Best Rap Songs For The Gym 2025
I was asked to share a workout playlist, the problem is I’m a music nerd. My iTunes library has over 20,000 songs, but although my taste is across the board as far as genre, pace, and even content.. no lie I listen to everything from traditional rap and trap workout music to R&B to alternative cuts..
It’s mostly hip-hop.
So I figured a weekly updated best rap songs for the gym blog would be a nice place to contribute some of my gym jams.
I know how difficult it can be to come across solid exercise tunes to help keep your motivation up. Particularly when your New Year’s resolution was to hit the gym on the regular.
Impossible to make it exhaustive, yet the list will grow weekly with a few widespread songs and a lot of lesser known - slept on songs to keep your ”want to” wanting to.
Let’s go!
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Best Rap Songs For The Gym 2025
(UPDATED WEEKLY)
Go time.
Again, over the weeks I’m sure you’ll notice other genres make their way on the list. But it’ll remain predominantly a list of the best rap songs for the gym, because hip-hop is in my heart.
“” he said as his eyes welled up.
I have a lot of suggestions for how to use music to get more out of your workout in the how music impacts training blog, so I won’t dig too far into that territory.
Yet one strong tip is to put a string of songs you’re confident in on a playlist, before training begins.
That way you cut down on time picking a song and focus more on the task at hand.
Fair warning: You may need to opt for the edited version of some of these songs if your sensibilities are a concern. It can get quite vulgar, still outstanding gym music nonetheless.
DESCRIPTIONS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: ONE-TEN | ELEVEN-TWENTY | TWENTY ONE-THIRTY | THIRTY ONE-FOURTY
Now the songs:
“What I Be On” – DEVIN THE DUDE
One of our Texas legends, Devin The Dude. I remember when I discovered What I Be On. I was newly stationed at Ft. Stewart Georgia, 2010-ish. Had to add a few new tunes to my iPod to go do what we called 60-120s.
That’s where you run for 60 seconds then walk for 120 seconds. Good way to prep for the Army’s 2 mile portion of the physical fitness test.
So I throw it on the “try this out” playlist and head to the track (no pun intended).
This joint hit my ears? Immediate curiosity. I had to know where he was going with the rusty spring-like sound effects.
Reggie Coby’s production took a unique route that many wouldn’t be able to pull off, but the way Devin flowed made this a perfect marriage.
Musicality, a little motivation, and an indefectible amount of bounce makes this an exercise delicacy.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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“Little Homies” – VINCE STAPLES
Instant anthem from the west coast rapper that should be a lot higher on the radar. Don’t sleep on Vince Staples.
Little Homies is one of those songs that’ll control your shoulders while giving an aura of hope. This would’ve fit snuggly on Soul Train back in the day.
From lyrics to instrumentation, you get that reverberation of “yeah I’m going through this, but it’ll get me to that” and by “that” I mean where your heart wants to be.
With LeKen Taylor and Kaelin Ellis on the production, the keys provided that tone setting feel I spoke on. And “life’s hard but I go harder” as a chorus drives you as far as you need to go. Because life undoubtedly feels hard, but you can always undoubtedly go harder than life goes.
Perfect gym song.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Pushin - BUN B, SCARFACE, & JEEZY
Here lies one of the tunes that helped define what high school was for me. Junior year if you’re into specifics. Pushin covers the emotional spectrum. Amplification, reflection, motivation, dismay as it converts to hope..
“Keep on pushing.”
Through the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights.. even when you keep it steady. Even while locked in on center mass..
Keep on pushing.
4 syllables on a loop sampling Keep On Pushin by The Impressions. When you put that on a record with world-class production by Mr. Lee, you get what I deem one of the greatest recordings to date. Much more than nostalgia. Production on 10. Lyrics on 10.
Everyone brought a special seasoning to the table. I need to know what that studio session was like. Each participant left a stamp. I’m nerding out on this one:
Bun B had a few lines, but what replayed in my young mind was how he ended the first verse.
There’s power in simplicity when the delivery is right.
Scarface came through with the relatable story from a business aspect, ignore the illegal part. The man had a product, he worked day and night to sell.. but the competition had a mean price advantage. He had to lock in. All the while his homies were out getting and spending cash he wished he had.
