Since emerging in the late 1970s, rap music has developed into one of the most dominant and influential genres worldwide. Propelled by beats and rhymes, rap songs provide cultural commentary, showcase lyricism, and pump up parties. Countless rap hits have left their mark, but certain monumental tracks stand above the rest. Here we revisit 10 rap songs of all time that broke new ground for the genre and still resonate today as the greatest rap hits of all time.
Top 10 Rap Songs of All Time (Updated List 2023)
Below is a table with top ten rap songs of all time
| Sr. No. | Song Name (Year) | Singer Name |
| 1 | B.I.G. | |
| 2 | Eminem | |
| 3 | Public Enemy | |
| 4 | 50 Cent | |
| 5 | The Sugarhill Gang | |
| 6 | N.W.A. | |
| 7 | Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five | |
| 8 | N.W.A. | |
| 9 | Mobb Deep | |
| 10 | Nas |
1 - Juicy (1994)
- Artist(s): The Notorious B.I.G.
- Album: Ready to Die
- Release Date: August 9, 1994
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Sean Combs, James Mtume, Jean-Claude Olivier, Christopher Wallace
The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 debut smash Juicy jetted him to stardom. Rapping over iconic old school boom bap production, Biggie describes his come-up from Brooklyn hustler to rap superstar. His velvety flow and iconic lyrics like Birthdays was the worst days, now we sip champagne when we thirsty made Juicy an instant classic hip hop anthem.
2 - Lose Yourself (2002)
- Artist(s): Eminem
- Album: 8 Mile Soundtrack
- Release Date: October 28, 2002
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Jeff Bass, Luis Resto, M. Mathers
Featured in his semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, Eminem's Lose Yourself captured his rags-to-riches story. Rapping about chasing success, Em displays technical fireworks over gritty production. Lose Yourself became the first rap song to win Best Original Song at the Academy Awards while once again showcasing Eminem's place among hip hop's elite.
3 - Fight the Power (1989)
- Artist(s): Public Enemy
- Album: Fear of a Black Planet
- Release Date: July 4, 1989
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Carlton Ridenhour, Gary G-Wiz, Hank Shocklee, Eric Sadler, Keith Shocklee
Public Enemy's protest anthem Fight the Power brilliantly melded hip hop and politics in 1989. Backed by a wall of sound, Chuck D delivers a fierce takedown of systemic racism over the song's iconic groove. One of the most culturally significant rap hits, Fight the Power connected with a rebellious spirit and black activism of the late 80s.
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4 - In Da Club (2003)
- Artist(s): 50 Cent
- Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin'
- Release Date: February 6, 2003
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Curtis Jackson, Dr. Dre, Mike Elizondo
50 Cent exploded onto the scene with his 2003 #1 debut single In Da Club. The Dr. Dre-produced club banger threw down the gauntlet, helping establish 50 Cent as a dominant force in hip hop. Dropping alongside Eminem and Dre in the video, 50 Cent announced his arrival with his nihilistic party lyrics and menacing delivery.
5 - Rapper's Delight (1979)
- Artist(s): The Sugarhill Gang
- Album: Sugarhill Gang
- Release Date: September 16, 1979
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Sylvia Robinson
The Sugarhill Gang ushered rap music into popular culture in 1979 with Rapper's Delight. Stretching nearly 15 minutes, the monumental posse cut featured Wonder Mike, Master Gee, and Big Bank Hank dropping continuous infectious flows over Chic's Good Times. Though far from the first recorded rap song, Rapper's Delight took hip hop nationwide and kickstarted the genre's evolution.
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6 - Straight Outta Compton (1988)
- Artist(s): N.W.A
- Album: Straight Outta Compton
- Release Date: August 8, 1988
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Ice Cube, MC Ren
The title track from N.W.A's explosive 1988 album announced a rap revolution. Group members Ice Cube and MC Ren unleashed furious rhymes and thundering production portraying the anger and reality of life in Compton. Though incendiary, Straight Outta Compton spoke truth to power and ushered in gangsta rap with its unflinching hardcore depiction of urban struggles.
