3 Iconic Male Hook Singers on Rap Songs

In the 1990s and 2000s, it was common to hear ladies singing the hooks (or choruses) on rap songs. Whether big names like Dido (on Eminem’s “Stan”) or more anonymous singers, it was a regular occurrence to hear the dulcet tones of a woman singing between the often male voices on the rap verses. But there were times when the genders were flipped.

Here below, we wanted to explore three such examples. A trio of famous rap songs that showcase the male voice as the hook singer. From the famous to the lesser-known, there were many a hit track that boasted the male voice on the chorus. Indeed, these are three iconic male hook singers on rap songs.

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“Oh No” by Mos Def, Nate Dogg & Pharoahe Monch from Lyricist Lounge 2 (2000)

In the 1990s and 2000s there was no male voice more prevalent on rap songs than Nate Dogg’s. The Long Beach, California-vocalist was in many ways the secret weapon on songs from Dr. Dre and others. But one of his most famous hooks came on the more underground hit “Oh No,” by Mos Def and Pharoahe Monch. Others, though, that included Nate Dogg were the songs “Regulate” from Warren G and “The Next Episode” from Dr. Dre.

“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz from The Heist (2012)

We go from Nate Dogg to an unofficial acolyte of his: Wanz, who rose to fame thanks to the multibillion-streamed hit song “Thrift Shop” from the Seattle rap duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It was Wanz’s deep voice on the track that made the tune a hit. He was going to pop some tags and spend the $20 that was burning a hole in his pocket at the local thrift shop and no one was going to get in his way! And while Wanz didn’t really match the success he had singing on that song in 2012 (who could?), his voice will live on forever in hip-hop.

“Dead and Gone” by T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake from Paper Trail (2008)

Justin Timberlake rose to fame thanks to the boy band NSYNC. Then he went solo and became an even bigger star thanks to songs like “Cry Me a River.” But he also found himself collaborating with some of the biggest names in rap music, and singing the hooks on songs like T.I.’s “Dead and Gone.” Versatile and engaging, Timberlake did well as a hook singer. And while he didn’t likely want to be pigeonholed into the role, it suited him whenever he wanted to dip into it.

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