Jeezy’s delivery took the cake. That man said, “Whether it’s 16 bars or 16 bricks. Move ‘em 1 at a time I’ll take 16 trips.” 😆.. that’s work ethic.
Pushin’ is enough to get it jumping in the gym the way it used to have my trunk doing summersaults.
You know 16-year-old me had to spend some cash on a new set of chrome rims. And a sound system with my Sonic money 😆.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Hold Me Back - RICK ROSS
Hold Me Back is a time-honored anthem that still rings off in the South. Perfect fake gym beef song..
There could be no human on Earth with a desire to hold you back in any form or fashion, and this song will make you feel like the check-in person at the workout facility counter is in there plotting on your downfall.
You could be more universally loved than Morgan Freeman or Tom Hanks.. if you put this on you’ll question why the gentleman in the squat rack wants to prevent your lower limb gains.
Bonus points because Ross says Texas twice by the way (I get even more hyped at those parts, yes I have no shame).
The 2012 chill-inducing classic introduces heavy bass in all the right spots. Part of why I prefer higher quality headphones – I need to hear all the production.
Damaged a lot of muscle tissue to this. If you’re in the gym without Hold Me Back on your playlist after taking a listen, I question if your pulse is above a 0.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Mutty - CONWAY THE MACHINE & STOVE GOD COOKS
I’m writing this paragraph at 1900 on a Sunday.. May 19th, 2024 with the NBA playoffs on. Conway The Machine’s Mutty has been out for two weeks now, and one thing it is not is too weak (see what I did there?).
The OG Griselda member collaborated with Stove God Cooks on what is track number 2 on his latest album, Slant Faced Killah.
For those that have been keeping up week to week.. you know Stove God Cooks is high on my current rapper list.
His performance only heightened his placement here.
Stove had this one in a headlock while ignoring all attempts to tap out. He didn’t even care about the ref calling for the match to end.
You can decide to ignore the content of what he was saying, granted most of us aren’t involved with the underworld life.
However the overarching theme of strategically perfecting your craft has a motivational element. That element was only bolstered by Conductor Williams’ gathered collection of sounds on the production side.
A smooth, yet aggressive feel has this one snuggly planted on my gym playlist.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Padon – MACH-HOMMY & THA GOD FAHIM
Mach-Hommy comes on strong after Padon’s intro, I’m sure it was something inspirational.
Probably irresponsible that I didn’t check the translation, but Rap Genius hasn’t updated yet. Padon exudes a 90s rap scent with polished production that could only occur in recent times.
As track number 5 on his new album titled #Richaxxhaitian.. Padon harnesses a steady pace, I label it head nodding.
“Ni**as’ day off, I was passionate and logged on” was a line that gave me an extra push between sets I can’t lie.. it doesn’t take much.. maybe I’m easily swooned 😆. Working while the rest rests touches my spirit.
Put this on your gym playlist for the days you’re in a mood for lyrics, less tempo, and a helping of braggadocios aggression in the fitness facility.
Sample courtesy of Rino De Filippi’s Iconoteca.. yeah.. it’s a go.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Bora Bora – LIL DURK
In 2019 Lil Durk dropped this thumper. Bora Bora is classified as a classic according to my senses. An emotional piano with heavy bass is like Shaq and Kobe to the eardrums.
Bora Bora was interestingly my first time hearing Durk on a solo record.. it still jams to this day I’m afraid.
So much so that I non-selectively catch myself doing that opera lady’s voice you hear in the background. Go ahead and judge, my mama will still love me either way..
Jokes aside, this is on the obvious side for a rap song playlist candidate. Durk didn’t come to play; so I play it on the regular.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Family Matters – DRAKE
The beef that never ends..
Rap beef is still ongoing, but there’s no way that’s news to you. One hand I’m glad two of the best to do it are feeding us content.. on the other hand.. slow down please.
Still out of all the beef cuts, this cut I have as the best for listenability. Drake’s Family Matters is something to appreciate. Basically three songs in one with the beat flips.
Drake comes in where Push Ups left off as he picks off his opponents one by one. Particularly on the second instrumental where he found a pocket that probably had people thinking I’d gone mad in the gym today.
