A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics

Hip-hop has been one of the defining genres of the scene since the 1980s, loved all around the world.

When it comes to hip-hop’s most distinctive feature, it’s got to be rap.

This time, I’d like to break down the raps from classic tracks that became massive hits in the hip-hop scene.

We’ve selected from a wide range of styles, from old school to trap, the modern trend.

There are also a few lesser-known gems in the mix, so heads should definitely check it out!

Playlist

A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre		The hip-hop classic “The Next Episode”
2	Rap GodEminem		Eminem’s lightning-fast rap “Rap God”
3	In Da Club50 Cent		The signature song of the thug rapper 50 Cent
4	StrongerKanye West		Kanye West’s sampling technique is captivating.
5	Lollipop ft. StaticLil Wayne		Lil Wayne, a trendsetting rapper.
6	Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A		N.W.A's revolutionary hip-hop track
7	JuicyThe Notorious B.I.G.		The Notorious B.I.G.’s classic song “Juicy”
8	HUMBLE.Kendrick Lamar		Kendrick Lamar’s signature song “HUMBLE.”
9	Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre		Hit song by Dr. Dre and Snoop
10	Changes ft. Talent2Pac		Tupac, a legend of West Coast hip-hop
11	Hotline BlingDrake		Drake reigns over the music scene with his unique style.
12	Thugz CryBizzy Bone		The life and music of Busy Bone
13	Nas Is LikeNas		Nas: a rapper known for diverse musicality
14	Face Off (feat. Joey Cool, King Iso & Dwayne Johnson)Tech N9ne		Tech N9ne's overwhelming rap skills
15	Ni**as In ParisJAY Z, Kanye West		Jay-Z's success and the appeal of his music
16	MONTEROLil Nas X		Representative musical works by LGBTQ+ artists
17	WoahLil Baby		Lil Baby’s signature song “Woah”
18	Ms. JacksonOutKast		The hit song 'Ms. Jackson' by Outkast
19	X Gon’ Give It To YaDMX		DMX’s powerful rap style is captivating.
20	It’s TrickyRun-D.M.C.		Run-D.M.C.’s signature song “It’s Tricky”
21	Like ThatFuture, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar		Hip-hop single by Future and others
22	Keep Ya Head Up2Pac		An anthem of support for women living through hardship, a paean to friendship
23	Lose YourselfEminem		A song of Eminem’s success and the courage to overcome adversity
24	Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)Snoop Dogg		Snoop Dogg’s classic— a monument of G-funk
25	tv offKendrick Lamar		Kendrick Lamar’s socially critical hip-hop track
26	Mask OffFUTURE		The rawness of the street and the road to success
27	Not Like UsKendrick Lamar		Kendrick Lamar’s new song draws attention.
28	Keep Their Heads Ringin’Dr. Dre		Dr. Dre’s film score becomes a massive hit
29	Party Up (Up In Here)DMX		DMX's signature tracks, with aggressive and powerful rap
30	Bring Em OutT.I.		A hip-hop track that conveys T.I.’s overwhelming success
31	Woo Hah!! Got You All in CheckBusta Rhymes		A landmark of hip-hop: Busta Rhymes’ classic track
32	Still Not a Player feat. JoeBig Pun		The sensual hip-hop classic by BIGBANG
33	Crush on YouLil’ Kim		A masterpiece 90s hip-hop album arrives
34	I Got 5 on ItLuniz		West Coast classics, the allure of music
35	The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)Missy Elliott		Missy Elliott's innovative music and visuals
36	If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) feat. Lauryn HillNas		A heartwarming classic that sings of freedom and hope
37	Check Yo Self feat. Das EFXIce Cube		A cautionary message that questions the truths of street life
38	Collard GreensScHoolboy Q		A danceable hip-hop classic
39	SICKO MODE ft. DrakeTravis Scott		Travis Scott’s innovative track becomes a massive hit