[2025] A roundup of classic and popular tracks hip-hop beginners should listen to
Born in the late 1970s, hip-hop has now become the biggest genre in the music industry, continually producing timeless songs and albums, as well as stars who transcend the boundaries of hip-hop.
Even within hip-hop, there’s a wide variety of styles, and the approaches differ by era.
So you might be thinking, “I’m interested in Western hip-hop, but I don’t know where to start.”
This article introduces classic hip-hop tracks suitable for beginners, while also weaving in many recent hits.
We’ve chosen songs that are easy to listen to even for those who feel uneasy about rap, and we hope this article can be a starting point that eventually leads you to dive deeper into old-school classics!
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- [Latest] Trends in Western Hip-Hop Music [2025]
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- Cool hip-hop songs that sound great at karaoke | Tips for singing them too!
- Popular Hip-Hop: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
- Songs that fit Girls’ Hip-Hop: from the latest hits to timeless classics
- Rap songs you want to sing at karaoke—tracks everyone can sing together and get hyped
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- [2025] Western Music You’ve Heard at Least Once — From Trending New Tracks to Timeless Classics
- R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
[2025] A roundup of classic and popular hip-hop tracks (41–50) for beginners to listen to
tv offKendrick Lamar
This track fuses energetic beats with razor-sharp lyrics.
Kendrick Lamar’s musical talent is on full display, carrying a deep message that prompts social critique and self-reflection.
While rooted in the West Coast hip-hop style, it’s distinguished by a dramatic beat switch at around the two-minute mark.
Included on the album “GNX,” released in November 2024, it was issued as a single on November 26 of the same year.
It’s highly recommended for those who want to fully savor the appeal of hip-hop or deepen their thinking about society and themselves through music.
I Used To Love H.E.R.Common
A track released by Common in 1994.
It is also known as one of the tracks that sparked tension between East Coast and West Coast rappers.
It samples George Benson’s 1974 track “The Changing World.”
Hard knock life (Ghetto Anthem)Jay Z
A track that sings about how he overcame life in the ghetto and achieved great success.
One of Jay-Z’s most famous songs, it was released in 1998 and samples Andrea McArdle’s 1977 track “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”
Bank Account21 Savage
21 Savage is a rapper from Atlanta who has been active since 2013.
Produced with involvement from Metro Boomin, this track was released as a single in 2017 and became a hit around the world.
It reached No.
2 on the Dutch charts and was certified Platinum in the United States.
SCREAMTrippie Redd
Trippie Redd’s new track channels a cry from deep within.
Known as an American rapper, Trippie lays bare the pain of parting with a loved one and the weight of loneliness in this song.
Blending elements of emo rap, R&B, and alternative rock, his distinctive sound is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released on January 27, 2025, this piece showcases both his musical talent and his rich emotional expression.
It’s a work that will appeal not only to longtime fans but also to new listeners.
The lyrics, portraying the joys and passion of love as well as inner conflict, are guaranteed to strike a chord.
Put It OnBig L
A track released in 1994 by the American rapper Big L.
A collaboration with Kid Capri, it reached No.
12 on the U.
S.
charts.
It samples Buster Williams’s 1976 track “Vibrations.”
Gangsta’s ParadiseCoolio ft. L.V.
A track released by Coolio in 1995.
It was used in the film “Dangerous Minds,” reached No.
1 on charts around the world, and won awards including a Grammy.
It was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s 1976 track “Pastime Paradise.”