Let me start from the beginnin', at the top of the list

Released: 2018 Denzel Curry’s track “BLACK BALLOONS” (13LACK 13ALLOONZ) featuring Twelve’len, GoldLink, is a prominent testament to the MC’s introspective abilities. The song encapsulates a battle with darkness, represented metaphorically with black balloons, and the struggle of maintaining…

Released: 2000 In Lil’ Kim’s unapologetic anthem, “How Many Licks?,” featuring Sisqó, the Queen Bee of Hip Hop dubiously queries the prowess and patience of her male counterparts. Applying her signature brash style, Lil’ Kim flips the script…

Released: 2022 The piece of artistry that we’re diving into today is “Troubles” by the undeniable force of the rap game, Denzel Curry, with an appearance from the auto-tune maestro, T-Pain. This track is a raw, unfiltered narrative…

Released: 2024 “44ever” by Logic is an unapologetic celebration of his journey in the rap game, reflecting on his fame, his haters, and his triumphs while confidently asserting his skills and status in the hip-hop industry. The overarching…

Released: 2022 In “Dua Lipa,” Jack Harlow lays out a braggadocios flow to express his ambition and hunger for success, while equating his desirability to an admired pop singer. The song pits Harlow against the critics, as he…

Released: 2023 Ice Spice’s “How High?” hints at a clever lyrical exploration of personal relationships, power dynamics, and triumph over adversity. The song’s narrative portrays a tumultuous past relationship, contrasted with a resounding self-affirmation of her personality and…

Released: 2021 Kodak Black’s “Super Gremlin” is a hard-hitting track that ponders the potential lost stardom, explores betrayal amongst friends, and acknowledges the unrelenting grind that comes with being in the rap game. The song is laced with…

Released: 2011 To get straight to the meat, “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé is a defiant anthem and a clarion call for female empowerment and independence. Beyoncé asserts that women are in control, they’re running the show.…

Released: 2020 Boasting a lush, cinematic production by Hit-Boy, “One Way Flight” by Benny The Butcher, featuring rap heavyweight Freddie Gibbs aims to dissect the troubling dynamics of material success, the relentless pursuit of it, and its impact…

Released: 2002 “Air Force Ones” by Nelly, featuring artists Murphy Lee, Ali, and Kyjuan, is an ode to the beloved sneaker silhouette, the Air Force Ones, created by Nike. It represents the impact of hip-hop culture on fashion,…

Released: 2011 • Features: Nicki Minaj “Dance” by Big Sean, featuring Nicki Minaj, is a provocative and high-energy track that celebrates wealth, sexual desire and body positivity. The lyrics delve into the artists’ flamboyant lifestyles, expressive sexuality and an unapologetic…

Released: 2020 • Features: Marshmello, The Kid LAROI, Polo G “Hate The Other Side” by the late Juice WRLD, alongside Marshmello, The Kid LAROI, Polo G, is a gritty anthem of resilience and survival, as each artist reflects on…

Released: 2021 “Cry No More” by G Herbo, featuring Polo G and Lil Tjay, is a raw exposition of the trio’s experiences with loss, trauma, and violence borne from the streets. This song resonates deeply with the harsh…

Released: 2015 “The Matrimony” by Wale is a vulnerable and honest exploration of fears and hesitations around commitment and marriage, while pledging unwavering love, battling insecurities, and the struggles for success in the music industry. The song confronts…

Released: 2018 “Rap Niggas” by Nipsey Hussle is a potent, forceful track that explores the artist’s stance on authenticity, his personal journey, and his sharp contrast with other rappers he perceives as being more style than substance. Here,…

Released: 2024 • Features: Olamide In the song “Wahala” by CKay featuring Olamide, African culture and the beauty of a dark-skinned woman are magnificently celebrated. The track is a vivid portrayal of the intensity of attraction, embodied in the metaphor…

