This summer is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Who knew a rapper in this genre could pull it off so far? Rap has gone from something that initially received little attention to he one of the most influential genres in existence. While hip-hop continues to grow, as always, we must pay tribute to the artists who started the culture and carried it forward.
Lyrics are an important point for both rappers and fans. A cool or slick selection of lyrics that grabs everyone’s attention is what makes a good song great. For example, Lloyd Banks said, “But as long as I’m here, I’ll grab the check/And stretch my cash longer than a giraffe’s neck,” Obie Trice’s 2003 track ” We All Die One Day” 50 Cent and Eminem. Or, in the 2010 song “Dark Fantasy” featuring Teyana Taylor, when Ye said, “Too many Urkels on the team, so few wins.” Lyrics like this set themselves apart not only because they have a double entender, but also because they reference things that everyone can relate to.
We can’t forget about bars that make people smile, laugh and think. Catchy lines and witty phrases are often what make a song so beloved. Everyone remembers the clever lyrics of hit records, no matter which rapper it came from. What if Nelly released her 2000 debut her single “Country Glamor (Hot S**t)”? Or when Ice Cube raps on his 1992 hit “Check Yo Self,” “Stop clap, don’t need clap.” Again, composition with double entenders and relevance.
Over time, there have been many notable lines from many different rappers.To see many examples from Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and other respected lyricists, see below. Check out our gallery to see 50 of the most clever hip-hop lyrics.—Brandon Simmons