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Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Mase - Breath Stretch Shake"Breathe, Stretch, Shake" marks Mase's triumphant return to the rap scene after a five-year hiatus. Produced by Rick Rock and featuring P. Diddy on the chorus, this song peaks at 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earns a gold certification. It’s featured in the NFL Street 2 video game and the 2004 "Fat Albert" movie. The music video, directed by Benny Boom, shows Mase and dancers dressed in black and white. The music video is directed by Benny Boom. Writer(s) : Ric Rock, Mase Publisher(s) : Cyphercleff Music Publsihing, Emi April Music Inc, Mason Betha Entertainment Inc, Justin Combs Publishing Featured on the 2004 album Welcome Back
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 2 . IceCube - Check Yo Self"Check Yo Self" by Ice Cube is a standout 90s rap track. Sampling "I'm Blue" by The Sweet Inspirations, "The New Style" by Beastie Boys, and "The Group Fight" from "Juice," the remixed version featuring Das EFX with a sample of "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash is particularly famous. It appears in numerous films, TV shows, and the "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" video game on Radio Los Santos. The music video is directed by Ice Cube. Writer(s) : Muggs, Ice Cube Publisher(s) : Soul Assassin Inc, Universal Music Corporation, Gangsta Boogie Music Featured on the 1993 album The Predator
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 3 . Dr. Dre - Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang (w/ Snoop Dogg)"Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang" is one of Dr. Dre's most iconic tracks and the first single from his debut solo album. The song marks the first major collaboration between Dre and Snoop Dogg and samples "I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You" by Leon Haywood. Known for its innovative production and influence on gangsta rap, its music video, filmed in a single day, features a neighborhood party in Long Beach, California. The music video is directed by Dr. Dre. Writer(s) : Snoop Dogg, Otha Leon Haywood, Frederick Douglas Knight Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp Featured on the 1992 album The Chronic
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 4 . Lil Bow Wow - Bow Wow [That's My Name] (w/ Snoop Dogg)"Bow Wow (That's My Name)" launches Lil Bow Wow, then 13, into the music scene. Produced by Jermaine Dupri and featuring Snoop Dogg, who discovered Bow Wow at age six, the track samples "Dernier Domicile Connu" by François de Roubaix and "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton. It tops the Billboard Rap Songs chart and goes platinum. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers. Writer(s) : George Clinton Jr, Garrett Clinton Shider, Jermaine Dupri, Babyboy, Barry Alan Gibb, Andrew Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb, Maurice Ernest Gibb, David Lee Spradley, Snoop Dogg Featured on the 2000 album Beware of Dog
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 5 . Jay Z - Run This Town (w/ Rihanna, Kanye West)"Run This Town" brings together Jay Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West, marking a significant moment in 2009 hip-hop. The track wins two Grammy Awards. Kanye West co-produces it with No I.D. The video, directed by Anthony Mandler, showcases the trio in a post-apocalyptic setting, surrounded by angry protesters. The song also features in the 2010 film "The Book of Eli" directed by the Hughes Brothers, starring Denzel Washington. The music video is directed by Anthony Mandler. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Nath Bhasker, Athanassios Alatas, Rihanna, Kanye West, No I.D., Jay Z Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Songs Ltd, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Annarhi Music Llc, No I D Music Publishing, Way Above Music, Please Gimme My Publishing Inc, Carter Boys Music, Sony Atv Songs Llc, Warner Chappell Mus Greece Ltd Featured on the 2009 album The Blueprint 3
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 6 . Nelly - N Dey Say"N Dey Say" by Nelly, released in 2004, is a track that samples Spandau Ballet's "True." Produced by Jayson "Koko" Bridges, the track incorporates elements of pop and hip-hop and addresses themes of positivity and perseverance. Nelly, known for hits like "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," continues to blend different musical styles to deliver messages of hope and resilience. The music video is directed by Chris Robinson. Writer(s) : Gary James Kemp, Nelly Publisher(s) : Bmg Songs Inc, Jackie Frost Music Inc Featured on the 2004 album Sweat
