Reading Time: 20 min read

15 Captivating Whip Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]15 Captivating Whip Songs features songs by Arca, Architects, Clipse, Devo, Silentó, and WILLOW. 

 

“Now watch me whip (Kill it!) / Now watch me nae nae (Okay!) / Now watch me whip, whip / Watch me nae nae (Watch me do it).”
One-hit wonder Silentó recorded one of the most famous WHIP songs ever… he would later become disgraced 😳… Long before that viral rap banger, Devo delivered their own surefire bop. Five works folks: “WHIP IT, WHIP IT GOOD!” WOO! And how about a young WILLOW who was pushing 10 years old when she informed the world, proudly, “I whip my hair back and forth / I whip my hair back and forth (Just whip it).”  The common thread between Silentó, Devo, and WILLOW is W-H-I-P, WHIP! 15 Captivating Whip Songs highlights gems that use the word, in some form or fashion, in their respective titles.  That means whip, whips, whiplash, whipped, and whipped cream are all acceptable! 15 Captivating Whip Songs features songs by Arca, Architects, Clipse, Devo, Silentó, and WILLOW.  So, without further ado, let’s jump into these ear-catching, high-flying whip songs!


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1. Arca, “Whip” 2. Clipse, “Chains & Whips” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams) 3. aespa, “Whiplash (English Version)”
4. Architects, “Whiplash” 5. BigXthaPlug, “Whip It” 6. Ari Lennox, “Whipped Cream”
7. Crankdat & SOFI, “Whiplash” 8. Yung Gravy & bbno$, “Whip A Tesla” 9. Silentó, “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)”
10. Meridian Dan, “German Whip” (Ft. Big H & Jme) 11. WILLOW, “Whip My Hair” 12. Devo, “Whip It”
13. Babyface, “Whip Appeal” 14. Pansy Division, “He Whipped My Ass in Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass in Bed)” 15. Dazz Band, “Let It Whip”

 


1. Arca, “Whip”

Arca » Arca / XL Recordings Ltd » 2017

Arca, Arca [📷: Arca / XL Recordings Ltd]The song has no words.  So what?! Instrumental music can speak volumes sans lyrics.  In some cases, it may be more challenging to digest, but the reward is well worth it. “Whip” is a dynamic, ear-catching listening experience the first time you hear it.  It has a brief runtime of only 1:20, but it ‘brings the heat’ and ‘delivers the good,’ NO CAP! Barcelona-based, Venezuelan musician and producer Arca (Alejandra Ghersi Rodríguez, she/her/it/its/they/them) serves up fitting, boisterous, and rhythmic whipping sound effects. The soundtrack is set thanks to the vivid imagery established by the instrumental. The power of programming and synths should never be underestimated, as they are hypnotic, intriguing, mesmerizing, and utterly sublime. In short, “Whip” showcases Arca’s creativity, innovative spirit, and high-flying musicianship.  And for 15 Captivating Whip Songs, it is the perfect tone-setter, PERIOD!

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2. Clipse, “Chains & Whips” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams)

Let God Sort Em Out » Clipse / Roc Nation Distribution » 2025

Clipse, Let God Sort Em Out [📷: Clipse / Roc Nation Distribution]

“Uncle said, ‘Nigga, you must be sick / All you talk about is just gettin’ rich’ / Choke my neck, nigga, and ice my bitch / Beat the system with chains and whips.”
Oh, shit! Clipse Pusha T (b. 1977) and Malice (b. 1972) – made a big-time comeback in 2025 with Let God Sort Em Out, their first album in 16 years.  One of the brightest spots on the LP is the second track, the banger “Chains & Whips”. Assisting Pusha T and Malice on the track is award-winning rapper extraordinaire, Kendrick Lamar (b. 1987), and the highly decorated rapper, singer, and producer Pharrell Williams (b. 1973).  Pusha T, Malice, Lamar, and Williams penned “Chains & Whips.” Williams also produced it. 

