There is somewhat of a divide between a club banger and a mainstream, popular hip-hop song, however, often times, the two overlap. The ever trust-worthy Urban Dictionary describes “club banger” as a term “used to describe a song to get all da bitches in the club movin. A song that makes you jump at a party.” These so called club bangers are played excessively at night clubs (duh) and the crowds can't get enough of them. At the same time, a club banger can turn into a mainstream, radio-friendly record, simply because they often feature top artists in the game, with catchy hooks and beats you can't help but move to and/or sing along to. Over the past ten yearship-hop has bestowed upon its fans not only some of the most creative and engaging music but an ample amount of bona fide “club bangers” for us all to party to.
Check out the list and see if your favorite “banger” of the decade made it. We're sure to see plenty more as the summer arrives.
J-Kwon "Tipsy" (2004)
Although he was only seventeen years old at the time, St. Louis rapper J-Kwon’s hip-hop anthem “Tipsy” became an immediate hit after being released in January of 2004. The first single released from his debut studio album, Hood Hop the song reached its height at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 List and number one on Billboards Hot Rap Songs List in the U.S. Known as the rapper's most successful song, it was featured in multiple films and was remixed by rappers Murphy Lee and Chingy.
50 Cent “Disco Inferno” (2004)
“Disco Inferno” the lead single from rapper 50 Cent's 2004 album, The Massacre, was the perfect description of exactly what happened in every club that it was played in. The hip-hop track, with its seductive beat accompanied by 50’s smooth rapping style, made for a club-spinning masterpiece and became the rapper's fourth track to reach top ten status in the U.S. Although it lost to Kanye West’s record “Gold Digger” the single was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell “Drop It Like Its Hot” (2004)
Snoop Dogg’s first hit to make it to number one on the charts, “Drop It Like It’s Hot”, remained at the top for three weeks. Featuring rapper, singer and producer Pharrell, the track also gained critical reception worldwide, making it in the top ten on the UK Singles Chart and number one in New Zealand. The single gained so much success it was additionally nominated at the Grammy Music Awards the following year for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Game feat. 50 Cent “How We Do” (2005)
Before West Coast rapper Game had a falling out with 50 Cent, left G-Unit and dropped the ‘The’ in his name, he released his debut album, The Documentary and rose to fame with the release of the album's second single, “How We Do” featuring former G-Unit front man 50 Cent. Produced by fellow Los Angeles native Dr. Dre along with producer Mike Elizondo, the single made it on top ten music lists throughout the world, in turn catapulting Game to mainstream success. Thus, club bangers work well to get rappers mainstream appeal.
Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx “Gold Digger” (2005)
The number one hit “Gold Digger” off of Kanye West’s second album Late Registration, was not the first, but second single from the rapper to hold that title. The track featured a sample from the Ray Charles song “I Got A Woman” which was fitting not only because it added to the appeal of the song's sound but due to the fact that Foxx had recently played the late singer in his biographical movie Ray. Produced by West, the album broke chart records and has been referred to as one of the greatest songs in hip-hop.
Missy Elliott feat. Ciara and Fatman Scoop "Lose Control" (2005)
Released as the first single from Missy Elliott’s sixth studio album, The Cookbook, “Lose Control” became an on-the-spot success. The Gold-certified, Grammy-nominated single was produced by Missy herself and written by her along with (then) up and coming singer Ciara. The meaning of the song was described by Ciara as, “how music…makes you lose control” and that is exactly what the single did for every listener, especially in the club. The music video for the up-tempo dance song gained just as much positive reception leading it to be nominated for several awards and winning a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.
David Banner “Play” (2005)
Mississippi rapper and record producer David Banner’s album, Certified, included features from several well-known rappers such as Jadakiss, Twista and even rap group Jagged Edge, but the most popular track on the album was one of the rappers solo records, “Play.” The highly sexual and explicit song which includes the rapper whispering the lyrics just as much as his raps them was instantly viewed as the perfect song to dance to on a night out. One of the rapper's most successful tracks to date, “Play” has gone down in music history as one of the sexiest club bangers.
