3 Classic Hip-Hop Songs That Are Meant for Dancing

Perhaps more than any other style of music, hip-hop songs are best to dance to. In fact, when hip-hop was invented, there were five tenets to the art form, from lyricism to DJing to dancing. So, cutting a rug is part of the culture through and through.

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from the musical style that remain perfect to dance to. A trio of tracks that will get your shoulders swaying and feet a-flying. Indeed, these are three classic hip-hop songs that any music fan can dance to.

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“The Way You Move” by OutKast from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

Released on the 2003 double album from the Atlanta-born rap group OutKast, this song was the lead single from Speakerboxxx, which was essentially a Big Boi record. The beat and the chorus provide a great song to get yourself moving. In fact, the song seems invented for such a thing, given its title. And on it the twangy-voiced Big Boi raps,

Ready for action, nip it in the bud
We never relaxing, OutKast is everlasting
Not clashing, not at all
But see, my nigga went to do a little acting
Now, that’s for anyone asking, give me one pass ’em
Drip-drip-drop, there goes an eargasm

“Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliott from Miss E… So Addictive (2001)

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Missy Elliott bears that title for a reason. She is one of the best rap lyricists ever, she is a fashion icon, and she knows how to get her audience moving thanks to catchy lyrics and unique delivery. This song is exhibit A of those skills. On the song, which is produced by her longtime collaborator Timbaland and features one of his best, catchiest beats, Missy raps with a compelling verve,

Missy be puttin’ it down
I’m the hottest ’round
I told y’all mother-ooh
Y’all can’t stop me now
Listen to me now
I’m lasting twenty rounds
And if you want me
Then come on, get me now

“Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. from Life After Death (1997)

When The Notorious B.I.G.’s voice is put on a lively beat, there is little better. His rhymes are fun and inventive and they boast a familiarity even if you’re not a Biggie aficionado. In a way, that’s the mark of a great artist—the ability to create something that no one else could from the numinous or familiar. But no matter the highfalutin explanation, Biggie gets the people going. Just try putting this song on at a party and see how it gets things started. Indeed, on it Biggie raps,

Poppa been smooth since days of Underoos
Never lose, never choose to, bruise crews who
Do somethin’ to us (come on), talk go through us (through us)
Girls walk to us, wanna do us, screw us
Who us?

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