Feeling down and out? Need help getting pumped up for a presentation? Just trying to shed a few pounds? Running from zombies? Whatever the occasion, these 25 songs will add the proverbial pep to your step.
25 of 25
Eminem—“Berzerk”
Courtesy of Interscope
A face-melting Rick Rubin special meets Billy Squier riffs meets Beastie Boys-inspired ol’ skool rhyming meets boom bap meets the greatest white rapper of all time cartwheeling all over the damn playground.
Perfect for: Cardio
24 of 25
Kendrick Lamar—“Backseat Freestyle”
Kevin Mazur / Global Citizen / Getty Images
Every rapper has a blackout moment when they basically go in and wild out on the beat just because. This was K. Dot’s blackout moment on his first major outing.
Perfect for: Jogging
23 of 25
Drake—“Worst Behavior”
Harmony Gerber / Getty Images
“Worst Behavior” is what happens when that kid who got teased in school finally knuckles up. WORST!
Perfect for: Mirror talk
22 of 25
Pusha T—“Numbers on the Board”
Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images
It starts with the beat. It’s sparse and steely, and by the time Pusha T’s voice comes on, you’re already hooked.
Perfect for: Pre-game pump up
21 of 25
Clipse—“Grindin'”
Hannah Maule-Ffinch / Photoshot / Getty Images
“Grindin’” dropped in my freshman year in college and it is still a certified banger today. With P and Chad’s bare-bones beat, hand claps and Clipse’s menacing vocals, a summer hit was born.
Perfect for: Pre-work run
20 of 25
Kanye West—“Stronger”
Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Judging by the no-expense-spared video for “Stronger,” the song is designed to suck you in and spit you out with a newly-chiseled body.
Perfect for: Running
19 of 25
Crime Mob—“Knuck if You Buck”
Courtesy of Crunk Incorporated
Dumb enough to be ratchet. Cold enough to be scary. The haunting loop, the froggy voice telling you to “knuckle up if you buck wild,” the long white tees 10 times the size of the wearers make “Knuck” an all-time favorite in the ratchet-scary weight class.
Perfect for: Gettin’ turnt up on the treadmill
18 of 25
A$AP Ferg—“Work” Remix
Courtesy ASAP Worldwide
“Work” is a raucous, ratchet, raging, throbbing, grimy ode to the streets. And when Fergie says “work,” he’s not talking binders and cubicles.
Perfect for: Cardio
17 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario” Remix
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Tribe was typically known for their super mellow jazzed-out tunes, and they’re still going for that smooth vibe here. But speed up the beat, throw in a verse from Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass track.
Perfect for: Running from an ex
16 of 25
Cypress Hill—“I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”
Robert Knight Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
The skit at the end is hilarious and almost as energy-inducing as the bassline backing the entire thing. This is Cypress Hill at their sh!t-talking finest.
Perfect for: Morning run
15 of 25
T.I.—“Bring ‘Em Out”
Courtesy of Atlantic
In which the Jay Z of the South brilliantly flips a Jay Z line from “What More Can I Say.” The bounce beat by Swizz Beatz adds to the hype.
Perfect for: Running
14 of 25
Jay Z - “99 Problems”
Jon Super / Redferns / Getty Images
If you’ve never seen this live, you haven’t fully lived. The crowd participation, Jigga’s energy and the thunderous beat make it a concert wonderment of epically epic proportions.
Perfect for: Pregame pump up
13 of 25
Onyx—“Slam”
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Obvs. You can’t have a playlist about getting hyped up without including Onyx’s biggest hit.
Perfect for: Running
12 of 25
Beastie Boys—“Sure Shot”
Martyn Goodacre / Getty Images
In the summer of 94, Beastie Boys released a 7-song single to promote Ill Communications. There were the typical instrumental tracks, new tracks, remixes, and remixes of remixes. The focal point of the release, however, was “Sure Shot,” a chant-friendly trunk rattler sure to get any party started.
Perfect for: Pregame pump-up
11 of 25
DJ Snake & Lil Jon—“Turn Down for What”
Courtesy of Mad Decent
Pay a visit to any club in America and watch how this song throws every dancefloor into hysterical episodes of indecision. No one knows quite what to do with their body when “Turn Down for What” comes on.
Perfect for: Turning all the way up
10 of 25
Meek Mill—“Ima Boss”
Courtesy of MMG
Meek Mill yells his way through life. I sometimes visualize him yelling his order at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Perfect for: Running on the sidewalk.
