RAG MusicHIPHOP-Rap
Recommended hip-hop/rap

[US] Great Hip-Hop Classic

Hip-hop is becoming a mainstream genre in Japan now.

I think many people started getting interested in hip-hop through things like MC battles.

However, some of you might feel that U.S.

hip-hop has a high barrier to entry.

Even though it’s a relatively young genre, the history—like past beefs and lineages—is vast, making it hard to grasp.

So for those who want to understand the landscape of U.S.

hip-hop, I’ll introduce the supreme masterpieces of American hip-hop, along with historical context and explanations.

[USA] Great Hip-Hop Classics (31–40)

Bring Em OutT.I.

T.I. – Bring Em Out (Official Video)
Bring Em OutT.I.

An aggressive track by T.I.

that powerfully delivers a message brimming with the confidence and dignity of a winner, riding on a thunderous, hard-hitting beat.

The dynamic sound crafted by Atlanta-born producer Swizz Beatz grabs listeners and never lets go.

Released in October 2004 as the lead single from the album Urban Legend, it became a major hit, peaking at No.

9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2019, it was also featured in the film Deadpool & Wolverine, further broadening its appeal.

Its powerful beat and energetic rap are a perfect match for cheer dance choreography—an essential song for delivering crowd-rousing performances, guaranteed to shine at sporting events and parties.

Collard GreensScHoolboy Q

SchoolBoy Q – Collard Greens (Explicit) (Official Music Video) ft. Kendrick Lamar
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.

Mo Money Mo Problems feat. Puff Daddy & MaseThe Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Mo Money Mo Problems (Official Music Video) [4K]
Mo Money Mo Problems feat. Puff Daddy & MaseThe Notorious B.I.G.

A golden-era hip-hop classic built on a sample of Diana Ross that defined the ’90s, portraying the struggles lurking behind glittering success.

The Notorious B.I.G.’s deep voice and rhythmic flow blend seamlessly with the polished performances of Puff Daddy and Mase.

Released in July 1997, the track spent two consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its music video—striking for its futuristic world—was directed by the master Hype Williams.

Combining lavish sound with an urgent message, this masterpiece is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who dreams of success.

Gone Till NovemberWyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean, Canibus – Gone Till November (Official HD Video)
Gone Till NovemberWyclef Jean

A gem of a mid-tempo ballad where an unprecedentedly dazzling strings arrangement melds with a sophisticated hip-hop beat.

Wyclef Jean’s wistful yet powerful vocals brilliantly capture the complex emotions of a man who throws himself into dangerous work for the sake of the one he loves.

Released in November 1997, this work boldly succeeded in its collaboration with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, becoming a major hit that reached No.

7 on the U.S.

Billboard chart and No.

3 in the U.K.

The sweeping orchestration by Sonny Kompanek and the striking music video directed by Francis Lawrence are also highlights.

Anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear will find this universal story resonates deeply.

Just Wanna RockLil Uzi Vert

Lil Uzi Vert – Just Wanna Rock [Official Music Video]
Just Wanna RockLil Uzi Vert

Characterized by an uptempo beat and simple lyrics, this track is a floor-filling anthem.

As the lyric “I just want to rock” suggests, it captures the pure joy of enjoying music and moving your body.

Released in October 2022, it went viral with dance videos on social media, racking up hundreds of millions of views.

It has garnered wide support, even being used during Beyoncé’s world tour.

Perfect for getting the crowd hyped at parties and clubs, and great whenever you need an energy boost.

It’s a song that showcases the breadth of Lil Uzi Vert’s musical style.