Perfect choice for training.. just perfect. The sampling of the Grodeck Whipperjenny’s Conclusions on the last beat though.. Cambell’s Soup.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Not Like Us – KENDRICK LAMAR
Yes I know.. more kerfuffle music, but Kendrick Lamar came through with the rare dance moment. Throwback feel on this one to the days when YG was running the charts.
DJ Mustard produced Not Like Us with a few well-placed sample breaks courtesy of Monk Higgins’ I Believe To My Soul.
Kendrick probably dropped this one to show he can do a club song, being that Drake obviously can.
War runs deep.
It’s a certified jam regardless, even has a call response section.
If you like a little humor, a lot of aggression, and bouncing between sets – put this on in the gym.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
The Heart Part 6 – DRAKE
The Heart Part 6 is Drake’s latest and possible final submission to the beef exposé.
If you’ve been following along you know a few allegations have been thrown in his direction by Kendrick Lamar.
Sporting a title that’s a play on K. Dot’s “The Heart” series, this track has Drake addressing a few of those claims.
While doing so the Canadian states he had a fake mole feeding Kendrick false information about him having an 11 year old daughter.
If the mole planting is true, apparently Kendrick took that information and did the dash because he put it on Meet The Grahams in impeccable storytelling fashion.
This shows Drake has been many steps ahead however, if true (they are doing a lot for what should just be a rap contest by the way).
Drake also denies the underage girl allegations shortly after Aretha Franklin’s Prove It sample cuts off.
Backstory aside, this makes the list.
Suspense, a dark feel on the instrumental, and passionate talk gets it done for me in the gym – I believe it will for you too despite its moderate tempo.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Mo City Don (Freestyle) – Z-RO
I was in my throwback toolbox all week. Led to having this classic from the mid 2000s on repeat.. it was chest/back day.
Z-Ro will always get credit for his performance on the Mo City Don freestyle, reason why it’s a top 5 Texas song of all-time – a Texas anthem in fact. It’s almost mandated to memorize these lyrics for Texan citizenship.
He gave this classic instrumental from Eric B and Rakim’s Paid In Full all it could ask for [10].
You can hear ‘Ro go off the head for over 4 1/2 minutes. He was in rare form.. you can tell not only by the lyrics, but by the delivery he wasn’t there for play play.
This is perfect for the gym in that confident talk is always contagious. Not to mention the beat is chill-worthy.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Texas legend, this is a good starting point.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Mind Of Mystikal - MYSTIKAL
I have to open this one by tagging it with the perfect for driving label, but bear with me – it works for a workout too.
Mind Of Mystikal is the 1994 title track from the underrated New Orleans storyteller. This song gives off the “this should be playing during a montage of a gangster movie” vibe.
Tough words over smooth southern instrumentation.. sounds like somebody stole the neighborhood ice cream man’s music system and reconfigured it to something hard.. super hard.
The sound courtesy of Mystikal, goes on about being superior to other individuals and explains how if they chose to test that theory there’d be regret.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Matinee – SMINO & KAL BANX
Smino is one of those artists I believe should have more popularity, but regardless of how many are in the know – this bop is in opposition to a no.
Equipped with a heavy DJ Jubilee Get Ready, Ready! sample looped up, I can picture Matinee on a movie soundboard [9]. Probably a scene with the antagonist dancing with an attractive chick in a nightclub.
Make sure you have your rhythm on point if you put this on in the public eye, you’ll be forced into a head nod.
Embodying a hybrid of R&B and Rap, Smino does his vocal exercises on musicality cue.. to a point where you respect the fact that how you speak is an instrument on its own.
That’s a talent.
This one is emanatory in a feel good sense that’ll undoubtedly get the endorphins flowing, while you traverse around the gymnasium.
Genre: hip-hop/rap and R&B
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Free Big Meech – SKILLA BABY
Perfect time to put y’all on one of my favorite young rappers; Skilla Baby. The boy has a slew of jams to choose from, but this is a hot off the press cut from his upcoming album The Coldest.
Most of the time when I sample new music it’s while I’m warming up before a lift.
Did that.. got stuck..
Had this on repeat for damn near the whole workout. Was forced to get to the other new songs later.
Free Big Meech hits from the moment you press the play button. Skilla Baby has a knack for choosing beats and he lives in the perfect pocket while elaborating on his thoughts about coming up from nothing, being proud of his current situation, and how he’s prepared for any sort of.. tiff that comes his way.
