[Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
Even in Japan, where rock used to dominate, hip-hop has been gaining the upper hand thanks to influences like freestyle.
Amid this shift, I think many people have become interested in hip-hop.
For those folks, we’ve picked out some especially high-energy tracks from Western hip-hop! We’ve also included info that will boost your hip-hop knowledge, so if you want to proudly say, “I’m a true head!!!,” this is a must-read!
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[Western Music] Classic Upbeat Hip-Hop Tracks (21–30)
Splash ft. Moneybagg YoTyga
This is a track by California-born rapper Tyga.
Released as a single in June 2021, it also made waves as a collaboration with Moneybagg Yo, whose album topped the U.
S.
charts at the time.
Set at a pool party, the music video is brimming with a carefree summer vibe, enhanced by star-studded cameos.
Fusing a beat that samples a classic hip-hop track with sexy, provocative lyrics, it’s a club anthem that makes your body move just by listening.
Its addictive, twerk-ready rhythm has captivated many fans.
If you want to turn heads at a party, why not shake up the floor with this song?
UpCardi B
A hip-hop track where a thundering, aggressive beat intertwines with a refrain that sticks in your head after just one listen.
It’s a song by American rapper Cardi B that made waves with its powerful message about staying true to yourself and brushing off rivals.
Released in February 2021, it hit No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won “Favorite Hip Hop Song” at the American Music Awards that same year.
Perfect for boosting your mood and confidence, or for moving your body to the groove.
This track is also slated to be included on her second album, “Am I the Drama?”—why not give an energetic dance a try?
Bang Bang ft. Ariana Grande, Nicki MinajJessie J
British songstress Jessie J, global pop star Ariana Grande, and the one-and-only force that is Nicki Minaj—these three talents collide in what can only be called the ultimate girls’ anthem! Released in July 2014, the track was included on Jessie J’s album Sweet Talker.
Its provocative lyrics, brimming with confidence and allure, declare, “I’ll captivate you with a charm no other girl has.” In Japan, it also made headlines when professional baseball player Hisayoshi Chono used it as his walk-up song.
If you’re aiming to win over someone you’re interested in, this might be the perfect track to boost your mood!
Boss B*tchDoja Cat
Featuring exhilarating, powerful lyrics that boldly declare oneself the ultimate boss, this track leaves a striking impression! Created by U.
S.
artist Doja Cat, it was released in January 2020 and is included on the soundtrack album Birds of Prey: The Album for the film Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).
It’s stunning how she flips the negative labels imposed by society and turns them into symbols of her own strength.
The protagonist’s confidence and unapologetic determination to forge her own path are empowering just to listen to.
Play it before a big presentation or on a morning when you need to fire yourself up—you might just feel unstoppable.
Keep Their Heads Ringin’Dr. Dre
The track produced by Dr.
Dre, a leading figure in West Coast hip-hop, was released in March 1995 as part of the soundtrack for the film Friday.
Its lyrics, which skillfully express the energizing power of party music and the artist’s own lifestyle, are especially striking.
The hallmark G-funk sound—featuring a heavy bassline and smooth synthesizer tones—blends seamlessly with the interpolation from The Sequence’s “Funk You Up.” The song was also a commercial success, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It won Best Rap Video at the MTV Video Music Awards the same year.
Still cherished as a nightlife staple, it’s a perfect pick to boost your mood or for a drive with friends.
Bring Em OutT.I.
An aggressive track by T.
I.
that powerfully delivers a message brimming with the confidence and dignity of a winner, riding on a thunderous, hard-hitting beat.
The dynamic sound crafted by Atlanta-born producer Swizz Beatz grabs listeners and never lets go.
Released in October 2004 as the lead single from the album Urban Legend, it became a major hit, peaking at No.
9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2019, it was also featured in the film Deadpool & Wolverine, further broadening its appeal.
Its powerful beat and energetic rap are a perfect match for cheer dance choreography—an essential song for delivering crowd-rousing performances, guaranteed to shine at sporting events and parties.
Ready or NotThe Fugees
An iconic track representing the golden age of ’90s hip-hop was created by The Fugees.
Using childhood hide-and-seek calls as a motif, it unfolds an epic narrative packed with powerful messages about social inequality, racial issues, and the perspective of refugees.
Its ethereal melody, sampling Enya’s Celtic music, produced an inventive sound that transcended conventional hip-hop.
Released as a single in August 1996, it reached No.
1 on the UK charts.
A lavish, movie-like music video was also produced, with an unprecedented budget of $1.
3 million.
This is a must-listen for those interested in socially conscious hip-hop or music that crosses genre boundaries.