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 7 . Jay Z - Empire State of Mind (w/ Alicia Keys)Produced by Al Shux, "Empire State of Mind" is an ode to New York, blending Jay Z and Alicia Keys' talents. Sampling "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments, it tops the Billboard Hot 100 and becomes an unofficial anthem for NYC. The black-and-white video shows Jay Z and Keys in iconic New York locations. Keys wrote and recorded her chorus in one take, and the song was performed at the 2009 World Series opening ceremony. The music video is directed by Hype Williams. Writer(s) : Angela Ann Hunte, Alicia Keys, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Shux, Jay Z Publisher(s) : Masani El Shabazz, Kmr Ii Gt Publishing Limited, Universal Music Corporation, Carter Boys Music, Emi April Music Inc, Foray Music, J Sewell Publishing, Lellow Productions Inc
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 8 . Puff Daddy - Can't Nobody Hold Me Down (w/ Mase)"Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" is Puff Daddy's first single as a lead artist, featuring Mase. Released in 1997, it tops the charts and goes platinum. Sampling "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash, this track marks the rise of Bad Boy Records. The video features Puff Daddy and Mase in luxurious settings, reflecting the "bling-bling" style of the era. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Sean John Combs, Mason Betha, Matthew Wilder, Steven Jordan, Sylvia Robinson, Melvin Glover, Gregory Prestopino, Nashiem Sa-Allah Myrick Publisher(s) : Wilder Kingdom Music, Buchu Music, Unknown Publisher, Big Ears Music Inc, No Ears Music Featured on the 1997 album No Way Out
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 9 . Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It"You Know How We Do It" is an iconic single by Ice Cube, known for its distinctive West Coast style. Released in 1994, it samples "The Show Is Over" by Evelyn "Champagne" King and represents the G-funk sound of 90s West Coast hip-hop. The track reflects life in South Central Los Angeles, Ice Cube's hometown. The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy. Writer(s) : Theodore Life Jr, Quincy Delight Jones II, Ice Cube, Dexter Wansel Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Full Keel Music Co, Unichappell Music Inc, Deep Technology Music, Gangsta Boogie Music Featured on the 1994 album Lethal Injection
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 10 . Jay Z - Girls Girls Girls"Girls Girls Girls" sees Jay Z celebrating his experiences with women from various backgrounds. Produced by Just Blaze, it samples "There's Nothing in This World That Can Stop Me from Loving You" by Tom Brock. Directed by Hype Williams, the video shows Jay-Z in luxurious settings surrounded by women. Kanye West contributed to the initial production, although uncredited. The music video is directed by Marc Klasfeld. Writer(s) : Jay Z, George Edward Belton Jr, Charles Michael Fleming, Michael Larry Miller, Tom J Brocker, Robert Nelson Relf, Reginald A Payne, Barry Ridgeway Bailey Publisher(s) : Lil Lu Lu Publishing, Peermusic Iii Ltd, Malaco Music Company Featured on the 2001 album The Blueprint
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 11 . Jay Z - Holy Grail"Holy Grail" is a collaboration between Jay Z and Justin Timberlake, exploring the challenges of fame and its impact on personal life. Produced by The-Dream, Timbaland, and J-Roc, the song wins a Grammy Award. Notably, it includes a sample of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, approved by Courtney Love. The music video is directed by Anthony Mandler. Writer(s) : Krist Novoselic, Justin R Timberlake, Jerome J Harmon, Terius Adamu Ya Gesteelde-Diamant, David Grohl, Timbaland, No I.D., Jay Z, Kurt D Cobain Publisher(s) : Vb Rising Publishing, Tennman Tunes, Universal Music Z Tunes Llc, Let The Story Begin Publishing, 2082 Music Publishing, Carter Boys Music, Warner Tamerlane Publishing Co, Jerome Harmon Productions Featured on the 2013 album 197222222222222
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 12 . Ice Cube - Bop Gun [One Nation]"Bop Gun (One Nation)" is a track by Ice Cube featuring funk pioneer George Clinton. The song incorporates P-Funk elements and pays homage to African American culture. The music video, rich with funk culture references, is directed by Marcus Raboy. The music video is directed by Cameron Casey. Writer(s) : George Clinton Jr, Quincy Delight Jones II, Walter Morrison, Ice Cube, Garry Marshall Shider, William Earl Collins Featured on the 1993 album Lethal Injection
