, Pusha T, and Snoop’s sons, blending family ties with hip-hop cool. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Charles Hugo Edward, Snoop Dogg, Williams Pharrell Publisher(s) : Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Tamerlane Warner Publ Corp, Raynchaser Music, Careers Bmg Music Publishing I, My Own Chit Publishing Featured on the 2004 album R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
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 19 . Mary J. Blige - Love Is All We Need"Love Is All We Need" is a collaboration between Mary J. Blige and Nas. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it blends R&B and rap and marks a stylistic shift for Blige towards a lighter, more joyful tone. It samples "Moonchild" (1985) by Rick James. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Terry Steven Lewis, Mary J Blige, Jimmy Jam, James A Johnson Publisher(s) : Mary J Blige Music, Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp Featured on the 1997 album Share My World
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 20 . 50 Cent - Disco Inferno"Disco Inferno" sees 50 Cent stepping into a club-heavy beat crafted by C. Styles and Bang Out, delivering self-assured bars with his signature unbothered drawl. Released in December 2004, the track leans into themes of nightlife with a sly nod to indulgence and bravado. The monochromatic video places him amid dancers and G-Unit affiliates, as if nightlife swagger were a grayscale warzone. A 2005 Grammy nominee for Best Rap Solo Performance, it ultimately loses to Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.” The music video is directed by Ulysses Terrero, Jessy Terrero. Writer(s) : Phillip Pitts, Teraike Crawford Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Kobalt Music Copyrights Sarl, Universal Music Corporation Featured on the 2005 album The Massacre
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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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