The sound palette stands out on “Chains & Whips.” This isn’t surprising given that Pharrell Williams is behind the board.  There is a ripe, guitar-like synth, organ, and a strong syncopated beat.  The badass chorus, performed by Pusha T and excerpted earlier, is a huge selling point.  It sets the tone for this Grammy-nominated song. All participants bring the heat on this track, delivering compelling cadences and flows. Pusha T performs the first verse, rapping plenty of biting, bold, and unapologetic bars. “You know I know where you’re delicate / Crush you to pieces, I’ll hum a breath of it,” he spits, and adds, “I will close your heaven for the hell of it.” Oh, hell! Malice performs the second verse, referencing the Bible (“John 10:10, that’s my usual”), funerals, and The Revenant (“You ain’t thrive in the snow like it’s The Revenant”). Pharrell Williams performs the post-chorus, which precedes the third verse: “…And it ain’t the Lord’s voice, and then you realize / That the devil is talkin’ to you.” Kendrick Lamar performs the third and final verse, where unsurprisingly, he’s on autopilot. “I’m not the candidate to vibe with / I don’t fuck with the kumbaya shit,” he raps, and adds, “All that talent must be godsent / I send yo’ ass back to the cosmics.”  And that’s only the beginning of an epic verse! Williams performs the outro, a reprisal of the post-chorus, which caps off a track that kicks serious ass. Clipse put their foot into “Chains & Whips”, NO CAP! One of the best songs of the year without question!

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3. aespa, “Whiplash (English Version)”

“Whiplash (English Version)” » SM Entertainment » 2025

aespa, Whiplash (English Version) [📷: SM Entertainment]

“One look, give ‘em whiplash / Beat drop with a big flash / Coming hot, better think fast / This look is a must-have, uh.”
To quote Kelis, aww shit! But, this isn’t about Kelis. Karina, from the South Korean girl group aespa (Karina, Winter, Ningning, and Giselle), performed those intriguing lines. Aespa dropped a surefire K-pop banger with “Whiplash”. It appeared on their 2024 EP, Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album. In 2025, the group released a version of the song performed exclusively in English. It was written by Marcus “MarcLo” Lomax, Neil Ormandy, Rosina “Soaky Siren” Russell, Lewis Jankel, and Leslie.  Ormandy and Shift K3Y produced it. 

“Whiplash” features sleek, vibrant production work. The colorful synths, fierce bass synths, and a banging, danceable beat are striking.  Adding to the striking nature is a minor key, giving it a darker sound. Beyond a scintillating backdrop, give aespa ample credit for their playful, well-rounded vocal performance.  The girls sound confident, energetic, and youthful.  They masterfully perform the rhythmic, tuneful melodies and fun, memorable lyrics. “Fancy / This is opulence, it’s glowing, and it’s flashy (Yeah),” Ningning sings in the verse, and continues, “Never one to do too much, I keep it classy.” Word.  She adds in the pre-chorus, “If you want it on-site, push the button just right / Yeah, you see it one time, unforgettable. D-d-damn! The chorus and hook line, excerpted earlier, are the section/lyrics to beat. Giselle adds, “Don’t stop, better press gas (Yeah) / Going Hammer, can’t touch that.” Woo! The bridge distinguishes itself from the rest of the song and ends with quite a peak.  Notably, there are also other variations of this gem, including a Steve Aoki remix and a sped-up version.  In short, “Whiplash (English Version)” is a big-time B-O-P from aespa.

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4. Architects, “Whiplash”

The Sky, The Earth & All Between » Epitaph » 2025 

Architects, The Sky, The Earth & All Between [📷: Epitaph]

“They say move, move / Fuck you if you disapprove / Doomed youth / You’re fucking lying if you tell the truth.”
Somehow, holy fuck feels appropriate after listening to those pre-chorus lyrics. English metalcore band Architects (Dan Searle, Alex Dean, Sam Carter, and Adam Christianson) whipped up a kickass, gives-no-fucks banger with “Whiplash”. “Whiplash” is the third single and 11th track from their 11th studio album, The Sky, The Earth & All Between, released in 2025. It was written by Dan Searle, Sam Carter, and producer Jordan Fish.