Jim Jones “We Fly High – Ballin” (2006)
Everywhere you turned in 2006, you couldn’t escape hearing someone scream out “Ballin!” Arguably one of New York, Dipset rapper Jim Jones' biggest hits to date, “We Fly High – Ballin”, was named as number one on Billboard's Hot Rap Songs in the U.S. The first single from Jones third album, Hustler’s P.O.M.E (Product of My Environment) the song gained so much popularity it was remixed several times by various hip-hop artists such as Lil Wayne, Mack Maine and Cassidy, to name a few. The single also gained attention when rapper Jay Z recorded and released a diss track over the beat aimed at Jones.
Yung Joc “It’s Goin Down” (2006)
The third line in the chorus of this Yung Joc hit “meet me in the club, its goin down” automatically made this single an anthem in most clubs. Featured on the rapper's debut album, New Joc City, (a play on the Mario Van Peebles film "New Jack City"), the hit single was named one on the best songs of 2006 by Rolling Stone. Additionally the number one single was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song the following year. One of Joc’s biggest singles to date “It’s Goin Down” was voted number one by several leading media outlets in music.
Young Dro feat. T.I. “Shoulder Lean” (2006)
One of the anthems of the summer of 2006 was Young Dro’s “Shoulder Lean” featuring fellow Southern rapper and owner of his record label, T.I. The lead single from the Atlanta-born rapper's premiere album, Best Thang Smokin’ made it onto both the R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Pop charts. With Dro on the verses and T.I. on the hook the song gained so much success it not only peaked at number one but also went double Platinum. The wide reception of the song was due in part to its catchy hook and excessive airplay, leading it to become Young Dro’s first and only hit song.
Fat Joe feat. Lil Wayne “Make It Rain” (2006)
Producer Scott Storch is one of the most successful in his business. It seems that he can do no wrong and almost everything he produces turns to gold. With that being said it is no wonder Fat Joe’s record, “Make It Rain”, featuring Lil Wayne became the success it was. The first single off of Joe’s album (also produced by Storch) Me, Myself & I, “Make It Rain” experienced so much mainstream popularity it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Mims “This Is Why I’m Hot” (2007)
Most of us hadn’t heard of rapper Mims before he released his debut single, “This Is Why I’m Hot”, and we haven’t heard much of him since. The East Coast rapper whose name stands for Music Is My Savior released the first single from his debut studio album of the same name. The single went Platinum after reaching number on the Hot 100 Chart composed by Billboard. The catchy song remained at number one for a week but that didn’t stop it from being played almost everywhere, especially clubs.
T Pain feat. Yung Joc “Buy U A Drank” (2007)
We all fell in love with dread-head rapper and singer T-Pain when we heard the two hit singles from his debut album “I’m Sprung” and “I’m ‘n Luv (Wit a Stripper)” but we all became diehard fans of the rapper's memorable hits when he released the lead single from his second studio album, “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” featuring fellow rapper Yung Joc. The track was produced by T-Pain himself and the rapper described the song as something he wanted to make for people in “the clubs”, and there is no denying that he most definitely succeeded in doing just so.
Soulja Boy “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” (2007)
Southern rapper Soulja Boys debut album, souljaboytellem.com was plausibly one of the most played albums in 2007. The first single released from the album was none other then, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” a record that made almost anyone who listened not only break out into song and dance but also a fan of the up-and-coming rapper. The single's reception was so favorable it reached number one on the charts and stayed there for seven consecutive weeks, even being called one of the best songs of 2007 by Rolling Stone.
Lil Wayne feat. Static Major "Lollipop” (2008)
The list of hit singles from Cash Money rapper Lil Wayne is endless, but one that stands out in the crowd is “Lollipop.” One of Wayne’s most successful releases, the single remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for five consecutive weeks. The single featured rapper Static Major who died just two weeks before the single was released and was never able to see it hit number one or become certified Platinum fives times. Named one of the best songs of 2008 “Lollipop” furthermore won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song the following year.
T.I. "Whatever You Like" (2008)
T.I.'s most successful single in his eighteen-year-long career, "Whatever You Like", from his sixth album Paper Trail was released as the leading record. Co-written by the rapper, the single became his second to hit number one. Remaining on the top of the charts for twelve weeks, "Whatever You Like" was played religiously by radio stations, DJ's and fans alike. The release if the single and its successful reception also marked yet another hit for producer Jim Jonsin, who also produced Lil Wayne's hot single, "Lollipop" that same year.
