What’s the one thing all classics have in common? The first song absolutely sets it off. And what’s the most important thing about the first song? The opening lines.
We’re talking bars here, not lines from a skit. So as iconic as “The Genesis” from Illmatic may be, “Yo, Nas, yo, what the fuck is this bullshit on the radio, son?” does not count. And we’re not including hooks either, or maybe we are, I don’t know, I’ll take it case by case.
Anyway, let’s not waste any more of your time, here are the 52 greatest rap album opening lines of all time (in chronological order).
Run–D.M.C. – “Hard Times”
Hard times spreading just like the flu Watch out homeboy, don't let it catch you P-p-p-prices go up, don't let your pocket go down When you got short money you're stuck on the ground
Artist: Run-D.M.C.
Album: Run-D.M.C.
Released: March 27, 1984
Run–D.M.C. – “Peter Piper”
Now Peter Piper picked peppers, but Run rocked rhymes Humpty Dumpty fell down, that's his hard time Jack B. Nimble was nimble and he was quick But Jam Master cut faster, Jack's on Jay's dick
Artist: Run–D.M.C.
Album: Raising Hell
Released: May 27, 1986
Eric B. & Rakim – “I Ain’t No Joke”
I ain't no joke, I used to let the mic smoke Now I slam it when I'm done and make sure it's broke When I'm gone no one gets on cause I won't let Nobody press up and mess up the scene I set
Artist: Rakim
Album: Paid in Full
Released: July 7, 1987
Big Daddy Kane – “Long Live the Kane”
Party people in the place Embrace the bass as I commence to pick up the pace And make you motivate, and accelerate 'Cause like Tony the Tiger, I'm great!
Artist: Big Daddy Kane
Album: Long Live the Kane
Released: June 21, 1988
Public Enemy – “Bring the Noise”
Bass! How low can you go? Death row? What a brother know Once again, back is the incredible rhyme animal The uncannable D, Public Enemy Number One
Artist: Chuck D
Album: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Released: June 24, 1988
N.W.A. – “Straight Outta Compton”
Straight outta Compton, crazy motherfucker named Ice Cube From the gang called Ni**az With Attitudes When I'm called off, I got a sawed off Squeeze the trigger, and bodies are hauled off
Artist: Ice Cube
Album: Straight Outta Compton
Released: August 8, 1988
The D.O.C. – “It’s Funky Enough”
One, and here comes the two to the three and four Then I drop the beat I have in store Lay dynamics on the top like a rug Make it sound smooth and later make a dub
Artist: The D.O.C.
Album: No One Can Do It Better
Released: August 1, 1989
A Tribe Called Quest – “Excursions”
Back in the days when I was a teenager Before I had status and before I had a pager You could find the Abstract listenin' to hip-hop My pops used to say, it reminded him of Bebop
Artist: Q-Tip
Album: The Low End Theory
Released: September 24, 1991
Ice Cube – “The Wrong Ni**a to Fuck Wit”
God damn, it's a brand new payback From the straight gangsta mack in straight gangsta black How many motherfuckers gotta pay Went to the shelf and dusted off the AK Caps gotta get peeled Cause "The Ni**a Ya Love to hate" still can "Kill at Will"
Artist: Ice Cube
Album: Death Certificate
Released: October 29, 1991
Redman – “Time 4 Sum Aksion”
In this corner we have the funk body snatcher P Funkadelic and I gotcha hard enough That I can chew a whole bag of rocks Chew an Avenue, chew an off street and off block
Artist: Redman
Album: Whut? Thee Album
Released: September 22, 1992
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – “On the Run”
I got a job with the mob, makin G's Doin some pickups, deliveries and transportin keys Yeah they got me like a flunky I'm ridin around with ten kilos inside my trunk G
Artist: Kool G Rap
Album: Live and Let Die
Released: November 24, 1992
Wu-Tang Clan – “Bring Da Ruckus”