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7 - The Message (1982)
- Artist(s): Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
- Album: The Message
- Release Date: July 1, 1982
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Duke Bootee, Melle Mel, Ed Duke Bootee Fletcher
Hip hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five delivered The Message in 1982, widely considered the first conscious rap song. Melle Mel's gritty lyrics describe life in the inner city over ominous electro beats. Bringing harsh urban realities into focus, The Message proved hip hop could powerfully reflect black American experiences and marked a milestone in rap's progression.
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8 - Fuck Tha Police (1988)
- Artist(s): N.W.A
- Album: Straight Outta Compton
- Release Date: August 9, 1988
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Ice Cube, MC Ren
Among N.W.A's most confrontational songs, 1988's Fuck Tha Police channeled outrage against police brutality and racial profiling into blistering rap defiance. Group members Ice Cube and MC Ren unleash profane lyrics targeting abusive, racist cops over a George Clinton sample. Though drawing immense controversy, the raging protest song gave a resonant voice to the oppression faced by black youth in late 80s inner cities.
9 - Shook Ones Pt. II (1995)
- Artist(s): Mobb Deep
- Album: The Infamous
- Release Date: February 7, 1995
- Genre: Hardcore hip hop, mafioso rap
- Songwriter(s): Havoc, Prodigy, Matt Life
Queens duo Mobb Deep perfected grimy, atmospheric East Coast hip hop on their 1995 track Shook Ones Pt. II. Backed by foreboding piano and strings, Prodigy and Havoc spit menacing bars evoking paranoia and urban danger. Seen as one of the most evocative hardcore hip hop tracks, Shook Ones Pt. II brought cinematic street tales to life through its vivid storytelling and sonic palette.
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10 - N.Y. State of Mind (1994)
- Artist(s): Nas
- Album: Illmatic
- Release Date: April 19, 1994
- Genre: Hip hop
- Songwriter(s): Nasir Jones, Chris Martin
Nas delivered one of the greatest hip hop album openers ever with 1994's N.Y. State of Mind. Rapping with razor sharp focus over gritty DJ Premier production, Nas vividly depicts his rough upbringing in Queensbridge Houses projects. Nas intricate multisyllabic rhyme schemes and lyrical intricacy demonstrated a young virtuoso announcing himself. N.Y. State of Mind set the tone for Nas masterpiece debut Illmatic and rap's East Coast renaissance.
The Final Verdict
From old school legends to modern lyricists, these top 10 rap songs capture hip hop's brilliance and breadth. Their iconic production, wordplay and messages made an impact well beyond music. We hope revisiting these top ten monumental rap songs inspires you to explore all the genre has to offer. Hip hop continues evolving but these defining hits will always signify why rap is forever ingrained in global culture.
FAQs
Who is considered the King of Rap?
Many consider either Eminem and Tupac Shakur the greatest and most influential rappers of all time by often giving them the title King of Rap. Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. are also often included in discussions of the best ever.
What is the most popular rap song?
According to Recording Industry Association of America certifications, the Eagles remix of Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj's Hot Girl Summer is statistically the most popular rap song of all time going seven times platinum in 2019.
What rap song won the first Grammy for Best Rap Performance?
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince won the first-ever Best Rap Performance Grammy for their hit song Parents Just Don't Understand in 1989. The win marked a major milestone for recognizing hip hop.
What is considered the first rap song?
Commonly cited as the first rap song is Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang which was released in 1979. While not the first recorded rap track, it was the first major hip hop hit and brought the genre into the mainstream.
Who is the best-selling rapper of all time?
According to Recording Industry Association of America data, Eminem is the best-selling rapper worldwide having sold many millions records. Other top-selling rappers include 2Pac, Jay-Z, OutKast and Nelly.