Rap Songs that talk about the role of Money

“Money makes the world go round” is a quote that’s too oversimplified for me. What’s not oversimplified is the volume of work by rappers and musicians alike on the topic. I’m compiling (with your assistance) songs that talk about money.

If you have suggestions on songs to add to this, let me know in the comments below.

I’ve grouped the songs based on the modes of thinking, namely: reflecting and hustling. The modes of thinking are not mutually exclusive of each others. Songs in the hustling list may also involve reflecting but they are placed in that list because they focus on the hustling aspect more.

Regardless of which list they are a part of, there’s definitely something to be learnt when you listen to the message carefully.

Reflecting

This ‘reflecting’ list is when the artist speaks of money from a more critical standpoint. These songs are those in which the artist is not primarily concerned with obtaining money.

Money by MC Jin

MC Jin narrates money from an observer’s standpoint and questions the concept of ‘success’ which is so often intertwined with the possession of money. Worth noting that this track is part of MC Jin’s newfound spiritual direction after exiting the battle rapping scene.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9UM8sljM-c

Price Tag by Jessie J ft. B.O.B.

While more pop than rap, I feel like it still deserves a mention here. Jessie J speaks plainly about the state of materialism from a disillusioned standpoint. She urges listeners to deprioritise materialistic money and focus more on joy. B.O.B. comes in to echo that point.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxX-QOV9tI

Hustling

This ‘hustling’ list is when the artist speaks of money as the object of desire while also potentially speaking of its effects. The difference with the first list is that the focus is primary on the obtaining of money.

Money Trees by Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick speaks from the perspective of a hustler who is in the process of obtaining money.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smqhSl0u_sI

C.R.E.A.M. by Wu Tang Clan

The iconic ‘Cash Rules Everything Around Me’ song tells the stories of the group’s members trying to make and living — going to extremes and also facing extreme circumstances.

Do you have suggestions on songs to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for those who have contributed to this list:
- Pablo