For the 50th anniversary of the genre, the 14 East staff shares their favorite Hip-Hop songs

Whether it be rhythmic beats, smooth flow or impactful lyricism, hip-hop has been serving out hits since 1973 when DJ Kool Herc was credited with the creation of the genre by spinning records on a turntable at a dance party. hip-hop has evolved and developed in the past 50 years. However, one thing has remained the same — it has been a voice for the voiceless and an impactful genre on the cultural and political climate of America. The 14 East staff has gathered our favorite songs in the genre and compiled it all into one Spotify playlist for you to enjoy. Take a listen (preferably while you read our pieces for this week). 

Hailey Bosek, EIC — “See You Again (Feat. Kali Uchis)” by Tyler, The Creator 

This song feels like driving around my hometown, St. Louis, in my first car. It was an old Pontiac Torrent and my friends and I would listen to this album while admittingly going a little too fast down STL roads. This song in particular brings back the sweetest memory of singing with Tyler’s 

“Okay, Okay, Okay, Oh” and then quickly singing along with the lovely Kali Uchis. The catchy chorus and thoughtful lyricism makes this one of my favorite hip-hop tracks. 

Eiman Navaid, Managing Editor — “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar 

Anything Kendrick does is amazing, and his songs were the reason I started listening to hip-hop a lot more. 

Lauren Sheperd, Associate Editor — “Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac

I was raised listening to ‘90s hip-hop music, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and of course, Tupac. Since Tupac has been back in the news recently, I have been listening to his music on repeat again. While Tupac’s discography is close to flawless, my favorite song of his comes from his second studio album released in 1993. “Keep Ya Head Up” is about feminism — especially in the Black community. Despite the song being released three decades ago, most of the lyrics still ring true, especially since the overturn of Roe v. Wade last year. “And since a man can’t make one / He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one,” Tupac raps.

Audrey Leib, Senior Associate Editor — “Broken Clocks” by SZA 

This song, and the whole album, was released during a particularly rough portion of my teen years. It made me feel seen, and still does. I remember driving through my small town listening to this song and singing along, feeling like all of my emotions were being discarded with each note. The raw lyrics, SZA’s stunning voice, and the memories associated make it my favorite hip-hop song. 

Emily Figueroa, Pueblo EIC — “Buss Her Up” by Baby Keem 

Everyone needs their favorite sassy rapper, and Baby Keem is the one for me. Between him and Drake, they do the girls justice by producing a couple of songs fit for a night out. He’s bold and honest to get you in his mood. With this song blasting in the back, I will have my hair and makeup done, and I am ready to walk out the door full of confidence. The entire album DIE FOR MY B–H will never get old for me when I need a boost in my day.

Kiki Dyball, Associate Editor — “Coastin” by CLS, Delux and T Dre 

As a girl who loves all things from the ‘90s, I believe the early-decades hip-hop scene is superior. I stumbled across this song on my suggested list and began listening to it satirically; it’s bad in a good way. The combination of the monophonic lead whistle and crunchy MPC drum loop playing throughout the entirety of the song are hypnotic. Years later, I predict that I will be hearing it again on a throwback radio station while I coast through the 6 minutes and 46-second track in a triple-XL white tee and JNCO jeans. 

Gia Clarke, Staff Writer — “PRIDE” by Kendrick Lamar

I’ve had a strong emotional connection with “PRIDE” by Kendrick Lamar since I first listened to it in high school. I remember sitting in my car with my friend at the time in a McDonald’s parking lot. While we were just in a mere McDonald’s parking lot, for those four minutes, it was like I was transcending into another universe. Lamar’s voice in this song is so angelic and raw. The song is a social commentary about how all of our systemic issues, like racism and religious intolerance, stem from humanity’s innate pride and entitlement. He also reflects on how his own pride contributes to our society as well. His self-reflection also urges us to think about how our individual pride contributes to the systemic makeup of our society. 

Mei Harter, Illustrator — “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

For anyone who needs an upbeat song, I suggest you listen to “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Personally, my taste in music is through the beat and the mood. Whenever I need a motivational and fun beat to listen to, I start playing my playlist with this song included. Not only can it be listened to, I have seen multiple edits from different franchises that synchronize with “Can’t Hold Us,” creating a new experience for listeners, which is how I found it in the first place.

