You could argue that anytime a rapper puts pen to pad or steps into the vocal booth, they are telling a story. I listen to some of these mono-syllabic spitting numbskulls and hear nursery rhymes at best, so I’m not prepared to go there. What I’m talking about it that real, vivid, cinematic type shit. The songs with a narrative so rich that you can picture it like a movie in your minds eye while you listen.
There is no shortage of storytellers out there; you can find verses, songs, or entire albums dedicated to telling tales. Like any form of art, there are those that are a cut above the rest. Telling a story is an art form in itself, whether you’re recalling a story to your boys at the bar, writing songs or making movies. A true storyteller can make an average story great, and a great story unforgettable. As these songs illustrate, it isn’t just the story, it is how you tell it. It is putting in those small, seemingly insignificant details, which make the listener feel like they are there. It is using a metaphor that captures a situation in a way that a description could never do.
Slick Rick – La Di Da Di
(as “Doug E. Fresh & MC Ricky D,” 1985, Danya/Reality Records)
Characters: Slick Rick, Sally, mother, two little guys
Setting: New York (presumably)
Plot: A day in the life of Slick Rick
Excerpt: “Clean, dry was my body and hair / I threw on my brand new Gucci underwear / For all the girls I might take home / I got the Johnson’s Baby Powder and the Polo cologne…”
Lesson: Avoid relations with old ladies.
This may be a Doug E. Fresh song featuring a young emcee then known as MC Ricky D, but this song will always be remembered as the birth of Hip Hop’s first master storyteller. Over Doug E’s beatboxing, Rick effortlessly flips listeners through a day in his life. He details his brand of underwear as casually as he does the cat fight in his honor. Three years later Rick would deliver his debut album—which was damn near storytelling tracks from end to end and would forever cement his place in history. Respect the architect, or lick the balls.
Murs – Walk Like A Man
(2004, Definitive Jux)
Characters: Murs, best friend, family members, girls, Isiah, killer
Setting: Los Angeles
Plot: Murs gets his revenge on the year anniversary of his best friend’s murder
Excerpt: “Was when I got to my knees and held my nigga close / And asked not to leave us in the name of Christ Jesus / But he’s gone and all I got left is his blood on my sneakers…”
Lesson: An eye-for-an-eye.
Everything Murs does is with great authenticity; this song turned mini-movie is no exception. From his stellar, first collaboration (Murs 3:16) with 9th Wonder, this tale of revenge-turned-regret is as vivid as they come. As is often the case, it is the small, seemingly insignificant details that bring this story to life. “I saw the killer stand up, he put the gun in his jeans / I saw him wince from the pain as the heat burned his waist / Then he turned up the block, disappeared without a trace.” Much like the man above, this song is just a good example of a huge selection of incredible storytelling. Murs tells a lot of stories; they’re creative, they’re interesting and they’re delivered with exceptional execution.
Saukrates – Vietnam
(1999, Serious/Capitol Hill Records)
Characters: Saukrates, his Mom, Freddy, Jay, Mrs. Johnson, killer
Setting: Toronto
Plot: Saukrates watches his friend get murdered and faces a decision when he catches up with the killer
Excerpt: “Everything turned slow motioned and muted / In my mind while I saw these niggas creep up from behind / I see one pull a nine, I scream TURN AROUND! / Too late, my nigga Jay’s brain stained the ground…”
Lesson: Never forget.
He can rap, he can produce, he can sing, and he can tell a story. The Toronto native Saukrates may never capitalize on the promise he showed on this album (he hasn’t even released one since this ‘99 gem). But that doesn’t diminish this song. Like the Murs song above, “Vietnam” is a story of friendship, murder and revenge, though the ending is a bit more open ended. Again, it is the small details that take this over the top—such as the line that gives the song it’s name, “Here come the ice cream trucks / Some kids playing double dutch / Looking ill but too young to touch / Then one shouts out, ‘Yo Big Sox when’s the album due kid?’ / ’It’s out stupid!’ / How informed my neighbourhood be / Like a Vietnam camp in ’73, separated from society…”
Ghostface Killah – The Hilton f. Raekwon
(2001, Razor Sharp/Epic Records]
Characters: Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, assassin
Setting: Hilton hotel in Bermuda
Plot: Ghost and Rae narrowly escape a hit and rush to escape the hotel before the cops arrive
Excerpt: “Rae ran hysterically, slipped on soap / Landed on his back, with his gat / Now that’s dope…”
Lesson: Stay at a Holiday Inn Express.
Another all-time great. There are countless Ghost songs that could fill this space. Like anything he does, Ghost spins a tale with so much style, and style that is unmistakable and impossible to duplicate. This stick up gone wrong is straight out of an action flick with Ghost’s verbal color splashed on it; “It looked bugged cause the waiter looked nervous / Lift off the lid, seen two shiny .38’s aimed at the kid / What I do? Duck! / Rae up in the shower singing / Son don’t know that it’s real.”
Brother Ali – Dorian
(2003, Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Characters: Brother Ali, his wife, Dorian, his wife, police
Setting: A Minneapolis apartment
Plot: Brother Ali beats down an abusive neighbour, the battered wife isn’t full of gratitude
Excerpt: “Now first thing’s first, I don’t judge you for the weed smoke / But I can hear your daughter yellin’ ‘daddy, please don’t’ / And it’s not once or twice, but every damn night / Man there’s somethin’ goin’ on up in here that ain’t right…”
Lesson: Mind your own damn business.
In less than a decade, the Big Bad Brother has become one of Hip Hop’s storytelling elite. “Dorian” is regarded by most as his centerpiece. His peaceful attempt to interject in the life of his noisy and abusive neighbor gets physical. While Ali wins the fight, he loses the war in a twist that is all too common in abusive relationships. As usual, Ali’s wordplay reigns supreme: “Little man could make moves that I couldn’t/ He cut and tried to foot it, now how I should I put? / I stood at full posture and swatted him down the staircase / Bare knuckles to bare face, all punches, new hair place.”
Immortal Technique – Dance With The Devil
(2002, Viper Records)
Characters: Billy Jacobs, his mother, gang members
Setting: Harlem (presumably)
Plot: An ambitious hustler robs, rapes and kills to be initiated into a gang
Excerpt: “The dirty bastards knew exactly what they were doing / They kicked her until they cracked her ribs and she stopped moving / Blood leaking through the cloth, she cried silently / And then they all proceeded to rape her violently…”
Lesson: Listen to songs till the very end.
For anyone who hasn’t heard this song, I wouldn’t want to reveal what makes this song so memorable. Let’s just say it is a really fucked up story told in gruesome detail by one of Hip Hop’s most compelling teller of tales. Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, this is as close to cinema as Hip Hop gets.
Vakill – Fallen
(2003, Molemen Records)
Characters: Disgruntled rapper, hostage negotiator, A&R, CEO, hostages
Setting: Label office
Plot: A one hit wonder takes hostages at his former label after murdering the CEO
Excerpt: “So my foundation which was once mentally and / Financially stable slid / Traumas all, was on alcohol plus I done acid / Put every egg into one basket…”
Lesson: .40 cals trumps Industry Rule #4080.
