Anger is a powerful emotion that can be difficult to express, but in the world of rap music, it has been channeled into some of the most intense and impactful songs of all time. Whether it’s the unapologetic fury of Eminem, the righteous anger of Kendrick Lamar, or the gritty realism of Tupac Shakur, there’s no shortage of rap songs that capture the intensity of the human experience.
In this article, we’ve compiled a playlist of the best rap songs about anger, from classic tracks like N.W.A.’s “F*ck Tha Police” to modern hits like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” the best rap songs about anger are a testament to the power of music to help us express our deepest emotions.
Whether you’re looking for a way to channel your own anger or simply appreciate the power of music to express complex emotions, you’ll find something inspiring and thought-provoking in this guide to the best rap songs about anger.
What is Anger in Rap Music?
Anger is a powerful emotion that has been a recurring theme in rap music for decades. It is often used as a way to express frustration, pain, and injustice. Many rappers use their music as a platform to speak out against social and political issues that anger them.
In rap music, anger is often conveyed through aggressive lyrics, intense beats, and strong delivery. The lyrics can be explicit and confrontational, addressing issues such as police brutality, racism, poverty, and inequality.
The music is often characterized by heavy bass, loud drums, and fast-paced rhythms, which add to the intensity of the message. Some rappers use anger as a way to express their own personal struggles and pain. They may talk about their own experiences with addiction, loss, and trauma. Through their music, they are able to connect with their audience and create a sense of solidarity.
Overall, anger in rap music is a way for artists to express their emotions, share their experiences, and speak out against injustice. It is a powerful tool that has the ability to inspire change and create a sense of community among listeners.
Top 10 Best Rap Songs about Anger
1. ‘Kim’ by Eminem
Eminem’s song ‘Kim’ is a raw and intense expression of anger towards his ex-wife. The lyrics are graphic and violent, and the delivery is so emotional that it’s hard not to feel the rage that Eminem is expressing.
2. ‘I Don’t Like’ by Chief Keef
This is a song that expresses anger towards anyone who doesn’t like him or his crew. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, but the aggressive delivery and the heavy beat make it a powerful anthem for anyone who feels like they’re constantly being judged.
3. ‘Hit Em Up’ by Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur’s ‘Hit Em Up’ is a diss track aimed at his rival, Notorious B.I.G. The lyrics are full of anger and insults, and the delivery is so intense that it’s hard not to feel the tension between the two rappers.
4. ’99 Problems’ by Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s ’99 Problems’ is a song that expresses anger towards the police and the justice system. The lyrics are clever and full of wordplay, but the message is clear: Jay-Z is tired of being profiled and harassed by the police.
5. ‘Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ by Kendrick Lamar
This is a song that expresses anger towards anyone who is trying to bring him down. The lyrics are confident and defiant, and the delivery is so smooth that it’s hard not to feel inspired by Lamar’s message.
6. ‘Rage Against the Machine’ by Killing in the Name
This is a song that expresses anger towards the government and the system. The lyrics are full of rebellion and defiance, and the delivery is so powerful that it’s hard not to feel the energy of the song.
7. ‘The Message’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
This is a song that expresses anger towards the social and economic conditions of the inner city. The lyrics are full of social commentary and criticism, and the delivery is so sincere that it’s hard not to feel the frustration and pain of the people living in those conditions.
8. ‘The Real Slim Shady’ by Eminem
This is a song that expresses anger towards anyone who is trying to imitate him or copy his style. The lyrics are humorous and playful, but the message is clear: Eminem is the real deal, and he’s not going to let anyone take his place.
9. ‘Hate It or Love It’ by The Game ft. 50 Cent
This is a song that expresses anger towards anyone who is trying to bring down the two rappers. The lyrics are full of confidence and swagger, and the delivery is so smooth that it’s hard not to feel the power of the two rappers.
10. ‘Fight the Power’ by Public Enemy
This is a song that expresses anger towards the system and the establishment. The lyrics are full of political commentary and criticism, and the delivery is so powerful that it’s hard not to feel the energy and passion of the song.
Honorable Mentions
While the top rap songs about anger are certainly some of the best in the genre, there are plenty of other tracks that deserve recognition for their raw emotion and powerful lyrics. Here are a few honorable mentions:
1. ‘M.A.A.D City’ by Kendrick Lamar
The song’s intense beat and Kendrick’s fierce delivery perfectly capture the anger and frustration of growing up in a violent, crime-ridden neighborhood.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the dangers and temptations that surround young people in these environments, and the chorus (“YAWK YAWK YAWK YAWK!”) is a cathartic release of pent-up energy.
2. ‘No Vaseline’ by Ice Cube
‘No Vaseline’ is a diss track aimed at Ice Cube’s former group, N.W.A., and their manager Jerry Heller. The song is a scathing indictment of the group’s treatment of Ice Cube, who left the group over a contract dispute.
The lyrics are filled with anger and vitriol, as Ice Cube takes aim at his former bandmates and their perceived lack of loyalty. The song’s title refers to a slang term for a lack of lubrication, and the lyrics leave little doubt as to Ice Cube’s feelings about his former colleagues.
3. ‘Ether’ by Nas
Considered one of the greatest diss tracks in hip-hop history, ‘Ether’ is Nas’ retort to Jay-Z’s diss track ‘Takeover’.
The song’s title refers to the anesthetic used in surgery, and Nas uses the metaphor to describe how he’s going to “put Jay-Z to sleep”. The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and scathing insults, and Nas’ delivery is filled with righteous anger.
4. ‘Backseat Freestyle’ by Kendrick Lamar
The song’s beat is infectious, and Kendrick’s flow is as confident as ever. The lyrics are filled with bravado and swagger, as Kendrick imagines himself as a superstar rapper living the high life.
The song’s chorus (“All my life I want money and power”) is a perfect encapsulation of the anger and frustration that can drive young people to pursue success at all costs.
5. ‘Who Shot Ya?’ by The Notorious B.I.G.
The song’s title and lyrics have been interpreted by some as a thinly veiled reference to the shooting of Tupac Shakur, who was a rival of Biggie’s.
However, Biggie always maintained that the song was recorded before Tupac’s shooting, and was not intended as a diss track.
Regardless of its origins, the song’s dark beat and menacing lyrics make it a classic example of Biggie’s talent for creating atmosphere and tension in his music.
