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11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Cash Money, Def Jam, Epic, Interscope, Pexels, Pixabay, Warner Bros.]“11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money” features money-centric songs courtesy of 2 Chainz, Cardi B, Lil Pump, Nicki Minaj, and Nipsey Hussle.

“Ass / Cash, cash / Ass, bags / Bag / ‘Kash’ rules everything around me.” That’s what Iggy Azalea asserts on her 2018 banger, “Kream”, from her Survive the Summer (EP).  The aforementioned lyrics are a perfect example of the money-centric sentiment captured on this playlist, 11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money. 11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money arrives as an extension and/or follow-up of several previously published playlists – 11 Songs Fueled by Money and 9 Songs That Thrive Off Being ‘Rich’.  Also, worth noting, money has been tackled on other related playlists, including the drip/drop series (10 Urban Songs That Either Drip or Drop and The Drip is Real on These 11 Songs), as well as Ultra-Lux: 17 Rap Songs with Lyrics Referencing Patek.

Focusing on this fine rap playlist at hand, 11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money features money-centric songs courtesy of 2 Chainz (“2 Dollar Bill”), Cardi B (“Money” and “Money Bag”), Lil Pump (“Multi Millionaire” and “Racks on Racks”), Nicki Minaj (“Rich Sex”), and Nipsey Hussle (“Million While You Young”).


1-2. Lil Pump, “Multi Millionaire” & “Racks on Racks”

Harverd Dropout ‱ Warner Bros. ‱ 2019

Lil Pump, Harverd Dropout [Photo Credit: Warner Bros.]18-year old breakout rapper Lil Pump is assisted by Lil Uzi Vert  on the hard-flexing, “Multi Millionaire”, a highlight from Lil Pump’s sophomore album, Harverd Dropout.  The production shines with its wacky synths, and an aggressive, anchoring beat. After dropping a simple hook, on the first verse, Lil Pump raps about sex, drugs (cocaine, Mollies, Actavis), and money.  On the second, he hands over the keys to Lil Uzi Vert, who doesn’t exactly ‘broaden the horizons.’ “I fucked you lil bitch, took her right out in London” serves as a prime example of the subject matter gracing the record.  Shallow AF, “Multi Millionaire” is one of the better moments from Harverd Dropout, and definitely fits the criteria of this money-fueled playlist.

The thing is, Harverd Drop has another money-centric joint prior to “Multi Millionaire,” “Racks on Racks”. Once again, Lil Pump has intense production to fuel his fire.  This includes rhythmic ‘string-like’ synths, and, you guessed it, a hard, anchoring beat.  The inspiration is certainly there, even if the profundity isn’t – shocker. Regardless, he has a respectable flow, which makes “Racks on Racks” moderately interesting if nothing else.  Money is clichĂ© AF in rap and hip-hop, so, making it memorable or brand-new would require some truly elite skills. No, Pump doesn’t possess such skills, but hey, we thank him for providing two money songs for 11 More Songs Fueled by Money.


3. 2 Chainz, “2 Dollar Bill”

Ft. Lil Wayne & E-40

Rap or Go to the League ‱ Def Jam ‱ 2019

2 Chainz, Rap or Go to the League [Photo Credit: Def Jam]“Like a two-dollar bill (I’m rare, I’m rare).” “2 Dollar Bill” ranks among the gems of Rap or Go to the League, the fifth studio album by rapper 2 Chainz.  The record is characteristic and totally idiomatic of the southern rapper, who goes as dumb as ever (“Spit cold shit, need Mucinex”).  Beyond his “cold shit,” 2 Chainz brags about expensive material things, all requiring plenty of money to purchase – “Diamond chain ‘round my neck with the crucifix
 / Foreign my safe drive, I got a lot of torque”

2 Chainz is assisted by his southern bro, Lil Wayne, who asserts, “I’m rare, like a commercial with Future and Cher.” Interesting, Weezy isn’t focused too much on the money on his verse.  Also, there’s one more featured guest, West Coast standout E-40, who memorably raps, “My bite is stronger than my bark, this shit like dog park.” More than Wayne, E-40 incorporates his drip, with his wallet leading the charge

“Treat a Bugatti just like a fuckin’ go-kart

Now I’m a mothafuckin’ millionaire
Money longer than Diana Ross hair
”

The results of “2 Dollar Bill” are on-point, even if there’s nothing game changing from any of its participants. 


4. Rich the Kid, “Splashin”

The World is Yours 2 ‱ Interscope ‱ 2019

Rich the Kid, The World is Yours 2 [Photo Credit: Interscope]“Gucci, spent a hunnid on some new socks
 / Dolce and Gabbana on my flip-flops
 / Run up the bag, get the cash in (Racks)
 / Since I first got them hundreds, I’ve been flippin’ ‘em.” “Splashin” is a surefire bop from The World is Yours 2, the sophomore album by Rich the Kid.  While it’s a bop, it’s also shallow AF. Of course, money isn’t the most transcendent topic ever, sigh.