He may be known to few, but Chicago’s Vakill is nothing short of a supreme lyricist. For those who do know the Molemen constituent, he is acknowledged mostly for his punch lines, but he does not lack in story-telling ability to be sure. “Fallen” enlists one of Hip Hop’s most prolific narrators in Atmosphere’s Slug, and each emcee plays a character. Vakill plays the rapper with the rapid rise to fame and riches, only to fall even faster. When the disgruntled rapper storms his label and takes an A&R hostage, it is Slug who takes on the role of hostage negotiator. The outcome is one that is sure to make any rapper – successful or not – give a little chuckle.
Jay-Z – Friend Or Foe
(1996, Roc-A-Fella/Priority Records)
Characters: Jay-Z, crew, rival crew
Setting: Motel parking lot
Plot: Jay-Z protects his turf from a rival drug gang
Excerpt: “You draw, better be picasso / Y’know the best / Cause if this is not so / Ah, god bless…”
Lesson: Respect the jux.
Considering the size of his catalogue and the depth of his talent, it is surprising that Jay hasn’t done more non-autobiographical storytelling a la “Meet the Parents.” Predictably, most of Hov’s storytelling revolves around hustling. And there’s no finer an example than Reasonable Doubt’s “Friend or Foe.” Jay describes a motel room stick up via a one sided conversation. Mr. Carter is in classic form here, delivering threats with an arrogance and casual menace that can’t be duplicated.
Eminem – Stan
(2000, Aftermath/Interscope Records)
Characters: Eminem, Stan, girlfriend
Setting: undisclosed
Plot: Obsessed fan kills his girlfriend and himself after Eminem is slow to respond to his fan mail
Excerpt: “I can relate to what you’re saying in your songs / So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put ’em on / Cause I don’t really got shit else / So that shit helps when I’m depressed / I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest…”
Lesson: Respect your fans.
“Stan” may be best remembered for Em’s duet with Elton John at the Grammy’s, or for creating the standard term for irrational super fans. What cannot be overlooked is Eminem’s flawless concept and execution. This song was very clearly written by a man with a great deal of experience with rabid fans; passive aggressive remarks and justification of their actions giving way to psychotic behaviour…not unlike a crazy ex. Us average folks can never truly appreciate Em’s experiences, but the praise he was given from other musicians, actors and athletes regarding this song tells you just how well he found the mark.
Biz Markie – Vapors
(1988, Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. Records)
Characters: Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, TJ Swan, Cutmaster Cool V, Fran, record store boss, classmate
Setting: New York
Plot: After becoming successful, Biz, Kane, TJ Swan and Cool V see their naysayers turn into dickriders
Excerpt: “They said that he will grow up to be nothin’ but a hoodlum / Or either in jail, or someone would shoot him / But now he’s grown up, to their surprise / Big Daddy got a hit record sellin’ worldwide…”
Lesson: Laugh now, cry later.
I won’t argue that there aren’t better examples out there in terms of style and execution, but it is tough to beat the classics. It is no mistake that Snoop went from covering the aforementioned “La Di Da Di” on Doggystyle to covering “Vapors” on his sophomore effort, Tha Doggfather. Even though it was released some 24 years ago, the meaning behind the “Vapors” is more valid than ever. Like most of Biz’s ‘88 debut, Big Daddy Kane is probably responsible for penning this gem.
J-23 is HipHopDX’s Editor-At-Large. He was a full-time member of the staff since 2001, and has was DX’s longtime Music Editor and Marketing Director. J lives in London, Ontario.
what about nas i gave you power,2 pac me and my girlfriend or 50’s baltimore love thing
great list I must say…
other notable songs…
Juggaknots – Clear Blue Skies
Capital Tax – I Can’t Believe It
Abstract Tribe Unique – Rollin’ In My Car
Too $hort – I Want To Be Free
Scarface – A Minute To Pray
MC Breed – Flashbacks
Dru Down – Rescue 911
Gang Starr – Just To Get A Rep
Diamond D – Sally Got A One Track Mind
Blackalicious – Deception
What a Joke. Ghostface has stories for days. I love Shady, and Stan is one of the most creative records I’ve ever heard, but I don’t agree with that song on the list. Friend or Foe is amazing, but I can’t stand that people always force some type of Jay song on ever list. Jay-z is amazing, but he’s not fucking invincible!!! No Rewind, I Gave You Power, Undying Love(Greatest story in hip hop history), Blaze a 50, Get Down? SMH. What about “More Trife Life”? JCole “Lost Ones”, or “Lights Please”? Don’t even make me start with Joe Budden records. I can go on for days. I guess there can be an argument for all the songs on the list, as well as the ones That I have mentioned, but the fact that at least “Undying Love” isn’t on that list is a joke.
A-fucking- greed . Agreed to the fullest. Each those nas songs should be here.
whoever wrote this shit dnt know nothin bout story tellin; hilton aint even ghost best story!!! and how u aint put biggie or nas in there?!?!? the vapors is better than suicidal thoughts or i gave u power??? rewind was a story told backwards!!!! these seem more like personal favorites than the actual best. shit, even friend or foe aint jay best story rap…..common i used to love her should’ve been up there. gza, reakwon, andre 3000 all have better stories than the majority of the shit on here….
co-sign you know your stuff….
Joe Budden “Three Sides to a Story” & “Secret”
No Biggie, Kool G. Rap, NaS, Scarface, NWA, Cube… strange list.
nas – i gave you power
– rewind
This list needs to be done over ASAP!!!!!!
this website is the wackist for this word up yo!!!!!!!
Why not NAS – BLAZE A 50 ?.
OBIE TRICE – THE SETUP ?.
BIGGIE – I GOTTA STORY TO TELL.?
Nas – rewind
8ball – my homeboy girlfriend
Budden – 3 sides to a story
PAC – Brenda got a baby
WHAT!?
Lupe Fiasco’s Michael Young History not in this? HOW!?
http://rapgenius.com/posts/Lupe-fiasco-the-proust-of-rap
UNDUN!
Now then Locke how’s that Flash Sideways treating ya?
These are 10 great stories indeed, but there are MANY more. Shoulda been 30 great stories..left out PLENTY of other good ones.
I’m not gonna compile a ridiculous list but some of my favs are ‘Rewind’ (witty and original) by Nas, ‘On The Run’ by Kool G. My slept on joint is N’Telligence’s ‘Black Boy Lost’.. .
Big L – Casualties of a dice game!!
Man I was looking for someone to bring this track up….good looking
biggie i got a story to tell
It said “10 Great Stories Told Through Rap Songs” not “The 10 Greatest Stories Told Through Rap Songs”
The description said these songs are a cut above the rest. Do u cosign that thee records are a cut above the rest? If not, shut the fuck up, and change your name.
actually it doesnt say THESE songs are a cut above the rest, it says like in any art form there are songs… doesnt say these are those in said art form
fans kill me man. We all know the main ones, and this list got some main ones. Why cant some be happy that they might get a new song to listen to.
All songs on here are dope
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! doesn’t say these are those in said art form? Fuckin clown. Now you’re tryna get technical. U know what was meant. stop trying to be so literal. There is no reason in even bringing it up then. At the end of the day it’s impossible to make a top ten list of anything in hip hop. There are so many options. Just don’t know how certain records waaaaaay better then these ones aren’t mentioned. Some of these aren’t top of the line, and don’t paint movies in mind like so many other masterpieces.
