Badass Western music. Tough/edgy music. World classics and recommended popular songs.
This might be sudden, but when you hear “hard-hitting Western music,” what kind of tracks come to mind?
Many people probably think of hip-hop or death metal.
This time, I’ve put together a selection of that kind of “hard-hitting Western music,” with a focus on hip-hop.
From classic West Coast rap of the ’90s to hardcore styles of the 2000s and modern trap, I’ve picked out “badass bangers” from a range of genres.
Even if you’re not into hip-hop, you’ll recognize some of these tracks—so be sure to check them out.
- Iconic dark and cool Western songs — with some lesser-known gems too!
- [Banned from Broadcast] Western songs with extreme/explicit lyrics
- [Grabs Your Heart] A Compilation of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025]
- Fast-tempo Western songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [2025] Gori-gori! Feel the heavy bass! Intense Western EDM
- [2025 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs
- [2025 Edition] Songs Popular Overseas Now and Must-Watch Hits
- Yami songs in Western music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- [2025] Entrance songs in sports: Cool Western music and entrance BGM
- Cool, popular Western hit songs that are highly regarded
- [2025] Up! Up! Up! Recommended Western songs that will get you hyped.
- Western songs that men like: world classics and popular tracks.
Badass Western music. Tough, hard-hitting tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs (1–10).
Thug Life feat. Jay Jones & Gudda GuddaLil Wayne
Lil Wayne, the rapper representing New Orleans, calls himself “the best rapper alive,” and with his wild, upbeat persona, he’s been active on the front lines of the scene from the 2010s to today.
A track I highly recommend as one of his badass anthems is Thug Life feat.
Jay Jones & Gudda Gudda.
As the title suggests, it’s a classic trap joint that paints a picture of a thug’s daily life.
Protect Ya NeckWu Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan, with their hardcore rap unit, sampling of Black music like jazz, and a unique, crossover reinterpretation of Orientalism epitomized by Shaolin, achieved worldwide popularity.
Featuring a star-studded lineup—RZA, GZA, ODB, Method Man, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah—the posse cut titled “Protect Ya Neck” stands out as a striking, killer tune even among the many hip-hop crews.
Deep CoverSnoop Dogg & Dr.Dre
Among the many genres of hip-hop, it’s no exaggeration to call Dr.
Dre and Snoop Dogg the two great masters of G-funk, which evolved from gangsta rap.
This track—arguably their finest masterpiece—was included on the soundtrack for the 1992 American film Deep Cover.
The back-and-forth between the two over the addictive beat, combined with the movie’s storyline, gives it that quintessential gangsta vibe that makes my heart race when I listen.
Badass Western music. Tough, hard-hitting tracks. World-class masterpieces and recommended popular songs (11–20)
Ghetto BirdIce Cube
Rapper Ice Cube, known as a former member of the legendary hip-hop group N.
W.
A, has found success both as a solo artist and as part of a group, and was also a core member of Westside Connection, active from 1995 to 2005.
One of his edgier works is Ghetto Bird.
As the title suggests, it’s a piece themed around rising up—taking flight from the ghetto.
Never Scared ft. Killer Mike, T.I.Bone Crusher
Bone Crusher is known as one of the defining figures of the Southern rap genre.
He began his career in the late 1990s and has had a major impact on the hip-hop scene, including helping to create the crunk sound.
One of his hit songs is Never Scared ft.
Killer Mike, T.
I.
It’s a playful yet menacing track that features lyrics from Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes.
I Got 5 On ItLuniz
Rapper Luniz, known as one of the representative artists of the Westside Coast—aka “Wessai”—is a quintessential figure in the scene.
Born in California, his sound is crafted in classic Wessai style.
If you love West Coast vibes, he’s irresistible.
Among his works, the track that exudes a badass vibe is “I Got 5 On It.” It’s a critique of those opposed to “the green stuff,” featuring provocative lyrics and a quintessential West Coast track that leaves a strong impression.
So Dope ft. Wrekonize, Snow Tha Product, Twisted InsaneTech N9ne
Among all rappers, Tech N9ne, the Kansas City native, is especially known for his high level of skill.
His hallmark is lightning-fast rapping that rivals Eminem’s, and he always creates a guaranteed hype moment in every track, showcasing his strength as a creator as well.
As one of his “bad” or edgier works, I recommend “So Dope” featuring Wrekonize, Snow Tha Product, and Twisted Insane.
It exudes a stylish, menacing vibe, and its skill-forward rap is irresistibly compelling.