One of the best aspects of hip-hop songs is that they are upbeat and celebratory. While the genre is also known as “Black CNN” because of its truth and storytelling, many of the songs promote a sense of cathartic fervor. As a result, many of them are perfect for starting any party no matter the day, year, or occasion.
Here below, we wanted to explore three such performances. A trio of rap tracks that, when put on the stereo, instantly energize people and inspire them to get out of their chairs and start ripping up every carpet in the joint. In fact, these are three timeless rap songs that keep the party going anytime, anywhere.
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“California Love” by Tupac Shakur featuring Dr. Dre (single, 1995)
After a stint in prison, rapper Tupac Shakur came out on fire with this 1995 single featuring Dr. Dre, and you can feel the sense of freedom in his voice. In fact, his verse begins with a declaration of freedom. The song, which went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 was later released on the UK version of his 1996 album All Eyes on Me. But besides his enthusiasm, it’s Dr. Dre’s rhythm that instantly ignites the party. Just a few seconds of it and your body will be filled with energy. And then soon comes Pac’s hair.
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, dreaming of California
As soon as I entered the scene, I heard the prostitutes screaming
Attacking for money and alcohol
The life of a Westside player where cowards and hardball die
Only in Cali where we riot, we don’t gather to live and die
In Los Angeles we wear Chucks, not Ballys (yes, that’s right)
We wear Locs and Kaki suits, and riding is what we do
Use floss, but be careful: We bump into other crews
“In Da Club” by 50 cents from Get rich or die trying (2003)
When 50 Cent released this first single from his 2003 debut album LP Get rich or die tryingLife has never been the same. The song that went number one on the Billboard Hot 100, is all about the party. He opens it talking about birthdays and having fun at the dance club. He talks about popping bottles (champagne) and partying. And it’s a song that when heard today still gives the same feeling as it did when it was originally released over 20 years ago. In fact, 50 rap music.
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Go, shorty, it’s your birthday
We’ll celebrate like it’s your birthday.
And we’ll sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday
“Juice” by The Notorious BIG from Ready to die (1994)
If there’s a rap song that when it’s played, people start cheering for the feeling it gives them, this is it. Released on The Notorious BIG’s 1994 LP Ready to DieThe song begins with Biggie talking about the life of his dreams. Through the art of hip-hop, he modeled the life he always wanted to live. Although his song was short-lived, the song has been around ever since and will continue to do so. On the track, Biggie raps.
It was all a dream, I was reading Word Up! magazine
Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D in the limo
Hang pictures on my wall
Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
I let my tape shake until my tape exploded
Smoking weed in a bamboo, sipping private arrows
A long time ago, when I had a red and black lumberjack
with the appropriate hat
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