Lost Boyz – Renee!!!!
She said her name was Renee so could I walk you to the subway she sure sure and we started talking bought 2 franks and drinks we started walking.
Love that song. Man.
Not gonna specifize, but NO Nas? That’s just crazy son
This list is decent but you left out so many other songs for example Lupe fiasco the cool, atmosphere always come back home to you, Royce day 5’9″ taxi driver or part of me y’all should of atleast did a top 20 cuz this is disappointed
Damn i forgot about that “part of me”. That is a good cautionary tale.
Murder was the case?
hiphop dx staff well neva respond to why this list is so wack! vakill on here but no pun,biggie ,diamond d! mannnnnnnn yall are the biggist internet clowns !
Idiots Don’t Read:
It said “10 Great Stories Told Through Rap Songs” not “The 10 Greatest Stories Told Through Rap Songs”
True, but half of the editors “10 Great Stories Told Through Rap Songs” are just “good” stories compared to the “GREAT” stories that’s been told through Hip-Hop.
IMO, a mere 3 stories listed are “GREAT”.
Obviously there not guna name every storytelling joint out there. I’m glad they switched it up tho cuz we already know about Biggie, Nas, Pac ect stories. Dope article, I never understood why Jay didn’t do more stories in his songs, guess thats not his strength
co-sign well said my friend
What about common used to love h.e.r.? 2 pac Brenda’s got a baby Joe budden 3sides to a story lmao I can go on and on I think I should of made this list….. tech n9ne on s first album? I need a job y’all should hire me 🙂
Where Nas at? Hiphopdx probably the first name u think off when it comes to storytelliing is Nas. I respect ur thoughts but u guys got to show Nas the storyteller respect. He’s being doing that for years. Undying Love – Nas
completely agree
You have it right with Nas undying love. I literally checked the comments to see who mentioned it… good job my friend!
Along with “I Gave You Power” off It Was Written.
Probably the best story of all time… More the delivery than the content. That song gives me chills every time. Undying Love and Dance w the Devil get my vote
No Dana Dane?
Great list otherwise.
J-23 pls find the nearest cliff & jump off of it immediately! List of storytelling MC’s & no Nas………GTFOH
8Ball is the greatest storyteller, hands down.
Amen…..all these people need to go cop EIghtball – Lost…..the song Time is one of the best ever…point blank period….
You didn’t put Nas Rewind or Blaze a 50?
Don’t respect this article
Ghostface killah – impossible
Meet the Parents >>> Friend or Foe
“Somebody’s Gotta Die”
[Verse One:]
I’m sitting in the crib dreaming about Leer jets and coupes
The way Salt shoops and how they sell records like Snoop
Oops!
I’m interrupted by a doorbell
3:52, who the hell
Is this?
I gets up quick
Cocks my sh*t
Stop the dogs from barking
Then proceed to walking
Its a face that I seen before
My ni&&a Sing, we used to sling on the 16th floor
Check it
I look deeper
I see blood up on his sneakers
And his fist gripped a chrome four-fifth
So I dip
Ni**a, is you creeping or speaking?
He tells me C-Rock just got hit up at the beacon
I opens up the door, pitiful
Is he in critical?
Retaliation for this one won’t be minimal
Cuz I’m a criminal
Way before the rap shit
Bust the gat shit
Puff won’t even know what happened,
If it’s done smoothly
Silencers on the Uzi
Stash in the hooptie
My alibi, any cutie
With a booty that don’t fuck the Pop
Head spinning, reminiscing bout my man C-Rock
[Chorus: repeat 2X]
Somebody’s gotta die
If I got, you gotta go
Somebody’s gotta die
Let the gunshots blow
Somebody’s gotta die
Nobody gotta know
That I killed yo ass in the mist, kid
[Verse Two:]
Filling clips he explained our situation
Precisely, so we know exactly what we facing
Some kid named Jason
In a Honda station waggon
Was bragging
About how much loot and crack he stacking
Rock had a grip so they formed up a clique
Small crew
‘Round the time I was locked up with you
True indeed
But yo nigga let me proceed
Don’t fill them clips too high
Give them bullets room to breathe
Damn where was I?
Yeah
One night in town
Blew the fuck up
D-Rock went home
And Jay got stuck the fuck up
Hit ’em twice
Got ’em right for the virgin white
Pistol whipped his kids
And taped up his wife
He said “Yo Rock, set em up”, no question
Wet em up no less
Than 50 shots in his direction
How many shots?
Man nigga, I seen mad holes
What kinda gats?
Hitch links, Cocks, and Calicoles
But fuck that
I know where all them niggas rest at
In the building hustling
And they don’t be strapped
Supreme in black
Is downstairs, the engine running
Find a bag to put the guns in
And c’mon if yo coming
[Chorus]
[Verse Three:]
Exchanged hugs and pounds before the throw down
How its gonna go down
Lay these niggas low-down
Slow down
Fuck all that planning shit
Run up in they cribs
And make them cats abandon shit
See niggas like you do ten year bids
Miss the niggas they want
And murder innocent kids
Not I
One niggas in my eye
That’s Jason
Ain’t no slugs gonna be wasted
Revenge I’m tasting at the tip of my lips
I can’t wait to feel my clip in his hips
Pass the chocolate
Thai
Sing ain’t lie
There’s Jason with his back to me
Talking to his faculty
I start to get a funny feelings
Put the mask on in case his niggas start squealing
Scream his name out
Squeeze six knuckles shorter
Nigga turned around holding his daughter
Love that track 2 from cd 1. But song 11 on that same cd. What’s it called. Today’s agenda got the suitcase Up In the sentra
That is the craziest biggie story IMO
Niggas bleed just like us
There’s too many MC’s and stories to mention,but to meC.R.E.A.M (WU TANG,RAEKWAN,inspecta DECK) is my fav all time Hip-Hop story. It told my life story growing up in Brooklyn(every line) in that song I could relate to
2Pac- Brendas Got A Baby (most emotional hiphop song I’ve eva heard)
OutKast -Da Art Of Storytelling Part 1
DMX – How Its Going Down
Nas- Rewind , were all pretty dope as well.
Look where this writer is from. That’s why new York niggas ain’t on here
No NY? are u kidding? Ghostface, Raekwon, Immortal Technique, Slick Rick, Jay Z
it’s half new york
Black Sheep – U Mean I’m Not.
Short, sweet and hilarious.
Nas – Rewind
Kool G Rap – Road to the Riches
Biggie – Warning; Gimme The Loot
Ghostface – Shakey Dog
Nas, 2Pac, Biggie…you slippin
WHere is 2pac and NAS? EPIC FAIL
Definelty missed so Big,Nas & other great stoy-telling songs but Eminem’s stan is at da top for me. The song/video was also very good.
ive heard dance with the devil plenty of times thru the years and it still gives me chills.. crazy story
Biggie – Warning, Niggaz Bleed, Somebody gotta die
Nas- Get Down:
verse 1 : A court trial in NY ends in chaos.
verse 2 : some crazy dudes down south.
verse 3 : LA gangs and revenge.