09 of 25
DMX—“Party Up”
Scott Gries / Getty Images
Sometimes, I sit and wonder why the Internet exists. Then I see a Vine of a llama prancing merrily across the pasture to the tune of DMX’s “Party Up” and I’m whole again.
Perfect for: Scrapping
08 of 25
N.W.A.—“Straight outta Compton”
Lynn Goldsmith / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images
It wasn’t just a gangsta rap anthem. It was also a vicious street classic that resonated with the frustrations of the young, Black and persecuted in L.A.
Perfect for: Running
07 of 25
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo—“Poison”
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records
For the young and unfamiliar, Kool G Rap is the godfather of a very special brand of hardcore hip-hop. He influenced the likes of Rakim and Black Thought and Nas and anyone else who has ever married gangsta-ism with lyricism. And on “Poison,” you can hear G Rap “making you feel the real deal.”
Perfect for: Running
06 of 25
The Roots—“Here I Come”
Amy Tierney / WireImage
The first time I heard “Here I Come,” I was on the Roots’ tour bus listening to a rough version of Game Theory. And up to that point, the album had been a moderately quiet experience. Then “Here I Come” came on and I was bobbing my head like a convulsed lemur. Questlove described “Here I Come” as the sequel to “Boom.” The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon theme music is definitely a gym favorite.
Perfect for: Running
05 of 25
Big Daddy Kane—“Warm It Up, Kane”
Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
If you ever find yourself low on confidence and need to reassure your inner self that you’re still as fabulous as ever, turn on this firecracker and do the “Warm it up, Kane” chant. For best results: Replace “Kane” with your first name.
Perfect for: Mirror talk
04 of 25
Public Enemy—“Fight the Power”
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Chuck D’s virulent rhymes and the Bomb Squad’s blustering production make “Fight the Power” one helluva of a protest.
Perfect for: Protests
03 of 25
LL Cool J—“Mama Said Knock You Out”
Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings
Ah, the ring walk fave of every professional boxer in the 90s. Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is indeed the soundtrack to a punching session. Besides, seeing LL’s pecs will make anyone hit the gym for their own long overdue workout session. The sepia music video of a hooded up LL and a microphone in the boxing ring is a thing of beauty.
Perfect for: Ring walk
02 of 25
M.O.P.—“Ante Up”
Scott Gries / ImageDirect / Getty Images
A couple weeks back, I was trying to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning, so I set my alarm to “Ante Up.” The next morning, as soon as the song went off, I jumped out of bed and proceeded to collide with the wall. Redefined the meaning of “rude awakening.”
Perfect for: Waking up
01 of 25
OutKast—“B.O.B.”
Rick Diamond / WireImage / Getty Images
If “B.O.B” doesn’t get you pumped up, you should press two fingers on your pulse point. The lead single off the classic Stankonia album is a sure enough gym-banger.
Perfect for: Hitting the trail
Feeling down and out? Need help getting pumped up for a presentation? Just trying to shed a few pounds? Running from zombies? Whatever the occasion, these 25 songs will add the proverbial pep to your step.
25 of 25
Eminem—“Berzerk”
Courtesy of Interscope
A face-melting Rick Rubin special meets Billy Squier riffs meets Beastie Boys-inspired ol’ skool rhyming meets boom bap meets the greatest white rapper of all time cartwheeling all over the damn playground.
Perfect for: Cardio
24 of 25
Kendrick Lamar—“Backseat Freestyle”
Kevin Mazur / Global Citizen / Getty Images
Every rapper has a blackout moment when they basically go in and wild out on the beat just because. This was K. Dot’s blackout moment on his first major outing.
Perfect for: Jogging
23 of 25
Drake—“Worst Behavior”
Harmony Gerber / Getty Images
“Worst Behavior” is what happens when that kid who got teased in school finally knuckles up. WORST!
Perfect for: Mirror talk
22 of 25
Pusha T—“Numbers on the Board”
Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images
It starts with the beat. It’s sparse and steely, and by the time Pusha T’s voice comes on, you’re already hooked.
Perfect for: Pre-game pump up
21 of 25
Clipse—“Grindin’”
Hannah Maule-Ffinch / Photoshot / Getty Images
“Grindin’” dropped in my freshman year in college and it is still a certified banger today. With P and Chad’s bare-bones beat, hand claps and Clipse’s menacing vocals, a summer hit was born.
Perfect for: Pre-work run
20 of 25
Kanye West—“Stronger”
Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Judging by the no-expense-spared video for “Stronger,” the song is designed to suck you in and spit you out with a newly-chiseled body.