You NEED this one for your next weight training session.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
U See It – LIL’ FLIP & CHAMILLIONAIRE
U See It throws me back to a much younger time. Released August of 2002.. I was in 7th grade preparing to soon leave Kentucky. A young man worried about how I could get this between the legs spin move down pact, so I could do it in the next basketball game without coach throwing a fit.
But enough nostalgia, this one is a B-side jam by my fellow Texans: Lil’ Flip and Chamillionaire. It was somewhat at the beginning of the Texas takeover, if you’re of a certain age you remember the streak where there was a new platinum selling Texas rapper just about every other week it seemed.
U See It checks all the boxes:
Good beat selection
Cocky lyrics
Catchy chorus
Heavy bass
What more could you ask for in a rap song for the gym?
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Taylor Made Freestyle – DRAKE
And the beef continues.. we may be in for a long war with this one. Drake dropped Taylor Made Freestyle on the 20th of April 2024 as we patiently, or impatiently await a response from Kendrick Lamar.
To be clear I enjoy rap feuds for the sport of it, I love competition. Drake released the aforementioned as a taunt by using two of K. dots rap idols: Tupac and Snoop Dogg.
He altered his voice and rapped as if he were the two west coast legends before finishing the track in his own octave. If you’re familiar with Kendrick’s catalog, you know how much of a calculated dig this trick is.
Points for creativity, but aside from being diabolical in war, it has merit for the gym.
With a California feel to the instrumentation, you’d think it was produced by Dr. Dre. Drake is his usual braggadocious self while talking over the beat and questioning if Kendrick is who he claims to be.
Confident talk on a head nod inducing track will always do it for a workout session.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Push Ups – DRAKE
One of the moments I’ve been waiting for: Drake responds.
If you’ve been keeping up you know the legends of this rap generation have been generating rap beef headlines.
The beef has reached new heights with Drake responding/reacting to Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Rick Ross (he quickly responded to this), Ja Morant, and probably more. The Canadian is leaving no stone unturned or slight unseen.
The diss track came in throwback fashion, first an older version of the song leaked followed by the legitimate version shortly afterward.
The first version went hard, second version went even harder. The boy is focused, but people writing poems about their disagreements aside - this is the epitome of what you need in the weight training area.
Has the typical characteristics of a diss record: aggression, disrespect, and tough talk. Moreover, the element that escalates the effectiveness of Push Ups is it could easily be a nightclub record.
Add it to the list.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Crossed Out – FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN
Future and Metro Boomin stayed true to their word and released another body of work on April 12th 2024 We Still Don’t Trust You.
This one has more of an R&B element, but ends with 7 songs that could’ve made it on We Don’t Trust You.
One of those songs being Crossed Out, and it is one of those you shouldn’t cross off because Metro Boomin was handling what seems to be a violin synth like Allen Iverson with the crossover (see what I did there?).
Future came out the gate with a casual “matter of fact” tonality that elegantly walked down the aisle with the beat, as he expressed his rebellious mentality.
Crossed Out sounds like something you’d hear on one of the harder stages of Star Fox 64 (if you know you know).
Hard, the song goes hard.
The only way you’ll keep this off your gym playlist is if you didn’t pay the streaming bill for the month.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
The Emperor’s Soundtrack – LUPE FIASCO
Sometimes a song matches the title perfectly. Makes me assume it was titled afterward.
Regardless of when the title was chosen this choice from Lupe’s first album Food And Liquor has a “y’all should bow down” feel, courtesy of UFO’s Between The Walls sample.
Perfect mood for a gym track, perfect mood if you want goosebumps. Perfect mood for feeling powerful.
On this one the Godly instrumental plays as Lupe does his usual on the lyrical side, yet he doesn’t neglect providing a catchy rhythm as he effortlessly runs laps over the production.
There’s a reason he’s one of the greatest to do it.
Not exactly a slowly paced feature, I’ll label it intentional. Came out in 2006, but you couldn’t tell the way it still goes today.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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7 Minute Drill – J. COLE
I have to say, I enjoy rap beef. When it stays in rap of course, I’m a competitive person and the competitive aspect gets me going.
J. Cole released this song on his mixtape and 7 Minute Drill drills home a “hey don’t play with me Kendrick Lamar” disposition. Kendrick threw a little shot at Cole on Like That and Cole had something to say about it.