Fittingly, “Whiplash” commences hellishly and maliciously.  Those hellish sounds are composed of pummeling drums and distorted, jagged guitars. The boisterous, unclean vocals by Sam Carter dominate early on (“Can we ready ourselves for the outrage? / Have they got you in an iron lung?”). As exemplified by the pre-chorus, there are plenty of unapologetic lyrics, including f-bombs. Notably, the chorus, which also includes timely f-bombs, is sung cleanly and quite melodically:

“Is the world done fucking around?

We bow to the crown, dripping in blood, lit under halos

Welcome here in the crowd, we’re safe, and we’re sound

But who gives a fuck unless you’re one of us.”

Ooh-wee! The second verse is also unclean, with a more electronic-driven rock sound, contrasting with verse one. F-bombs remain potent in the second verse: “Christ preaching to the fucking scum.” Later, the bridge distinguishes itself from the rest of the song.  It is melodic and beautiful, in a dark sort of way: “To the holy rats and all the prophets they attract / Will you ever ask, ‘Was I built for the whiplash?” There is a spirited, screamed breakdown section that adds a motherfucker to the mix. The outro is unlike anything else. It is a clear, unexpected change of pace. “Whiplash”, in the hands of Architects, slaps something fierce!

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5. BigXthaPlug, “Whip It”

AMAR » BigXthaPlug / UnitedMasters LLC » 2023

BigXthaPlug, AMAR (Deluxe) [📷: BigXthaPlug / UnitedMastersLLC]

“Bitches know that I’m P and I’m thuggin’, I’m still in the streets / If he run up, I alt and delete, clean the Glock, and repeat.”
Oh, shit! Texas rapper BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum) comes out swinging on “Whip It”. “Whip It” is the 14th track from his 2023 album, AMAR.  It was written by Landum, Tony Anderson, Krishon Gaines, Reginald J. Andrew, and Leon “Ndugu” Chancellor. Bandplay and Tony Coles produced it.  Notably, it samples the Grammy-winning funk classic, “Let It Whip” by Dazz Band, who, fittingly, appear later on 15 Captivating Whip Songs. 

BigXthaPlug keeps things brief on “Whip It” –  two minutes and change. Even so, it’s L-I-T: an infectious, surefire banger. The famous lyrics from “Let It Whip” (the first verse) are prominent in the song’s intro. These lyrics reappear as the chorus.

“We wanna see you with it

Sho’ could treat you right

Give me just a minute

Of your time tonight

We both are here to have good fun

So let it whip.”

Beyond the lyrics, other key musical elements from “Let It Whip” are prominent throughout “Whip It.” Beyond the accompaniment, BigXthaPlug does the damn thing.  He delivers a compelling cadence and flow.  I love his agility, confidence, and unapologetic approach.  Following those eyebrow-raising opening lyrics from verse one, BigX continues to cook. “Ayy, let it whip in the pot in my spot / All that powder would lock,” he raps in the second verse, and continues, “Once the fiends had a taste, it was hot / Thinkin’ I’m cappin’, I’m not.” What more is there to say but NO CAP! “Whip It” is a helluva lot of fun!