Perfect for: Running
19 of 25
Crime Mob—“Knuck if You Buck”
Courtesy of Crunk Incorporated
Dumb enough to be ratchet. Cold enough to be scary. The haunting loop, the froggy voice telling you to “knuckle up if you buck wild,” the long white tees 10 times the size of the wearers make “Knuck” an all-time favorite in the ratchet-scary weight class.
Perfect for: Gettin’ turnt up on the treadmill
18 of 25
A$AP Ferg—“Work” Remix
Courtesy ASAP Worldwide
“Work” is a raucous, ratchet, raging, throbbing, grimy ode to the streets. And when Fergie says “work,” he’s not talking binders and cubicles.
Perfect for: Cardio
17 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario” Remix
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Tribe was typically known for their super mellow jazzed-out tunes, and they’re still going for that smooth vibe here. But speed up the beat, throw in a verse from Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass track.
Perfect for: Running from an ex
16 of 25
Cypress Hill—“I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”
Robert Knight Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
The skit at the end is hilarious and almost as energy-inducing as the bassline backing the entire thing. This is Cypress Hill at their sh!t-talking finest.
Perfect for: Morning run
15 of 25
T.I.—“Bring ‘Em Out”
Courtesy of Atlantic
In which the Jay Z of the South brilliantly flips a Jay Z line from “What More Can I Say.” The bounce beat by Swizz Beatz adds to the hype.
Perfect for: Running
14 of 25
Jay Z - “99 Problems”
Jon Super / Redferns / Getty Images
If you’ve never seen this live, you haven’t fully lived. The crowd participation, Jigga’s energy and the thunderous beat make it a concert wonderment of epically epic proportions.
Perfect for: Pregame pump up
13 of 25
Onyx—“Slam”
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Obvs. You can’t have a playlist about getting hyped up without including Onyx’s biggest hit.
Perfect for: Running
12 of 25
Beastie Boys—“Sure Shot”
Martyn Goodacre / Getty Images
In the summer of 94, Beastie Boys released a 7-song single to promote Ill Communications. There were the typical instrumental tracks, new tracks, remixes, and remixes of remixes. The focal point of the release, however, was “Sure Shot,” a chant-friendly trunk rattler sure to get any party started.
Perfect for: Pregame pump-up
11 of 25
DJ Snake & Lil Jon—“Turn Down for What”
Courtesy of Mad Decent
Pay a visit to any club in America and watch how this song throws every dancefloor into hysterical episodes of indecision. No one knows quite what to do with their body when “Turn Down for What” comes on.
Perfect for: Turning all the way up
10 of 25
Meek Mill—“Ima Boss”
Courtesy of MMG
Meek Mill yells his way through life. I sometimes visualize him yelling his order at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Perfect for: Running on the sidewalk.
09 of 25
DMX—“Party Up”
Scott Gries / Getty Images
Sometimes, I sit and wonder why the Internet exists. Then I see a Vine of a llama prancing merrily across the pasture to the tune of DMX’s “Party Up” and I’m whole again.
Perfect for: Scrapping
08 of 25
N.W.A.—“Straight outta Compton”
Lynn Goldsmith / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images
It wasn’t just a gangsta rap anthem. It was also a vicious street classic that resonated with the frustrations of the young, Black and persecuted in L.A.
Perfect for: Running
07 of 25
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo—“Poison”
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records
For the young and unfamiliar, Kool G Rap is the godfather of a very special brand of hardcore hip-hop. He influenced the likes of Rakim and Black Thought and Nas and anyone else who has ever married gangsta-ism with lyricism. And on “Poison,” you can hear G Rap “making you feel the real deal.”
Perfect for: Running
06 of 25
The Roots—“Here I Come”
Amy Tierney / WireImage
The first time I heard “Here I Come,” I was on the Roots’ tour bus listening to a rough version of Game Theory. And up to that point, the album had been a moderately quiet experience. Then “Here I Come” came on and I was bobbing my head like a convulsed lemur. Questlove described “Here I Come” as the sequel to “Boom.” The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon theme music is definitely a gym favorite.
Perfect for: Running
05 of 25
Big Daddy Kane—“Warm It Up, Kane”
Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
If you ever find yourself low on confidence and need to reassure your inner self that you’re still as fabulous as ever, turn on this firecracker and do the “Warm it up, Kane” chant. For best results: Replace “Kane” with your first name.
Perfect for: Mirror talk
04 of 25
Public Enemy—“Fight the Power”
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Chuck D’s virulent rhymes and the Bomb Squad’s blustering production make “Fight the Power” one helluva of a protest.
