Rap music is known for its beats and powerful lyrics, but it also features unique instrumentation that adds depth and creativity. The use of guitars in rap songs has become more common, blending the raw sound of strings with the rhythm of hip-hop. Guitars bring a melodic element to rap music, offering a fresh contrast to the traditional heavy bass and drum patterns. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best rap songs that feature guitar elements, combining the energy of rap with the soulful sound of the guitar.
19 Memorable Guitar Rap Songs
1. “Dope” – Tyga ft. Rick Ross
“Dope” by Tyga, featuring Rick Ross, stands out for its heavy use of a guitar riff that gives the song an intense and edgy feel. Released in 2013, the song samples Dr. Dre’s classic “Deep Cover,” but the added guitar melody takes the track to another level. The raw guitar sound drives the beat, making it both aggressive and catchy.
2. “Devil In A New Dress” – Kanye West ft. Rick Ross
Kanye West’s “Devil In A New Dress,” from his critically acclaimed album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), features an unforgettable guitar solo towards the end of the track. The song mixes smooth beats with sharp lyrics, and the guitar solo gives it a dramatic finish. It adds a soulful, bluesy feel, perfectly complementing the introspective tone of the lyrics.
3. “Renegade” – Jay-Z ft. Eminem
“Renegade” by Jay-Z, featuring Eminem, is a powerful track that uses a subtle guitar riff throughout. Released in 2001 as part of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, the song is notable for its hard-hitting lyrics and intense delivery. The guitar plays in the background, adding an extra layer of tension and emotion to the already high-stakes verses.
4. “Pursuit of Happiness” – Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” is a fan-favorite that blends rap with indie rock elements, thanks in large part to the electric guitar in the background. Released in 2009, the song features MGMT and Ratatat, and the guitar melody adds a dreamy, psychedelic vibe to Cudi’s introspective lyrics. The guitar riff gives the track a sense of freedom and adventure, making it a memorable anthem.
5. “No Role Modelz” – J. Cole
J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz” is one of his most well-known tracks, and the guitar element is a key part of its charm. Released in 2014, the song features a haunting guitar loop that runs throughout the track, giving it a moody, reflective feel. The combination of Cole’s sharp storytelling and the guitar melody makes it a standout track in his discography.
6. “Lucid Dreams” – Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” is a perfect example of how guitars can be used effectively in rap songs to evoke emotion. Released in 2018, the song samples Sting’s “Shape of My Heart,” and the guitar melody drives the entire track. Juice WRLD’s lyrics about heartbreak and loss are complemented by the soft, melancholic sound of the guitar, making it one of the most emotional rap songs of recent years.
7. “Love The Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna
Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie,” featuring Rihanna, is a powerful track that combines rap with rock influences. Released in 2010, the song features a guitar-driven beat that adds intensity to the emotional subject matter. The guitar helps elevate the raw energy of Eminem’s verses and Rihanna’s chorus, making it a huge commercial success and a fan favorite.
8. “Let Nas Down” – J. Cole
“Let Nas Down” is another example of J. Cole’s mastery of combining rap with guitar-driven beats. Released in 2013 on his Born Sinner album, the song tells the story of Cole’s journey as a rapper and his struggle to gain the approval of Nas. The song’s guitar loop adds a reflective and soulful quality, enhancing the introspective nature of the lyrics.
9. “The Real Slim Shady” – Eminem
Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” is one of his most iconic tracks, and its use of a guitar riff helps drive its catchy, rebellious feel. Released in 2000, the song is full of humor and sharp commentary, with the guitar providing a playful yet edgy backdrop. The combination of Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery and the driving guitar riff makes this track a standout in his career.
10. “Sicko Mode” – Travis Scott
Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” is a genre-blending masterpiece that incorporates various elements, including a subtle guitar riff. Released in 2018, the track switches between different beats and styles, with the guitar adding a melodic element to the chaotic energy of the song. The guitar riff is one of the many layers that make “Sicko Mode” a unique and dynamic track.
