12 Inspirational songs with the best Hip Hop Lyrics

The stereotype about hip hop is that the best hip hop lyrics are about money, drugs, and/or women.  There are lots of top hip hop songs that have inspirational lyrics and inspirational verses, though!

Below are 12 inspirational songs with the best hip hop lyrics.  I say the best hip hop lyrics for a reason, you may be pleasantly surprised at the poignancy and motivational appeal of the words.

Note: We know hip hop and rap are two different genres, but we’re grouping them together for this post.

12 Inspirational songs with the best hip hop lyrics

1. Sky is the Limit by Notorious BIG [Listen]

Sky is the limit and you know that you keep on,
Just keep on pressin on.
Sky is the limit and you know that you can have
what you want, be what you want.

2. Beautiful by Eminem [Listen]

Don’t let them say you ain’t beautiful
They can all get f—–, just stay true to you

3. Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac [Listen]

But please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don’t forget, girl keep your head up

4. Amazing by Kanye West [Listen]

I’m a monster, I’m a maven,
I know this world is changin’.
Never gave in, never gave up,
I’m the only thing I’m afraid of.

5. Superstar by Lupe Fiasco [Listen]

If you are what you say you are
A superstar
Then have no fear
The camera’s is here
and the microphones and they wanna know
Oh oh oh oh yeah
If you are what you say you are
Then have no fear

6. U Don’t Know by Jay Z [Listen, explicit]

Put me anywhere on God’s green earth, I’ll triple my worth.
Motherf—–. I, will, not, lose.

7. Live Your Life by T.I. [Listen]

Nevermind what haters say,
ignore them ’til they fade away.

8. Be by Common [Listen]

Never looking back or too far in front of me.
The present is a gift, and I just wanna BE.

9. Child of the Night by Ludacris [Listen]

Life is short if you don’t notice it’ll pass you by,
That’s why my head is in the clouds trying to pass the sky.

10. Everything is Everything by Lauryn Hill [Listen]

Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually

11. I Can by Nas [Listen]

If the truth is told, the youth can grow
Then learn to survive until they gain control
Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes
Read more learn more, change the globe

12. B.O.B. by Outkast [Listen]

Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals
Make a fat diamond out of dusty coals