Perfect for: Protests
03 of 25
LL Cool J—“Mama Said Knock You Out”
Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings
Ah, the ring walk fave of every professional boxer in the 90s. Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is indeed the soundtrack to a punching session. Besides, seeing LL’s pecs will make anyone hit the gym for their own long overdue workout session. The sepia music video of a hooded up LL and a microphone in the boxing ring is a thing of beauty.
Perfect for: Ring walk
02 of 25
M.O.P.—“Ante Up”
Scott Gries / ImageDirect / Getty Images
A couple weeks back, I was trying to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning, so I set my alarm to “Ante Up.” The next morning, as soon as the song went off, I jumped out of bed and proceeded to collide with the wall. Redefined the meaning of “rude awakening.”
Perfect for: Waking up
01 of 25
OutKast—“B.O.B.”
Rick Diamond / WireImage / Getty Images
If “B.O.B” doesn’t get you pumped up, you should press two fingers on your pulse point. The lead single off the classic Stankonia album is a sure enough gym-banger.
Perfect for: Hitting the trail
Feeling down and out? Need help getting pumped up for a presentation? Just trying to shed a few pounds? Running from zombies? Whatever the occasion, these 25 songs will add the proverbial pep to your step.
25 of 25
Eminem—“Berzerk”
Courtesy of Interscope
A face-melting Rick Rubin special meets Billy Squier riffs meets Beastie Boys-inspired ol’ skool rhyming meets boom bap meets the greatest white rapper of all time cartwheeling all over the damn playground.
Perfect for: Cardio
24 of 25
Kendrick Lamar—“Backseat Freestyle”
Kevin Mazur / Global Citizen / Getty Images
Every rapper has a blackout moment when they basically go in and wild out on the beat just because. This was K. Dot’s blackout moment on his first major outing.
Perfect for: Jogging
23 of 25
Drake—“Worst Behavior”
Harmony Gerber / Getty Images
“Worst Behavior” is what happens when that kid who got teased in school finally knuckles up. WORST!
Perfect for: Mirror talk
22 of 25
Pusha T—“Numbers on the Board”
Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images
It starts with the beat. It’s sparse and steely, and by the time Pusha T’s voice comes on, you’re already hooked.
Perfect for: Pre-game pump up
21 of 25
Clipse—“Grindin’”
Hannah Maule-Ffinch / Photoshot / Getty Images
“Grindin’” dropped in my freshman year in college and it is still a certified banger today. With P and Chad’s bare-bones beat, hand claps and Clipse’s menacing vocals, a summer hit was born.
Perfect for: Pre-work run
20 of 25
Kanye West—“Stronger”
Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Judging by the no-expense-spared video for “Stronger,” the song is designed to suck you in and spit you out with a newly-chiseled body.
Perfect for: Running
19 of 25
Crime Mob—“Knuck if You Buck”
Courtesy of Crunk Incorporated
Dumb enough to be ratchet. Cold enough to be scary. The haunting loop, the froggy voice telling you to “knuckle up if you buck wild,” the long white tees 10 times the size of the wearers make “Knuck” an all-time favorite in the ratchet-scary weight class.
Perfect for: Gettin’ turnt up on the treadmill
18 of 25
A$AP Ferg—“Work” Remix
Courtesy ASAP Worldwide
“Work” is a raucous, ratchet, raging, throbbing, grimy ode to the streets. And when Fergie says “work,” he’s not talking binders and cubicles.
Perfect for: Cardio
17 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario” Remix
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Tribe was typically known for their super mellow jazzed-out tunes, and they’re still going for that smooth vibe here. But speed up the beat, throw in a verse from Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass track.
Perfect for: Running from an ex
16 of 25
Cypress Hill—“I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”
Robert Knight Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
The skit at the end is hilarious and almost as energy-inducing as the bassline backing the entire thing. This is Cypress Hill at their sh!t-talking finest.
Perfect for: Morning run
15 of 25
T.I.—“Bring ‘Em Out”
Courtesy of Atlantic
In which the Jay Z of the South brilliantly flips a Jay Z line from “What More Can I Say.” The bounce beat by Swizz Beatz adds to the hype.
Perfect for: Running
14 of 25
Jay Z - “99 Problems”
Jon Super / Redferns / Getty Images
If you’ve never seen this live, you haven’t fully lived. The crowd participation, Jigga’s energy and the thunderous beat make it a concert wonderment of epically epic proportions.
Perfect for: Pregame pump up
13 of 25
Onyx—“Slam”
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Obvs. You can’t have a playlist about getting hyped up without including Onyx’s biggest hit.