Get Down should have made this list.
do nas and 2pac and biggie have to be on every list? like seriously… its ok to give less know artists a bit of shine. calm the fuck down. we all know how dope i got a story to tell and brenda’s got a baby are. WE KNOW.
Artists like jay, ghost and rae?
You right but they definitely could have acknowledged one of the most underrated MC’s in Sauce Money and did his song intruder alert I like that better than the Like a Man joint. And they definitely picked the wrong Ghostface song if its sentiment All I Got Is You, but if they wanted to keep it gutter they could have done Back Like That or Run or Kunta Fly Shit
How is NAS not on this list?
NAS “I GAVE YOU POWER” IS NOT ON THIS LIST?!?!?!?!?!?! THE HELL???????
Massive respect for including Big Sauk on the list. Canada’s GOAT.
the whole ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX 1 and 2 albums are filled with azazing storys
GHOSTFACE KILLAH “260” off ironman
NAS – Undying Love.. Come on….
Joe Budden – Three Sides of a Story
HOW DID NO NAS SONG MAKE THIS LIST. They had a million options from One Love to I Gave You Power to Undying Love to Rewind, Blaze A 50, Fetus (Belly Button Window), Last Real Nigga Alive, the list goes on & on smh…
How can you forget “Pussy Killz”
honestly i feel like “it was a good day” by ice cube should have been on the list.
Nas rewind this list is wack
NaS – Rewind
B.I.G. – I Got A Story To Tell
Big Pun – Fast Money
Masta Ace – Soda Soap
Joe Budden – Ordinary Love Shit
Royce Da 5’9″ -Death Is Certain (Part II) (It Hurts)
Immortal Technique – You Never Know
All lyrical, all perfected technical skill, all WHILE storytelling. Fuck a HHDX top ten list of anything.
C’mon now, not one Nas song……no Biggie…but Jay-Z friend or foe
Gangstarr, just get a rep and sililoquy of chaos
ice cube – it was a good day?? :-/
Are you serious with this list? Never even heard some of these songs. How can any respectable list not have Nas or Biggie on it?
The Coup – Me and Jesus the Pimp in a 79 Grenada Last Night
this has to be in the list:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ImD4l1l0bA
No biggie. Get outta here.
what the hell hip hop dx you never disapoint me but no guilty conscience? or how about ice cube today was a good day? wth man? your too busy trying to push brother ali down our throte on this site
fuck u. fags like u get the rock dick repeatedly
The best story I ever heard in Hip-Hop, imo…De la Soul “Millie Pulled A Pistol On Santa”. Subject, style, execution, all flawless.
NO NAS ?
“UNDYING LOVE”
NO BIGGIE?
“NIGGAS BLEED”
LMFAO
Hell, if you REALLY want to go in, Prince Paul’s “A Prince Among Thieves”. The joint was one long story.
all 40ish tracks…nas “i spit a story backwars it starts at the ending”…any ghost…Biggie…i mean its a matter of opinon..me I like em all ..i agree with half his list at least a couple I honestly never heard…and plan to soon..
No rewind by nas? He told a fucking story backwards and i aint even a huge nAs fan but come on that shits crazy. And out of alll the story raps ems got they go with stan lmao? My fault? As the world turns? No ice cube? Shitty list in my oppinion.
THAT’S THE ILLEST!!!! NO ONES TOPPING THAT YO!!!!
Honestly, its hard to break it into 10, heres my 12
Binary Star – Glen Close
Brother Ali – Dorian
Geto Boys – My mind is playing tricks on me
Biggie – I gotta story to tell
Slick Rick – La di da di
Nas – Get down
Coup – Fat Cats, bigga fish
Eazy-e – Boyz N Tha Hood
Brother Ali – Walking Away
Common – Retrospect for Life
Talib Kweli – Four Women
Tupac – Do 4 Love
UNDYING LOVE:
I never meant for this to happen, I never dreamed
this’d be my fate, such a grotesque, murder scene
On that note, same time, the cops busted in
Kissed my lady, her blood on my lips, I said “Amen”
Put the nine to my head, pulled the hammer, held her close
Squeeze the toast, said to her, “Now unto God, we elope”
NIGGAZ BLEED:
Today’s agenda, got the suitcase up in the Sentra
Go to room 112, tell em Blanco sent ya
Feel the strangest, if no money exchanges
I got these kids in Ranges, to leave them niggas brainless
All they tote is stainless, you just remain as
calm as possible, make the deal go through
If not, here’s 12 shots, we know how you do
Please make yo killings clean, slugs up in between
they eyes, like “True Lies,” kill ’em and flee the scene
Just bring back the coke or the cream
Or else, yo life is on the shelf, we mean this Frank
Them cats we fuckin wit put bombs in yo’ moms gas tank
Let’s get this money baby, they shady, we get shady
Dress up like ladies and burn ’em with dirty 380’s
Then they come to kill our babies, that’s all out
I got gats that blow the wall out, clear the mall out…”
FAIL HHDX!!!
THE HILTON RAE AND GHOST IS CLASSIC!
scrap do 4 love,
Slick Rick – Indian Girl (cracks me up everytime)
joe budden: three sides to a story
lupe fiasco: the cool
second song I thought of after Slick Rick “Children’s Story”, Lupe killed it.
NO PAC FUCC OUTTA HERE CUZZ
BIG UPS Saukrates.
FYI to the writer, he released his second album “Season One” in late April. Seemed to fly under the radar though.
Devin The Dude – “Boo Booin”
cosign
cosign!!!!
cosign!!!! Classic
Where’s Jay-Z Meet the Parents and BIGs I got a story to tell?
Can’t believe yall left off KRS-One – Love’s Gonna Get’cha… Classic story
Outkast – Da Art Of Storytellin’ (Part 2)
Nas – Undying Love, Lupe – The Cool, Joe Budden – 3 sides to a story, B.I.G. – Story to Tell
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[URL*=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VVhjGJ13iIs”]
Whoever made this list should have titled it a personal top 10, there are several other tracks better than this list.
[URL*=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VVhjGJ13iIs”]THIZ[/URL*]
Where did they say it was a top 10? It’s just 10 great ones. Read you idiots
Not so fast Moron, U need to read more than the headline. “Like any form of art, there are those that are a cut above the rest” this line right here implies this list is the best of the best.
ICE CUBE -GHETTO VET?
NAS-I GAVE YOU POWER?
ICE CUBE-MY SUMMER VACATION?
Greatest song of all time. Bigger than life. Just beautiful. That song is the shit.
this is the worst list of all time. WHERE IS NAS? THE GREATEST STORY TELLER OF ALL TIME
The lesson of Stan isn’t “respect your fans” It’s don’t obsess over your favorite artists and learn to tell the difference between fantasy and fact.
Who edits these articles?
How is Nas’s “I Gave You Power” not on this list?
You could also add “Ms. Fat Booty” by Mos Def.
How is Common’s ‘I Used To Lover H.E.R.’ not on the list?
