One of the first mainstream hip-hop songs, showcasing rap's potential.
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Showing 1-50 of 300.
1979
1980
A follow-up to their groundbreaking hit "Rapper's Delight."
View background status1986
Newcleus developed from Brooklyn's Jam-On Productions, a DJ and MC collective associated with Ben 'Cozmo D' Cenac. A later core included Cenac, Yvette 'Lady E' Cook, Monique Angevin and Bob 'Chilly B' Crafton. Their...
View background statusWalk This Way
Run-D.M.C. featuring AerosmithReported release: 1986Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300This groundbreaking collaboration reimagined Aerosmith's 1975 hit with a hip-hop twist.
View background status1987
(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)
Beastie BoysRelease year not establishedDate review open
Rap & Hip-Hop 300The Beastie Boys began in New York's hardcore punk scene before developing a rap style that retained the energy of rock performance. Licensed to Ill placed rapping alongside conspicuous guitar sounds. Paul's Boutique...
View background status1989
The song was inspired by the hip-hop and dance culture of the late 1980s.
View background statusA humorous take on a fictional love potion and its effects.
View background statusA hip-hop remake of the 1966 hit by The Troggs, with new lyrics about romantic encounters.
View background status1990
Humorous hip-hop
View background statusSamples "Super Freak" by Rick James
View background status1991
Good Vibrations
Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta HollowayReported release: 1991Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300Positive energy and good times
View background statusLL Cool J's comeback in the rap scene
View background statusNow That We Found Love
Heavy D & the BoyzReported release: 1991Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300Cover of The O'Jays' song about newfound love
View background statusSlang term for illicit relationships
View background status1992
The song celebrates women with curvy figures, challenging beauty standards of the time.
View background statusThe song's upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics were designed to get people dancing.
View background statusAn energetic hip-hop track designed to get crowds moving.
View background statusP.M. Dawn began as the New Jersey partnership of brothers Prince Be and DJ Minutemix, combining sung and rapped vocals with turntables and carefully layered samples. Their debut album Of the Heart, of the Soul and of...
View background statusA reflective hip-hop song about African American history and identity.
View background status1993
Check Yo Self
Ice Cube featuring Das EFXRelease year not establishedDate review open
Rap & Hip-Hop 300Ice Cube is rapper, writer and actor O'Shea Jackson. He performed with C.I.A. before becoming a central lyricist in N.W.A., whose Straight Outta Compton brought national attention to its West Coast perspective. His...
View background statusThe song celebrates women wearing short shorts, popular in Miami's hip-hop scene.
View background statusThe song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics were inspired by old-school hip-hop styles.
View background statusThe song's lyrics reference drug use and the group's unique, cannabis-influenced style.
View background statusIce Cube is rapper, writer and actor O'Shea Jackson. He performed with C.I.A. before becoming a central lyricist in N.W.A., whose Straight Outta Compton brought national attention to its West Coast perspective. His...
View background statusThe song showcases the laid-back, funk-influenced West Coast hip-hop style.
View background statusRebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)
Digable PlanetsReported release: 1992Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300The song blends jazz and hip-hop, celebrating African American culture and coolness.
View background statusA hip-hop dance track celebrating dancing and physical attraction.
View background statusThe song was inspired by the Miami bass music scene and popular catchphrases of the time.
View background status1994
Bury Me a G
Thug Life featuring Natasha WalkerRelease year not establishedDate review open
Rap & Hip-Hop 300Apple Music recording catalog: Bury Me a G identifies Thug Life featuring Natasha Walker and a 1994 catalog association. The creative origin is not established by this discographic entry.
Read background and sourcesSamples Lakeside's 1980 funk hit, reimagined for hip-hop audiences.
View background statusDa Brat's breakthrough hit, showcasing her rapid-fire rap style.
View background statusSnoop's depiction of life in Long Beach, California.
View background statusBiggie's autobiographical account of his rise from poverty to success.
View background statusA message of empowerment and respect for women in the African American community.
View background statusBased on personal experiences, with a melody sampled from Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin'."
View background statusA high-energy track inspired by 1970s cop show themes.
View background statusWhatta Man
Salt-N-Pepa featuring En VogueReported release: 1993Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300A celebration of positive male qualities, sampling Linda Lyndell's 1968 song.
View background statusSnoop Dogg reached a wide audience through his appearances on Dr. Dre's 1992 album The Chronic, then released the solo debut Doggystyle in 1993. His relaxed delivery became closely associated with the funk-based West...
View background status1995
Biggie's smooth-talking alter ego and luxurious lifestyle.
View background statusA tribute to Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur.
View background statusGangsta's Paradise
Coolio featuring L.V.Reported release: 1995Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300The recording developed around Stevie Wonder's Pastime Paradise, with Doug Rasheed producing and L.V. layering vocal parts into a choir-like sound. Coolio described the verses arriving quickly. Wonder required the...
Read background and sourcesI'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By
Method Man featuring Mary J. BligeRelease: 1995Source checked
Rap & Hip-Hop 300A hip-hop/R&B duet sampling Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
View background status1996
C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)
Quad City DJ'sReported release: 1996Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300The song was inspired by the popular dance moves of the time.
View background statusA cover of Roberta Flack's song about being emotionally moved by a performer.
View background statusThe song was inspired by the idea of relaxing with a romantic partner.
View background statusThe song was written as a tribute to the group's late mentor, Eazy-E.
View background statusWoo Hah!! Got You All in Check
Busta RhymesReported release: 1995Date needs verification
Rap & Hip-Hop 300The song was inspired by Busta Rhymes' unique rap style and energy.
View background status1997
Biggie's lifestyle and success in the hip-hop world.
View background statusLoyalty and support in a romantic relationship.
View background statusThe theme song for the film "Men in Black," about secret agents protecting Earth from aliens.
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1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.