Perfect for: Running
12 of 25
Beastie Boys—“Sure Shot”
Martyn Goodacre / Getty Images
In the summer of 94, Beastie Boys released a 7-song single to promote Ill Communications. There were the typical instrumental tracks, new tracks, remixes, and remixes of remixes. The focal point of the release, however, was “Sure Shot,” a chant-friendly trunk rattler sure to get any party started.
Perfect for: Pregame pump-up
11 of 25
DJ Snake & Lil Jon—“Turn Down for What”
Courtesy of Mad Decent
Pay a visit to any club in America and watch how this song throws every dancefloor into hysterical episodes of indecision. No one knows quite what to do with their body when “Turn Down for What” comes on.
Perfect for: Turning all the way up
10 of 25
Meek Mill—“Ima Boss”
Courtesy of MMG
Meek Mill yells his way through life. I sometimes visualize him yelling his order at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Perfect for: Running on the sidewalk.
09 of 25
DMX—“Party Up”
Scott Gries / Getty Images
Sometimes, I sit and wonder why the Internet exists. Then I see a Vine of a llama prancing merrily across the pasture to the tune of DMX’s “Party Up” and I’m whole again.
Perfect for: Scrapping
08 of 25
N.W.A.—“Straight outta Compton”
Lynn Goldsmith / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images
It wasn’t just a gangsta rap anthem. It was also a vicious street classic that resonated with the frustrations of the young, Black and persecuted in L.A.
Perfect for: Running
07 of 25
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo—“Poison”
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records
For the young and unfamiliar, Kool G Rap is the godfather of a very special brand of hardcore hip-hop. He influenced the likes of Rakim and Black Thought and Nas and anyone else who has ever married gangsta-ism with lyricism. And on “Poison,” you can hear G Rap “making you feel the real deal.”
Perfect for: Running
06 of 25
The Roots—“Here I Come”
Amy Tierney / WireImage
The first time I heard “Here I Come,” I was on the Roots’ tour bus listening to a rough version of Game Theory. And up to that point, the album had been a moderately quiet experience. Then “Here I Come” came on and I was bobbing my head like a convulsed lemur. Questlove described “Here I Come” as the sequel to “Boom.” The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon theme music is definitely a gym favorite.
Perfect for: Running
05 of 25
Big Daddy Kane—“Warm It Up, Kane”
Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
If you ever find yourself low on confidence and need to reassure your inner self that you’re still as fabulous as ever, turn on this firecracker and do the “Warm it up, Kane” chant. For best results: Replace “Kane” with your first name.
Perfect for: Mirror talk
04 of 25
Public Enemy—“Fight the Power”
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Chuck D’s virulent rhymes and the Bomb Squad’s blustering production make “Fight the Power” one helluva of a protest.
Perfect for: Protests
03 of 25
LL Cool J—“Mama Said Knock You Out”
Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings
Ah, the ring walk fave of every professional boxer in the 90s. Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is indeed the soundtrack to a punching session. Besides, seeing LL’s pecs will make anyone hit the gym for their own long overdue workout session. The sepia music video of a hooded up LL and a microphone in the boxing ring is a thing of beauty.
Perfect for: Ring walk
02 of 25
M.O.P.—“Ante Up”
Scott Gries / ImageDirect / Getty Images
A couple weeks back, I was trying to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning, so I set my alarm to “Ante Up.” The next morning, as soon as the song went off, I jumped out of bed and proceeded to collide with the wall. Redefined the meaning of “rude awakening.”
Perfect for: Waking up
01 of 25
OutKast—“B.O.B.”
Rick Diamond / WireImage / Getty Images
If “B.O.B” doesn’t get you pumped up, you should press two fingers on your pulse point. The lead single off the classic Stankonia album is a sure enough gym-banger.
Perfect for: Hitting the trail
Feeling down and out? Need help getting pumped up for a presentation? Just trying to shed a few pounds? Running from zombies? Whatever the occasion, these 25 songs will add the proverbial pep to your step.
25 of 25
Eminem—“Berzerk”
Courtesy of Interscope
A face-melting Rick Rubin special meets Billy Squier riffs meets Beastie Boys-inspired ol’ skool rhyming meets boom bap meets the greatest white rapper of all time cartwheeling all over the damn playground.
Perfect for: Cardio
24 of 25
Kendrick Lamar—“Backseat Freestyle”
Kevin Mazur / Global Citizen / Getty Images
Every rapper has a blackout moment when they basically go in and wild out on the beat just because. This was K. Dot’s blackout moment on his first major outing.