NOTHING BY MMG WIL BE ON THIS LIST
https://hiphopdx.com/index/editorials/id.1917/title.the-art-of-storytelling-10-great-stories-told-through-rap-songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmGKMKPOmcQ&feature=plcp
what about B.I.G. somebody’s gotta die
krs one love gonna get ya dis list wack booooooo
I don’t know why people trip over a subjective list. I would think that Biggie’s Story to tell would be on here but whatever, you can’t possible remember everybody when you do a list like this.
Finally someone noticed Biggies story to tell isn’t there. What of that track on life after death..I forget the name that ended ‘they range got towd they double parked by hydrant, stupid mofos’
So many biggie tracks
Big L – The Heist
dmx – crime story
dmx – damien
Christ, people…shut the fuck up. You’re never gonna find a list you agree with 100% with is an EDITORIAL you halfnuts, this is an OPINION. Grow the fuck up.
FOR GODS FUCKIN SAKE!!!
Nas- Rewind???????????
where is NAS – I GAVE YOUR POWER?
any list that has brother ali and immortal technique is a complete joke.
Brother Ali has more classic albums than your favorite rapper(s)!
You must be a troll? How can you talk about Brother Ali like hes wayne or somethin.
2pac – brenda’s got a baby?
This list is respectable but defly ‘out the box’.
Scarface is the best storyteller of all time
A minute to pray and a second to die, Now I feel Ya, My mind is playing tricks on me
Also Bushwick Bill – Ever So Clear
I never seen a man cry
Notorious B.I.G. – Niggas Bleed (HD)
Besides STAN, i don’t see any other great song….All average as fuck!
No Nas “One Love” ??? i mean come on son! that 3rd verse was made into a damn movie scene…smh…
This site lost all credibility when y’all decided to omit a Biggie and a Nas track from this list.
snoop lodi dodi
REWIND-NAS Story told backwards come on now
the ‘story’ itself sucks.
MAN!! WHAT YOU SAID!!!
Kool G Rap – On the run!!!!!!!!
if rewind by nas, or me and jesus the pimp by the coup aint on it fuck this list.
Vakill >>>>>>>>>>>
Vakill is by far one of the best and most creative rappers to ever touch a microphone.
MAN THIS LIST WAS TRASH!!! BROTHER ALI BEFORE NAS!!!!! GTFOOH!!
JAY Z REGRETS
Jay-Z “Meet the Parents”
Meek Mill “Tony’s Story”
Joe Budden “3 Sides to a Story”
Oh yeah I forgot Joe Budden “Secrets”
Oh yeah I forgot Joe Budden “Secrets”
Busta Rhymes “Things we be doing for Money”
Sheek Louch “354”
Ghostface Killah – All I Got Is You … Emotional, yo
How did Fat Cats Bigga Fish not make it on the list?
Co-Sign and since we’re talking The Coup, Now and Laters too
Tech N9ne- The Martini?
How you leave out Pickin Buggers; No Regrets; All That I Got Is You ?!?!
Big stories missing from this list!! Haha
Good reading though!
peaCe
*I mean ‘boogers’ not ‘buggers’ but there’s a story rap in that title too!!
Lol
Ludacris-Runaway?!
Imma stop now!
peaCe
Me and Jesus The Pimp In A ’79 Granada Last Night – by The Coup is easily the best rap story.
and like them other breddas sayin it shoulda had suicidal thoughts as well.
Blacktrash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones
Masta Ace: A Long Hot Summer
I know the above are concept albums,and not individual singles ….
But classics in my opinion either way
Love both those CDs
I forgot about Black Trash
nice choice
Black Trash was dope
dis old ass songs suck dick. wack shit!!!
da best stories:
Lil Wayne – Lollipop
Drake – Find Your Love
Nicki Minaj – Massive Attack
Lil B – Justin Bieber
swag
i hope you are joking
i have this storytelling track that in which i really want some feedback on.. i just started recording a few months ago.. check it out yall, all these songs are CLASSICS. http://soundcloud.com/j-a-g12/jag-break-this-cycle
by “these songs” i mean the above mentioned, not mine. wanted to clear that up lol
The best hip hop songs ever:
1. Lil Wayne – 6 Foot 7 Foot
2. Lil Wayne – My Homies (feat. Big Sean)
3. Drake – The Motto
4. Drake – HYFR
5. Rick Ross – BMF
6. Rick Ross – So Sophisticated
7. Nicki Minaj – Beez In Tha Trap (feat. 2 Chainz)
8. Nicki Minaj – Starships
9. Tyga – Rack City
10. Wiz Khalifa – Young, Wild & Free (No Spoon Dogg Version)
swag
who is this wack nigga above, he must be like 12
A Troll!!
Yeah Niggo im a troll and i will kick you’re ass !!
LMFAO
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
50 Cent – Many Men
Ghostface – all that i got is you.
Hell Yeah
Nas-Fetus
Nas-last real nigga alive
Nas-U.B.R.
Nas-Sekou Story
NAS- REWIND
Nas- I gave you Power
Blaze a 50 – nas
FIRE
mos def-miss fat Booty
Blu-In rememberance of me
MOSS DEF
damn no biggie or nas smdh
how is there no mention of slug from atmosphere in this article??? bullshit
maybe because no one has ever heard of him? who the fuck is slug from atmosphere?
You have to include Warren G and Nate Dogg’s Regulators….thoughts?
Damn Skippy Skinny Joe !!!
no Biggie you dumbasses?
The list is good, but they should have more,
DMX- Heat (Bank robbery)
Eminem- As the World Turns (Fat Chick) Hilarious*
I’m surprised to not see OutKast Da Art of Storytellin part 1 wit Slick Rick up there.
and 2Pac’s Brenda’s Got A Baby
“The Cool” by Lupe Fiasco and “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick are two of my favourites.
Yeah my niggaz, Nas Blaze A 50,Eminem Stan ,Camron Get It In Ohio
No kool g rap? thugs love story was classic, operation cb, great train robbery,or big l the heist, biggie the warning,ice cube once upon a time in the projects, geto boys scarface,2pac brenda gotta baby,mc eiht streiht up menace,spice 1 runnin out the crack house,master p hands of a dead man,sticky fingaz the state vs kirk jones,onyx rob and vic,nwa boyz n the hood,big somebodys gotta die,50 cent gun runner,dmx daimen,crime story and atf,redman superman lover
You said it all !! The list didn’t go as deep as it should. Maybe the person is just giving a glimpse of story telling. LL Cool J’s The Do Wop still one of my favorites, especially finding out it was nothing but a dream. His Pink Cookies…was massive, especially how he added all those legendary emcees as part of the track !! Rakim’s Mahogani was tight also.
I like the songs above, respect to them all especially Immortal Technique….Here are some of my favorites
1. Biggie – Story to tell
2. Biggie – Somebody got to die
3. Biggie – N***** Bleed
4. Tech N9ne – Sleeping Beauty
5. Elzhi – Audio Cinematic
6. Nas – Rewind
7. Nas – Undying Love
8. Ice Cube – It was a good day
9. Big L – Casualties of a dice game
10. Immortal Technique – You never Know
I DON’T WANNA HEAR STORIES NIGGA JUST STATE FACTS
Datz wot i talking bout …
Fuck ur story’s Niggaz !!
You want facts? Look outside of entertainment
Elzhi – Talking In My Sleep should’ve been on here.