Competition aside, the T-Minus production kicks this one off with a “we’re preparing for battle” aura, until Conductor Williams jumps in with an even more deliberate, militant bop.
Cole continues his streak of jaw-dropping verses and I imagine this will be high on the charts. An interesting tidbit is that 7 minute drill refers to Cole writing a verse within 7 minutes.. with a timer on.
Moral of the story is beef almost always plays well for a workout - aggression, aggression, aggression.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Pi – J. COLE, DAYLYT, & AB-SOUL
J. Cole dropped a surprise mixtape Might Delete Later on the 5th of April 2024 and.. as a fan of metaphors and audibly appealing complicated lyrics - I’m beating my chest to this one.
The track kicks off with a smooth jazzy tempo and Daylyt tag teams a pleasantly long verse with Ab-Soul.. Jadakiss and Styles P style.
It’s greatness at work up until J. Cole takes over the mic and performs potentially one of the most impressive verses I’ve heard to date (I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment so I’ll give it some time).
The production on this one is also courtesy of Daylyt with a sample assist from Kevin Moore’s Rainmaker.
It’s so easy on the ears I enjoy it in the gym, but the thing is when I hear/see somebody or ‘somebodys’ showing a level of expertise in any field.. it’s never not motivational.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
86Sentra – NXWORRIES (ANDERSON .PAAK & KNXWLEDGE)
As the world of rap and R&B continues its commingle - 86Sentra has been presented.
Anderson .Paak linked with Knxwledge (together known as NxWorries) for a release that’ll help you release in the gymnasium.
Made me go back to their classic project Yes Lawd!, but staying on topic this one is R&B with a flow to it.
As I say often, I don’t know my instruments by ear that well, however what seems to be a repetitive keyboard on the production side..
It hit me with a “duty calls” vibe that takes this one from something you throw on in the car with a lady friend - to something to throw on when you throw around weights.
Genre: hip-hop/rap and R&B
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400 Degreez – Juvenile
Stay tuned, Juvenile may have started a new trend. The Louisiana rap legend rereleased the classic album 400 Degreez and shot a video for the B-side title track.. 400 Degreez.
20+ years after its initial release in 1998, never seen such a thing.
I had to put this Manny Fresh production on the best rap songs for the gym list because this one doesn’t age.
It’s still hot as fish grease in the summer with a broken AC (I promise that wasn’t a 400 degrees pun, but perfect timing).
With what seems like “somebody drowning” vocals on the hook, Juvenile comes through with memorable lines like, “How ‘I'ma’ be runnin' with these ‘killas’ and backin' down?.. How ‘I'ma’ look in front of my people? Like a clown.”
Talk like that will make you consider living the rest of life as a tough individual that won’t reverse course at any sign of a quarrel or friction..
Until you remember you forgot to put your 3-year old’s load of laundry in the dryer.
The epitome of a gym song. Add this one to the list.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Talkin In Screw – Maxo Kream & That Mexican OT
Two of the newer Texas rap representatives collaborated and shared this instant 2024 gym smash - Talkin In Screw.
I welcome it with open arms.
The bassline alone deserves a handshake, dap, high five, and a pinky promise. This one provides that classic throwback Texas feel you’d hear when Lil Keke, Paul Wall, UGK, and many more I could list.. were on a run in the mid-2000s.
Maxo found a solid pocket to lyrically ride, until he handed it off to That Mexican OT.. and he must’ve had a Usain Bolt mask on or something – he sped off.
This is the kind of music gyms should play on the speakers, that way if my headphones die I can make a smooth transition.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
At The Kappa – Big K.R.I.T.
At The Kappa is a categorically slept on Big KRIT track from his A Style Not Quite Free album? Mixtape? I can’t tell you.. everything streams nowadays, but it was released in 2021.
I’ve yet to see another soul talk about it, so here I am shedding light for those who may be unaware.
The Mississippi MC showed love to Texas in an honorable way, as he reflected on what influenced him from childhood to adulthood.
With a southernly groove this one has a “do your two-step” feel. One of those songs you make your grandma get up and dance to.
A feel-good frequency.
