[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.

Playlist

[US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	N.Y. State of MindNas		It was even selected among the top 100 hip-hop tracks...
2	StrongerKanye West		“Stro…” by Kanye West
3	Lose YourselfEminem		A background of rising from the streets to success, and deep…
4	Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre		Since their debut in 1992, they have been the most...
5	The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre		Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg sa...
6	Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.		Suddenly emerging onto the East Coast hip-hop scene, an overwh—
7	In Da Club50 Cent		Electrified the venue at the 2022 Super Bowl…
8	HUMBLE.Kendrick Lamar		A styl— blending elements of jazz into hip-hop...
9	Changes ft. Talent2Pac		Said to be the most well-known rapper in the world...
10	Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A		It became known because Eazy-E was a member…
11	Ni**as In ParisJAY Z, Kanye West		Stylish yet with a humorous li…
12	Paid In FullEric B. & Rakim		The way of rhyming is also something you pick up by listening to hip‑hop…
13	Break Ya NeckBusta Rhymes		It’s also interesting how the flow differs depending on the rapper…
14	Ante Up Remix ft. Busta Rhymes, Teflon, Remy MartinM.O.P.		Among great songs, there are those that become part of various cultures...
15	Not Like UsKendrick Lamar		Kendrick Lamar’s new song draws attention.
16	Straight Out The Gate Feat. Serj TankianTech N9ne		Raps that skillfully deploy high-speed rhymes born in the Midwest…
17	Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)Snoop Dogg		Snoop Dogg’s classic— a monument of G-funk
18	SamuraiLupe Fiasco		The song released in May 2024 is/was, sh…
19	If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) feat. Lauryn HillNas		A heartwarming classic that sings of freedom and hope
20	Still Not a Player feat. JoeBig Pun		The sensual hip-hop classic by BIGBANG
21	POWERKanye West		Kanye West’s signature tracks, social critique, and confidence
22	StickyTyler, The Creator		Tyler’s exhilarating high-tempo song
23	Mask OffFUTURE		The rawness of the street and the road to success
24	Keep Their Heads Ringin’Dr. Dre		Dr. Dre’s film score becomes a massive hit
25	The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)Missy Elliott		Missy Elliott's innovative music and visuals
26	Party Up (Up In Here)DMX		DMX's signature tracks, with aggressive and powerful rap
27	FIRST CLASSJack Harlow		Jack Harlow’s music that portrays success and luxury
28	Woo Hah!! Got You All in CheckBusta Rhymes		A landmark of hip-hop: Busta Rhymes’ classic track
29	Check Yo Self feat. Das EFXIce Cube		A cautionary message that questions the truths of street life
30	SICKO MODE ft. DrakeTravis Scott		Travis Scott’s innovative track becomes a massive hit
31	I Got 5 on ItLuniz		West Coast classics, the allure of music
32	Just Wanna RockLil Uzi Vert		The joy of music in an up-tempo song
33	Collard GreensScHoolboy Q		A danceable hip-hop classic
34	Gone Till NovemberWyclef Jean		A masterpiece of magnificent music and heartrending vocals
35	Bring Em OutT.I.		T.I.’s aggressive hit song
36	Sugar Water (feat. Quelle Chris & Anjimile)McKinley Dixon		McKinley Dixon’s new song explores life and memory
37	Mo Money Mo Problems feat. Puff Daddy & MaseThe Notorious B.I.G.		Iconic ’90s hip‑hop classics that color Diana Ross