Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]

Jump AroundHouse Of Pain22rank/position

House of Pain – Jump Around (Official Music Video)

House of Pain, the hip-hop trio active from 1991 to 1995.

Their active period was relatively short, and naturally, they didn’t release many songs.

Even so, they still enjoy enduring popularity, largely thanks to the excellence of their track “Jump Around.” Its addictive chorus, with its repeated words, sticks in your head after just one listen.

Beyond that, almost every line of the lyrics hits with the impact of what you could call a punchline.

Mama Said Knock You OutLL Cool J23rank/position

LL COOL J – Mama Said Knock You Out (Official Music Video)

LL Cool J, a rapper who has also achieved remarkable success as an actor.

When it comes to his signature tracks, “Mama Said Knock You Out” is the first that comes to mind.

The year it was released, 1991, was a time when the genre of gangsta rap emerged and began gaining popularity.

This song delivers a scathing diss to that scene.

Another essential element when discussing this track is its incredibly cool music video.

It’s said to pay homage to a famous boxing movie, and the result is just plain cool.

First, see it for yourself!

HIGHEST IN THE ROOMTravis Scott24rank/position

Travis Scott – HIGHEST IN THE ROOM (Official Music Video)

Travis Scott, a rapper at the forefront of the modern hip-hop scene.

He’s hugely popular among heads, right? One of his hallmarks is his strikingly delicate lyrics.

Of course, his lyricism is a major draw, but his melodic rap style using Auto-Tune is also one of his appeals, and he has produced a string of hit songs featuring Auto-Tune.

Among them, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” became a global hit, with its delicate lyrics and melodic rap creating a superb contrast.

StrongerKanye West25rank/position

Kanye West – Stronger

Kanye West’s “Stronger” shook the scene in three ways.

First, the futuristic track that makes full use of synthesizers.

Combined with the processed vocals, it results in a mysterious sound.

Second, the powerful lyrics, which feel like they affirm every experience in life.

And lastly, the music video with a sci-fi-like world.

It’s actually inspired by anime and was filmed in Japan! For Japanese music fans, that’s something to feel proud of.

Changes ft. Talent2Pac26rank/position

2Pac – Changes ft. Talent

A masterpiece has emerged that confronts American social issues head-on, incisively addressing crucial themes such as racism, poverty, and police brutality.

The searing social critique depicted by 2Pac serves as a mirror reflecting the realities of American society at the time, carrying a universal message that remains undimmed to this day.

Set to a striking piano riff sampled from Bruce Hornsby & The Range’s “The Way It Is,” it powerfully voices a desire for social change.

Released in October 1998, it reached No.

32 on the Billboard chart.

In 2000, it was also nominated for a Grammy, earning high acclaim as a landmark in hip-hop.

This is a recommended track for those who want to reflect on society through music and experience the essence of 1990s hip-hop.

California Love feat. Dr. Dre2Pac27rank/position

2Pac – California Love feat. Dr. Dre (Dirty) (Music Video) HD

When it comes to songs that symbolize the West Coast, many people likely think of this track by 2Pac.

Released in 1995, it received widespread global acclaim.

Its lyrics reflect California’s free and optimistic vibe, paired with striking synths and a powerful rhythm.

It was performed by Dr.

Dre and Snoop Dogg during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022.

It’s a perfect track for summer drives, the beach, or a barbecue.

If you want to dive deeper into West Coast hip-hop, be sure to check it out.

SamuraiLupe Fiasco28rank/position

Lupe Fiasco – Samurai (Official Music Video)

A track embodying the spirit of the samurai dropped in May 2024.

While symbolically portraying a stance of steadfastly upholding one’s convictions like a samurai, its powerful message of putting an end to gang violence is also striking.

The track, weaving in elements of jazz and classical music, is truly sophisticated.

This piece serves as the lead single from the album “Samurai,” and is said to be based on the concept of Amy Winehouse working in Japan as a battle rapper.

It’s a song that fully showcases Lupe Fiasco’s distinctive style, conveying his true essence as he sharply elevates social and political themes into incisive lyrics.