An absolute must rap song for the gym, or anywhere for that matter.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Like That - Future, Metro Boomin, & Kendrick Lamar
If you’re a Future fan, a Kendrick Lamar fan, J. Cole, Drake, some combination of the above, or merely spend a decent amount of time on social media - you are thoroughly familiar with this latest gym playlist must have.
Apparently Future and Drake have a bit of a quarrel going on that gets referred to throughout the new Future and Metro Boomin album titled We Don’t Trust You.
This gets stamped by the rare Kendrick Lamar appearance, but not only did he show his face.. he threw a couple of competitive shots at Drake and J. Cole on this now number 1 single.
Putting the beef, or plex as I like to call it (I’m from Texas), aside it’s a certified gym banger.
Unmatched horn usage as the most up to date rendition of the classic Rodney O and Joe Cooley record Everlasting Bass [1].
You’d think the king of the castle would soon arrive the way this track beautifully loops.
10/10 song for any sort of training you have in mind.
Side note: It’s still hard not to hear Lil’ Wayne on this beat, some of y’all know why.. it was lunch (Lil’ Wayne Hard Body).
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Jumpin In - Kenny Mason
I wasn’t too familiar with Kenny Mason until I decided to try a random new rap release a couple weeks back.
I wasn’t disappointed.
Jumpin In is the opening track on Kenny’s album titled 9. Not the most aggressive instrumentation, but the aggression is present along with aspiration as the Guess I Always Knew sample plays, and the kick drum continuously kicks.
You get unique lyric delivery detailing how one would come to the defense of their loved ones, or would go after their dreams rather than wait on the sidelines.
We all can feel that.
It’s catchy and if you’re like me it’s enough bait to check out the rest of Kenny Mason’s catalog. So shout out to that.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Trappin' Ain't Dead (I'm The Truth) - Jeezy
Not a recent song, just an always recently played song by one of my top 5 favorite rappers in history.
Jeezy knows how to say a lot with less words, and that's an underrated skill.
Trappin' Ain't Dead is the title track on his 2009 mixtape of the same title, of course. His performance on this frown-inducing jam is a display of why a lot of us were running around in oversized t-shirts, with a snowman plastered across the front some years back.
Not quite a structured song, more of a freestyle. However I’m labeling it a cinematic adventure for your ears, motivational words for your hustle, chills for your spine, and a slow build that makes you feel like you can lift the whole gym.
As the trap music pioneer raps about evolution at his grandmother’s house, “Sat down kitchen table had my first meal, at the same kitchen table seen my first mill.” Can’t help but want to strive for something greater.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Foux - ScHoolboy Q & Ab-Soul
Foux is my favorite tune from ScHoolboy Q's 2024 release titled Blue Lips. It provides the type of alternative hip-hop, hypnotizing, Red Light District-like sound I enjoy almost every time.
Feels like you’re listening to something from a frantic theatrical tight shot.
The album as a whole experiments with several sounds, but the marriage between him and Ab-Soul on this one gets me going in the gymnasium (pause).
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Giving Chanel - Meek Mill & Future
Meek Mill & Future give you exactly what you'd expect from a collaboration between Meek Mill & Future.
Giving Chanel comes from Heathenism, an EP Meek Mill released in February 2024.
Great beat selection, a grandiose emotional contagion, traditional Meek aggression, and a head nod that may make your headphones fall off or out.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Within Myself - Z-Ro & Trae Tha Truth
I have to apologize to Nas because this song was created on his Mastermind instrumental, and he did an excellent job, it’s another good hip-hop workout song too but..
The way (my favorite rapper of all-time) Z-Ro climbed over the beat, I forget it even belongs to Nas.
The unique production gives me a Scarface (the movie) vibe and 'Ro explains how he is grateful for his “so-called” friends proving to be less than honorable men.
Whether or not you've ever been wronged by a homie, this song will put you in that perfect zone for an intense training session.
This is the perfect fake gym nemesis song. Shout out to Texas by the way.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Kick Doe Freestyle – That Mexican OT, Homer, & Mone
Shout out to Texas again as I show appropriate love to That Mexican OT with this cut from his March 2024 release - Texas Technician.
If you're familiar with chopped and screwed music (RIP DJ Screw), or the classic Texas freestyles of yesteryear, you'll enjoy the nostalgia baked Into this Cory Mo production.