Very New York list even if Em and Saukrates are on there..No Ice Cube, Geto Boys, Scarface, Outkast, 8ball, Big Mike, The Coup,WC,Too $hort, Mac Dre.. Or as others pointed out G Rap, Biggie, Big L
wow they didnt put rewind thats the craziest story rap of all time
vol 2 of the young black and gifted series…….. more will be coming so stay tuned… make sure u download dat vol 1 too… ITS $$$$FREE MONEY$$$$
http://www.datpiff.com/B-ROLL-YA-Young-Black-And-Gifted-Vol-2-mixtape.358568.html
check me out on my youtube too… its jus my name b-roll-ya…..
EMINEM – STAN IS DEEP VERY DEEP
Kendrick Lamar – Keisha’s Song (Her Pain)
no rewind from nas.smh!!
biggy,nas and kool g rap are the best story tellers and they aint even on the list,how about az’s mo money mo murder
You could fill the whole page with ghostface tracks so many guys the best at it
Where’s Uncommon Valor by Vinnie Paz and RA the Rugged Man?!
Where is jedi mind tricks – uncommon valor??? RA the Rugged Man kills that track!
Peruvian Cocaine by Immortal Technique is better and should’ve been on this list.
Why did Biggie – I Got a Story to tell ….not show up on this list ???
Slick Rick and that it
JAY-Z MEET THE PARENTS ONE OF THE ILLEST SONGS EVER
Too many to name but here’s a few..
8ball- All for nothing
Outkast- The art of storytelling part 1
Nas- 2nd childhood
Ice Cube- what can I do
Big L-Casualties of a dice game
The Coup- Me & jesus the pimp
Redman- Superman lover
Mac Dre- Fonky situation
Geto Boys- Mind playing tricks on me
Bun B- The story
Common- I used to love her
Too $hort- Take my bitch
WC- Put on tha set
Scarface- I’m Dead
Scarface- A Minute to Pray and a Second to Die
Biggie- Story to tell
De la Soul- Millie pulled a pistol on Santa
KRS ONE- Loves gonna getcha
THESE NIGGAS CAN’T BE SERIOUS. WHERE IS NAS ‘I GAVE YOU POWER’?
Fuck DX dickriding niggas. A list like this is incomplete without Biggie Gimmie The Loot fucking faggots
where nas atone of the best, does it in a lot of songs can he get some love!!!
C’mon Son *Ed Lover Voice*
Nas & AZ’s “Phone Tap”
Nas’ “Rewind”
Nas’ “I Gave You Power”
Joe Budden’s “Three Sides To A Story”
Jay-Z’s “Meet The Parents”
Biggie’s “Gimme The Loot”
Biggie’s “Me & My Bitch”
DMX’s “Crime Story”
Common’s “A Film Called Pimp”
Common’s “I Used To Love Her”
Redman’s “Soopaman Lova series”
Ghostface’s “Shakey Dog”
Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty”
2pac’s “Brenda’s Got a Baby”
Ice Cube’s “Who’s The Mack?”
Sticky Fingaz’ “The entire black trash album”
I can keep going.
You’re list is way better. I’d put Shakey Dog on mine as well as The Autobiography of Kirk Jones. I’d also add Facemob’s Bank Robbery
“Todays Agenda got the suitcase up in the sentra, Go to room 112 tell em Blanco sent ya” How does niggaz bleed not make the list?!!!! And Meet the Parents is a better story than Friend Or Foe! And no I Gave You Power? Ill only cosign on Stan. TERRIBLE editorial
I’ll give you all that except I Gave You Power; Organized Konfusion’s “Stray Bullet” is better…
Stray Bullet is better but I liked both songs
Ya’ll need to go cop that Eightball – Lost album….that song TIme on there is one of the best ever….point blank period……
B.I.G – ‘Niggaz Bleed’ and Nas’ ‘Rewind’ aren’t in this list??
Rewind is horrible, gimmick-driven piece of shit. Nas is overrated as fuck, just because he tries to tell many stories, doesn’t mean he’s good at it.
NAS BLAZE A 50.
Gangstarr – Moment of Truth
Kool G Rap – Brotha on the run/Insanity
Wu Tang Clan – Cant it be all so simple
Ghostface’s verse on ‘Impossible’ >>>>>> anything on that list.
Ding, Ding – Co-fuckin-RRect
Ghostface is always superior than many but “The Hilton” is not a great track. He has much better examples. Both “Saturday nite” and “Malcolm” are better examples of his storytelling. Even Wu-Tang in general have better examples. GZA even does. Hilton is just mediocre. Good catch with Immortal Technique tho. Probably his best song period.
Nas- “Rewind.” Even though it is short, no MC I can think of has ever told a story backwards…
word, that joint is dope
Dropped the ball. You shoulda put Elzhi – Audio Cinematic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4bv64VQxFA
No Kool G Rap. On the run. Are you serious.
It’s basically the song that started drug dealing rap.
Nas. You wanna play rough” Where he kills off Nas Esco.
One of the greatest rap stories ever told.
Last but not least.
2Pac. Soldier Story.
Where his brother gets locked up and he follows in his footsteps ending with Pac trying to break his brother out of jail with the blessing of his mother.
Pac rapping both verses one with sound effects which was copied by plenty of rappers including Biggie.
Ladi Dadi. Great song. But no Children’ Story or Mona Lisa.
Ghostface. He’s one of my top 10 all time favorites. The Hilton. Seriously. Out of all the stories Ghost and Rae have done.
Either you guys need to find someone that knows the history of rap or get this writer a crash course on the history.
No Public Enemy Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos?
What abt J. Cole – Lost One -o come up to me talkin bout abortion
This my body nigga so dont think you finna force shit
See I knew that this is how you act, so typical
Said you love me, oh, but now you flipping like reciprocals
It figures though, shouldve known that you was just another nigga
No different from them other niggas
Who be claiming that they love you just to get up in them draws
Knowing all the right things to say
I let you hit it raw mothafucker
Now Im pregnant you dont wanna get involved muthafucker
Tryna take away a life, is you God mothafucker?
where the fuck is G Rap Thugs love Story, or at least another song by Kool G Rap. Where is impossible, for Ghostface Killahs verse cause that was one of the best storytelling verses, hands down. And where is uncommon valor?
Not really feeling this list.
Big L – Casualties of a Dice Game
NO NIGGAS BLEED BY BIGGIE? WOW.
OK-Stray Bullet and Invetro
BIG-Gimme the Loot
Blacastan-How Can You Be So Sure
Scarface-I Seen A Man Die
Ice Cube-Today Was a Good Day
So many others
I appreciate this editorial for opening up the discussion. Good to see in hip hop so many know their stuff.
People in hip hop*
good article, could have added a lot more to it though
Ever heard of
“undying love” by NaS? By far best storytelling song I have listened to. Recommend everyone to listen to it.
Ghost – Impossible; Cube – Once Upon A Time in The Projects; Em – ’97 Bonnie & Clyde; Biggie – Warning; Chuck D – Get the Fuck Outta Dodge; Guru – Just To Get a Rep; Havoc – More Trife Life; Rakim – Know the Ledge; Doom – Lactose and Lecithin; K-Solo – Fugitive; Pun – Twinz.
