Diving Into the Tales of 30 Best Storytelling Rap Songs
Posted by Paula Pailaga to Edit Video/Audio Jun 03, 2024
The same goes for literature and films; songs can also be a form of storytelling. Each of the songs comes with a tale to tell, including those songs in the form of rap. Although you can’t easily notice their story due to the speed of flow/delivery and production, they feature real-life stories you can connect with. Now, if you want to check out the best rap songs that tell a story, continue reading this post, for it features 30 best rap songs that tell a story! Explore them now.
Top 30 Best Rap Songs That Tell A Story
As mentioned, this post features 30 best rap songs that tell a story. Along with this list of rap songs, this post also listed the rapper who delivered the song, the release time, and a brief introduction. So, without further delay, start exploring each of them now.
1. Children’s Story by Slick Rick (Released Date: 1989)
The first rap song for this list of best rap songs that tell a story is "Children’s Story". This song tells a story about a child who follows a friend into a life of crime that leads to a tragic end.
2. Impossible by Wu-Tang Clan f/Tekitha (Released Date: 1997)
Another best storytelling rap song for this list is "Impossible". The same goes with Children’s Story; Impossible also tells a story about individuals who strive to survive in a harsh environment. This song’s moral story is that violence is uncontrollable, and people will see many more stories about this if they do not come together to solve it.
3. Stan by Eminem f/ Dido (Released Date: 2000)
You should also the tale of the song "Stan" for it is one of the best rap songs that tell a story. This rap song by Eminem tells a story of an obsessed fan named Stan who becomes mentally unstable after Eminem fails to respond to his series of letters. This song ends as Stan drives off on the bridge with his tied-up girlfriend. This song talks about obsession.
4. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos by Public Enemy (Released Date: 1989)
The following rap songs that tell a story is "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos". This song tells the tale of a wrongfully imprisoned man who plans to execute an escape plan. This song pictures resistance to oppression and the fight for freedom.
5. 6 N the Mornin by Ice T (Released Date: 1987)
Another best storytelling rap songs for this lineup is the "6 N the Mornin". This song tells the story of his life engaging in criminal activities in urban life and a series of acts of escaping police officers.
6. I Used to Love H.E.R. by Common (Released Date: 1994)
The next rap songs that tell a story for this lineup is "I Used to Love H.E.R.". This song tells a story of hip-hop’s evolution by using a woman as a metaphor. It deals with the rapper’s love of hip-hop (which is portrayed as a woman in the song), which eventually changes.
7. Stray Bullet by Organized Konfusion (Released Date: 1994)
You should also check out Stray Bullet, one of the best rap songs that tell a story. This song revolves around a story of how a stray bullet affects the lives of the people who encounter it. It highlights the tragic results of gun violence in a community.
8. I Am Sorry by Joyner Lucas (Released Date: 2017)
Another best rap song that tells a story for this list is "I Am Sorry". This song tells the story of the rapper who genuinely regrets everything he did in the past. He seeks forgiveness and battles with suicidal thoughts at the same time.
9. I See a Man Die by Scarface (Released Date: 1994)
This rap song tells the story of a recently released man in prison who gets caught up in a specific crime once again. He was killed by his enemies, which left him with nothing but remorse. This song reflects life with violence and its devastating effects on communities. This song is indeed one of the best rap songs that tell a story.
10. When I Grow Up by NF (Released Date: 2019)
Apart from those rap songs that tell a story, you also need to check the inspirational story of the song "When I Grow Up". Through this song, the rapper shares his dreams for the future. He reflects on his journey from childhood to adulthood, expressing his desire to succeed.
11. Mona Lisa by Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar (Released Date: 2018)
Besides those best rap songs that tell a story, you should also check the tale of the song "Mona Lisa". This song tells a story of how women easily manipulate men with their looks and how easy it is for them to use men to engage in crimes such as robberies.
12. Heartless by Kanye West (Released Date: 2008)
Another rap song you might relate to for this list of best storytelling rap songs is "Heartless". In this song, Kanye West reflects on his failed relationship. He expresses a series of heartbreaks that cause him to be unable to invest in love after that fully.
13. Mockingbird by Eminem (Released Date: 2004)
Next on the line for this lineup of the best storytelling rap songs is "Mockingbird". Through this song, Eminem promises his daughters that everything will be alright and assures them that he will always be there for them. This song was released after he divorced his wife.
14. We Ball by Meek Mill ft. Young Thug (Released Date: 2017)
Another best storytelling rap song for this list is "We Ball". This song reminisces about friends and family members who have passed away because of gun violence. It reflects pain and losing someone you loved caused by violence!
15. I Feel Like Dying by Lil Wayne (Released Date: 2007)
Another rap song that tells a story for this list is Lil Wayne - "I Feel Like Dying". This song tells the story of Lil Wayne's life struggles. He expresses about drugs and the feeling of being trapped. This song pictures the darkest life that Wayne had gone through.
16. Runaway Love by Ludacris (Released Date: 2006)
The following song for this list of rap songs that tell a story is "Runaway Love". This song tells you the story of young African-American girls who face abuse, neglect, and other struggles. It encourages women's empowerment and raises their rights as an individual.