Everybody takes a turn on the mic during the freestyle session, and the moderately paced groove is stamped with OT harmonizing about fraudulent friendships.
Equipped with a cookout type of groove, it’s just rhythmic enough to fit on a rap gym playlist.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Gin & Juice – 21 Lil Harold & BigXThaPlug
Titled after one of the most popular songs in hip-hop history by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, 21 Lil Harold's version takes a sharper, harder turn with a thumping instrumental.
With a sampling assist from You And Me by the O’Jays [3] - it gives off a "final ride" theme, as if you're a villain protagonist in the last scene of a movie that may or may not end in your favor.
Regardless you'll be in the proper zone for your last hurrah.. or set anyway.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Justify My Thug – Jay-Z
Old song that never ages.
Justify My Thug is a deep cut from what seemed to be Hova's final album before leaving hip hop in 2003, the Black Album.
In this hard-hitting, gearing up for battle type of track that puts a twist on Madonna’s Justify My Love and manipulates a sample from Funkafelic’s The Witch [5].. he waxes about his way of doing things, his mindset, and provides what he believes should be justifications for how he navigates life.
Relatable or not, my second favorite rapper to record goes on for 4 minutes and 4 seconds leaving you to feel like a tough guy or gal.
Intentionally or unintentionally reinforcing the amount of intensity you need for a successful workout.. bar by bar (pun intended).
Fun fact: I’m a southerner through and through, I wasn’t even a Jay-Z fan until college. My roommate was from New York, so that cultural exchange took place. This was before social media made every region of the country slowly mesh into one, I kind of miss the regional days where we could share in real-time.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Green Carpet - Babyface Ray
Babyface Ray is on my favorite "newer" rappers list, quotations because he has a lot of material, but his popularity has grown as of late. Long list of bangers by the way, and he doesn’t hurt the résumé here.
With its deliberate 77 beats per minute, I describe the Detroit native melodically rapping about betrayal, duty, and success as an ironically cerebral gym song.
The what seems to be masterful chord usage (not a musical theory guy, but I think I’m right) from Sledgren, CuBeatz, & MVCancik’s production, you'll want a green carpet of your own as you follow the green lights to gains-ville.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Carnival - Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign
Kanye likes to play around with his release dates, so I was late to hearing he and Ty Dolla $ign's project Vultures 1.
Good album, stellar production.
Carnival is a track that stood out on the February 2024 reveal in general, but specifically for the gym.
Sets the tone early with soccer-like chants and one-man choir usage. I'm always on the hunt for a good gym tune, and a good gym tune is what this glow-stick night club feeling evoking song is.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Fired Up! - Funky Green Dogs
Old song, but relatively new to me - had to do my research on it.
Apparently this was a staple on the New Jersey house club scene and if I was of age back then I probably would've been somewhere with my shirt off, thus this is a ‘jiggity’ jam. I first heard it on the Joe Budden podcast.
Comes in strong and instead of rocking you to sleep, it shakes you awake with an earthquake feel, tribal even.
From the club to the gym you can throw this 1996 song on in front of your kids, and not worry about the vulgarity most of my playlist sports.
With the perfect up-tempo bounce and amount of repetitive vocals it has me combing through the rest of Funky Green Dogs’ catalog.
Genre: house
Some frowns become permanent
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I Don't Even Rap - Drego & Beno
Detroit has done a lot for my rap gym playlist over the past few years. Drego is high on my list of people I can type his name, press shuffle, and get through an entire session with no issue.
I Don't Even Rap provides a house party inside of a waterfall warmth (I’m obviously enjoying giving these abstract descriptions) and its rough lyrics assist in getting you in the headspace for a muscle taxing workout.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Melo Chip And A Brick - Stove God Cooks
With a pleasing mesh of jazz and hip-hop, Stove God Cooks shares what I deem a jam that deserves a spot in your “it's time to sweat library”..
Some may disagree, yet I find many of these off-shoot low tempo aspirational songs perfect for the gym, depending on your mood that day.
Somedays you need a lot of pace, some a lesser amount, and some very low. Include it all and you'll have something in the arsenal for whatever you need.
Filled with encouragement for you to live by your words, it’ll help get the weights moving.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Off White Whoop - Sada Baby
Another Detroit rapper, but not just another Detroit rapper.