DAMN! Howd they miss just to get a rep? Or I got a story to tell. Obviously tough to make a list of 10 but still. Love to see a part 2 to this.
Nas-I gave you power
Slick Rick-Who Rotten ‘Em
2pac-I ain’t mad at cha
Nas-Rewind
Slick Rick-Childrens story
EMIN3M-Lose Yourself
Lupe-kick push
DMX- How its going down
Nas- York State of Mind 2
Lupe Fiasco He Say She SayNas-Street Dreams
Jay-Z Meet the Parents
Big L – How Will I Make It
Biggie Smalls – I Got A Story To Tell
Nas- 1 luff
EMIN3M STAN
Wu Tang Clan-Tears
Big L Casualties of a dice game
Slick Rick-Adults Only
Biggie-Niggas Bleed
Pac-life goes on
Lil Wayne – I’m A Dboy
Kendrick Lamar G Code
Immortal tech-Dance With the Devil
Lupe Hip-hop Saved My Life
Kool G Rap Ill street blues
Lost Boyz-Renee
2pac me and my girlfriend
papoose menace to society II
DMX-Damien, The Omen, and Damien III
Lupe Fiasco The Coolest
Keishas Song Kendrick Lamar
Hova-Friend or foe
Mos def- Traveling man
Outkast-The Art of Story telling
Solo-Tales from the crack side
Vibz Kartel-back to life
Great list!
Your list is better than DX>
Lost boyz-Renee
Xzibit- The foundation
Mobb Deep- Up North Trip
Thats what I’m talking about, excellent list. It feels good to see somebody showing love for Papoose, Big L and Mos Def too. Oh, and big up for mentioning that Kendrick joint, one of his best songs ever.
nas undying love should be on here,i gave you power,rewind,ny state of mind pt 2, should have also made the list
You tell a white hiphop geek, wannabe dude did this list. Where is Nas Undying Love?? Or Blaze a 50? Or fucking REWIND??? You fucking biased faggot.
BIG–Niggas Bleed
Nas–Undying Love
Lupe–The Coolest, hip hop saved my life
How Big didnt make it with that track puzzles me..I would put that as possibly the greatest story telling song ever made. So visual I feel like you walking right next to him.
But overall a very good list, hard to pick just 10.
I feel ya bro. I mean they could have also chose somebody’s gotta die, warning, or I gotta story to tell.
Nas is definetely missinG;(I gave you power; Rewind etc etc)
Meet the parents from Jay-z
EMinem – KIM
How whoever put this list together did not include Biggie’s Niggas Bleed, Somebody’s gotta die,I gotta story to tell(Ironic right) or warning as a storytelling track. Cmon son I mean especially if you let friend or foe ride at its like a min song. Im not saying its dope but its literally like a min of rapping cmon son all the songs i listed by Biggie are actual 3 to four min (at least) songs.
i could name a ton of nas songs better than this so called list. no ice cube? what about ra rugged man uncommon valor? Hiphopdx stay failing
LOX – Bitches From Eastwick. Onyx – Rob and Vic. Onyx – Veronica. Jay-Z – Meet The Parents. Just a few off top. Ghostface…
This type of list should never be just a Top 10. It has to be at least a Top 30. There are two many classic stories in hip-hop to be left out. Not doing justice to the art form here. (Lost Boyz – Renee just popped in while typing this).
And by two many… I meant too many…. of course…
And by two many… I meant too many… of course…
Ones I would’ve included are:
Rewind by Nas
either Kick, Push or The Cool by Lupe Fiasco
Uncommon Valor by JMT definitely
Falling Down by Cunninlynguists
what the hell happend to a song called “Dear Mama” by some dude named 2-pac? so disrespectful R.I.P. PAC I AIN’T FORGOT YA HOMMIE
how’s that a story, riddle me that?
shut your face j you idiot
no Nas????
Kool G Rap >>>>>>>>>>>> Nas.
Roots Of Evil >>>>>>>>>> Illmatic.
Masta Ace – Take A Walk >>> most of this list.
how you have an article on storytelling and dont feature nas or biggies is shocking…
Jeru da damaja – can’t stop the prophet has to be one of the illest of the 90s at least. Check it out for yoself
No Scarface like really. Never seen a man cry is one of the best told stories ever. What about mind playing tricks on you. What about 8 ball time or 8 ball my homie’s girlfriend. What about Spice 1 trigger gots no heart or MC Eiht straight up Menace. Ice Cube today was a good day. Like what type of list is this.
No Dear Mamma damn wtf
What about Mc Lyte Poorgi Georgii
On my promo today: 100ashes just dropped on datpiffhttp://www.datpiff.com/Mozefire-100Ashes-mixtape this morning check it out. im sure if you think its wack you’ll let me know…..but I highly doubt it
The Coup “Me & Jesus The Pimp…”
Top 10 for me…
its good list obviously there are some i wou;ld have put in that are not there but we all have them el-p cage oxycotin i would have thought would be there and teh rakim song where he re tells a classic tale. plan b could be considered. theres so many its personal preference,
Lupe Fiasco The Cool..that’s gotta be on here come on now..
Real music…Raw Talent….Get Right
http://www.youtube.com/user/BosstownJeffTV
FUUQQ YEEZ MY NIKKAS
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IF YOU STRUGGLING WITH THAT CREDITT HISTORY ISHH, GET RID OF ALL DAT TODAY – CALL THESE PEEPS AT 8^8^8-9-2-7 -3-3-5-6. . THEY DO AMAZING WORK AND THEY ARE CHEAP AS FUQQ. GOT RID OF ALL MY SHYYT IN NO TIME.
MY HOMEBOY WAS IN THE GUTTA TOO, AND HE CLEANER THAN ME NOW-gettin a condo!!
Hit em up – THEY WILL HELP U!!
Big L- Casualties of a Dice Game……….
Kool G. Rap- A Thugs Love Story 1,2,&3…..
Nas-Drunk by Myself & Project Windows……
Cee-lo(Goodie Mob) I Refuse Limitation verse…
I’ll even throw in N.O.R.E ft Nas-Body in the Trunk……!
What about “Pussy Killz” by Nas. And even though its not Hip Hop “Trapped in the Closet” needs an honorable mention.
Nas – Rewind/Purple/Black Girl Lost/One Love,
Biggie Smalls – Me & My Bitch,
2Pac – Brenda’s got a Baby,
eLZhi – Dream,
Raekwon – Sonny’s Missing,
AZ – Ho Happy Jackie.
Maybe a top 40 woulda been cool.
No Nas? This list is Suspect (Get it?)
No Pharoahe Monch? Triology Part 1,2,& 3?
Prince Paul – A Prince Among Thieves
I’m suspicious about any Story telling list that doesnt have a NaS song on it… no direspect but it doesn’t make sense to me.
Co-sign. Nas has some serious concepts, & not one made it on here? That’s just suspect. Rewind, 2nd Childhood, anything off It Was Written, so much material & not a top 10 mention? Smh.