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 13 . Jay Z - On To The Next One"On to the Next One" is a collaboration between Jay Z and producer Swizz Beatz. Sampling "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice, the track explores themes of evolution and overcoming challenges. The song is used in several sports events, including NBA games. The music video is directed by Sam Brown. Writer(s) : Xavier De Rosnay, Jessie Chaton, Kasseem Daoud Dean Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Headbangers Publishing, Carter Boys Music Featured on the 2016 album The Blueprint 3
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 14 . Dr. Dre - Keep Their Heads Ringin'"Keep Their Heads Ringin'" by Dr. Dre, released in 1995, is renowned for its funky groove underscored by the sample of George McCrae's "I Get Lifted," adding a disco touch to its aggressive rap ambiance and lyrics typical of 90s West Coast rap, blending confidence and defiance. The song was featured on the "Friday" movie soundtrack starring Ice Cube, directed by F. Gary Gray. This single peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Rodd Houston and Marcus Raboy. Writer(s) : Gwendolyn Yvon Chisolm, Sylvia Robinson, Cheryl Lorraine Cook, Dr Dre, Sam Sneed, Angela Laverne Brown Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Gambi Music Inc Featured on the 1995 album Friday : Soundtrack
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 15 . Flo Rida - Low (w/ T_Pain)Produced by DJ Montay, "Low" is Flo Rida's breakout single featuring T-Pain. Released in 2007, it spent ten consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Known for its catchy lyrics and memorable hook, it was featured in the movie "Step Up 2: The Streets," directed by Jon M. Chu, and "Tropic Thunder," directed by Ben Stiller. The music video is directed by Bernard Gourley. Writer(s) : Montay Humphrey, Howard Simmons, T-Pain, Florida, Korey Roberson Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Universal Music Z Songs, Nappypub Music, Sony Atv Songs Llc Featured on the 2008 album Step Up 2: The Streets (Original Soundtrack)
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 16 . 50 Cent - Disco InfernoWith a title referencing the 1976 hit by The Trammps, "Disco Inferno" is a 2004 single by 50 Cent that reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for its provocative lyrics, 50 Cent vividly describes the nightclub scene and his interactions with women. Produced by Dangerous LLC, the track is also behind hits like "Candy Shop." The music video is directed by Ulysses Terrero, Jessy Terrero. Writer(s) : Phillip Pitts, Teraike Crawford Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Kobalt Music Copyrights Sarl, Universal Music Corporation Featured on the 2005 album The Massacre
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 17 . Jay Z - Izzo [H.O.V.A.]"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" is one of Jay Z's flagship singles, produced by Kanye West. The title plays on "Hova," short for Jehovah, and "Izzo" representing the letter O. Sampling "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5, it’s among the first collaborations between Jay Z and West, marking the start of their prolific partnership. The music video is directed by Dave Meyers. Writer(s) : Robert G Bourdon, Joseph Hahn, Frederick J Perren, Michael Kenji Shinoda, Jay Z, Berry Gordy Jr, Bradford Philip Delson, Alphonso James Mizell, Linkin Park, Deke Richards, Chester Charles Bennington, Kanye Omari West Featured on the 2001 album The Blueprint
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 18 . Mary J. Blige - Love Is All We Need (w/ Nas)"Love Is All We Need" is a collaboration between Mary J. Blige and Nas. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it blends R&B and rap and marks a stylistic shift for Blige towards a lighter, more joyful tone. It samples "Moonchild" (1985) by Rick James. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Terry Steven Lewis, Mary J Blige, Jimmy Jam, James A Johnson Publisher(s) : Mary J Blige Music, Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp Featured on the 1997 album Share My World