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6. Ari Lennox, “Whipped Cream”

Shea Butter Baby » Dreamville / Interscope Records » 2019

Ari Lennox, Shea Butter Baby [📷: Dreamville / Interscope]

“I’ve been eatin’ whipped cream, havin’ vivid dreams / Of your face and through people on TV screens / You’ve been everywhere.”
Clearly, he has been Ari Lennox’s (Courtney Salter) mind, and she can’t shake him. The Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter continues singing in the chorus of her gold-certified single, “Whipped Cream”, “And I wish I didn’t care / Oh, you’ve been everywhere / I wish, wish I didn’t care…” “Whipped Cream” is the promo single and 11th track from her 2019 gold-certified debut album, Shea Butter Baby. It was written by Lennox, Ronald Gilmore, Anthony Parrino, Larry Blackmon, and Theo Coker. Elite produced it.

Although nearly five minutes long, “Whipped Cream” engages from start to finish. It features lush, smooth musical accompaniment, composed of keys, bass, and a strong, thudding beat.  As enticing as the music is, Ari Lennox catches the ears even more.  She sings expressively, in a nuanced, sexy, and soulful manner.  The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème, but “Whipped Cream” is engaging, memorable, and tuneful throughout.  In the verses, Lennox continues to inform us about how taken she is with this former flame.  “I’ve been cryin’ at night, holdin’ bullet tight / Hopin’ I meet someone different, but it’s true that I don’t,” she sings at the end of the first verse.  She tries to distract herself with shopping, causing her to be late on rent, and plans to go to the gym to command the attention of other men (“I’m gon’ go to the gym, squat real low for a man”). But, ultimately, to quote Johnny “Guitar Watson, “It’s All About You”… rather, all about him.  Not only does Ari acknowledge unrequited love, on the bridge, but she calls him a “deceivin’, receivin’, non-givin’ headass.” Those are some choice words right there! “Whipped Cream” may not be too sweet for Ari Lennox, given this relationship/situationship, but it’s sweet, sweet music to the listener’s ears.

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7. Crankdat & SOFI, “Whiplash”

“Whiplash” » CRANKDAT MUSIC » 2025

Crankdat & SOFI, Whiplash [📷: CRANKDAT MUSIC]

“Turn it up / Walk right in, make your head turn fast / Snap your neck, I’m gonna give you whiplash.”
Woo! American DJ and electronic music producer Crankdat (Christian Smith) and German and Greek singer-rapper SOFI (Sofia Toufa) make a formidable duo on the single, “Whiplash”. Smith and Toufa wrote “Whiplash.” Smith also produced it. “Whiplash” is set in a minor key and features dark, malicious-sounding production.  The accompaniment is busy, driving, ornate, and rhythmic. I love the boisterous synths and the pummeling, hyper rhythmic beat. The way that the beat builds is awesome – a chef’s kiss! Beyond the backdrop (sickening drop included), SOFI kills it, performing aggressive, assertive rapped vocals. Her confidence is through the roof: “I’m gonna talk my shit, still that bitch / I’m gonna match light and a flame to a wig.” D-d-damn, SOFI! Some epic build-ups and drops offer even more intensity and instrumental variation. Adding to the ear-catching moments, there is an awesome crescendo courtesy of the synth near the end. This is a fitting way to conclude “Whiplash,” a banger that kicks ass and takes names.

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8. Yung Gravy & bbno$, “Whip A Tesla” 

Sensational » Republic Records » 2019

Yung Gravy, Sensational [📷: Republic]

“Told your bitch, ‘Nope,’ like I’m fuckin’ Chuck Testa / Daughter gon’ finesse so I’m namin’ her Vanessa.”
O…K… Chuck Testa? NOPE? Vanessa? Simply put, when Yung Gravy (Matthew Hauri) and bbno$ (Alexander Gumuchian) collaborate, WATCH OUT 👀!  These charming, entertaining, and outlandish goofball rappers should be taken with a grain of salt. Their partnership is often unhinged, and that’s what we love about them.  They join forces on “Whip A Tesla”, the sixth track from Gravy’s 2019 album, Sensational.  The song was written by the dynamic duo and produced by J Gramm and downtime.

