Recommended hip-hop/rap

[2026] A Compilation of Classic and Popular Tracks for Hip-Hop Beginners

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Born in the late 1970s, hip-hop has now become the biggest genre in the music industry, continually producing timeless songs and albums, as well as stars who transcend the boundaries of hip-hop.

Even within hip-hop, there’s a wide variety of styles, and the approaches differ by era.

So you might be thinking, “I’m interested in Western hip-hop, but I don’t know where to start.”

This article introduces classic hip-hop tracks suitable for beginners, while also weaving in many recent hits.

We’ve chosen songs that are easy to listen to even for those who feel uneasy about rap, and we hope this article can be a starting point that eventually leads you to dive deeper into old-school classics!

[2026] A roundup of classic and popular tracks (61–70) that hip-hop beginners should listen to

The Show Goes OnLupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco – The Show Goes On

The Show Goes OnLupe Fiasco

A track released in 2010 by American rapper and producer Lupe Fiasco.

It became a hit worldwide, reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

It was inspired by Modest Mouse’s 2004 track “Float On.”

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Rake It UpYo Gotti, Mike WiLL Made-It ft. Nicki Minaj

Yo Gotti – Rake It Up (Official Video) ft. Nicki Minaj

Rake It UpYo Gotti, Mike WiLL Made-It ft. Nicki Minaj

A collaboration by Yo Gotti, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Nicki Minaj.

It was released as a digital download in 2017 and reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

It was inspired by Too Short’s 1987 track “Freaky Tales.”

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In conclusion

Hip-hop, nearly 50 years since its birth, is a music genre—and a culture in itself—that has continued to evolve in its sound and lyrical content along with the times.

As you can tell just from the tracks introduced here, there are many classic songs featuring singers.

As I mentioned at the beginning, if you’re not comfortable with rap, I recommend starting with those kinds of classics to get used to it and then gradually digging deeper!