I need to redo my all-time favorite rapper list. I say that due to the fact the versatility of Sada Baby leaves me with plenty of options in and out of the gym.
And plenty is no understatement.
This one happens to be one of those songs you put on in the car, if you had to go face somebody that crossed you in the most unforgivable fashion.
The piano usage is a kiss from the chef and the way Sada embodies the mood of the instrumental is.. I'm about to play it now.. forget typing.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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First Person Shooter - Drake & J. Cole
In October 2023, two of the best rappers to breathe on a mic came together for what ended up being J. Cole's first number one single.
First Person Shooter.
As a cut on Drake's latest album, For All The Dogs.. First Person Shooter sports the two MCs giving you a glimpse of what they could do if they collaborated more often.
With a couple of beat changes this one will take longer to get old and curates a braggadocios, "I am the one" mood any human walking the Earth wouldn't mind feeling a bit of.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Wassam Baby - Rob49 & Lil Wayne
This song had to be a celebration for Louisiana as the up-and-coming Rob49 linked with the mixtape GOAT, Lil Wayne for a type of bounce that’ll shake a house.
With extraordinary 808s planted all through this Mac Fly production, I suggest putting on a pair of quality headphones so you can catch every piece of the piano behind Rob49 and Wayne’s elocution of their unabashed love for women.
I hit a military press PR to this.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Drug Ballad - Eminem
Drug Ballad is a B-side from the Marshall Mathers LP that made me an Eminem fan.
With an "out for the night" sound, it comes across like a song that could be playing in the background of a montage for the main character in a movie becoming addicted to a controlled substance.
Certified jam, and if you’re shy you may want to skip this one.. it’ll make you move your shoulders.
Just make sure you use this track sampling Dreaming About You [4] by the Blackbyrds for the gym and not as an actual drug ballad.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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Early Worms Get Birds - Boldy James & Double Dee
Detroit again, I promise I'm from Texas!
My favorite Detroit boom bap rapper, Boldy James, comes through on this throwback Harris & Orr sample of Spread Love [5].
Boom-bap is an onomatopoeia describing the sound of a kick drum and snare pattern, used frequently in East coast hip-hop in case you’re wondering.
This choice plays on the saying "the early bird gets the worm" to reference actualizing underworld goals due to dedication and ruling with an iron fist.
Lo-fi equipped and an aura that of: integrity drives will.. here's another pick for the days you want something less than hype, while forceful enough to get you hyped for exercising.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
First Day Out - Gucci Mane
Gucci Mane released this consummate banger in 2009. I don’t know if it was actually his first day out of the penitentiary or not, but he was rapping like it.
It’s still in my rotation to this day.
Play this track in the right area of town and you'll hear the echoes of recital as far as the ear can reach, bar for bar. With Zaytoven's production you can reminisce on the joyful feel Atlanta had in a headlock mid-2000 to the early 2010s.
Hard lyrics for a hard workout - always works.
Genre: hip-hop/rap
Come On Down – Killa Kyleon & Delorean
The sample on this instrumental is from Come On Down by Greg Perry [6] and from the moment you press play, you may need a coat.
Chills my friend, you get chills.
Even the preamble from Delorean fits well with the vibe the production curates. His opening verse was enough for me to dig into his full discography and find out Killa Kyleon wasn't the only Texas rapper on the song.
(Delorean has a lot of hidden jams by the way.)
With a "giving up is not an option" impression you'll be impressive in the gymnasium if you have this one sounding off in your ears (pause).
Genre: hip-hop/rap
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SOURCES:
[1] whosampled.com/Future/Like-That/
[2] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fired_Up!_(song)
[3] whosampled.com/sample/1150392/21-Lil-Harold-BigXthaPlug-Gin-%26-Juice-The-O%27Jays-You-and-Me/
[4] whosampled.com/sample/597857/Eminem-Drug-Ballad-The-Blackbyrds-Dreaming-About-You/
[6] whosampled.com/Killa-Kyleon/Come-on-Down/
[7] whosampled.com/sample/1164491/J.-Cole-Daylyt-Ab-Soul-Pi-Kevin-Moore-Rainmaker/
[8] whosampled.com/sample/1672/Lupe-Fiasco-The-Emperor%27s-Soundtrack-UFO-Between-the-Walls/