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 19 . Trick Daddy - Let's Go (w/ Lil Jon & Twista)"Let's Go" by Trick Daddy, featuring Lil Jon and Twista, samples "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. Produced by Lil Jon, known for his energetic crunk style, the track is famous for its intense energy and dynamic lyrics. It features in multiple films and commercials, boosting its lasting popularity. The music video is directed by Erik White. Writer(s) : Corey Evans, Trick Daddy, Lasana Smith, Ted Lucas, Mark Bryan Seymour Publisher(s) : Watch My Music, Fox Film Music Corporation, First And Gold Publishing, First N Platinum Publishing, Tcf Music Publishing Inc Featured on the 2004 album Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets
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 20 . Fabolous - So Into You (w/ Tamia)Released in 2003, "So Into You" by Fabolous featuring Tamia is a classic R&B and hip-hop track. It samples "Silly" by Deniece Williams. An alternative version of the song features singer Ashanti instead of Tamia. The music video is directed by Harvey White. Writer(s) : Tim Kelley, Ronald La Pread, Lionel B Richie Jr, Bob H Robinson, Tamia Washington Publisher(s) : Time For Flytes Music, Songs By Barometer Music Royalty Fund I, Plus 1 Publishing, Bmg Platinum Songs Us Featured on the 2003 album Street Dreams
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ABOUT Gangster RapWhat Is Gangster Rap ?Originally, Gangster Rap, often called gangsta rap, focuses on the experiences and realities of life in urban ghettos, particularly crime, street violence, drugs, poverty, racism, and confrontations with law enforcement. Artists in this genre often use provocative and controversial lyrics to tell their personal stories or those of their communities. In the 1990s, Gangster Rap gains popularity with artists bringing a more personal and introspective dimension to street narratives. This period sees the genre diversifying its content, addressing themes like self-reflection and personal struggles. In the 2000s, Gangster Rap continues to evolve, integrating influences from pop and Southern hip-hop. Productions become more sophisticated, using advanced musical production techniques to create catchy and complex tracks. Gangster Rap, Rhythms, Beats & SamplesGangster Rap is characterized by heavy and powerful rhythms, often built around electronic drum beats, deep basslines, and samples of funk and soul music. Key figures in creating this distinctive sound, like Dr. Dre, use advanced production techniques to craft captivating instrumentals. Gangster Rap frequently samples funk, soul, and jazz music from the 1970s and 1980s. These samples add musical depth, rich texture, and cultural grounding to the productions. Producers chop and manipulate these excerpts to create original beats that support the rappers’ lyrics. Gangster Rap, From Dark Reality To Celebrating SuccessOver the years, Gangster Rap lyrics have evolved from dark and realistic narratives to anthems celebrating luxurious living and personal success. Many Gangster Rappers from the 1990s, like Jay-Z, start their careers by narrating their difficult life experiences. As they achieve success and wealth, their lyrics naturally evolve to reflect their social ascent, financial success, and entrepreneurial endeavors. With the massive commercial success of rap in the 2000s, record labels encourage content that is more appealing to a broader audience. Additionally, the popular culture of the 2000s glorifies the celebrity lifestyle, including wealth, parties, and luxury brands. Rappers, as cultural icons, adopt and promote these themes, reinforcing their star status. Gangster Rap & Cultural MarkersGangster Rap popularizes baggy clothes, long t-shirts, and tracksuits. Streetwear brands like FUBU, Karl Kani, and Sean John (created by Puff Daddy) gain popularity thanks to rappers adopting these styles. Accessories like gold chains, rings, and luxury watches become status symbols, greatly influencing urban fashion. Luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace are integrated into the Gangster Rap style, often mentioned in song lyrics and worn by artists. Collaborations between rappers and fashion brands become common, with artists launching their own clothing lines. The success of films like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Menace II Society,” which depict life in tough neighborhoods and are often linked to Gangster Rap, helps popularize the genre. Documentaries and series about famous rappers or groups (e.g., “Straight Outta Compton” about N.W.A) draw attention to Gangster Rap culture. Gangster Rap influences urban art, with graffiti and artworks by artists like Shepard Fairey (Obey), Marquis Lewis (Retna), and Kehinde Wiley, who create posters, street art, and paintings honoring iconic rap figures. These works draw inspiration from the themes and icons of the genre. |
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