On “Splashin,” Rich the Kid focuses on two key things: his drip (see the aforementioned quote) and, unsurprisingly, bitches:

“Bitches wanna fuck, I got them lined up
How you with the gang but you ain’t signed up?
Pull out my dick tell her kiss that
She just want a n*gga with a big sack.”

Yeah, that’s definitely shallow, but give Frank Dukes and Lab Cook credit for the awesome backdrop. A shallow record at least deserves top-notch production, right? Right!


5. Future, “Crushed Up”

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD ‱ Epic ‱ 2019

Future, Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd [Photo Credit: Epic]“Plain Jane, Jackie Chan, Richard Mille / You gon’ be the one bust it down, I can see it.” “Crushed Up”, a highlight from Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD, doesn’t find Future switching up his style, yet, he remains ‘in the zone.’ Set in a minor key, “Crushed Up” is anchored by archetypical trap percussion and surrounded by lovely, ‘gangsta’ synths.  The chorus, which follows the aforementioned intro, keeps things basic AF: “Diamonds in the face crushed up, I can see it.”

“Crushed Up” is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Future, and he doesn’t divert from the script whatsoever.  His verses are filled with materialism (fueled by money) and drugs.  He’s so confident that at one point, he asserts, “I just put my whole damn arm in the fridge.” “Crushed Up” isn’t a game changing record, but certainly enjoyable.


6. Cardi B, “Money”

Money [Single] ‱ Atlantic ‱ 2018

Cardi B, Money [Photo Credit: Atlantic]“I was born to flex (yes) / Diamonds on my neck / I like boardin’ jets, I like mornin’ sex (woo) / But nothing in this word that I like more than checks (money).” Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B flexes hard on “Money”, a single released post-Invasion of Privacy, unattached to another project. Arguably, “Money” was okay/respectable, but the rapper offered nothing ‘brand-new.’  Perhaps that’s the reason the record made an appearance on The 17 Worst Songs of 2018 – ouch!

The production work on “Money” is hard-nosed, set in a minor key, definitely fueling her fire.  Speaking of fire, Cardi B continues to be tough in her own right, eschewing being the least bit ladylike.  “Look, my bitches all bad, my n*ggas all real / I ride on this dick in some big tall heels.” Da-yum. As always, Cardi is profane to the nth degree, not to mention chocked-full of confidence.  Her flow is compelling, while her rhymes are familiar, but as aforementioned, nothing ‘brand-new.’ She focuses on money, material, and sex, all rap clichĂ©s.  The reason why the song appeared on The 17 Worst of 2018? It’s mostly because of the sentiment of ‘been there, done that’ honestly.


7. Cardi B, “Money Bag”

Invasion of Privacy ‱ Atlantic ‱ 2018 

Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy © Atlantic“I do the Maybach on Monday, Ferrari Friday / This is sweet pussy Saturday, that’ just what Plies say / I said ‘Bae, it’s a snack,’ he said it’s a entrĂ©e / With them pretty ass twins, you look like BeyoncĂ© / Lookin’ like money bag, moneybag, money bag, uh.”  Cardi B doesn’t just make one appearance on this money-centric playlist, but two. Prior to “Money”, “Money Bag,” a highlight from Invasion of Privacy, appeared on the original, money-themed playlist, 11 Songs Fueled by Money.

In the context of Invasion of Privacy, the debut album by breakout rapper Cardi B, three consecutive bangers follow the “Ring”.  The first is “Money Bag,” which could be nicknamed “Bodak Yellow 2.0.” They aren’t the same song to be fair, but the approach and cadences are similar.  Nonetheless, Cardi B is at her best when she’s hard-nosed.  Also, she’s rapping about money.

“I been broke my whole life, I have no clue what to do with these racks
Wig be laid, waist snatched, ass fat, straight facts.”

8. Nipsey Hussle, “Million While You Young”

Ft. The-Dream

Victory Lap ‱ Atlantic ‱ 2018

Nipsey Hussle, Victory Lap [Photo Credit: Atlantic]

“I would rather shoot before I run / Pressure on my shoulder weigh a ton / You should try to do what we done / Make a million dollars while you young.” March 31, 2019 was a very sad day for both the hip-hop and Los Angeles community. 33-year old Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed in front of his own store. In addition to his rapping prowess, Nipsey Hussle was praised for his entrepreneurial skills and his work for the Los Angeles community. His life was celebrated at a memorial service on April 11, 2019, where he was “sent off like a king,” according to The New York Times.  What better way to remember a man gone far too soon than to highlight his music on this playlist? “Million While You Young” easily fits the money-fueled criteria of this playlist.