Perfect for: Jogging
23 of 25
Drake—“Worst Behavior”
Harmony Gerber / Getty Images
“Worst Behavior” is what happens when that kid who got teased in school finally knuckles up. WORST!
Perfect for: Mirror talk
22 of 25
Pusha T—“Numbers on the Board”
Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images
It starts with the beat. It’s sparse and steely, and by the time Pusha T’s voice comes on, you’re already hooked.
Perfect for: Pre-game pump up
21 of 25
Clipse—“Grindin’”
Hannah Maule-Ffinch / Photoshot / Getty Images
“Grindin’” dropped in my freshman year in college and it is still a certified banger today. With P and Chad’s bare-bones beat, hand claps and Clipse’s menacing vocals, a summer hit was born.
Perfect for: Pre-work run
20 of 25
Kanye West—“Stronger”
Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images
Judging by the no-expense-spared video for “Stronger,” the song is designed to suck you in and spit you out with a newly-chiseled body.
Perfect for: Running
19 of 25
Crime Mob—“Knuck if You Buck”
Courtesy of Crunk Incorporated
Dumb enough to be ratchet. Cold enough to be scary. The haunting loop, the froggy voice telling you to “knuckle up if you buck wild,” the long white tees 10 times the size of the wearers make “Knuck” an all-time favorite in the ratchet-scary weight class.
Perfect for: Gettin’ turnt up on the treadmill
18 of 25
A$AP Ferg—“Work” Remix
Courtesy ASAP Worldwide
“Work” is a raucous, ratchet, raging, throbbing, grimy ode to the streets. And when Fergie says “work,” he’s not talking binders and cubicles.
Perfect for: Cardio
17 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario” Remix
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Tribe was typically known for their super mellow jazzed-out tunes, and they’re still going for that smooth vibe here. But speed up the beat, throw in a verse from Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass track.
Perfect for: Running from an ex
16 of 25
Cypress Hill—“I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”
Robert Knight Archive / Redferns / Getty Images
The skit at the end is hilarious and almost as energy-inducing as the bassline backing the entire thing. This is Cypress Hill at their sh!t-talking finest.
Perfect for: Morning run
15 of 25
T.I.—“Bring ‘Em Out”
Courtesy of Atlantic
In which the Jay Z of the South brilliantly flips a Jay Z line from “What More Can I Say.” The bounce beat by Swizz Beatz adds to the hype.
Perfect for: Running
14 of 25
Jay Z - “99 Problems”
Jon Super / Redferns / Getty Images
If you’ve never seen this live, you haven’t fully lived. The crowd participation, Jigga’s energy and the thunderous beat make it a concert wonderment of epically epic proportions.
Perfect for: Pregame pump up
13 of 25
Onyx—“Slam”
Al Pereira / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Obvs. You can’t have a playlist about getting hyped up without including Onyx’s biggest hit.
Perfect for: Running
12 of 25
Beastie Boys—“Sure Shot”
Martyn Goodacre / Getty Images
In the summer of 94, Beastie Boys released a 7-song single to promote Ill Communications. There were the typical instrumental tracks, new tracks, remixes, and remixes of remixes. The focal point of the release, however, was “Sure Shot,” a chant-friendly trunk rattler sure to get any party started.
Perfect for: Pregame pump-up
11 of 25
DJ Snake & Lil Jon—“Turn Down for What”
Courtesy of Mad Decent
Pay a visit to any club in America and watch how this song throws every dancefloor into hysterical episodes of indecision. No one knows quite what to do with their body when “Turn Down for What” comes on.
Perfect for: Turning all the way up
10 of 25
Meek Mill—“Ima Boss”
Courtesy of MMG
Meek Mill yells his way through life. I sometimes visualize him yelling his order at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Perfect for: Running on the sidewalk.
09 of 25
DMX—“Party Up”
Scott Gries / Getty Images
Sometimes, I sit and wonder why the Internet exists. Then I see a Vine of a llama prancing merrily across the pasture to the tune of DMX’s “Party Up” and I’m whole again.
Perfect for: Scrapping
08 of 25
N.W.A.—“Straight outta Compton”
Lynn Goldsmith / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images
It wasn’t just a gangsta rap anthem. It was also a vicious street classic that resonated with the frustrations of the young, Black and persecuted in L.A.
