Rap songs about friendship explore the complexities and joys of platonic relationships, diving deep into themes of loyalty, trust, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with them. This article highlights 16 iconic tracks that reflect on what it means to have friends in the rap and hip-hop world, from timeless anthems that celebrate unbreakable bonds to introspective verses on the nature of friendship.
Contents
- 1. “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
- 2. “Best Friend” by Young Thug
- 3. “No New Friends” by DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, & Rick Ross
- 4. “Crew” by GoldLink feat. Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy
- 5. “Real Friends” by Kanye West
- 6. “Friends” by Whodini
- 7. “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” by 2Pac
- 8. “Best Friends” by Missy Elliott feat. Aaliyah
- 9. “Deep Fried Frenz” by MF DOOM
- 10. “Down For My N**gaz” by C-Murder, Snoop Dogg, and Magic
- 11. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake
- 12. “Brothers” by Kanye West ft. Charlie Wilson
- 13. “Fake Friends” by Kidd Kidd
- 14. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
- 15. “Best Friend” by Saweetie and Doja Cat
- 16. “Friend of Mine” by DMX
1. “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
“Just a Friend” by Biz Markie stands out in the rap genre for its humorous and relatable depiction of unrequited love disguised as friendship. This classic track combines catchy verses with a memorable chorus, creating a lighthearted yet poignant reflection on the blurred lines between platonic and romantic relationships.
2. “Best Friend” by Young Thug
“Best Friend” by Young Thug dives into the theme of loyalty, celebrating the unbreakable bond between close friends. Through its upbeat tempo and dynamic lyrics, Young Thug’s hit highlights the importance of having someone you can always count on, making it a standout anthem for friendship in the rap scene.
3. “No New Friends” by DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, & Rick Ross
“No New Friends” by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Lil Wayne, & Rick Ross emphasizes the importance of staying true to old friends and the skepticism toward forming new friendships. This collaboration delivers a powerful message on loyalty and the value of maintaining long-standing relationships, making it a resonant anthem in the realm of rap.
4. “Crew” by GoldLink feat. Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy
“Crew” by GoldLink featuring Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy highlights the role of friendship in personal growth and success. Its vibrant beats and insightful lyrics celebrate how close bonds and genuine support from friends can propel one’s journey towards achieving their goals, marking it as a motivational track in the rap genre.
5. “Real Friends” by Kanye West
“Real Friends” by Kanye West delves into a reflective examination of true friendship, marked by its introspective lyrics and somber beats. West navigates the complexities of authentic connections in the industry, pondering the challenges of distinguishing genuine companions from those motivated by self-interest, making it a deeply personal commentary within rap.
6. “Friends” by Whodini
“Friends” by Whodini, a classic in the rap genre, dives into the exploration of friendship, differentiating between true companions and fair-weather acquaintances. Through its catchy rhythm and insightful lyrics, the song offers a clear definition of what it means to be a real friend, resonating with listeners who value the depth of genuine connections.
7. “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” by 2Pac
“I Ain’t Mad At Cha” by 2Pac reflects on the evolution of friendships as individuals grow and change over time. Tupac delves into themes of forgiveness and understanding, acknowledging the ways in which life’s paths might diverge while still expressing love and acceptance for old friends, highlighting the complexity and depth of enduring connections in rap.
8. “Best Friends” by Missy Elliott feat. Aaliyah
“Best Friends” by Missy Elliott featuring Aaliyah goes beyond the surface of friendship, serving as an emotional tribute to the powerful and deep bond Elliott shared with Aaliyah. This track blend rap and R&B to explore themes of loyalty, love, and the irreplaceable nature of a true friend, making it a heartfelt homage in music.
9. “Deep Fried Frenz” by MF DOOM
“Deep Fried Frenz” by MF DOOM unpacks the cautionary tales of friendship, weaving through the complex layers of trust and betrayal. With his unique lyrical prowess, MF DOOM crafts a narrative that questions the sincerity of those we call friends, offering a gritty and thought-provoking take on the dynamics of human relationships in rap.
10. “Down For My N**gaz” by C-Murder, Snoop Dogg, and Magic
“Down For My N**gaz” by C-Murder, Snoop Dogg, and Magic underscores the theme of unwavering loyalty and protection among true friends. This track showcases a powerful message on sticking together and defending each other, embodying the strength and solidarity that define deep bonds in the rap community.
11. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake
“Started From the Bottom” by Drake not only narrates his personal rise to success but also emphasizes the collective journey he shared with his friends. By including his close circle in his story of triumph, Drake highlights the value of friendship and loyalty on the path from humble beginnings to achieving dreams, marking a significant narrative in rap music.
12. “Brothers” by Kanye West ft. Charlie Wilson
“Brothers” by Kanye West featuring Charlie Wilson explores the deep themes of brotherhood and the family-like bonds that can form between friends. This track delves into the enduring connections that go beyond mere friendship, touching on the strength and resilience of these relationships, and how they resemble the ties of family in the complex world of rap.
13. “Fake Friends” by Kidd Kidd
“Fake Friends” by Kidd Kidd scrutinizes the superficiality of certain relationships, contrasting them against the backdrop of genuine connections. This song serves as a critique of those who are not truly supportive, emphasizing the importance of realness and trust in the foundation of authentic friendships, making a significant statement in the conversation on loyalty within rap.
14. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth serves as an emotional tribute to the late Paul Walker, focusing on the themes of lasting friendships and remembrance. This track, part of a soundtrack, beautifully articulates the pain of loss and the comfort found in the memories shared with a departed friend, making it a poignant reflection on the bonds that outlive us.
15. “Best Friend” by Saweetie and Doja Cat
“Best Friend” by Saweetie and Doja Cat is a vibrant celebration of female friendship and empowerment. With its energetic beats and empowering lyrics, this track shines a light on the strength and joy found in the support and solidarity among women, making it a powerful anthem for female friendship in the world of rap.
16. “Friend of Mine” by DMX
“Friend of Mine” by DMX delves into the painful theme of betrayal within friendships, reflecting on the complexities and darker aspects of personal relationships. Through impactful lyrics and a raw delivery, DMX offers a deeper exploration of trust and deception, laying bare the emotional turmoil that accompanies such experiences in the realm of rap.