Ghostface catch the blast of a hype verse My Glock burst, leave in a hearse, I did worse I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk Your head rush, fly like Egyptian musk
Artist: Ghostface Killah
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Released: November 9, 1993
A Tribe Called Quest – “Steve Biko (Stir it Up)”
Linden Boulevard represent, represent-sent Tribe Called Quest represent, represent-sent When the mic is in my hand, I'm never hesitant My favorite jam back in the day was "Eric B. for Presi—"
Artist: Phife Dawg
Album: Midnight Marauders
Released: November 9, 1993
Nas – “N.Y. State of Mind”
Rappers; I monkey flip 'em with the funky rhythm I be kickin', musician inflictin' composition Of pain, I'm like Scarface sniffin' cocaine Holdin' an M16, see, with the pen I'm extreme
Artist: Nas
Album: Illmatic
Released: April 19, 1994
2Pac – “If I Die 2Nite”
They say pussy and paper is poetry, power and pistols Plotting on murdering motherfuckers 'fore they get you Picturing pitiful punk ni**as copping pleas Puffin' weed as I position myself to clock G's
Artist: 2Pac
Album: Me Against the World
Released: March 14, 1995
Big L – “Put It On”
Ayo, you better flee hops, or get your head flown three blocks L keep rappers' hearts pumpin' like Reeboks And every year I gain clout and my name sprouts Some brothers'd still be virgins if crack never came out I got the wild style, always been a foul child My guns go "BOOM BOOM!" and yo' guns go "pow pow"
Artist: Big L
Album: Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous
Released: March 28, 1995
Raekwon – “Knuckleheadz”
Lay on the crime scene, sipping fine wines, pulling nines on UFOs, taking they fly clothes, they eyes closed We getting loot, no doubt, check the word of mouth Unheard about, guns go off and now a murder route I'm out, my raps play the part like a Get Smart secret agent
Artist: Raekwon
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
Released: August 1, 1995
GZA – “Liquid Swords”
Fake ni**as get flipped in mic fights I swing swords and cut clowns Shit is too swift to bite, you record and write it down I flow like the blood on a murder scene Like a syringe, on some wild out shit to insert a fiend
Artist: GZA
Album: Liquid Swords
Released: November 7, 1995
2Pac – “Ambitionz Az a Ridah”
I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah You don't wanna fuck with me Got the police bustin' at me But they can't do nothin' to a G
Artist: 2Pac
Album: All Eyez on Me
Released: February 13, 1996
JAY Z – “Can’t Knock the Hustle”
Yo, I'm making short term goals, when the weather folds Just put away the leathers and put ice on the gold Chilly with enough bail money to Free a big Willy High stakes, I got more at stake than Philly
Artist: JAY Z
Album: Reasonable Doubt
Released: June 25, 1996
Nas – “The Message”
Fake thug, no love, you get the slug, CB4 Gusto Your luck low, I didn't know 'til I was drunk though You freak ni**as played out, get fucked and ate out Prostitute turned bitch, I got the gauge out
Artist: Nas
Album: It Was Written
Released: July 2, 1996
2Pac – “Bomb First (My Second Reply)”
Allow me to introduce first: Makaveli the Don Hysterical, spiritual lyrics like The Holy Qur'an Ni**as get shook like 5-0 My .45 is next to me when we ride, for survival
Artist: 2Pac
Album: The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
Released: November 5, 1996
Mobb Deep – “Animal Instinct”
Yo, laid up in the cut, watch these rap ni**as fuck you up Dig in shorty guts, get the bitch to set you up It's the most trifle, 41st Side disciples
Artist: Havoc
Album: Hell on Earth
Released: November 19, 1996
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Somebody’s Gotta Die”
I'm sittin' in the crib dreamin' about Lear jets and coupes The way Salt shoops and how to sell records like Snoop (oops!)
Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Album: Life After Death
Released: March 25, 1997
Wu-Tang Clan – “Reunited”
Reunited, double LP, world excited Struck a match to the underground, industry ignited From metaphorical parables to fertilize the Earth
Artist: GZA
Album: Wu-Tang Forever
Released: June 3, 1997
JAY Z – “Intro: A Million and One Questions / Rhyme No More”
A lot of speculation On the monies I've made, honies I've slayed How is he for real? Is that ni**a really paid?
Artist: JAY Z
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Released: November 4, 1997
DMX – “Intro”
One-two, one-two, come through, run through Gun who? Oh, you don't know what the gun do? (What?) Some do, those that know are real quiet When you think you wanna try it, fuck around and start a riot (Uh)
Artist: DMX
Album: It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
Released: May 19, 1998
Lauryn Hill – “Lost Ones”
It's funny how money change a situation Miscommunication lead to complication My emancipation don't fit your equation I was on the humble, you on every station
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Released: August 25, 1998
OutKast – “Return Of The “G””
It's the return of the gangster, thanks ta' Them ni**as that's on that blow that run up in your crib Which contains your lady and an 8 month old Child to raise plus you true blue 'bout this music but They do not want to hear it
Artist: Andre 3000
Album: Aquemini
Released: September 29, 1998
Eminem – “My Name Is”
Hi, kids, do you like violence? Wanna see me stick nine-inch nails through each one of my eyelids? Wanna copy me and do exactly like I did? Try 'cid and get fucked up worse than my life is?
Artist: Eminem
Album: The Slim Shady LP
Released: February 23, 1999
Dr. Dre – “The Watcher”
Things just ain't the same for gangstas Times is changin', young ni**as is agin' Becoming OGs in the game and changin' To make way for these new names and faces
Artist: Dr. Dre
Album: 2001
Released: November 16, 1999
Ghostface Killah – “Nutmeg”
Scientific, my hand kissed it Robotic, let's think optimistic You probably missed it, watch me Dolly Dick it Scotty Wotty copped it to me, big microphone hippie Hit Poughkeepsie, crispy chicken, verbs, throw up a stone, Richie
Artist: Ghostface Killah
Album: Supreme Clientele
Released: February 8, 2000
Eminem – “Kill You”
When I just a little baby boy My momma used to tell me these crazy things She used to tell me my daddy was an evil man She used to tell me he hated me
Artist: Eminem
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Released: May 23, 2000
JAY Z – “The Dynasty (Intro)”
The theme song to The Sopranos Plays in the key of life on my mental piano Got a strange way of seeing life, like I'm Stevie Wonder with beads under the do-rag
Artist: JAY Z
Album: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
Released: October 31, 2000
JAY-Z – “The Ruler’s Back”
Yo, gather 'round hustlers that's if you still livin' And get on down, to that ol' Jig rhythm Here's a couple of jewels to help you get through your bid in prison
Artist: JAY Z
Album: The Blueprint
Released: September 11, 2001
Clipse – “Intro”
Playas we ain't the same, I'm into 'caine and guns Chopard with the fishes make the face lift numb Out in Panama in that amazing sun; I'm amazing, son You ni**as wonder where my grace is from
Artist: Pusha T
Album: Lord Willin’
Released: August 20, 2002
50 Cent – “What Up Gangsta”
They say I walk around like I got a S on my chest Nah, that's a semi-auto, in a vest on my chest
Artist: 50 Cent
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Released: February 6, 2003
Common – “Be (Intro)”
I wanna be as free as the spirits of those who left I'm talking Malcolm, Coltrane, my man Yusef Through death grew conception, new breath and resurrection For moms, new steps in a direction
Artist: Common
Album: Be
Released: May 24, 2005
Young Jeezy – “Thug Motivation 101”