Perfect for: Running
07 of 25
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo—“Poison”
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records
For the young and unfamiliar, Kool G Rap is the godfather of a very special brand of hardcore hip-hop. He influenced the likes of Rakim and Black Thought and Nas and anyone else who has ever married gangsta-ism with lyricism. And on “Poison,” you can hear G Rap “making you feel the real deal.”
Perfect for: Running
06 of 25
The Roots—“Here I Come”
Amy Tierney / WireImage
The first time I heard “Here I Come,” I was on the Roots’ tour bus listening to a rough version of Game Theory. And up to that point, the album had been a moderately quiet experience. Then “Here I Come” came on and I was bobbing my head like a convulsed lemur. Questlove described “Here I Come” as the sequel to “Boom.” The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon theme music is definitely a gym favorite.
Perfect for: Running
05 of 25
Big Daddy Kane—“Warm It Up, Kane”
Raymond Boyd / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
If you ever find yourself low on confidence and need to reassure your inner self that you’re still as fabulous as ever, turn on this firecracker and do the “Warm it up, Kane” chant. For best results: Replace “Kane” with your first name.
Perfect for: Mirror talk
04 of 25
Public Enemy—“Fight the Power”
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Chuck D’s virulent rhymes and the Bomb Squad’s blustering production make “Fight the Power” one helluva of a protest.
Perfect for: Protests
03 of 25
LL Cool J—“Mama Said Knock You Out”
Courtesy of Def Jam Recordings
Ah, the ring walk fave of every professional boxer in the 90s. Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is indeed the soundtrack to a punching session. Besides, seeing LL’s pecs will make anyone hit the gym for their own long overdue workout session. The sepia music video of a hooded up LL and a microphone in the boxing ring is a thing of beauty.
Perfect for: Ring walk
02 of 25
M.O.P.—“Ante Up”
Scott Gries / ImageDirect / Getty Images
A couple weeks back, I was trying to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning, so I set my alarm to “Ante Up.” The next morning, as soon as the song went off, I jumped out of bed and proceeded to collide with the wall. Redefined the meaning of “rude awakening.”
Perfect for: Waking up
01 of 25
OutKast—“B.O.B.”
Rick Diamond / WireImage / Getty Images
If “B.O.B” doesn’t get you pumped up, you should press two fingers on your pulse point. The lead single off the classic Stankonia album is a sure enough gym-banger.
Perfect for: Hitting the trail
25 of 25
Eminem—“Berzerk”
A face-melting Rick Rubin special meets Billy Squier riffs meets Beastie Boys-inspired ol’ skool rhyming meets boom bap meets the greatest white rapper of all time cartwheeling all over the damn playground.
25 of 25
25
of 25
Perfect for: Cardio
24 of 25
Kendrick Lamar—“Backseat Freestyle”
Every rapper has a blackout moment when they basically go in and wild out on the beat just because. This was K. Dot’s blackout moment on his first major outing.
24 of 25
24
Perfect for: Jogging
23 of 25
Drake—“Worst Behavior”
“Worst Behavior” is what happens when that kid who got teased in school finally knuckles up. WORST!
23 of 25
23
Perfect for: Mirror talk
22 of 25
Pusha T—“Numbers on the Board”
It starts with the beat. It’s sparse and steely, and by the time Pusha T’s voice comes on, you’re already hooked.
22 of 25
22
Perfect for: Pre-game pump up
21 of 25
Clipse—“Grindin’”
“Grindin’” dropped in my freshman year in college and it is still a certified banger today. With P and Chad’s bare-bones beat, hand claps and Clipse’s menacing vocals, a summer hit was born.
21 of 25
21
Perfect for: Pre-work run
20 of 25
Kanye West—“Stronger”
Judging by the no-expense-spared video for “Stronger,” the song is designed to suck you in and spit you out with a newly-chiseled body.
20 of 25
20
Perfect for: Running
19 of 25
Crime Mob—“Knuck if You Buck”
Dumb enough to be ratchet. Cold enough to be scary. The haunting loop, the froggy voice telling you to “knuckle up if you buck wild,” the long white tees 10 times the size of the wearers make “Knuck” an all-time favorite in the ratchet-scary weight class.
19 of 25
19
Perfect for: Gettin’ turnt up on the treadmill
18 of 25
A$AP Ferg—“Work” Remix
“Work” is a raucous, ratchet, raging, throbbing, grimy ode to the streets. And when Fergie says “work,” he’s not talking binders and cubicles.
18 of 25
18
17 of 25
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario” Remix
Tribe was typically known for their super mellow jazzed-out tunes, and they’re still going for that smooth vibe here. But speed up the beat, throw in a verse from Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass track.