Jamie Foxx feat. T Pain “Blame It” (2009)
It was difficult for many to take actor and rapper Jamie Foxx seriously as a singer, but when he released, “Blame It”, the second single from his third album featuring rapper T-Pain there was no way anyone could deny that Foxx had a hit on his hands. The perfect club anthem, “Blame It” went on to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song was so successful with the main stream it additionally held on at number one for almost four months, therefore becoming the first song to remain as such in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Jay Z feat. Kanye West and Rihanna “Run This Town” (2009)
The second single from Jay Z’s The Blueprint 3, “Run This Town”, featuring Kanye West and one of Roc Nation's leading ladies Rihanna received positive reviews and substantial airplay for months following its release. Jay Z described the song meaning simply by saying, “We run this town…It’s pretty much it.” Although portraying an aura of pretention in its lyrics, the song was no doubt a hit, going on to win Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, a people's choice award and also an Emmy.
Soulja Boy “Turn My Swag On” (2009)
Following the success of his debut studio album, souljaboytellem.com fans couldn’t wait to hear what else the young rapper had in store. In 2009 he released his second studio album, iSouljaBoyTellem to fans' approval. The third single, “Turn My Swag On” was exactly what fans were looking for and went all the way to number three on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The song became a DJ regular and every time it was played, crowds went wild. Since its release the song has sold over a million copies and remains one of Soulja’s greatest club banging hits.
Rick Ross feat. Styles P “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” (2010)
This Lex Luger produced track from rapper Rick Ross’ Teflon Don album, “B.M.F. (Blowin Money Fast)”, featuring Styles P did not fair very well chart-wise yet and still it became a huge hit in nightlife and an undisputed club banger. Although the song was initially released unmastered on Ross’ mixtape the Albert Anastasia EP it gained a great deal of reception in the hip-hop world following its second release. Staying true to his gangster persona, the song is also known for Ross’ multiple gang, mafia and drug references in the song.
Roscoe Dash feat. Soulja Boy “All the Way Turnt Up” (2010)
Rapper Roscoe Dash’s first single, “All the Way Turnt Up” is to this day a perfect description of how most people behave in the club, and that is likely why it was such a club hit. A track from his first album, Ready Set Go!, it features rapper Soulja Boy. Although Dash and Soulja Boy’s version was the most successful and widely played its release and triumph developed a feud between Dash and rap group Travis Porter who had recorded the original version of the song with rapper YT called “Turnt Up.”
DJ Khaled feat. Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross and T Pain “All I Do Is Win” (2010)
There’s no denying DJ Khaled has friends in high places. For the second single from his fourth album, Victory, the New Orleans born rapper tapped some of the biggest rappers in the game to be included on the record. The track, “All I Do Is Win”, featuring T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross rose to the top of the charts and was played around the world the year it was released. The double platinum song has sold over three million copies and is still spun by club DJs today.
Lil Wayne feat. Drake “She Will” (2011)
When Lil Wayne and Drake come together on a track its more than likely destined to become a hit and you’ll more than likely hear it during a night out on the town. “She Will” was no exception to that rule. Selling over three million copies, the fourth single from Wayne’s, Tha Carter IV went triple platinum in no time. Although the song was initially intended for Drake with a feature from Maybach Music rapper Rick Ross, Wayne asked for the track for himself and the rest is history.
Jay Z and Kanye West “Ni**as In Paris” (2011)
Jay Z and Kanye West’s collaborative album, Watch the Throne, was a huge success with its most widely received single being, “Ni**as in Paris.” The beat to the song was initially offered to rapper Pusha T, who immediately turned it down, and we can’t say we’re not glad that he did. Produced by Hit-Boy, the song was said by West himself to be inspired by his experiences in Paris. The reception received for the track was critically acclaimed leading it to win Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
2 Chainz “I’m Different” (2012)
2 Chainz debut studio album, Based on a T.R.U. Story was full of hits and the album's third released single, “I’m Different” was one of them. Due to its production by DJ Mustard, some might say the single was bound to be a club hit. With a banging beat and catchy hook the track almost immediately became even more popular than the singles that preceded it, and people in clubs all over danced along to Mustard's beat and rapped along with 2 Chainz, “I’m different, yeah I’m different.”
