The fourth of July is a day for celebration. Shooting fireworks, going to pool parties, grilling burgers and hot dogs, and drinking beer are perhaps the four most critical activities on Independence Day. Possibly watching the Will Smith flick in the name of 'Murica would also suffice. America turns 242 years old today, which is relatively young for a country. The nation might be engrossed in a political feud, but everyone can put their differences aside to celebrate the creation of the country.
Throughout the course of hip-hop's existence, several artists have revealed their own take on the American Dream, or what it means to live in America. While some views may be grim or disheartening, others praise the lifestyles that they were able to attain in a country where anything can happen. Songs like "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy, or "God Bless Amerika" by Lil Wayne are meant to be introspective pieces. On the other side of the spectrum, Jeezy and Nas' "My President" and Petey Pablo's "Raise Up (USA Flag Remix)" were created to bring people together in a positive light.
Whether you're celebrating the fourth of July at a pool party, at a cookout, with family and friends, or alone, these songs can be your playlist for the holiday. Here are ten of the most patriotic hip-hop songs of all-time.
“White America” by Eminem
Eminem has stepped into the political ring a few times in his career, but nothing has been quite as impressive as the first song on The Eminem Show. Eminem was at the top of his career, and he had stirred enough controversy to get the White House talking. On “White America” Em reminds his critics that the first amendment gives him the power to say whatever the f*ck he pleases on his songs.
“My President ” by Jeezy ft. Nas
This song is already ten years old, if you can believe it. Jeezy and Nas celebrated the election of Barack Obama with this ode to the first African-American president. “My President” also served as the first time Nas and Jeezy worked together, ending their beef. Nas’ comments on hip-hop being dead offended Jeezy, but the two ultimately dropped the feud and recorded one for the culture.
“Made In America” by The Throne ft. Frank Ocean
Back when Kanye West and Jay-Z were still on good terms, their joint album Watch the Throne shook up the hip-hop game. The duo collaborated with Frank Ocean twice on the project. The album’s intro, “No Church In The Wild,” may be the more popular track, but “Made In America” is a gem. The Throne paint a picture of the American dream, including: family, money, and happiness. What more could you ask for though, really?
“Raise Up (USA Flag Remix)” by Petey Pablo
After the tragic events of 9/11, Petey Pablo went back and remixed his smash hit “Raise Up.” The first single off his debut album was an anthem, and there was no better way for Pablo to pay his respects to those lost on 9/11 than switching up the lyrics.
“The Inauguration” by Bun B
Bun B’s first solo album Trill is a classic piece of hip-hop history. On the track “The Inauguration” Bun B raps over a patriotic sample after J Prince opens the record with a little bit of slick talking. Bun B declared himself president of the South, a claim that many still agree with.
“American Dreaming” by Jay-Z
Jay-Z was careful when he crafted the soundtrack for the film American Gangsta. The project also served as Jay’s tenth studio album. On “American Dreaming” HOV uses a Marvin Gaye sample to help him paint the picture of the journey to attaining everything America has to offer.
“Fight The Power” by Public Enemy
This song is just as relevant now as it was when it was released almost three decades ago. Public Enemy's most popular single by far was originally from the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s classic movie Do the Right Thing. Chuck D empowered Americans across the nation with this call to action.
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino’s music video for “This Is America” turned heads, and more than just that, it got people talking and debating. The visuals and lyrics work together to paint a picture of America, both the good times and the bad times alike.
“Paint the White House Black” by George Clinton ft. Pupa Curley, MC Breed, Kam, Yo-Yo, Public Enemy, Ice Cube & Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre and the entire West Coast became entwined in funk culture, leading to this mega-collaboration. The single was featured on George Clinton’s album Hey, Man, Smell My Finger and was a funky ode to Black excellence an America.
“God Bless Amerika” by Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne’s album I Am Not A Human Being II held a number of hit records (“Rich as Fuck,” “No Worries,” “Love Me”), so it was easy to overlook some of the album cuts. “God Bless Amerika” features Wayne addressing the pitfalls of the American dream and the grim realities of the choices in the hood.