Badass Western music. Tough/edgy music. World classics and recommended popular songs.
This might be sudden, but when you hear “hard-hitting Western music,” what kind of tracks come to mind?
Many people probably think of hip-hop or death metal.
This time, I’ve put together a selection of that kind of “hard-hitting Western music,” with a focus on hip-hop.
From classic West Coast rap of the ’90s to hardcore styles of the 2000s and modern trap, I’ve picked out “badass bangers” from a range of genres.
Even if you’re not into hip-hop, you’ll recognize some of these tracks—so be sure to check them out.
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- [2026 Edition] Popular Songs Overseas Right Now and Notable Hit Tracks
- Yami songs in Western music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- Cool, popular Western hit songs that are highly regarded
- [2026 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs
- [2026] UP! UP! UP! Recommended Western songs to boost your mood.
- Western songs that men like: world classics and popular tracks.
- Despairingly dark Western music. World-famous classics and popular songs.
Badass Western music. Tough-sounding tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs (21–30).
Collard GreensScHoolboy Q
This is a fast, danceable hip-hop track with a title inspired by traditional Southern cuisine.
American rapper ScHoolboy Q released it in June 2013 as the lead single from his major-label debut album, Oxymoron.
Featuring fellow artist Kendrick Lamar, the song blends a driving, reggae-tinged beat with dynamic rap flows to create a distinctive vibe.
It peaked at No.
92 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a key track that helped cement the artist’s status.
ScHoolboy Q’s exceptional rapping skills and hedonistic worldview are in perfect harmony here, making it an ideal song for parties or whenever you want to boost your mood.
It’s So EasyGuns N’ Roses
A track released as a single in 1987 by the American rock band Guns N’ Roses.
It reached No.
84 on the UK charts.
The track is also known for being regularly performed at concerts by Velvet Revolver.
Edgy Western music. Tough-sounding tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs (31–40)
Hate Me NowNas ft. Puff Daddy
A collaboration between rapper Nas and Puff Daddy.
Released as a single in 1999, it reached No.
8 on the U.S.
charts.
The music video featuring a crucifix sparked major controversy and is also known for escalating into a violent incident in which Puff Daddy assaulted Nas’s manager, Steve Stoute.
TransylvaniaTyler, The Creator
A track included on Goblin, the debut album released in 2011 by American rapper Tyler, The Creator.
The album was a hit in Australia and various European countries, and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
I Am A Cursed OnePaleface Swiss
Pale Face Swiss is a deathcore/metalcore band based in Zurich, Switzerland, that has shaken the scene with their heavy sound since forming in 2017.
The track included on their album “CURSED: The Complete Edition,” released in June 2025, lands as a powerful statement of where the band stands today.
Their sound, where the ferocity of deathcore collides with the emotionally charged melodies rooted in nu-metalcore, is immensely compelling.
The song’s theme is a searing self-awareness and strong will: seeing oneself as “cursed,” yet not merely a victim, but the wound itself.
Added to the expanded edition of their January 2025 album “CURSED,” this track showcases the band’s evolution.
When you want to confront your inner self more deeply, both the sound and the message are likely to hit hard.
Fight The PowerPublic Enemy
A track characterized by a combative and confrontational approach, conveying a message of Black pride.
Released by Public Enemy in 1989, it was used in Spike Lee’s film Do the Right Thing.
Born KillerScarface
Scarface is a rapper and producer from Houston, Texas, who has been active since 1988.
He is also known as a founding member of the Geto Boys.
This track is included on the 1991 album Mr.
Scarface Is Back.