From a musical perspective, “Whip A Tesla” is a vibe.  There are unique synths, including a flute-like synth and a banging, trap beat.  This is fuel for both Yung Gravy and bbno$’s fire 🔥.  Both offer confident (understatement) and easy-going rhymes.  The synergy is superb; I love how the rappers trade bars effortlessly. Even if they never break a sweat, both keep it 100, no cap! Bbno$ and Yung Gravy split the chorus, with bbno$ drawing first blood and Gravy performing the second half, which was excerpted earlier.

bbno$:

“Whip a Tesla, spinners lookin’ kinda extra (Extra)

Find me bumpin’ up my fees, I’m sorry that I’m clever

Wear a cap and gown like how the hell this make me better?

Dodge my ex’s texts (Thot), now she sendin’ letters.” 

Yung Gravy:  

“Hey, Alexa, hey, Alexa

How many bitches can we fit in the Tesla?

Told your bitch, “Nope,” like I’m fuckin’ Chuck Testa

Daughter gon’ finesse so I’m namin’ her Vanessa.”

Bbno$ raps the first verse. The focus: money! Yung Gravy follows, performing the second verse, also focused on money, and – wait for it – bitches! After another collaborative chorus, Gravy performs the third verse: “Articuno on my neck, Pikachu on my Patek / Gravy gotta catch ‘em all every time I get a check.” Word.  As for bbno$, he takes the reins, once more, with the fourth verse: “Ditch school, drop cheddar, get coupe, change weather.” It’s worth noting, bbno$ is a college graduate…  Gravy concludes with the fifth and final verse, where he boasts, “2018 world record for the dick game.” It’s giving a heaping dose of big dick energy! One final chorus concludes the short but sweet “Whip A Tesla”, where Yung Gravy and bbno$ go hard… in their own respective ways!

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9. Silentó, “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)”

Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)” » Capitol » 2015

Silentó, Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae) [📷: Capitol]

“Now watch me whip (Kill it!) / Now watch me nae nae (Okay!) / Now watch me whip, whip / Watch me nae nae (Watch me do it).”
An inescapable, ubiquitous juggernaut.  That is what the 2015 rap song, “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)” was. “Watch Me,” a surefire earworm from rapper Silentó, was everywhere. It marks the sole song that he charted on the pop charts. A rousing success, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multiplatinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.  Silentó co-wrote “Watch Me” with producer Bolo Da Producer

So, what made “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)” the sugar, honey, iced tea? Bolo Da Producer puts in work behind the boards, giving this viral rap cut a striking backdrop. Set in a major key, contrasting many darker rap cuts, the brighter sounds make it sound inviting. Of course, Silentó brings personality and youthful swagger as he melodically raps.  The chorus, excerpted above, is the centerpiece – the crème de la crème, PERIOD. Still, Silentó brings the dance moves to the lyrics, in addition to the distinct dance that corresponds with the song. “Do the stanky leg (Stank) do the stanky leg,” he implores in the first verse, adding, “Now break your legs (Break ‘em) break your legs (Break the knob).” Woo! In the second verse, he spits, “Now watch me you (Soulja!), now watch me Superman (Okay).” In the pre-chorus, he bops… numerous times! “Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)” is an utterly infectious, enduring, one-hit wonder to this day.  The fun and innocence of the single is a big part of the charm. Unfortunately, beyond being a one-hit wonder, adding insult to injury for Silentó, he is a convicted felon. The offense? Murder… of his cousin… yikes! 

 

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10. Meridian Dan, “German Whip” (Ft. Big H & Jme)

“German Whip” » PMR Records / Virgin EMI » 2014

Meridian Dan, German Whip [📷: PMR Records / Virgin EMI]

“If you see man driving a German whip / Blacked out window, leaning back / See man driving a German whip / Look like a baller, Ps and that / I don’t kick ball, do I look like a baller?”
Woo! North London rapper Meridian Dan (Daniel Lawrence London) taps Big H (Adrian Harris) and Jme (Jamie Adenuga) for a surefire rap banger: “German Whip”. Woo! “German Whip” was written by Meridian Dan, Big H, Jme, and Kofi Kouassi. G. Tank produced it.

