HIP-HOP HAS BEEN A HUGE PART OF MY LIFE.

As an artist myself, I look at all music as art, even if it does not fall within the genre that I am currently in. Through many years, I have listened to hundreds, if not thousands of rap songs, both Christian and secular. I have many favorite songs, so this list was very difficult for me to narrow down my 10 most influential rap songs.

I have put alot of thought into the list, and have created a countdown in to share. This list is 100% my opinion only. It is not based on billboard charts or popular culture. These are songs that I can remember having a deep emotional lasting impact on my life. Introducing, the Vintage Retroman official list of my top 10 influential rap songs of all time!

10) “Hurt’s Me Soul” by Lupe Fiasco

“Hurts Me Soul” is a powerful and thought-provoking song by Lupe Fiasco, released as part of his debut studio album, “Food & Liquor” in 2006. The song addresses a range of social and political issues, including the state of the music industry, the war in Iraq, and the impact of media on society. Lupe Fiasco’s lyrics in “Hurts Me Soul” are deeply introspective and reveal a level of insight and awareness that is rare in mainstream hip-hop.

Overall, “Hurts Me Soul” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases Lupe Fiasco’s unique perspective and lyrical skill. The track’s introspective and socially conscious lyrics, coupled with its soulful production, make it a standout on “Food & Liquor” and a highlight of Lupe’s career. If you’re a fan of socially conscious hip-hop, “Hurts Me Soul” is definitely worth a listen.

9) “His Pain” By BJ The Chicago Kid Ft. Kendrick Lamar

“His Pain” is a poignant and emotionally charged song by BJ the Chicago Kid featuring Kendrick Lamar. The track was released as part of BJ’s debut album, “Pineapple Now-Laters” in 2012, and it tells a powerful story of struggle, pain, and hope. Kendrick Lamar’s verse in “His Pain” is a standout moment in the song, as he delivers a powerful and emotional account of his own struggles and pain.

The song’s production is soulful and melancholic, with a slow and mournful piano melody that adds to the emotional weight of the lyrics. BJ the Chicago Kid’s vocals are heartfelt and raw, while Kendrick Lamar’s verse is delivered with his trademark intensity and skill. Overall, “His Pain” is a powerful and deeply moving song that showcases the talents of both BJ the Chicago Kid and Kendrick Lamar.

8) “Love yourz” by J. Cole

“Love Yourz” is a beautiful and introspective song by J. Cole, released as part of his third studio album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive” in 2014. The track’s lyrics encourage listeners to appreciate the good things in their lives and find happiness in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing after material wealth or fame.

The song’s production is simple and understated, with a mellow piano melody and gentle drumbeat that allow J. Cole’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage. The track’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “no such thing as a life that’s better than yours”, is a powerful reminder to listeners that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, rather than external sources.

7) “One Day” By UGK

“One Day” is a classic track by the southern hip-hop duo UGK, featuring guest vocals from Ronnie Spencer. Released in 1996 as part of their album “Ridin’ Dirty”, the song is a powerful reflection on the struggles and hardships of life in the ghetto, as well as a message of hope and perseverance. The track’s production is classic southern hip-hop, with a slow and soulful beat that complements the song’s introspective lyrics.

The song’s message of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity has made it a classic among fans of southern hip-hop, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

Overall, “One Day” is a powerful and introspective song that showcases UGK’s lyrical and musical talent. The track’s message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, coupled with its classic southern hip-hop production, make it a standout moment on “Ridin’ Dirty” and a highlight of UGK’s career.

6) “U Dont know” by Jay-Z

“You Don’t Know” is a classic track by Jay-Z, released as part of his critically acclaimed album, “The Blueprint” in 2001. The song’s production, which was handled by Just Blaze, is one of the highlights of the track, with a hard-hitting beat that perfectly complements Jay-Z’s confident and aggressive delivery.

The song’s lyrics, which are filled with braggadocio and boasts about Jay-Z’s success and wealth, are classic Jay-Z. But beyond the flashy rhymes and boasts, “You Don’t Know” is also a reflection on Jay-Z’s rise to success and the challenges he faced along the way.

“You Don’t Know” is a standout moment on “The Blueprint” and a classic track in Jay-Z’s discography. Its combination of hard-hitting production, confident and aggressive delivery, and introspective lyrics make it a highlight of the rapper’s career, and a must-listen for any fan of hip-hop.

5) “Thought Process” by Goodie Mobb ft. Andre 3000

“Thought Process” is a classic track by southern hip-hop group Goodie Mobb, featuring guest vocals from Andre 3000 of Outkast. The song, which was released in 1995 as part of Goodie Mobb’s debut album “Soul Food”, is a standout moment in the group’s discography, showcasing their lyrical and musical talent.