Elizabeth Gregerson, Staff Writer — “Work It” by Missy Elliott

Millennials everywhere remember the first time they saw a Missy Elliott music video. Whether it was her iconic black leather blow-up suit in the “The Rain” video or how her neck grew in the “Get Ur Freak On” video — Missy Elliott broke the stereotypes of what it meant to be a female hip-hop artist. “Work It” represents a moment in pop culture where rappers like Elliott, Lil’ Kim and Eve were paving the way for women to confidently embrace their sexuality. If you rewatch her videos, you will see glimpses of future artists like Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. I recommend readers immediately listen to “Work It” and start practicing how to rap backwards. 

Alexandra Murphy, Special Projects Editor — “BOY BYE” by Brockhampton 

Brockhampton, the hip-hop boy band collective, caught my immediate attention nearing the end of high school, before entering college with their unique and DIY approach to music. The band is composed of 13 members, founded by creative artist Kevin Abstract, who continues to make music since the boy band’s recent hiatus. “Boy Bye” is my favorite hip-hop song to date because it reminds me of the summer spent before entering my freshman year in college. The track explores themes of personal growth and has a blend of introspective lyrics that drew me in the first time I heard it. 

Isabel Perkinson, Photographer/Videographer — “Solo” by Frank Ocean

I don’t think there’s a song that reminds me more of Chicago than Frank Ocean’s “Solo.” Maybe it’s because at one point he sang, “I got that act right in the Windy City that night” or maybe it’s because I had this song on constant repeat when first visiting the city several years ago. Either way, if I made a soundtrack to my life, let’s just say this song would pop up a lot during the 2020-2021 scenes. While most wouldn’t describe the lyrics as joyful, the stripped-down track fosters a relatable feeling even if it sounds scrambled at times and connected during others. To me, this feeling mirrors the challenges we all personally navigate through while journeying through the human experience.

Cary Robbins, Senior Associate Editor — “Choose U” by Project Pat 

Sampling Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You,” I love this song. It’s a classic that you can listen to while driving down the riverside along the Mississippi River, just singing with the windows down. Don’t take my word for it, though. You just have to listen to it.

Rebeca Acosta, Pueblo Creative Editor — “Wesley’s Theory” by Kendrick Lamar

With too many to choose from, “Wesley’s Theory” feels like a culmination of all my favorite hip-hop songs. The beginning emotional vocals suspensefully open the song with punchy drums, introducing not only the album To Pimp A Butterfly but the first social metaphor of many. The song’s funky instrumentals, captivating vocal skits and clever bars are a modern rendition of everything I love about older hip-hop like that from Outkast, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and MF DOOM.

Alex Reading, Staff Writer — “LOST IN THE CITADEL” by Lil Nas X 

I associate Lil Nas X’s debut album, MONTERO, with the beginning of my college experience. I remember walking to class every day listening to his music, and how I connected with each song. I think this song spoke to me the most at the time, though. It has beautiful themes about loss and transition, and gives them an upbeat tune that makes things feel almost alright. 

Kiernan Sullivan, Multimedia Editor — “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube

A pinnacle of hip-hop songs, I remember hearing it constantly throughout my life, but it took me very recently to dissect and to fully appreciate the song. Ice Cube is now a pop-culture figure, but there was a time where he was barely struggling to survive. The song highlights what he considers a good day to be. Eating a breakfast with no meat and playing basketball with his friends, all with an undertone that he wishes not to deal with gang violence, police presence and murder. A very catchy instrumental with lyrics that highlight the everyday life of some people of color in America. It is a song that really reflects what hip-hop is all about.

Isabella Salinas, Staff Writer — “3005” by Childish Gambino

I had a hard time choosing which exact Childish Gambino song I would consider my favorite, but “3005” is such a nostalgic song for me I had to choose this one. I remember listening to the song when it first came out in 2013, and I will just never get tired of listening to it. It’s one of those songs where if I have the aux I will be putting it on and I know all my friends will know the lyrics, too, and enjoy it with me. 

