[2026] A Compilation of Classic and Popular Tracks for Hip-Hop Beginners
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!
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[2026] A Compilation of Classic and Popular Tracks for Hip-Hop Beginners to Listen To (31–40)
On EverythingDJ Khaled ft. Travis Scott, Rick Ross, Big Sean
An epic track released in 2017 by American musician and producer DJ Khaled.
It reached No.
10 on the New Zealand charts.
It samples Mark Pritchard’s 2016 track “Under the Sun.”
Whatever You LikeT.I.
A track released as a digital download by T.I.
in 2008.
It became a hit worldwide, reaching No.
1 on the charts in the United States and New Zealand.
It samples Bill Conti’s 1979 track “Redemption (Theme From Rocky II).” The music video features appearances by actor Jackie Long and rapper Lil Duval.
HeadlinesDrake
A catchy track released as a digital download in 2011 by Canadian rapper Drake.
It became a hit worldwide and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
The music video features appearances by T-Minus, Noah “40” Shebib, and The Weeknd.
I Used To Love H.E.R.Common
A track released by Common in 1994.
It is also known as one of the tracks that sparked tension between East Coast and West Coast rappers.
It samples George Benson’s 1974 track “The Changing World.”
Hard knock life (Ghetto Anthem)Jay Z
A track that sings about how he overcame life in the ghetto and achieved great success.
One of Jay-Z’s most famous songs, it was released in 1998 and samples Andrea McArdle’s 1977 track “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”