Hip-hop classics that changed history

Overseas, hip-hop songs that have been loved for many years are called “hip-hop classics.”

This time, we’ve picked out especially iconic tracks among those hip-hop classics—songs that had a major impact on the hip-hop scene.

We cover everything from legendary tracks of the 1990s to works that served as the very roots of hip-hop in the 1970s.

Many of the songs in the latter half are relatively unknown in Japan, so this is a must-read for anyone looking for great tracks!

Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Playlist

Hip-hop classics that changed history
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Paid In FullEric B. & Rakim		Introduction of the duo who popularized the concept of the lyricist
2	Big Pimpin’ ft. UGKJay Z		Jay-Z’s signature song “Big Pimpin’”
3	Fight The PowerPublic Enemy		A rapper introduces socially conscious rap that tackles political themes.
4	La-Di-Da-DiDoug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew		Introduction to the history and classic songs of hip-hop
5	Mind Playing Tricks On MeGeto Boys		Recommendations for the Geto Boys' masterpiece albums
6	Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A		Introduction to N.W.A.'s seminal works.
7	JuicyThe Notorious B.I.G.		An introduction to Notorious B.I.G.’s classic song “Juicy”
8	C.R.E.A.M.Wu Tang Clan		Wu-Tang Clan 'C.R.E.A.M.'
9	Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre		Dr. Dre’s classic song Still D.R.E.
10	Planet RockAfrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force		A track by Afrika Bambaataa that shaped the prototype of hip-hop
11	The MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious Five		A great crew that created the prototype of hip-hop
12	Lose YourselfEminem		The Appeal of Eminem’s Masterpiece “Lose Yourself”
13	Rebel Without A PausePublic Enemy		Introducing Public Enemy’s signature songs
14	Sucker MC’sRun-D.M.C.		The classic song by Run-D.M.C., pioneers of rap rock
15	Rapper’s DelightThe Sugarhill Gang		A classic that became the prototype of hip-hop
16	Not Like UsKendrick Lamar		Kendrick Lamar’s beef track wins a Grammy
17	FE!N ft. Playboi CartiTravis Scott		An emotional song depicting an artist’s struggles
18	I Got 5 on ItLuniz		West Coast classics, the allure of music
19	Party Up (Up In Here)DMX		DMX's signature tracks, with aggressive and powerful rap
20	If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) feat. Lauryn HillNas		A heartwarming classic that sings of freedom and hope
21	Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)Snoop Dogg		Snoop Dogg’s classic— a monument of G-funk
22	Mo Money Mo Problems feat. Puff Daddy & MaseThe Notorious B.I.G.		Iconic ’90s hip‑hop classics that color Diana Ross
23	public executionkingu gidora		A critical hip-hop track by King Giddra