Sadly, Nipsey Hussle had one of the overlooked rap debut albums in 2018, despite debuting at no. 4 on the Billboard 200. It wouldn’t be until his death that Victory Lap would earn more buzz, reaching a new peak position (no. 2). Despite the fact that Victory Lap didn’t end up getting the buzz it deserved initially, the West Coast rapper secured a gem with “Million While You Young.” There are a number of reasons why “Million While You Young” shines.  (1) A confident rapper with a sick flow, spitting about his come-up, and (2) soulful, lush, easy-going production work.  Getting an assist from The-Dream doesn’t hurt the song’s cause either. Flex on bro, flex on. “Million While You Young” originally appeared on the playlist, Celebrate Youth with These 13 Young Songs.


9. Nicki Minaj, “Rich Sex”

Ft. Lil Wayne

Queen ‱ Cash Money ‱ 2018

Nicki Minaj, Queen [Photo Credit: Cash Money]

Nicki Minaj, Queen

“If you know your pussy worth a Benz truck / Don’t let homie fuck unless his bands up.”  If you gathered that “Rich Sex” (Queen) isn’t a ‘family-friendly’ song from Nicki Minaj, you’d be totally correct.  Looking ‘deeper’ into the content, clearly, depth is not the modus operandi. Nicki Minaj not only thinks a lot of herself (“I ain’t stupid, this $250 on my arm”), but so do these men.  Even so, early into her verse, she makes it clear, “I like money more than dick, n*gga, that’s a fact.” Following her chorus (excerpted at the beginning), she drops a repetitive hook: “If you let that broke n*gga, fuck, we tellin’.”

Lil Wayne gets into the act on the second verse, as sexed-up as ever.  He kicks the verse off chocked-full of class:

“Lil mama said she only fuckin’ on a rich dick
I cum in her face and tell her,‘Now you lookin’ rich, bitch.”

That’s absolutely disgusting. Beyond opening with a ‘bang,’ he continues in similar, sexed-up fashion.  Give him credit for staying true to self. Beyond the unapologetic lyrics and themes, the production bangs with a trap beat and a minimal piano loop.  “Rich Sex” appears on the playlists 9 Songs That Thrive Off Being ‘Rich’ and  11 Songs Where It Gets Steamy II.


10. Future & Young Thug, “Drip on Me”

Super Slimey ‱ Epic / Atlantic ‱ 2017

Future & Young Thug, Super Slimey © Epic / Atlantic“All this drop on me (Pluto) / Gotta keep an extra clip on me (I swear, yeah, yeah) / Keep it on me like ID (Future) / Ain’t no swag for free (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Freebandz).” On “Drip on Me,” which appears on the Future, Young Thug joint mixtape, Super Slimey, both rappers brag about money and material things (shocker), while also incorporating hustling and trapping.

In the process, the two idiosyncratic Atlanta rappers reference Pluto (Future), Foreign rides (Bentley, Rolls-Royce Wraith), ultra-lux watches (the ubiquitous Patek Phillipe) ballers (LeBron James), and iconic video games (Sonic the Hedgehog). Originally appearing on 10 Urban Songs That Either Drip or Drop as well as the spin-off, The Drip is Real on These 11 Songs, “Drip on Me” is a perfect addition to 11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money thanks to its focal point – money.

“Yeah, water me down like Pacific, my watch and my chain, my rings
Yeah, all the drip on me, I had to go change my name
I came from Lil Mexico, this shit ain’t gon’ ever be the same (Free bandz)
I fuck her on the everyday, but she ain’t gon’ ever get claimed.”

11. Kendrick Lamar, “Money Trees”

Ft. Jay Rock

Good Kid m.A.A.d City ‱ Interscope ‱ 2012

Kendrick Lamar, good Kid m.A.A.d City © Interscope“It go Halle Berry or hallelujah / Pick your poison, tell me what you doin’ / Everybody gon’ respect the shooter / But the one in front of the gun lives forever
 / Money trees is the perfect place for shade / And that’s just how I feel, nah, nah / A dollar might just fuck your main bitch.” “Money Trees,” produced by DJ Dahi, contains a sample of “Silver Soul” as performed by indie-pop/alt band Beach House.  The hip-hop production combined with the sunny Beach House sample works superbly. This Kendrick Lamar cut from his 2012 album, Good Kid m.A.A.d City possesses a laid-back, west coast vibe, most evident on the aforementioned hook.

Jay Rock appears on the third verse, yielding the killer lyric “Dreams of me getting shaded under a money tree
”  Kendrick Lamar has his own stellar moments naturally, such as “I fucked Sherane then went to tell my bros / Then Usher Raymond ‘Let it Burn’ came on
”) “Money Trees” appeared on the original, money-themed playlist, 11 Songs Fueled by Money.


11 Rap Songs Fueled by Money [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Cash Money, Def Jam, Epic, Interscope, Pexels, Pixabay, Warner Bros.]

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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