The Most Popular Rap Songs of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the rap songs you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:15
Rap music, a genre rooted deeply in rhythm and poetry, continuously shapes and reflects the societal and cultural landscapes from which it emerges. Over the years, countless rap songs have resonated with audiences, each bearing its unique flavor and message. Ranking these songs not only helps new listeners to identify seminal works that define the genre but also provides a chronological snapshot of its evolution and impact on music and society.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a collective memory of rap music that celebrates innovation and acknowledges iconic contributions. This ongoing input ensures that the list remains reflective of true fan favorites while introducing influential tracks to those less familiar with the genre. This dynamic intersection of past influences and present tastes creates a living archive of rap music's rich history and ongoing legacy.
What Are the Most Popular Rap Songs of All Time?
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153votes
"Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.A classic and widely recognized song that showcases Biggie's storytelling and lyricism."Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G. is a iconic rap song that was released in 1994 as the lead single from his debut album, "Ready to Die". The song is a celebration of The Notorious B.I.G.'s rise to success and the transformation of his life from poverty to fame. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time and has had a significant impact on the genre. The track is known for its catchy hooks, smooth flow, and introspective lyrics that touch upon themes of perseverance, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.- Release Date: August 9, 1994
- Album: Ready to Die
- Genre: Hip-hop, Rap
- Label: Bad Boy, Arista
- Duration: 4:46
"Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G. in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most successful rap song of all time
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238votesA motivational and inspirational track that won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Eminem's delivery and wordplay are unmatched in this song."Lose Yourself" by Eminem in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular workout song
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful rap song of all time
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular walk-up song
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular walk-up song in baseball
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317votesA gritty and raw song that paints a vivid picture of life in the streets of New York. Nas' flow and vivid storytelling make this song a classic."N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas is a critically acclaimed rap song that was released in 1994. It is the second track on Nas' debut studio album, "Illmatic." The song captures the essence and rawness of life in New York City during the mid-90s, showcasing Nas' lyrical mastery and storytelling ability. With its dark and cinematic production, "N.Y. State of Mind" has become a classic in the genre and has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of rappers.
- Album: Illmatic
- Release Year: 1994
- Genre: Hip-hop/Rap
- Length: 4:54
- Label: Columbia
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422votesA heartfelt tribute to Tupac's mother that showcases his emotional depth and vulnerability. This song is considered one of Tupac's best works.
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58votesA laid-back and catchy song that became a party anthem in the 90s. Snoop's smooth flow and catchy lyrics make this song a classic.
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611votes
"Changes" by Tupac Shakur
Tupac ShakurA socially conscious song that addresses issues such as racism, poverty, and police brutality. Tupac's message is still relevant today, making this song a timeless classic.Changes is a popular rap song by Tupac Shakur, one of the most iconic figures in hip-hop history. The track was released posthumously in 1998 as a single from the album Greatest Hits. It addresses issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and social injustices prevalent in the African American communities. With its poignant and heartfelt lyrics, the song is renowned for its powerful message and resonating themes.- Release Date: 1998
- Album: Greatest Hits
- Genre: Rap
- Length: 4:29
- Label: Interscope
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712votesA pioneering track that helped establish rap as a genre. The song's lyrics address social and economic issues faced by Black Americans in the 80s.
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89votesAnother socially conscious track that addresses racism and oppression. The song became an anthem for the civil rights movement and is still relevant today.
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910votes
"Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang
The Sugarhill GangThe first rap song to become a commercial success, "Rapper's Delight" helped establish rap as a genre. The song's catchy lyrics and infectious beat make it a classic.Rapper's Delight is a groundbreaking rap song released in 1979 by The Sugarhill Gang. It is considered the first commercially successful rap single and helped popularize the genre. The song features catchy and playful rhymes over a funky disco beat, making it a staple in early hip-hop culture.- Release Date: September 16, 1979
- Genre: Hip-hop, Rap
- Length: 14 minutes and 36 seconds (Full-Length Version)
- Label: Sugar Hill Records
- Writer(s): Sylvia Robinson, Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike, Master Gee
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105votesA West Coast anthem that celebrates California's culture and lifestyle. The song's iconic beat and Tupac's energy make it a fan favorite.
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Ranking factors for popular rap songs
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Sales and streamsAnalyze the sales numbers and streaming data to gauge the commercial success of the song. This includes physical and digital sales, as well as the number of plays on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
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Chart performanceExamine the song's performance on major music charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, and other international charts. This will help to determine the song's popularity and staying power.
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Critical acclaimTake into account reviews and ratings from music critics and publications, which can help measure the artistic quality and impact of the song within the genre.
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Awards and nominationsEvaluate if the song has received any prestigious music awards or nominations, such as the Grammy Awards, MTV Music Awards, or BET Hip Hop Awards. Recognition from these institutions can be an indicator of the song's quality and influence.
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Cultural impactAssess the song's cultural and social significance, such as its influence on rap and hip-hop culture, fashion, language, and other aspects of pop culture. This can be seen through the song's widespread usage in movies, TV shows, and commercials or its status as a cultural reference point.
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LongevityPopular rap songs that stand the test of time and continue to be well-regarded years after their initial release are a strong indicator of their overall impact on the genre.
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Artistic influenceGauge whether the song has inspired other artists or has been frequently sampled or covered by others. A song that has heavily influenced the course of the rap genre or has become a staple in the repertoire of other artists can be considered highly significant.
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Fan and audience receptionMeasure the song's popularity among the rap and hip-hop community and the general public, taking into account factors such as fan sites, forums, and social media engagement.
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Collaborations and featuresA song that involves notable collaborations or features with other influential artists can potentially expand its reach, popularity, and cultural impact.
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Lyricism, flow, and productionFinally, evaluate the quality of the song's lyrics, the rapper's flow and delivery, and the production value. These factors contribute to a song's artistic merit and can play a significant role in its popularity and influence on the genre.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular rap songs of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rap song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2293 views
- 172 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rap song once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rap song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rap songs of all time
Rap music has become an integral part of the music industry since its inception in the 1970s. Over the years, the genre has evolved and diversified, creating countless sub-genres and styles. From old-school classics to modern hits, rap music has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
The most popular rap songs of all time represent a diverse range of artists and styles. From the politically charged lyrics of Tupac Shakur to the catchy hooks of Drake, these songs have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with fans today.
In this article, we will explore the most popular rap songs of all time, as determined by the thousands of polls and rankings on StrawPoll. We will delve into the history of rap music and examine the impact that these songs have had on the genre and popular culture as a whole. So let's get started and discover the best of the best in the world of rap music!
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