I used to hit the kitchen lights, cockroaches everywhere Hit the kitchen lights: now it's marble floors, everywhere! (haha) Call the carpenter, the roof on the coupe's gone (chea) Give a fuck what he sold - I'm the truth, homes (that's riiight)
Artist: Young Jeezy
Album: Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Released: July 26, 2005
Clipse – “We Got It for Cheap (Intro)”
Fear him, as soon as you hear him Upon my arrival, the dope dealers cheer him Just like a revival, the verse tends to steer 'em Through a life in the fast lane, I German engineer 'em
Artist: Pusha T
Album: Hell Hath No Fury
Released: November 28, 2006
Kanye West – “Good Morning”
Wake up Mr. West, Mr. West Mr. Fresh, Mister, by himself he's so impressed I mean damn, did you even see the test? You got D's, muthafucka D's, Rosie Perez
Artist: Kanye West
Album: Graduation
Released: September 11, 2007
Kanye West – “Dark Fantasy”
I fantasized 'bout this back in Chicago Mercy, mercy me, that Murcielago That's me, the first year that I blow How you say broke in Spanish? Me, no hablo
Artist: Kanye West
Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Released: November 22, 2010
JAY-Z & Kanye West – “No Church in the Wild”
Tears on the mausoleum floor Blood stains the Coliseum doors Lies on the lips of a priest Thanksgiving disguised as a feast
Artist: JAY Z
Album: Watch the Throne
Released: August 8, 2011
Meek Mill – “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)”
I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this So I had to grind like that to shine like this And the matter of time I spent on some locked-up shit In the back of the paddy wagon, cuffs locked on wrists Seen my dreams unfold, nightmares come true It was time to marry the game and I said, "Yeah, I do" If you want it you gotta see it with a clear-eyed view Got a shorty, she tryna bless me like I said achoo
Artist: Meek Mill
Album: Dreams and Nightmares
Released: October 30, 2012
Kanye West – “On Sight”
Yeezy season approaching Fuck whatever y'all been hearing Fuck what, fuck whatever y'all been wearing A monster about to come alive again Soon as I pull up and park the Benz We get this bitch shaking like Parkinsons
Artist: Kanye West
Album: Yeezus
Released: June 18, 2013
Drake – “Tuscan Leather”
Comin' off the last record I'm gettin' twenty million off the record Just to off these records, ni**a, that's a record
Artist: Drake
Album: Nothing Was the Same
Released: September 24, 2013
Pusha T – “King Push”
This is my time, this is my hour This is my pain, this is my name, this is my power If it's my reign, then it's my shower
Artist: Pusha T
Album: My Name Is My Name
Released: October 7, 2013
Future – “Thought It Was a Drought”
I just fucked your bitch in some Gucci flip flops I just had some bitches and I made 'em lip lock I just took a piss and I seen codeine coming out We got purple Actavis, I thought it was a drought
Artist: Future
Album: DS2
Released: July 17, 2015
Kendrick Lamar – “DNA.”
I got, I got, I got, I got Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA Cocaine quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA I got hustle though, ambition, flow inside my DNA
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: DAMN.
Released: April 14, 2017
Pusha T – “If You Know You Know”
Pullin' up in that new toy The wrist on that boy rockstar like Pink Floyd Waving at rude boy, I'm wavin' at you, boy Ran off on the plug too like Trugoy
Artist: Pusha T
Album: Daytona
Released: May 25, 2018
Westside Gunn – “GODS Don’t Bleed”
Even the FBI said the squad was violent They labeled us young, wild, and homicidal But hustlers treat my last shit like it's some kind of Bible 'Cause I drove with my last brick in a Honda Pilot
Artist: Benny the Butcher
Album: Supreme Blientele
Released: June 22, 2018
Dreamville – “Under the Sun”
Nothing new under the sun, nobody fucking with son I got a couple of sons, a couple of guns A couple of ni**as that bust up the party and fuck up the fun She digging me and I’m cuffing her friend She ig'-ing you while we fucking for fun
Artist: J. Cole
Album: Revenge of the Dreamers III
Released: July 5, 2019