Juicy J feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz “Bandz A Make Her Dance” (2012)
This platinum single is still being played in clubs today, almost two years after its release, which most definitely confirms it as a club banger. Produced by rapper/producer Mike WiLL Made It, and featuring top rappers in the game, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, “Bandz A Make Her Dance” was certain to be a hit. The leading track released from the Three Six Mafia rapper's album, Stay Trippy, makes every girl dance whether or not “bandz” are involved.
French Montana feat. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Drake “Pop That” (2012)
The fusion of these three rappers, along with the track's 808 beat added greatly to the track's appeal. The first single off of French Montana’s debut Excuse My French, “Pop That”, made every girl do exactly that anytime it was played in a club. The song went on to be one of French’s most successful records and has been deemed one of the best songs of 2012.
Tyga “Rack City” (2012)
Los Angeles rapper Tyga has come a long way from his high-pitched rapping style and debut single “Coconut Juice.” After being taken under Lil Wayne’s wing the rapper signed to Young Money and released his first major label album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King. The third single from the album, “Rack City” instantly became the most successful single and made it on the top ten charts and remained there for two weeks. The perfect beat to dance to, it's probably safe to say club DJs will be spinning, “Rack City” for years to come.
Kanye West feat. Chief Keef, Pusha T, Jadakiss and Big Sean “I Don’t Like (Remix)” (2012)
Controversial eighteen-year old rapper Chief Keef rose to hip-hop stardom overnight due to the immense success of his debut single, “I Don’t Like”, featuring rapper Lil Reese. Although initially featured on his mixtape Back From The Dead it was additionally included on his debut album Finally Rich and released as the first single. The track obtained so much positive attention that it was remixed by Kanye West and featured on G.O.O.D. Music’s collaborative album Cruel Summer. The remix featuring G.O.O.D. artists Pusha T, Jadakiss and Big Sean became just as successful as the original version (perhaps more so), and a certified club banger.
French Montana feat. Los, Machine Gun Kelly, Diddy and Red Café “Ocho Cinco” (2012)
We can always count on French Montana to give us a banger to get down to in the club. The features included on his most popular mixtape Mac & Cheese 3 were from some of the most prominent rappers in the game, leading some to feel that it had the potential to be an album record. Regardless, the tape fared well and its most popular track, “Ocho Cinco” (featuring Los, MGK, Diddy and Red Café) was spun constantly by club DJs, adding to its success and French’s mainstream rise as a whole.
2 Chainz feat. Kanye West “Birthday Song” (2012)
One of the leaders of mainstream trap music, 2 Chainz debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story hardly seemed like it was the talented rapper's debut. The execution of each track and achievement of its singles made it appear as if the Southern-bred rapper had been at the top of mainstream hip-hop for years. The second single from the album, “Birthday Song”, was far from the generic birthday song sung around the world, in fact it was the complete opposite. Featuring Kanye West the song easily became the turn up, club banger of the summer of 2012. The music video that followed just brought everything to the next level.
Kanye West, Big Sean and Pusha T feat. 2 Chainz “Mercy” (2012)
Cruel Summer, released in the fall of 2012, was a collaborative album featuring the majority of G.O.O.D Music’s artists as well as other A-List hip-hop affiliates. The album's first single released earlier that year, “Mercy” featured West along with Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz. The rappers combined talents equaled up to a banger that received an immense amount of airplay and sold millions of copies.
Ace Hood feat. Future and Rick Ross “Buggati” (2013)
Rapper Ace Hood released his most successful single yet last year with “Bugatti.” With production from producer Mike WiLL Made It and Future and Rick Ross featured on the track, there was no doubt that the single would be a hit as well as a club anthem. Released at the beginning of last year, “Bugatti” eventually went platinum, selling a million copies. The single never reached number one on the charts but that did not inhibit its success and it was nominated Track of the Year at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Drake “Started From the Bottom” (2013)
Although released over a year ago, this hit from Drizzy Drake remains a banger in the club. The first single from the Young Money rapper's widely successful third album, Nothing Was the Same, “Started From the Bottom” chronicles Drake’s rise from small-time actor to hip-hop superstar over the course of several years. The single charted worldwide, reaching its peak at number two in the U.S. in addition to being nominated for two Grammy Awards and beating out Ace Hood for Track of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2013.
French Montana feat. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz “Marble Floors” (2013)
French Montana’s star power has been steadily on the rise since his emergence onto the hip-hop scene. After signing with Bad Boy Records, Montana has released several hit tracks and been featured on multiple records alongside the top rappers in the game. Last year when the rapper released his debut album, people in clubs everywhere turned up to various tracks on the album including the hit track “Marble Floors” featuring Maybach rapper Rick Ross as well as Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.