The track’s production, which was handled by Organized Noize, is classic southern hip-hop, with a soulful and funky beat that perfectly complements the song’s introspective lyrics. As the song progresses, each member of Goodie Mobb delivers powerful and introspective verses, reflecting on the challenges and struggles of life in the ghetto. Andre 3000’s guest verse is particularly memorable, as he delivers a rapid-fire flow that showcases his lyrical dexterity and musicality.

The track’s message of introspection and self-reflection has made it a classic among fans of southern hip-hop, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

4) “Through the Wire” by Kanye West

“Through the Wire” is a landmark track by Kanye West, released in 2003 as part of his debut album “College Dropout”. It is a powerful track that showcases West’s exceptional skills as a rapper, but what makes it truly unique is the fact that he recorded the song just two weeks after a near-fatal car accident that left him with a fractured jaw.

The song’s lyrics are a reflection of the pain and struggle that West went through after the accident. He raps about being in the hospital, having his jaw wired shut, and not being able to eat or speak properly. Despite all of this, he manages to find strength in his music, and he uses it as a means of expressing himself and coping with his situation.

The song’s production is also worth noting. It features a sample of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire,” which serves as the song’s hook. Beyond its musical merit, “Through the Wire” is also an inspiring tale of perseverance. West’s accident could have easily derailed his career, but he refused to let it defeat him. Instead, he turned his pain into art, and in doing so, he created one of the most iconic songs of his career.

3) “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar

“Alright” is a song by Kendrick Lamar that was released in 2015 as part of his critically acclaimed album, “To Pimp a Butterfly.” It is a powerful and poignant track that has become a rallying cry for the Black Americans facing racism, police brutality, and black on black crime. It has become a symbol of hope in the face of systemic oppression.

The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “We gon’ be alright,” has become a mantra for those fighting for social justice. It is a message of hope and encouragement that has resonated with people around the world. The song’s music video, which features Lamar standing on a streetlight overlooking a crowd of protestors, has become an iconic image.

“Alright” has been praised for its powerful message and its use of music as a means of social commentary. The song’s production, which features a jazzy, funk-inspired beat, draws on the rich musical traditions of Black America. Lamar’s lyrics, which blend poetry and politics, make a powerful statement about the state of race relations in America.

2) “The World Is Yours” by Nas

“The World Is Yours” is an incredible song by Nas, released in 1994 as part of his classic album, “Illmatic.” The song is a powerful meditation on the struggles and dreams of African American youth growing up in the inner city.

The song’s lyrics are a reflection of Nas’s personal experiences growing up in Queensbridge, one of the largest housing projects in America. He raps about the challenges of poverty, crime, and violence, and the impact they have on the lives of young people in the inner city. Despite these challenges, Nas encourages his listeners to dream big and to believe in themselves.

The song’s title, “The World Is Yours,” is a message of empowerment and hope. It is a reminder that no matter what one’s circumstances may be, there is always the possibility of achieving greatness. The song’s message is timeless, and it continues to inspire people today.

The song’s production, which features a sample of the 1980s hit “I Love Music” by Ahmad Jamal, draws on the rich musical traditions of Black America.

In conclusion, “The World Is Yours” is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the challenges and dreams of African American youth growing up in the inner city. It is a message of empowerment and hope that has resonated with people around the world, regardless of their background or circumstances. The song’s music and lyrics are the definition of hip-hop perfection with an incredible replay value.

2) “Keep Your Head Up” by Tupac

“Keep Your Head Up” is a song by Tupac Shakur, released in 1993 as part of his album “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.” The song is an uplifting anthem that promotes positivity, self-love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The song’s lyrics are a reflection of Tupac’s personal struggles and the struggles of the African American community. He raps about the challenges of growing up in poverty, being raised by a single mother, and dealing with racism and police brutality. Despite these challenges, Tupac encourages his listeners to stay strong, to love themselves, and to never give up.

The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “Keep Your Head Up,” has become a symbol of hope and resilience. It is a message of encouragement that has resonated with people around the world, regardless of their background or circumstances. The song’s message is timeless, and it continues to inspire people today.

“Keep Your Head Up” is not only a musical masterpiece but also a cultural artifact that speaks to the power of music as a means of social commentary. Tupac’s lyrics, which blend poetry and politics, make a powerful statement about the state of race relations in America.

Beyond its musical merit, “Keep Your Head Up” is an important cultural touchstone that speaks to the power of music as a means of social change. It is a song that has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of oppression, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

In conclusion, “Keep Your Head Up” is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the challenges of growing up in poverty, dealing with racism, and overcoming adversity. It is a message of hope and encouragement that has resonated with people around the world, regardless of their background or circumstances. The song’s music and lyrics draw on the rich cultural traditions of Black America, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.