Jared Lam, Photographer/Video Editor — “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep

For 50 years now, hip-hop has been at the forefront of some of the greatest poetry in the world, amplifying many different voices and beautiful minds from areas that many would consider the underbelly of society. I would like to highlight what is, in my opinion, one of the best tracks that fits this narrative, “Shook Ones, Pt. 2.” The song chronicles the life of growing up in the streets, the cycle of violence, external pressure, and internal strife and regret for one’s actions. Rappers Prodigy and Havoc flows intertwine brilliantly over what is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop beats of all time. It features incredible sample flips of Quincy Jones’ “Kitty With the Bent Frame” and Herbie Hancock’s “Jessica,” which when pitched down for the song, creates a haunting piano riff that hypnotizes the listener. Every time I listen to it makes me feel like I’m slowly sinking into the world that Mobb Deep is painting with their words. The creativity and complexity of both the lyrics and the beat make “Shook Ones, Pt. 2” not only one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all-time, but deserving to be held in the same regard as any piece of art throughout human existence. 

Annabelle Rivera, Pueblo News Editor — “No More ?’s” by Eazy-E

I’ll admit, I’m not much of a hip-hop fan. However, “No More ?’s” is one of my favorite songs ever. It’s a song disguised as an interview and, as a journalist, it’s right up my alley. I listened to it constantly in high school, especially when driving home from work. It would be pitch black outside and barely any cars on the road. I would be exhausted, but listening to the song would energize me. It’s a well-thought-out, entertaining song. Never gets old!

Sam Freeman, Senior Associate Editor — “My Wrist” by Yeat

Yeat is one of my recent obsessions. He creates a unique flow of beats with solid ad-libs. My favorite pastime is weight training, and I’m constantly looking to refine my workout playlist with intense and powerful sounds. “My Wrist” and “Swërved It” are two of my go-to’s. If you need an artist that’s going to get you pumped for a workout, this is the one.  

Gisselle Bahena, Pueblo Social Media Editor — “Work Out” by J.Cole

This song is an oldie but good one! J.Cole songs were some of the first few I listened to in middle school when I first started listening to hip-hop music. The flow that this song brings whenever I hear it reminds me of 2010’s music and brings back good memories. 

Chinyere Ibeh, Social Media Editor — “Conceited (Remix)” by Flo Milli (ft Lola Brooke & Maiya the Don) 

Women have always had a space within the rap game, but they have been on quite a run in the past few years. Collaborations between newcomers and veterans alike have allowed for the passing of the baton. The remix of Flo Milli’s hit “Conceited” features newcomers Lola Brooke and Maiya the Don. Even though Flo Milli is quite new herself, she’s been a hit-making machine since her 2019 hits “Beef FloMix” and “In The Party.” Anything that the DePaul Fest 2023 headliner makes or touches is a guaranteed hit. 

Anna Retzlaff, Associate Editor — “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz

Gorillaz, to me, is like a friend from childhood you still keep in touch with. I have been listening to them since I was 10, the year I got an iPod, and they are my number one top artist of all time on Spotify (I checked). Many songs make me feel nostalgic, bringing me back to a certain point in my life. Songs like this move with me, resilient across time. It is almost comical how fondly I speak of music that sounds like complete nonsense. Despite never knowing the song’s meaning, it is incredibly important to me. This band is a cornerstone of my music taste, and “Clint Eastwood” a symbol of my early steps into becoming an individual. 

Varun Khushalani, Photographer — “Hotline Bling” by Drake

Drake’s career has always been somehow intertwined with my childhood. I use his albums to mark the timeline of my life, and since I wasn’t allowed to watch Degrassi as a kid, I’ve only known him as a musician. And I happen to know him embarrassingly well. Regardless of opinions on him now, “Hotline Bling” represents his turning point for me, when he transformed from the guy making edgy diss tracks and catchy beats, to what he is now, a global icon. With an incredible beat, lyrics dripping with melancholy, and a music video for the ages (plus an SNL parody that has aged incredibly), Drake made the hardest leap of all for an artist; he became unapologetically himself. Whether you listened to “Hotline Bling” for the lyrics or just for a good laugh, it felt like all of us were there in those golden years, vibing and dancing along to one of the best songs of the mid-2010s.