YG feat. Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan “My Hitta” (2013)
Compton, California seems to be a mecca of talent when it comes to breeding rappers. Game, Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre all hail from the inner city just South of Downtown Los Angeles and represent their city in the best ways. The most recent talent “straight outta Compton” is rapper YG. In a matter of what feels like only months the twenty four-year old rapper has made his way to the very top of music industry success. The leading single from his new album My Krazy Life, “My Hitta” (originally titled “My Ni**a”) is largely to thank for the rapper's overnight celebrity. Featuring Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, the record has been described by various media outlets as one of the best songs of 2013, selling well over a million copies.
Migos feat. Drake "Versace Remix" (2013)
The remix of this track, similar to the "Don't Like (Remix)" from Kanye West, garnered the track a ton of buzz. It was mainly thanks to Drake's verse, but nonetheless it put Migos on the map and was basically their break-through. Migos' catchy hook didn't hurt the track's popularity. It also resulted in a bunch of copy cats of Migos' staccato flow.
French Montana “Aint Worried About Nothin” (2013)
French Montana pops up on this list once again. He has been consistent with the club hits since the release of his 2012 mixtape Mac & Cheese 3. His debut, Excuse My French proved that the rapper has a true gift when it comes to creating the perfect music to turn up to. Arguably more popular with fans than the first single from Excuse My French “Pop That”, as well as the second “Freaks”, “Aint Worried About Nothin” catapulted Montana to the top of hip-hop even though it was not a commercial success in the sense of numbers. Sometimes success can be measured in how many people turn up to your music, and French has shown that to be true.
Drake "Worst Behavior" (2013)
In addition to "Started From The Bottom", Drizzy Drake had another successful banger on his hand with "Worst Behavior", both tracks appeared on the latest album from the Toronto native, Nothing Was The Same. This cut still has everyone screaming, "mufuckas never loved us" plus "WORST!" whenever the record plays (and even when it's not playing). The track's transition gets you even more hype.
Young Dro “FDB” (2013)
Following his first album Best Thang Smokin’ and its triumph with the track “Shoulder Lean”, Grand Hustle rapper Young Dro went on somewhat of a hiatus and did not release another solo studio album for several years. The break from mainstream music did not deter the rapper from coming back with a vengeance though. In late 2013 he released his second studio album High Times which featured the popular single “FDB.” The single became Dro’s second highest charting song since his 2006 single “Shoulder Lean” falling just under the track at number two on the charts.
Future feat. Pharrell Williams, Pusha T and Casino “Move That Dope” (2014)
Futures most recent album, Honest has been a major success for the Southern rapper. Debuting on the charts at number two it is the prime example of the term, “the charts don’t lie.” Featuring a mélange of talented guests, one of the most popular tracks on the album is, “Move That Dope” featuring Pharrell Williams, Pusha T and Casino. With an upbeat tempo that would make almost anyone want to dance the song has also been a success in that it is the “highest charting single” from the rapper to date. Future never disappoints when it comes to bangers that you’re praying the DJ will play on a night out and dancing and rapping along to when he does, because obviously he will.
Lil Jon and DJ Snake feat. Juicy J, 2 Chainz and French Montana “Turn Down For What (Remix)” (2014)
With the popularity of EDM becoming ever-increasing in the mainstream it is no surprise to see more and more hip hop artists collaborating with the top electronic artists. The most recent hip-hop/EDM track that has gained immense popularity is Lil Jon and DJ Snakes “Turn Down For What (Remix)” featuring Juicy J, 2 Chainz and French Montana. The remix irrefutably crossed the high energy party song even more into the genre of hip hop and is the perfect combination of both sounds. A true crowd pleaser the single is a prime example of what’s in store for the future of music.
Sage The Gemini feat. Iamsu! "Gas Pedal" (2014)
"Gas Pedal" is one of the lead singles off HBK Gang's Sage The Gemini and features his affiliate Iamsu! The record contains the hyphy, upbeat sounds you might expect from a Bay Area rapper, which in turn, makes it the perfect club banger. The low-key hook makes you even more excited for when the record picks up pace, and we have a feeling this'll be blasting in the club for the rest of the summer.