“German Whip” is set in a minor key. It features colorful, sleek production. It begins with the infectious chorus by Meridian Dan, excerpted earlier. Dan’s North London accent is hella charming.  He delivers an electrifying cadence and flow.  In the first verse, Dan eats and leaves no crumbs. One of his best lines: “Who told you that I got rusty? / Draw for the WD-40.” One of the cool features of this track is a beat change near the end of the verse, which continues with verses from Big H and Jme. Big H performs the second verse, keeping the same energy as Meridian Dan: “When manaman’s hungry, manaman eat / Manaman’s tired, manaman sleep / Manaman talking, manaman speak / They link girls that manaman beat.” Woo! Jme performs the third and final verse, dropping mean rhymes like his contemporaries. “Guys better show respect / If they see man pulling up in a TT (trust!),” he raps, and continues, “Guys, better show respect / If they see man filling up in BP (trust!).” Meridian Dan concludes the banger with the agile, unforgettable chorus.  All told, Meridian Dan, Big H, and Jme kick ass and take names on “German Whip”.  This one remains fun more than a decade after its arrival.

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11. WILLOW, “Whip My Hair”

“Whip My Hair” » Roc Nation, LLC » 2010

WILLOW, Whip My Hair [📷: Roc Nation, LLC]

“I whip my hair back and forth / I whip my hair back and forth (Just whip it).”
Ooh-wee! WILLOW (Willow Smith), the daughter of Academy and Grammy award-winner Will Smith and actress-musician Jada Pinkett Smith, has charted only three songs on the pop chart. Two of those three songs were attributed to her as the lead artist. Only one reached the top 40: “Whip My Hair”. “Whip My Hair” just missed the top 10, actually, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. If we judge only by her chart success, Smith is considered a one-hit wonder.  But, beyond the multiplatinum status of “Whip,” even though other singles failed to chart, she has earned some platinum plaques courtesy of the Recording Industry Association of America. What’s unbelievable is how old Smith was when the hit single was released – five days shy of her 10th birthday. “Whip My Hair” was written by WILLOW, Ronald M. Jackson, Janae Rockwell, and producers OmArr and Jukebox.

Although WILLOW was only nine when she recorded and released “Whip My Hair,” she brought plenty of attitude. Does the song give that bubblegum pop experience like many children, pre-teen, and teen musicians? Yes, of course it does.  The chorus, excerpted above, is silly and simple. Even so, it’s also infectious, making “Whip” a surefire earworm.  Beyond the chorus, the verses are fun.  Confident, a young WILLOW informs us that she “Hop up out the bed, turn my swag on / Pay no attention to them haters because we whip ‘em off.” Honestly, that’s good advice for folks much older.  Similarly, in the second verse, she’s feeling herself too: “Soon as I hit the stage, applause, I’m hearing it.” She adds, “But can’t none of them whip it like I do.” Word! In the pre-chorus, unfazed by the haters, she “Don’t let haters get me off my grind,” and intends to “Keep fighting until I get there.” Empowering! Beyond her strong vocal performance, the background slaps: the synths, the beat, and a minor key.   WILLOW has since released some great music post-“Whip My Hair” (looking at you “b i g f e e l i n g s”), but this one-hit wonder remains her ace-in-the-hole.

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12. Devo, “Whip It”

Freedom of Choice » Warner Records Inc. » 1980

Devo, Freedom of Choice [📷: Warner Records Inc.]