Released: 2024 “Espectacular” by Sky Rompiendo, featuring Rauw Alejandro, unfolds as a bold and vivacious track, underpinned with themes of nightlife, desire, and allure. The song is a celebration of a woman’s sensual dance moves, unapologetic attitude, and…

Released: 2024 “Suffer In Silence” by Tee Grizzley is an anthem of resilience and unapologetic self-empowerment, reflecting the artist’s success story that emerges from a harsh background. Grizzley’s lyrics cut straight to the bone, narrating the journey from…

Released: 2024 • Features: DJ Premier “Define My Name” by Nas, featuring DJ Premier, is a introspective reflection on Nas’ past and his incredible journey as a hip-hop artist. It’s a lyrical introspection that simultaneously celebrates his success, acknowledges his…

Released: 2024 In “HERicane” by Lucky Daye, the artist paints a heated, romantic narrative of attraction mixed with raw emotion and vibrant physicality. The song winds through the complexities of love and lust, exploring the emotional whirlwind that…

Released: 2020 • Features: King Von “Still Trappin’” is a raw cut off Lil Durk’s album “The Voice” that features the late King Von. This track offers an unfiltered glare into the pair’s reality, depicting the harsh streets of Chicago…

Released: 2023 “Butterfly Ku” by Ice Spice is an anthem of self-confidence and assertiveness, showcasing the rapper’s rise to the top amid haters and doubters. The song is laced with rich hip-hop symbology and layered narratives that draw…

Released: 2018 “Azucar” by Earl Sweatshirt is a deep dive into the artist’s life presenting a tapestry woven with threads of his personal struggles, familial connections, and resilience. It paints a vivid picture of overcoming adversity, resilience, and…

Released: 2021 • Features: NLE Choppa “Unapologetic” by Polo G featuring NLE Choppa is an unflinching portrayal of the hard-knock realities of the streets, where survival often means flexing strength and never backing down. Both artists use gritty, in-your-face lyrics…

Released: 2022 Burn by Juice WRLD paints a grim but honest portrayal of the artist’s struggle with narcotics dependency. Chronicling his experiences with self-destruction and suffering, the song serves as a testament to his emotional turmoil and his…

Released: 2013 • Features: Kendrick Lamar, ¡MAYDAY!, Kendall Morgan “Fragile” by Tech N9ne, featuring Kendrick Lamar, ¡MAYDAY!, and Kendall Morgan is a bold anthem addressing the often-overlooked sensitivity of artists, particularly within the high-stakes, high-criticism field of hip-hop music. The…

Released: 2024 • Features: Trueno “Cangrinaje” by Nicky Jam featuring Trueno is a marked celebration of old school Reggaeton with clear undertones of passionate longing and desire. The track delivers raw energy dipped in nostalgia, conveying the struggle of a…

Released: 2016 “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean is a deep and introspective ballad that extends a heartfelt message of undying love and loss, even in the midst of letting go. This piece explores the trials of personal growth while…

Released: 1998 “You Know My Steez” by Gang Starr is a powerful piece that emphasizes the authenticity and skill required for real hip-hop. Guru and DJ Premier, the forces behind Gang Starr, unload their critique on the state…

Released: 2018 • Features: SZA In “I Do” by Cardi B featuring SZA, Cardi spits about embracing her power and independence as a woman in the hip-hop industry. The track ultimately is a bold assertion of her right to live…

Released: 2023 • Features: Fivio Foreign “Bla Bla” by Lil Tjay featuring Fivio Foreign is a street narrative wrapped in a gritty, unapologetic shell. This song unfolds layered narratives of street survival, revenge, and defiance against detractors. With a persistent…

Released: 2020 “Righteous” by Juice WRLD is a deep dive into the rapper’s struggles with substance abuse and anxiety. The song highlights his attempts to cope with mental turmoil, leading him on a path of self-medication – a…

Released: 2018 • Features: SZA Aight fam, let’s dig into “Redemption” by Jay Rock and SZA. This joint right here? It’s all about introspection, regrets, and getting that second chance to right your wrongs. The hook features a soulful cry…