17. Kick, Push by Lupe Fiasco (Released Date: 2006)
If you are a fan of love songs, you might like "Kick, Push". This song narrates the life of a boy who loves skateboarding. Eventually, when he grows up, he falls in love with a woman who shares his love for skateboarding. This is indeed one of those best rap songs that tell a story.
18. Dance with the Devil by Immortal Technique (Released Date: 2001)
If you are wondering if there’s a rap song that tells a tragic story, well, there is, and that is "Dance with the Devil". This song narrates the story of a boy named Billy who commits a crime to gain respect and power. Then, soon after, he faced devastating consequences.
19. Guess What by Russ ft. Rick Ross (Released Date: 2020)
If there are tragic/crime-centered rap songs that tell a story, there are also rap songs that tell you a motivational story. One of the motivational songs includes "Guess What". This song’s story will tell you that being resilient and optimistic is your key to success.
20. 3 Wishes by J. Cole (Released Date: 2017)
Apart from Guess What, another rap song that tells a story is "3 Wishes". This song tells J. Cole what he would do if granted three wishes. He discusses his dreams for success, recognition, and happiness.
21. Brenda’s Got a Baby by 2Pac (Release Date: 1991)
Another best rap songs that tell a story is "Brenda’s Got a Baby". This song tells you the story of a woman who sadly encounters teen pregnancy. She is also forced to engage with prostitution just to make way for her child.
22. This is America by Childish Gambino (Release Date: 2018)
Aside from those best storytelling rap songs, you must also check "This is America". This song expresses the police brutality in America, which is already common for them compared to racism and gun violence.
23. Jocelyn Flores by XXXTentacion (Release Date: 2017)
The following rap songs that tell a story is "Jocelyn Flores". This song is dedicated to a friend named Jocelyn Flores, who tragically took her own life. XXXTentacion expresses his sorrow and guilt over her death, as well as his struggles with mental health.
24. The Art of Peer Pressure by Kendrick Lamar (Released Date: 2012)
In this song, the rapper tells a story about how he and his friends engage in risky behavior, such as robbery and violence, influenced by their surroundings and desire for acceptance. This song shows the negativity in terms of peer pressure. This is one of the best rap songs that tell a story.
25. You Got Me by The Roots ft. Erykah Badu (Released Date: 1999)
Another rap song for this list of best storytelling rap songs is "You Got Me". The song expresses the struggles of keeping trust and loyalty in a long-distance relationship, with one partner feeling uncertain about the other's fidelity.
26. Till I Collapse by Eminem (Released Date: 2002)
Another rap song by Eminem that is also included on this list of best storytelling rap songs is "Till I Collapse". This song tells the story of Eminem, who still feels discouragement despite being a successful rapper. Despite that, he believes he is meant to be a rapper and will continue being great until his body collapses.
27. Blessings by Big Sean ft. Drake and Kanye West (Released Date: 2015)
The following best storytelling rap song for this lineup is "Blessings". This song tells a story about the rappers’ achievements, wealth, and influences. Through this song, they express their gratitude for the blessings and hard work that helped them succeed.
28. Congratulations by Post Malone ft. Quavo (2017)
You should also check the Congratulations, for it is also one of the best rap songs that tell a story. This song features the story of an individual who became successful after many years of sacrifices and hard work. This rap song is inspired by the winning teams at the 2016 Olympics.
29. Work Hard Play Hard by Wiz Khalifa (Released Date: 2012)
The second to the last rap song for this lineup of rap songs that tell a story is "Work Hard Play Hard". With this song’s message, you will be reminded that when you work hard in life, you will also get to play/enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
30. Lose Yourself by Eminem (Released Date: 2002)
The last rap song for this list of best rap songs that tell a story is "Lose Yourself"! Through this rap song, Eminem expressed his struggles on his journey to success. He also shows the value of seizing the moment and not letting fear hold you back.
FAQs about the Best Rap Songs That Tell A Story
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What are some examples of clean rap songs that tell a story?
If you are looking for completely clean rap songs, this post can recommend Luck You by Eminem ft. Joyner Lucas, Changes by 2Pac, Lose Yourself by Eminem, Power Trip by J. Cole ft. Miguel, and Love the Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rihanna.
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Where can I listen to the above rap songs?
You can listen to the above rap songs on Spotify if available. But most of the time, they are available to listen and watch simultaneously on YouTube. Just be careful because some of the videos of rap songs contain explicit scenes that are inappropriate for minor viewers.
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Are there any latest rap songs that Eminem released?
Yes, there are rap songs by Eminem that have recently been released. Some of these rap songs include Premonition, Unaccommodating, You Gon’ Learn, No Regrets, Marsh, Darkness, etc. These rap songs are under his Music to Be Murdered By album.
Conclusion
There you have it! Those are the 30 best rap songs that tell a story! As you can see, there are rap songs that offer a story about struggles, criminality, love, and hard work (which helped them achieve success). Each of these rap songs is quite interesting. The melody or flow might not suit your taste, but they offer great stories. So, you can now choose which one you want to listen to and explore the story of it via listening!