17 of 25
17
Perfect for: Running from an ex
16 of 25
Cypress Hill—“I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”
The skit at the end is hilarious and almost as energy-inducing as the bassline backing the entire thing. This is Cypress Hill at their sh!t-talking finest.
16 of 25
16
Perfect for: Morning run
15 of 25
T.I.—“Bring ‘Em Out”
In which the Jay Z of the South brilliantly flips a Jay Z line from “What More Can I Say.” The bounce beat by Swizz Beatz adds to the hype.
15 of 25
15
14 of 25
Jay Z - “99 Problems”
If you’ve never seen this live, you haven’t fully lived. The crowd participation, Jigga’s energy and the thunderous beat make it a concert wonderment of epically epic proportions.
14 of 25
14
Perfect for: Pregame pump up
13 of 25
Onyx—“Slam”
Obvs. You can’t have a playlist about getting hyped up without including Onyx’s biggest hit.
13 of 25
13
12 of 25
Beastie Boys—“Sure Shot”
In the summer of 94, Beastie Boys released a 7-song single to promote Ill Communications. There were the typical instrumental tracks, new tracks, remixes, and remixes of remixes. The focal point of the release, however, was “Sure Shot,” a chant-friendly trunk rattler sure to get any party started.
12 of 25
12
Perfect for: Pregame pump-up
11 of 25
DJ Snake & Lil Jon—“Turn Down for What”
Pay a visit to any club in America and watch how this song throws every dancefloor into hysterical episodes of indecision. No one knows quite what to do with their body when “Turn Down for What” comes on.
11 of 25
11
Perfect for: Turning all the way up
10 of 25
Meek Mill—“Ima Boss”
Meek Mill yells his way through life. I sometimes visualize him yelling his order at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
10 of 25
10
Perfect for: Running on the sidewalk.
09 of 25
DMX—“Party Up”
Sometimes, I sit and wonder why the Internet exists. Then I see a Vine of a llama prancing merrily across the pasture to the tune of DMX’s “Party Up” and I’m whole again.
09 of 25
09
Perfect for: Scrapping
08 of 25
N.W.A.—“Straight outta Compton”
It wasn’t just a gangsta rap anthem. It was also a vicious street classic that resonated with the frustrations of the young, Black and persecuted in L.A.
08 of 25
08
07 of 25
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo—“Poison”
For the young and unfamiliar, Kool G Rap is the godfather of a very special brand of hardcore hip-hop. He influenced the likes of Rakim and Black Thought and Nas and anyone else who has ever married gangsta-ism with lyricism. And on “Poison,” you can hear G Rap “making you feel the real deal.”
07 of 25
07
06 of 25
The Roots—“Here I Come”
The first time I heard “Here I Come,” I was on the Roots’ tour bus listening to a rough version of Game Theory. And up to that point, the album had been a moderately quiet experience. Then “Here I Come” came on and I was bobbing my head like a convulsed lemur. Questlove described “Here I Come” as the sequel to “Boom.” The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon theme music is definitely a gym favorite.
06 of 25
06
05 of 25
Big Daddy Kane—“Warm It Up, Kane”
If you ever find yourself low on confidence and need to reassure your inner self that you’re still as fabulous as ever, turn on this firecracker and do the “Warm it up, Kane” chant. For best results: Replace “Kane” with your first name.
05 of 25
05
04 of 25
Public Enemy—“Fight the Power”
Chuck D’s virulent rhymes and the Bomb Squad’s blustering production make “Fight the Power” one helluva of a protest.
04 of 25
04
Perfect for: Protests
03 of 25
LL Cool J—“Mama Said Knock You Out”
Ah, the ring walk fave of every professional boxer in the 90s. Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” is indeed the soundtrack to a punching session. Besides, seeing LL’s pecs will make anyone hit the gym for their own long overdue workout session. The sepia music video of a hooded up LL and a microphone in the boxing ring is a thing of beauty.
03 of 25
03
Perfect for: Ring walk
02 of 25
M.O.P.—“Ante Up”
A couple weeks back, I was trying to motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning, so I set my alarm to “Ante Up.” The next morning, as soon as the song went off, I jumped out of bed and proceeded to collide with the wall. Redefined the meaning of “rude awakening.”
02 of 25
02
Perfect for: Waking up
01 of 25
OutKast—“B.O.B.”
If “B.O.B” doesn’t get you pumped up, you should press two fingers on your pulse point. The lead single off the classic Stankonia album is a sure enough gym-banger.
01 of 25
01
Perfect for: Hitting the trail