11. “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” from his 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city, features a mellow guitar riff that sets the tone for the reflective and emotional lyrics. The song is a deeply personal narrative about life, death, and legacy, and the guitar adds a soft, contemplative feel to the track, allowing Lamar’s storytelling to shine.
12. “Rockstar” – Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
“Rockstar” by Post Malone, featuring 21 Savage, is a track that leans heavily into rock influences, with the guitar being a key part of its sound. Released in 2017, the song features a haunting guitar melody that pairs perfectly with the lyrics about fame, excess, and the darker side of success. The guitar adds to the gritty, rebellious vibe of the song, making it a standout in Post Malone’s catalog.
13. “Backseat Freestyle” – Kendrick Lamar
“Backseat Freestyle” by Kendrick Lamar is an energetic track that uses a guitar riff to drive its fast-paced beat. Released in 2012, the song is all about ambition, confidence, and youthful energy. The guitar adds a layer of intensity to the track, making it a powerful anthem of self-assurance and determination.
14. “Ride Wit Me” – Nelly
Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me” is a feel-good anthem that features a guitar-driven beat, giving the song a laid-back, summery feel. Released in 2001, the track is all about enjoying life and having fun with friends, and the guitar melody adds to the carefree vibe. The combination of Nelly’s smooth flow and the light, catchy guitar riff makes this song a timeless hit.
15. “Feel It Still (Medasin Remix)” – Portugal. The Man ft. GoldLink
While not a traditional rap song, the Medasin remix of “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, featuring GoldLink, combines indie rock with hip-hop in a fresh and innovative way. Released in 2017, the song features a catchy guitar riff that runs throughout the track, while GoldLink’s verses add a hip-hop edge. The remix blends genres seamlessly, making it a perfect example of how guitars and rap can work together to create something unique.
16. “L$D” – A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky’s “L$D” is a psychedelic rap song that heavily features guitar throughout the track. Released in 2015, the song has a dreamy, atmospheric feel, with the guitar melody adding to its trippy vibe. The track is a departure from A$AP Rocky’s usual hard-hitting style, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The guitar adds an ethereal quality to the song, making it a standout in his discography.
17. “Let It All Work Out” – Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne’s “Let It All Work Out,” from his 2018 album Tha Carter V, is a deeply personal track that features a soft guitar melody. The song reflects on Wayne’s struggles, triumphs, and personal growth, with the guitar providing a calming, introspective backdrop. The gentle guitar riff adds a layer of vulnerability to the track, making it one of the most emotional songs on the album.
18. “Heartless” – Kanye West
Kanye West’s “Heartless,” from his 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak, features a guitar-driven beat that complements the song’s emotional lyrics. The song is about heartbreak and loneliness, and the guitar adds a haunting, melancholic feel to the track. The blend of autotuned vocals, electronic production, and guitar creates a unique sound that set the tone for much of Kanye’s later work.
19. “Pick Up the Phone” – Young Thug, Travis Scott, and Quavo
“Pick Up the Phone” is a collaboration between Young Thug, Travis Scott, and Quavo that features a subtle guitar riff throughout. Released in 2016, the song has a laid-back, melodic vibe, with the guitar adding a smooth element to the track. The guitar helps balance the upbeat, trap-inspired production, making it a great example of how guitars can be used effectively in modern rap music.
See Also: Can You Tell Where Rap Music Is From by the Beat?
Conclusion
Guitar rap songs have a unique appeal, combining the rhythm of hip-hop with the melodic elements of rock and other genres. The songs listed above showcase the versatility of guitars in rap, from soulful and introspective tracks to hard-hitting anthems. The blend of these two musical worlds creates a fresh and engaging sound that continues to evolve in the rap genre. Whether adding intensity, emotion, or a laid-back vibe, guitars in rap music are a powerful tool that enhances the overall listening experience.
