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-class masterpieces and recommended popular songs (11–20)
Party & BullshitBiggie Smalls
Notorious B.
I.
G.
, affectionately known as Biggie Smalls, is an indispensable figure in hip-hop history, ranking third on MTV’s 2006 list of the greatest hip-hop MCs.
His debut track, “Party and Bullshit,” was included on a 1993 soundtrack.
The lyrics, which candidly express his way of life and values, leave a powerful impression.
In this way, his music expanded the expressive range of hip-hop.
Thugz CryBizzy Bone
He’s bad—like, so bad I definitely can’t put it into words here—Busy Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, going solo.
The title “Thugz Cry” is a rap about the sorrow that comes with living a thug life.
A rapper blessed with both a wicked streak and musical talent, his art has the appeal of a track that, with a funky and crazy flow, makes heads nod and hips sway, keeping you dancing till morning.
Experience the singular art of a raw, untamed creator who emerged from the streets.
Livin In The BayYoung Cellski
Young Cellski was a central figure who energized San Francisco’s hip-hop scene in the 1990s.
His musical style was heavily influenced by Todd Anthony Shaw, better known by his nickname Too Short.
As a result, his tracks carry a classic old-school vibe, and he continues to enjoy enduring popularity among certain fans.
Among his songs, a standout “bad-boy” recommendation is Livin In The Bay—a hardcore track that conveys the life he lived growing up on the streets.
Hot ft. GunnaYoung Thug
Rapper Young Thug, who has gained popularity for his distinctive vocal style and fashion.
He began his career in 2010, and while much of his early work had a 2000s vibe, by the mid-2010s he quickly adapted to trap music, showcasing sharp instinct.
One of his badass tracks is Hot ft.
Gunna.
The production is classic trap, but his unconventional rapping approach gives the song a uniquely edgy, villainous atmosphere.
Put It OnBig L
Lamon t “Big L” Coleman was a legendary rapper who passed away at the young age of 24.
Even after his death, his flow transcends time and borders, and even as I write this, it continues to shake dance floors in clubs around the world.
His technical, groovy flow racing over hard-hitting beats brims with genius rhythm, primal vitality, musical joy, and fresh approaches, leaving me sighing in awe at the greatness of the talent we lost.
Gangsta Nation ft. Nate Doggwestside Connection
Westside Connection is a hip-hop crew of ten members centered around Ice Cube.
As a quintessential West Coast gangsta rap group, they enjoyed enormous popularity from 1995 to 2005.
When it comes to their iconic tracks, many people probably think of Gangsta Nation ft.
Nate Dogg.
Featuring Nate Dogg, this old-school gangsta rap tune is guaranteed to put you in a bad-boy mood!
Badass Western music. Tough-sounding tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs (21–30).
Bring Da RuckusWu Tang Clan
The opening track from Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), released in 1993.
It samples tracks such as Melvin Bliss’s “Synthetic Substitution.”