Rafaella Villamar, Illustrator — “Wiggy” by Young Miko

Truth be told, hip-hop is not usually my go-to genre. Having grown up in Ecuador, I listened to reguetón, Spanish music like cumbias, bachatas, salsas, etc. However, moving abroad and experiencing a new culture and meeting new people made me broaden my musical taste. Now I can say I enjoy more genres like trap, hip-hop, rap, alternative, among others. Despite this, I still tend to stick with Hispanic and Latino artists, which brings me to Young Miko. She is a trap/hip-hop artist from Puerto Rico. For me, it was the perfect mix of music from home and music from the new place I’m living in. It feels both comforting and refreshing at the same time. “Wiggy” is my favorite song from her, the melody, the rhythm, the lyrics. One of the things that are most remarkable about Young Miko is that she is an openly queer woman in a male-centric music field. She incorporates her experiences and queerness into her music which you can appreciate in the lyrics. She is clearly not singing for men, which I think is really cool. 

Noël Bentley, Associate Editor — “Sad People” by Kid Cudi

Growing up, I was always looking for public figures that look like me to look up to. In 2009, Kid Cudi made headlines with his first hit, “Pursuit Of Happiness (Nightmare),” and I was an instant fan. He was Black, from Cleveland, and more specifically, went to my city’s public high school, where he was expelled for threatening to punch the principal. When the album Man on the Moon III: The Chosen came out during the peak of covid, the song “Sad People” really resonated with me because of everything that was happening in my life  during that time. The song reminds me that no matter what is happening in my life, I’m not alone and everything is going to work out.

Jana Simovic, Assistant Multimedia Editor — “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo” by Tribe Called Quest

Hip-hop is definitely one of the genres of music that I recycle the most music from, meaning that I tend to gravitate to older artists and recordings mostly because their storytelling and sonic abilities are, in my opinion, the best. Q-tip’s vocals on Tribe’s discography are always ear-catching, unfolding a story in line with addicting beats that give listeners the ability to exactly envision the story being unfolded. I chose this song off their masterpiece People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm mostly because even though Tribe is heralded as one of the best East Coast acts, it is somewhat of a love letter to the West Coast (specifically to the South Bay area of LA right where I grew up), using rhythms to paint a vivid scene that I grew up hearing and seeing.

Monique Petty-Ashmeade, Community Engagement Editor — “Cnt Go Back (Tell Me) by B. Cool-Aid, Pink Siifu, Ahwlee 

I remember the day this song dropped and I recall feeling uncertain about a lot of what was to come and how adulthood would look for me. During a bus ride home from campus, I threw this track on and I immediately felt better. The encouragement in this track is beautiful. The bridge plays like a hymn to me, “Everything gon turn around someday/ everything gon make sense just pray.” This song in summary is about moving forward even in uncertainty knowing that you will be fine and refusing to allow yourself to regress into the past. 

Aidan Piñon, Associate Editor — “Codeine Crazy” by Future

The ‘90s had 2Pac, the 2000s had Lil Wayne, and my generation has Future. 

Primarily known for his club anthems and braggadocio raps, Future is at his most vulnerable in “Codeine Crazy” as he reflects on his struggles with fame, love and substance abuse over a psychedelic beat. Lines like “I’m an addict and I can’t even hide it” show how brutally honest Future is about his indulgences. From the night my friends and I only played Future songs in our dorm room to first hearing him in the backseat of my cousin’s car, “Codeine Crazy” has always stuck with me for the trippy atmosphere it creates, serving as an escape from reality. 

Billie Rollason, Deputy Managing Editor — “Glitch” by Aster the GEMini

“Glitch” always brings about an exciting nostalgia for me. In 2018, I spent months driving an hour from the suburbs to Miami for art shows, DIY concerts and creative projects. However, I was not the only person making these longer drives. Many other creative people from Broward commuted south and we would quickly become friends. Aster the GEMini and his music remain something I admire even from 1,000+ miles from home. I associate “Glitch” with a very sweet time in my life. It was released in 2019, which was the year I moved to Miami and started college. I can still feel the crowd and Aster’s stage presence over three years later whenever I play this song. “Glitch” is an upbeat, introspective, spiritual, bouncy song and has always brought people to the dance floor.  

Header by Varun Khushalani