[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!
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[2025] A roundup of classic and popular hip-hop tracks (41–50) for beginners to listen to
Christmas on Death RowDeath Row All Stars
In December 2024, Death Row All-Stars—a project by artists from the American hip-hop label Death Row Records—released a new track.
Carrying on the legacy of the 1996 Christmas album “Christmas on Death Row,” the song brings together a star-studded lineup including Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and The Eastsidaz.
Blending West Coast hip-hop elements into a Christmas tune, it fuses a gangsta rap sensibility with the warmth of the holiday season.
As an ambitious work that carries Death Row’s legacy into the present, it’s a must-listen for hip-hop fans.
[2025] A collection of classic and popular tracks recommended for hip-hop beginners (51–60)
Ego ManiacsIce Cube, Busta Rhymes & Killer Mike
A bouncy track influenced by G-funk, topped with raps woven by three legends.
Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, and Killer Mike come together in an all-star lineup, each fully showcasing their own style.
Centered on themes like industry politics, personal growth, and contributions to hip-hop culture, the song highlights their distinct personalities—for instance, Ice Cube reflects on his trajectory since the N.
W.
A.
era.
Released in November 2024, the track drew attention as the lead single from Ice Cube’s first new album in six years, “Man Down.” It sparked a major reaction—especially in the West Coast market—garnering over 500,000 plays within 24 hours.
It’s a must-listen not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone who wants to feel the gravitas of true legends.
HoodratKenny Mason
Kenny Mason, one of the most talked-about Southern rappers of today, is drawing a lot of attention.
Hailing from Atlanta, his release from November 2024 delivers a track that sharply portrays street realities.
Riding on his unique fusion of hip-hop and rock, he powerfully expresses his experiences growing up in a tough environment and the struggles of young people trying to break free from it.
Since his 2020 debut album Angelic Hoodrat, he has earned high praise for a genre-blurring approach, and this work showcases that strength to the fullest.
Even if you’ve never listened to Mason’s music before, this is a perfect opportunity to dive into his world.
A LieFrench Montana ft. The Weeknd, Max B
A collaboration by French Montana, The Weeknd, and Max B.
The track features epic lyrics and was released as a digital download in 2017.
It reached No.
4 on the New Zealand charts.
The music video, filmed in New York, has over 20 million views on YouTube.
Extra LuvFuture ft. YG
A collaboration between American rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer Future, and California rapper and actor YG.
It was released as a single in 2017 and reached No.
42 on the U.
S.
charts.
High For HoursJ. Cole
J.
Cole is an American hip-hop artist who has been active since 2007.
He is also known for producing tracks for artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson.
This political and meditative track was released in 2017 and reached No.
5 on the New Zealand charts.
Trap ParisMachine Gun Kelly ft. Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign
A collaboration by American rappers Machine Gun Kelly, Quavo, and Ty Dolla $ign.
It is included on his third album, Bloom, released in 2017.
The album was a hit worldwide and reached No.
3 on the U.
S.
charts.