“Crack that whip, give the past a slip / Step on a crack, break your momma’s back.”
Those are alluring, striking lyrics, Gerald Casale (b. 1948) and Mark Mothersbaugh (b. 1950). Casale and Mothersbaugh are members of the Grammy-nominated, New Wave band, Devo.  Devo also featured their brothers, Bob Casale (1952 – 2014), Bob Mothersbaugh (b. 1952), and Alan Myers (1954 – 2013). The one song that Devo is renowned for is “Whip It”.  C’mon and say it with me: “WHIP IT, WHIP IT GOOD!” “Whip It” is the third track from the New Wave band’s 1980 album, Freedom of Choice. “Whip It” is one of three songs that the band charted on the pop charts.  It is the only song that reached the top 40, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. One-hit wonder! Although Devo earned two career Grammy nominations, neither was for their ace in the hole.  ‘Tis a shame!

“Whip It” is a fun cut from the jump.  Early on, the power of the keyword, whip, is felt.  The things that Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale inform us must be whipped include “problems,” “cream,” and “When something’s going wrong.” That feels redundant, Devo! What other things must be whipped? “When a good time turns around.” Yes, Lord! The chorus is the crème de la crème, filled with whip! “Now whip it into shape, shape it up, get straight / Go forward, move ahead, try to detect it, it’s not too late,” Gerald and Mark sing, concluding “… it’s not too late / To whip it, whip it good.” Beyond the infectious lyrics and the personality-filled, playful shared vocals, the musical accompaniment and melodies are on point.  Both are memorable and tuneful – the riffs are everything! The drum groove makes you want to dance, even if you have no iota of rhythm.  Truly, Alan Myers whips on those drums, which hit you right in the chest!  That groove grooves hard!  The guitars have some punch, the bass provides an anchor on the low end, while the keyboards add some spice. The minimalist, repeated musical lines are genius. “Whip It” is nothing short of a ball of fun. Pushing five decades later, this quintessential ‘80s joint never grows stale.  Sigh, they don’t make ‘em like “Whip It” anymore, do they?

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13. Babyface, “Whip Appeal”

Tender Lover » Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. » 1989

Babyface, Tender Lover [📷: Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.]

“And no one does it like me / And no one but you / Has that kind of whip appeal on me.”
Ooh-wee! Babyface (Kenneth Brian Edmonds, b. 1959) has had a highly successful music career – an understatement.  “Whip Appeal” is the 14th and final track on the Grammy-winning musician’s 1989 triple platinum sophomore album, Tender Lover. Babyface penned the song alongside singer/songwriter Pebbles (Perri Reid).  He produced the track alongside L.A. Reid. Receiving numerous accolades, “Whip Appeal” was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male at the 33rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. On the charts, it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 – one of six top 10 hits.

“Whatever you want (Ever you want)

It’s alright with me (It’s all right with)

‘Cause you’ve got that whip appeal (You’ve got that whip appeal).”

Babyface sings beautifully on “Whip Appeal.” His voice sits atop the rhythmic music backdrop superbly.  That backdrop features colorful keys, a robust bass line, strings, and a sickening groove. It embodies the late 1980s / early 1990s R&B sound. Edmonds brings out the tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics marvelously.  He kills it in the ad-lib department, supported by smooth, soulful background vocals. Matters of the heart, specifically the way he and his lover communicate, drive the narrative. “So, how are we supposed to know / Know when something is wrong,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Well, we’ve got a way to communicate / It keeps a happy home.” Truth! In the second verse, he follows up, singing, “‘Cause we got a way of talking / And it’s better than words / It’s the strangest kind of relationship / Oh, but with us, it always works.” Noted.  When it comes to “Whip Appeal”, no deep analysis is necessary – the excellence of this five-and-a-half-minute gem speaks for itself!