Released: 2024 “Push Ups” by Drake is diss track packed with power-packed verses and subliminal shots towards towards Kendrick Lamar, Future and Metro Boomin.The song is a manifestation of Drake’s lyrical prowess and is laced with indirect messages,…

Released: 2022 • Features: Kenny Mason, Lil Wayne “Just in Time” by JID, featuring Kenny Mason and Lil Wayne, takes listeners on a journey into the world of hip-hop culture, tackling themes of time, survival, ambition, and societal pressures. The…

Released: 2023 “Denver” by Jack Harlow is an introspective and self-aware track delving into the Kentucky rapper’s struggle with fame, the pressures of being in the spotlight, and his relationship with his own self-image. Harlow’s words depict a…

Released: 1986 “Girls” by the Beastie Boys is a cheeky and irreverent satire of stereotypical male attitudes towards women, diverging into a humorous narrative about romantic pursuit. This iconic song from the Beastie Boys’ debut album, “Licensed to…

Released: 2023 • Features: The Alchemist, MIKE The song “Sentry” featuring MIKE, finds Earl Sweatshirt getting introspective, delivering bars that reflect on his personal struggles, his upbringing, life’s hardships, and the significance of staying true to oneself. Earl Sweatshirt, renowned…

Released: 2019 Aight, let’s deep dive into “Funny How” by Kevin Gates. With an introspective approach and crafted lyricism, Gates highlights the fickle nature of relationships, exploring themes of betrayal, success, and understanding personal worth. The song revolves…

Released: 2018 • Features: Young Stoner Life, Gunna, Lil Baby “Chanel” by Young Thug, featuring Young Stoner Life, Gunna, and Lil Baby is essentially a celebration of financial success, and a lavish lifestyle of luxury, underscored by a promise to…

Released: 2016 • Features: Tame Impala Flipping that boom-bap classic hip-hop feel into a psychedelic journey, Miguel’s breathtaking “Waves” featuring the talented Australians Tame Impala, is a lyrical surfin’ through intoxicating attraction and passion. The lyrics swerve between flirtatious charm…

Released: 2019 “PTSD” by Pop Smoke presents a raw and harrowing depiction of the steady-state anxiety, brutality, and survivalism that tag along with street life. The unnerving state of hyper-alertness and emotional disquiet, linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder…

Released: 1990 • Features: Ice Cube, Breeze “Played Like A Piano” is a bold, bombastic and gritty anthem, a no-holds-barred exploration into the lives, minds, and culture of three young men from Compton, California. Blending sharp lyricism with a captivating…

Released: 2018 • Features: J. Cole “Off Deez” by JID, featuring J. Cole, is a boastful and aggressive anthem that explores both artists’ prowess in the rap game. It exposes their relentless drive, their constant battle with detractors, and their…

Released: 2015 “Already” by Kodak Black is a gritty, straightforward narrative of street life, with the artist emphasizing his humble beginning and realistic desire over ostentatious displays of wealth and luxury. Kodak communicates his dedication to his hustle…

Released: 2024 “SLUT ME OUT 2” by NLE Choppa is a bold piece, echoing themes of self-confidence, lust, and an unapologetic embrace of one’s desires. Choppa exudes audacity as he imagines himself as the object of his own…

Released: 2024 “Charged Up” by Tink is an evocative exploration of emotions following a fallout from a relationship marked by dishonesty and deception. At the heart of this compact narrative is a strong woman recharging her energy and…

Released: 1984 Alright, so as the resident hip-hop head, I’m here to indulge you in the lyrics of “Purple Rain,” an iconic joint by the one and only Prince. Here’s the quick n’ dirty – this tune can…

Released: 2019 “Heart On Ice” by Rod Wave is a soulful hip-hop song that grapples with the artist’s personal struggles and emotional battles. It chronicles his growth and the internal conflicts he has faced, particularly focusing on his…