Where’s Shootouts by Nas? Gotta be one of his most underrated.
a storytelling list with Biggie? thats like a list of the greatest basketball players an not puttin kobe bryant…smh
agreed. and no nas? cmon now.
without biggie*
Who da fuck are half these muffukkas on here?
No B.I. huh…list automatically FAILED…A Story to Tell…L.A.D. Disc 1…nuff said.
What happen to 50’s Many Men
Or Biggie???
FREDDIE GIBBS – MY HOMEBOYS GIRLFRIEND !!!
Kool G Rap – On the run
Biggie – Miss U
Mobb Deep – Trife Life 1 & 2
NaS – One Love
C’mon DX how could you miss these out!
no
heist – big l
People keep saying one love, what about undying love? Here’s my top ten
1.Warning-Big
2.The Moment I Feared-Slick Rick
3.The Forest-Ghostface
4.Undying Love-Nas
5.Betrayal-Gang Starr ft Scarface(Guru and face killed it)
6.Somebody got to Die-Big
7.Because he broke the Rules-Jay Electronica
8.9mm goes Bang-KRS-One
9.Keisha’s Song-Kendrick Lamar
10.The Art of Storytelling Part 2-Outkast
NAS -UNDYING LOVE!!??
erm Nas – Destroy & rebuild ?
NO BIG. questionable list
Joe Budden – 3 Sides to a Story ??
that song is trash
Hell Yeah!!! That and Pac’s brenda had a baby!
1 A Gangsta’s Fairytale – Ice Cube
2 6 N The Mornin – Ice-T
3 On The Run – Kool G Rap
4 Crime Story – DMX
5 187 Proof – Spice 1
6 Just To Get A Rep – Gang Starr
7 Get Out – Scarface/Jay-Z
8 Warning – Big
9 ’97 Bonnie & Clyde – Eminem
10 All For The Money – MC Eiht
^^^ who the fuck is Spuce 1???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_1
nigga this shit is trash I never heard of this nigga Spice or MC Eiht
tHIS SOFT FAG NIGGA NEV HEARD OF EIHT OR SPICE 1?!!! FUCKING PANZY AZZ POP FAG
Kim by Em should be on here too
No particular order
1. Geto Boys Scarface
2. Geto Boys Mind Playing tricks on me
3. Schooly d PSK
4. Joell Ortiz On the corner
5. Apathy School
6. Biggie Niggaz bleed
7. NWA Gangsta gangsta
8. Gangstarr All for the cash
9. Nas Rewind
10.Big L The heist
Wu-Tang Clan – Impossible ghost faces 3rd verse is one of the best verses ever written in hiphop
What about Art of Storytelling by Outkast?
Or Today Was a Good Day by Ice Cube?
Or Killing Me Softly by The Fugees (Lauryn Hill)
Or One Mic by Nas
This list ain’t bad tho
casualties of a dice game by big l.
and that nas song where he raps the whole thing backwards. rewind i think?
can you whining morons not read? its just 10 storytelling songs, not the best ever. quit complaining and make your own list somewhere else if youre gonna cry so much about it
Talib Kweli-Tater Tot
GangStarr-The Planet
Thurz-Rodney King
juggaknots- loosifa
the narrative is some of the best shit ever made on wax.
NO NAS???! WOW
BIG – juicy
2 Pac – dear mama
Nas – Black President
Eminem – loose yourself
Gangstarr – You know my steez
Coolio – Gangsters Paradise
THESE LIST OF EMCEES SUK SAME NAMES OVA N OVA FUC ALL THESE HIP HOP SITES!!!!
Murs n immortal technic mention n notta a mention of someone like oc ??? Fuk outta
Wait Immma let yall finish but Biggies Niggas Bleed is one of the greatest stories of all times.
Fresh Prince Summertime and Girls of the world aint nothing but trouble
Gangstar Moment of Truth …one of the realest songs
T.R.O.Y Pete Rock and CL
Ras Kas Nature of the threat ….Realest story ever
great songs not all of them are out and out stories…
Even Biggie Warning
WTF??!!! WHERES DMX, THE COUPE, BIG OR PAC????
Where is biggies “i got a story to tell” …. sonnnnnn come on now
Where’s “Renee”?!?..such a good and vivid story.
There isnt Nas I gave you power? Sekou Story?
AZ Bed Time Story is a good one too
Man, just the article ive been looking for!. Gotta love storytelling raps, aint nothing better then a bit of dense storytelling. Wattup Slick Rick!!
just where the hell is tupac’s brenda’s got a baby????
Nas-Undying Love
Kendrick Lamar-The Art of Peer Pressure
Eminem-Kim
Immortal Technique-You Never Know
Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony-For tha love of money
no nas. credibility lost
Big L – Casulties of a Dice Game
yup.
yup. big l is unreal.
Nas- Rewind…such a dope fucken tune…told backwards wow. AMAZING
NO “ONE LOVE”???
?? Murder was the case by snoop Brenda’s got a baby by tupac . Yo c’mon bruh
I used to love h.e.r.???
Smh got an article wit unknowns and left out Biggies 5-6 story telling songs (warning,gimmie the loot, me an my bitch, suicidal thoughts, somebodys got to die, i got a story to tell) or Nas one of the most creative storytellers of all time makin stories as a Gun, a Fetus, a Cockaroach, and he even told a story Backwords, go check Rewind…
Lost ones-J-Cole
Suicidal thoughts-biggie smalls
Miss Newton-Moufy
Sing about me-kendrick Lamar
Sing About Me- Kendrick….easily one of the greatest storyteller songs in hip-hop.
Nas – Undying Love????????????????/
no 2pac “Brenda’s gotta baby” ? cmon bruh
Right.. I was thinking the same thing. :/
No Boogie Down Productions Loves gonna betcha
Getcha
Illogic – First Trimester
Andre 3000’s verse on Da Art of Storytellin Pt. 1
Renee- Lost Boys
Paul Revere – Beasties Boys
what no “Rene” by the Lost boyz?
Right. I was thinking the same thing. lol
“I gave you power” ~ NAS
Jedi Mind Tricks feat. R.A. The Rugged Man – Uncommon Valor
f**k yeah man, I was just about to say the same thing
Brenda got a babe lol, this magazine sucksss sooo much.
Just Like your Mom Did lastnight
NAS I GAVE YOU POWER?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRWUs0KtB-I
childrens story
regulate
guilty concience
part of me
Masta Ace son of yvon
Rico- yo gotti
Where is Niggas Bleed – Biggie. Also The Heist/Casualties of a Dice Game by Big L.
2pac- Violent
2pac- Trapped
2pac- Words Of Wisdom
2pac- Part Time Mutha
2pac- Papa’z Song
spm- Medicine
spm- Real Gangsta
..Want More?
Stan´s lesson is respect your fans? What the fuck? Does that mean that you think Em is the guy to blame for what happened in the story? More like admire but don´t get obsessed
Old school rap song about a guy who gets out of jail he gets robbed except for hid shoes think it goes like they tòk it from mewhat song is it
Like everyone else is saying this list is terrible. But if your a real hip hop head check out this list on youtube its got them all!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6df0rha_Opw&list=PLlmAuuRaxwEPbIdmvtJ4QIRcjND7nAnf2
Playa Fly – ghetto eyes
Haystack – she a different kind of lady