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14. Pansy Division, “He Whipped My Ass in Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass in Bed)”

The Essential Pansy Division » DistroKid » 2006

Pansy Division, The Essential Pansy Division [📷: DistroKid]

“I was really not the sort / To do well on the tennis court.”
Me either, Jon Ginoli (b. 1959), but like you, I enjoy watching those men serve 😂 😈, particularly Novak Djokovic!  “I couldn’t wait to feast my eyes / On his meaty, hairy thighs.” Yummy! Delish! Pansy Division keeps things queer as fuck – emphasis on the fuck part. Honestly, would we have it any other way? Pansy Division exemplifies NSFW punk and queercore to the nth degree. What better way to shock than to release a song, colorfully titled, “He Whipped My Ass in Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass in Bed)” 😶 😶 😶. See where the fuckery comes into play, now? “He Whipped My Ass in Tenns” appears as the 30th track on the band’s greatest hits compilation, The Essential Pansy Division. It follows the NSFW Christmas song, “Homo Christmas”. Can you say ho, ho, ho?! 🤭

Surprise, surprise, the lengthy title serves as the titular lyric comprising the recurring refrain of the song. “He whipped my ass in tennis,” Jon Ginoli sings, and continues, “Then I fucked his ass in bed.” Jon leaves little to the imagination.  He sucks at tennis (“I couldn’t get into a groove”), but excels at topping this fine, athletic tennis player (“But he said he liked the way I move”)!  Beyond the refrain, there is a chorus, an extension of the fuckery taking place in the refrain. Some of the happenings: “Then we licked and sucked / And sucked and licked / And licked and sucked a lot of dick.” To quote Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, “nothing’s shocking”.  Worth noting, by the sixth verse, there is a role reversal that also affects the rest of the song.  Jon beats him in tennis, and his nameless partner “fucked my ass in bed.” In the final chorus, they switch, concluding, “We whipped some ass in tennis / Then we fucked some ass in bed.” The bold, highly sexual, and unapologetic “He Whipped My Ass in Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass in Bed)” is best taken with a grain of salt.  It’s fun, NSFW, and quite GAY! Beyond Jon’s explicit novel lyrics and exuberant vocal performance, the musical accompaniment is bright, playful, and striking.  The @$$ is potent 🤭!

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15. Dazz Band, Let It Whip

Keep It Live » Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1982

Dazz Band, Keep It Live [📷: Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc.]

“We both are here to have good fun / So, let it whip.”
“Let It Whip” appears as the opener on the 1982 gold-certified album, Keep It Live, by Dazz Band.  The record was penned Leon “Ndugu” Chancler and Reggie Andrews, with Andrews also producing it. The biggest success by the Cleveland, Ohio, collective was the single, which reached an impressive number five on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed even better on the R&B charts, peaking at number one for five weeks. Adding to the accolades, “Let It Whip” won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal at the 25th Annual GRAMMY Awards, becoming the first group out of Cleveland to win this award!

So, what makes “Let It Whip” the premiere bop that it is? The groove plays a sizable role. Besides the use of ample rhythm, the backdrop is funky.  Colorful keys and synths, idiomatic of the 1980s, still catch the ears to this date.  Furthermore, electrifying guitar riffs go a long way in locking down the funk, PERIOD.  Throw in expressive vocals filled with personality and soul, and the perfect gem is constructed.  The falsetto, the playful vocal approach, and the harmonies all encourage us to “let it whip!” The ad-libs are simply decadent.  Of course, the section of the song everyone loves the best is none other than – wait for it – the chorus:

“So let it whip

(Let’s whip it, baby) child

(Let’s whip it right) get a grip

(Let’s whip it baby, work it all night)

Well, what’s your trip?  (No, no) child

C’mon let it whip

Ooh-hoo.” 

“Let It Whip” = one of the funkiest joints of all time!

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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

 15 Captivating Whip Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arca, BigXthaPlug, Capitol, Clipse, CRANKDAT MUSIC, DistroKid, Dreamville, Epitaph, Interscope Records, Motown, PMR Records, Republic Records, Roc Nation Distribution, Roc Nation, LLC, SM Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc., UnitedMasters LLC, Virgin EMI, Warner Records Inc., XL Recordings Ltd; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

 

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the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and 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 freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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