During karaoke, most people typically go for pop or rock songs.
They’re often ballads and usually easier to sing alone without any crazy key changes.
However, with the rising popularity of hip-hop songs, it’s no surprise that many are bringing their rap game to karaoke.
So whether you’re fired up to spit some rhymes on the stage or looking to try something new at your karaoke bar, here is a list of hip-hop karaoke songs that’ll get the party started.
The Best Hip Hop Karaoke Songs
“Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B
This 2017 track takes inspiration from Kodak Black’s song, “No Flockin’,” with the title even being a play on his name.
“Bodak Yellow” details Cardi’s past as a stripper and how she has finally made it to the top.
The song was a huge success and has even been cited as one of the defining tracks of the 2010s.
This single is a great choice for karaoke with its simple beat and powerful lyrics, especially if you are not into dancing or singing.
“Get Into It (Yuh)” – Doja Cat
If you’re looking for something catchy and fun, this 2021 banger will definitely make your karaoke party more exciting!
Featured in Doja’s Planet Her album, this song is her tribute to rapper Nicki Minaj, who inspired her and paved the way to her pop-rap career.
With an upbeat rhythm and fiery verses, it’s a good choice if you want to rap some power lines.
“U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer
No matter how many years go by, this 1990 track remains a great classic.
An uptempo hip-hop song, “U Can’t Touch This” details Mc Hammer’s accomplishments and how others won’t be able to bring him down, taunting them that they can’t “touch” him.
The catchy melody and cheeky lyrics give the song an upbeat vibe, guaranteed to put a smile on anyone who hears it.
“Meet Me Halfway” – Black Eyed Peas
Every 2000s kid recognizes this upbeat smash hit.
First released in 2009, “Meet Me Halfway” has a simple message: wanting to meet someone you love.
With a futuristic tune and Fergie’s clear vocals, it’s a song you can’t help but sing along to. It’s also a great choice if you want to sing with a friend.
“Taste” – Tyga
Collaborating with Migos’ member Offset, “Taste” is a catchy trap-influenced track released in Tyga’s 2018 album Legendary.
While there isn’t a detailed explanation to the song, it’s implied that “Taste” is about desiring a sexual relationship.
The best part about this trap number is its mellow beats and smooth vocals, making it a good choice for a more relaxing karaoke session.
“Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj
If you’re feeling bold and brave, you can give this upbeat 2014 single a go.
Sampling the 1992 track “Baby Got Back,” this song is all about butts, sex, and more butts.
Despite its naughty themes, “Anaconda” is about embracing curvy women, according to Nicki herself.
This playful track isn’t meant to be taken seriously, so we say, forget what others think and have all the fun you want with it!
“Thrift Shop” – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
There’s no way anyone would pass up a chance to sing and dance along to this funky single.
Released in 2012, this comedic hit is about Macklemore ditching designer brands for thrift shop fits instead.
The song was a huge hit, winning many awards and was featured in various popular cultures like Sesame Street.
It’s an all-around funky track with light-hearted lyrics that would make anyone want to dance.
“Work It” – Missy Elliott
This 2002 classic makes anyone want to shake their badonkadonk when they hear it.
“Work It” takes a page from 1980s hip hop, featuring upbeat melodies and vocals.
Lyrically, the song has a raunchy message of having sexual relationships with male strippers.
Even with its lewd rhymes, you just can’t resist singing along to its catchy lyrics and beat.
“Come Get Her” – Rae Sremmurd
This song might have blown up on TikTok in recent years, but it was actually released back in 2015 on Rae’s album SremmLife.
According to the hip-hop duo, the song is about uplifting girls to enjoy themselves when they’re at the club.
With its irresistible rhythm and straightforward lyrics, you can easily sing this with a friend.
“Ice Ice Baby” – Vanilla Ice
Originally the flipside to Vanilla Ice’s debut single “Play That Funky Music,” this 1990 track became an international hit after its debut.
The song doesn’t have any clear meaning to its lyrics, but that doesn’t take away the fun of singing it.
Aside from having a simple melody and lyrics, “Ice Ice Baby” is a nostalgic banger that will undeniably get you full-crowd participation.
“That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars
Who doesn’t like shiny and expensive things? In this 2017 single, Bruno shares his love of extravagant things and vacations with a girl and tells her she can have it all if she becomes his girlfriend.
The smooth melody and Bruno’s amazing vocals give the song a cheerful vibe, making it a great choice to party on with your friends.
“Umbrella” – Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
It might be a 2007 song, but it’s still a classic and a karaoke staple.
The catchy hip-hop track revolves around Rihanna telling her partner that she’ll always support him.
With its nostalgic tune and simple lyrics, you’ll definitely have a blast singing this on stage as if you’re Riri herself.
“Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
If you’re looking for something that gets everyone hyped and excited, this 2011 single checks out all the boxes.
Featuring an infectious melody, a vibrant rhythm and powerful lyrics, this is a song that everyone can let loose to without a care in the world.
“Can’t Hold Us” is so good that it’s been featured in many films, TV shows, commercials, and games, like Ice Age and WWE.
“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X
Whether this song can be classified as country or hip-hop, there’s no doubt it’s a banger.
In this 2018 hit, Lil Nas X talks about the comforts of the cowboy life, criticizing his peers for indulging in hedonism.
The song gained popularity through Tiktok memes before topping music charts in various countries later on.
With its repetitive lyrics and simple melody, it’s a pretty easy track to follow.
“This Is How We Do It” – Montell Jordan
Released in 1995, this R&B/hip-hop single is still a dancefloor anthem.
This energetic track is all about having a good time at a party, so it’s a perfect choice if you want to raise the energy in the room.
Aside from its catchy tune, the lyrics are also fun to rap, and almost everyone recognizes this track.
“Fergalicious” – Fergie ft. will.i.am
It’s time to get “Fergalicious” with this uptempo 2006 track!
Released in Fergie’s album The Duchess, the song is about self-pride and confidence in oneself.
“Fergalicious” isn’t just catchy; it’s also fun to sing with its sassy lyrics and electro-infused beat.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio ft L.V.
Any hip-hop song list wouldn’t be complete without this riveting 1995 track.
Sampling Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song “Pastime Paradise,” “Gangsta’s Paradise” became an instant hit after its release and has even been listed as one of the best songs of all time.
With its powerful melody and introspective lyrics, you’ll feel like the coolest kid on the block when you sing it.
“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani
This song isn’t just a dance anthem, it’s also a sassy single served on a platter of attitude.
Released in 2005, “Hollaback Girl” was basically written after musician Courtney Love made a mean comment about Gwen.
Aside from its upbeat tune and snappy lyrics, you won’t have to worry about straining your voice since it’s mostly rapping over a beat.
“Promiscuous” – Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland
Released in Nelly’s 2006 album Loose, “Promiscuous” is about the two sides of a relationship, with both the man and woman talking to each other in a flirty way.
The playful lyrics and infectious melody give the song a groovy vibe, making it a great choice if you want something to dance to.
Since the lyrics bounce back and forth between Nelly and Timbaland, it’s a good track to sing as a duet with a partner.
