Welcome to Hip-Hop Heardle, the game where you guess the legendary hip-hop and rap song we're talking about. Whether you're grooving to throwbacks or keeping up with today's pops, the Hip-Hop heardle powered by Headlepedia has you covered to cater to any fan.

From Nas and Kendrick Lamar's lyrical acumen to Dr. Dre and Travis Scott's earworm beats, Hip-Hop Heardle is where the hip-hop heads come to show they have what it takes.

Hip-Hop History

Hip-hop sprouted in the Bronx in the 1970s and has grown worldwide. It's more than just beats and rhymes - it's a voice for the streets, chronicling struggle, triumph, and in between.

From Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's social conscious break with "The Message" to Tupac Shakur's emotional storytelling in "Dear Mama," hip-hop has served as the canvas for real-life sagas that reverberate from generation to generation.

Hip-hop has an impact on fashion, language, attitudes. It's a way of life that has influenced pop culture for decades — and that continues to set trends in the present.

Which are the Best Hip-Hop Genres?

Now that we've traced out the roots of hip-hop let's examine the most influential subgenres, the artists who popularized them, and the songs that were historic.

Old-School Hip-Hop

Those who put it all in motion. Think Run-D. MC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy — artists who built the foundation of everything we love about hip-hop today.

Golden Era Hip-Hop

The late 80s to mid-90s — TITLE WAVE, peak era. This era birthed legends like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, whose lyrical dexterity and original beats soared to new heights.

East Coast Hip-Hop

Gritty beats, street stories, and lyrical mastery characterize East Coast hip-hop. From Jay-Z's ascent to greatness to Nas' "Illmatic" — this subgenre is the culture's lifeblood.

West Coast Hip-Hop

Sleek G-funk beats and gangsta rap from the likes of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. West Coast hip-hop was the vibe and the sound dominated the airwaves.

Southern Hip-Hop

The Dirty South brought a whole new flavor with the bass-heavy beats and catchy hooks. OutKast, Lil Wayne and UGK put Southern hip-hop on the map and forever changed the game.

Modern Hip-Hop/Trap

The sound of today is all hard-hitting beats and catchy flows. Modern hip-hop and trap, from Future and Travis Scott to Cardi B and Lil Baby, rule the playlists around the world.

Iconic Hip-Hop Tracks

What makes a popular song in hip-hop unforgettable? Whether it's a head-nodding beat or jaw-dropping lyricism, some songs are so iconic that they define eras and inspire generations. Here are some fan favorites:

Old-School Classics:

"Rapper's Delight" — The Sugarhill Gang

"Planet Rock" Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force

"Paid in Full" — Eric B. & Rakim

Golden Era Essentials:

"Juicy" — The Notorious B.I.G.

"California Love" — 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre

"C.R.E.A.M." – Wu-Tang Clan

🎧 East Coast Anthems:

"N.Y. State of Mind" – Nas

"Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" — Jay-Z

"Shook Ones Pt. II" — Mobb Deep

West Coast Hits:

"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" — Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg

Regulate – Warren G Ft. Nate Dogg

"Gin and Juice" – Snoop Dogg

Southern Vibes:

"Ms. Jackson" – OutKast

"Lollipop" – Lil Wayne

"Int'l Players Anthem" — UGK, ft. OutKast

Modern Bangers:

"SICKO MODE" – Travis Scott

"HUMBLE." – Kendrick Lamar

"Bodak Yellow" – Cardi B

Best Hip-Hop Artists

We've touched on a few, but the list of hip-hop royalty goes on. These artists have defined and redefined the genre:

Jay-Z — The god of longevity and wordplay.

Kanye West – One of the most influential musical visionaries of all time.

Eminem – The lyricist god of rap and well over one of the best selling artists ever.

Nicki Minaj — The goal of all female MCs, with a level of flow and charisma unparalleled.

Drake — The contemporary hitmaker who melds rap and R&B.

How to Play Hip-Hop Heardle

When you're ready to play our free heardle game, press play and turn up your speakers! You will hear a short excerpt of a hip-hop track — just enough to trigger your memory.

Guess the Track:

Next, type a song title or artist name in the search bar and click audio guess.

Skip for More Clues:

Not sure? Hit "Skip" to listen to a little more of the song, but beware — you only have six chances!

Track Your Progress:

Gain points by guessing songs, and see how you stack up against your friends with a leaderboard. This is ONLY possible if you are registered with your email.

Be it the daily challenge or simply having an unlimited run, each correct guess brings you closer to gaining the title of the ultimate hip-hop head.