The pursuit of wealth and success through hard work, or “hustling,” is a common theme in music. Artists from various genres have crafted songs that capture the determination, drive, and sometimes the sacrifices involved in the journey of making money. Here are 14 songs that shine a light on this topic.
14 Songs About Making Money And Hustling
1. “Empire State of Mind” – Jay – Z feat. Alicia Keys
This iconic hip – hop anthem is not just about New York City but also about the hustle and the dream of making it big. Jay – Z raps about the city as a place where “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you.” It represents the idea that with the right hustle, one can achieve their financial and career goals in a competitive environment. Alicia Keys’ soulful chorus adds to the anthemic quality, making it a song that motivates those on the grind.
2. “Started from the Bottom” – Drake
Drake’s song is a narrative of his rise from humble beginnings to stardom. The lyrics, “Started from the bottom, now we’re here. Started from the bottom, now the whole team here” are a testament to his hard work and hustle. It shows that no matter where one starts in life, through dedication and a relentless pursuit of success, they can make a significant amount of money and achieve their goals. The beat, with its driving rhythm, keeps the energy high, mirroring the non – stop nature of the hustle.
3. “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” – 50 Cent
As the title suggests, this song by 50 Cent is all about the extreme determination to succeed financially. The lyrics, “I’m tryin’ to get rich or die tryin’. These niggas want me dead, but I’m still alive and writin’” convey the sense of risk and the all – in attitude that many have in the pursuit of wealth. It’s a raw and unapologetic look at the lengths one might go to make money, with a hard – hitting hip – hop beat that matches the tough – talking lyrics.
4. “No Limit” – G-Eazy feat. ASAP Rocky
This song is about the confidence and the “no – limits” approach to making money and achieving success. G – Eazy raps, “I got no limit, that’s the way I live. I got no ceiling, that’s the way I built. I got no limits, that’s the way I give. I got no ceiling, that’s the way I built.” The lyrics, combined with the energetic and catchy beat, create an atmosphere of self – assurance, encouraging listeners to break through any barriers in their quest to make money and hustle their way to the top.
5. “Work” – Rihanna feat. Drake
Rihanna’s “Work” has a double – entendre, with the word “work” referring not only to romantic interactions but also to the grind. The lyrics, “Work, work, work, work, work, work. He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work” can be interpreted as a call to put in the effort to achieve financial success. The reggae – influenced beat gives it a laid – back yet determined feel, showing that the hustle can be both steady and rhythmic.
6. “Hustler’s Ambition” – Jeezy
Jeezy’s song is a straightforward celebration of the hustler’s mentality. The lyrics, “Hustler’s ambition, I got it. The type of ambition that’ll make you drop a couple bricks” talk about the drive to make money, especially in the context of the street – level hustle. The hard – core hip – hop beat and Jeezy’s intense delivery make it a song that resonates with those who are constantly on the move, trying to make ends meet and build wealth.
7. “Money Trees” – Kendrick Lamar feat. Jay Rock
This song is about the allure and the reality of making money. Kendrick Lamar raps about the “money trees” as a symbol of wealth and the lengths people go to get it. The lyrics, “Money trees is the perfect place for shade. Money trees is the perfect place for shade. Pull up, got a blunt in the ashtray. Tinted windows, you can’t see the AK” describe the lifestyle that comes with making money, but also the risks and the seedy side of the hustle. The smooth yet hard – hitting beat adds to the complexity of the song.
8. “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
While a classic country song, “9 to 5” is a great representation of the daily grind of working to make money. The lyrics, “Workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’. Barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin’ and no givin’” talk about the monotony and the struggle of a regular job. However, it also shows the determination of the working – class people who keep at it to earn a living, with a catchy melody that has made it an anthem for the working world.
9. “Bills, Bills, Bills” – Destiny’s Child
This R&B song by Destiny’s Child is about the importance of financial stability. The lyrics, “Bills, bills, bills. Yeah, he always talkin’ ’bout what he wants. And just like clockwork, every Friday night. He’d be right there, Mr. Paycheck. But he never seems to have no money” can be seen as a commentary on the need to manage money well and the stress that comes with financial responsibilities. It shows that making money is not just about earning but also about handling it to meet life’s demands.
10. “Rich Girl” – Gwen Stefani feat. Eve
Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl” is a fun and sassy song about the desire for wealth. The lyrics, “I want a hot girl summer, but I want it to last. I want to be rich, I want a lot of cash. I want designer clothes, I want a big – ass mansion” express the materialistic side of the dream of making money. The pop – hip – hop blend, with Eve’s rap adding an edge, makes it a song that captures the fantasy of achieving a wealthy lifestyle.
11. “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars
This song by Bruno Mars is about enjoying the fruits of one’s labor. The lyrics, “I got a condo in Manhattan. Baby girl, what’s hatnin’? You and your ass invited. So gon’ and get to clappin’” describe a luxurious lifestyle that comes with making money. It’s a celebration of success, showing that after all the hustle, one can indulge in the finer things in life. The smooth, funky melody adds to the feel – good factor.
12. “Money” – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s “Money” is a satirical look at the obsession with money. The lyrics, “Money, get away. Get a good job with more pay and your O.K. Money, get a good job with more pay and your O.K.” criticize the way society values money above all else. However, it also acknowledges the importance of money in modern life, with its iconic bass – driven melody that has made it a classic in the rock genre.
13. “Can’t Stop” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Although not directly about making money, the song’s energetic and non – stop rhythm can be related to the relentless hustle. The lyrics, “Can’t stop, addicted to the shindig. Choppin’ it up, work it, step by step. Watch me runnin’ now, I never thought I could. Never thought I could, ooh” can be seen as a metaphor for the continuous effort in the pursuit of success, which often includes making money. The alternative – rock sound keeps the energy high, much like the never – ending hustle.
14. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
This song can be interpreted as a celebration of the joy that comes with achieving success through hard work. The lyrics, “I wanna dance with somebody, I wanna feel the heat with somebody. Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody who loves me” can be seen as the singer’s desire to enjoy the fruits of her labor, to celebrate with those who support her after all the hard work of making money and achieving her goals. Houston’s powerful vocals and the upbeat pop melody make it a song that can be associated with the sense of accomplishment in the hustle.
Conclusion
These 14 songs offer a diverse look at the theme of making money and hustling. From the hard – hitting hip – hop anthems that detail the street – level grind to the pop and rock songs that celebrate success or critique the obsession with money, they all capture different aspects of this common human pursuit. Whether it’s the drive to succeed, the struggles of the daily grind, or the enjoyment of the fruits of one’s labor, these songs resonate with those who are on the journey of making money.
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