A well-crafted hook has the power to transport listeners to a realm of a different dimension of thought and engagement. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the top three choruses that have made a mark on the genre’s history (in my opinion).
So, without further ado, let’s embark on this journey of rediscovering and discovering the magic of what makes them truly iconic.
1. Jay-Z & Kanye West (feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream) – No Church in the Wild
“Human beings in a mob
What’s a mob to a king?
What’s a king to a god?
What’s a god to a non-believer
Who don’t believe in anything?
Will he make it out alive?
Alright, alright
No church in the wild”
“No Church in the Wild” has to be number one because it’s so intricate in what the message is. Essentially, power only comes from belief. As the chorus continues, the levels increase to a God but immediately broken down by the lowest of “powers.” A non-believer, which could be anyone. You’re only as powerful as you believe you are. People think they can’t touch a king and vice versa, but that is only one man. A whole mob of people could easily overthrow a king.
This goes to show it’s everyone for themselves in this jungle. “No Church in the Wild.” The only “belief” you have should be in yourself.
2. Kodak Black (feat. PNB Rock) – Too Many Years
“I done gave the jails too many years
Years that I won’t get back
And I swear I done shed too many tears
For niggas that I won’t get back
Yeah, I got niggas in the graveyard
Niggas in the state yards
I swear not a day goes by
That I don’t think about the times
I wish that I could rewind”
Firstly, R.I.P. to PNB Rock. This chorus will definitely hit home to loads of people, but the way PNB Rock delivers this chorus with a captivating melody. Honestly, I don’t think this song would hit without this chorus. It’s so real and puts things into perspective for people who’ve related to this lifestyle.
3. Eminem (feat. Ed Sheeran) – River
“I’ve been a liar, been a thief
Been a lover, been a cheat
All my sins need holy water, feel it washing over me
Well, little one, I don’t want to admit to something
If all it’s gonna cause is pain
Truth and my lies right now are falling like the rain
So let the river run”
The man finds out and leaves her, which is the same time Eminem loses interest in her. Eminem then finds out that this woman is pregnant by him. Making him feel guilty for messing up her relationship because of his selfish need for love and the abortion the woman had to get.
Using all this context, Ed Sheeran really hit a home run with this chorus. From my understanding, the first two lines are the sins Eminem is guilty of (bar being a lover). Ending with the “little one,” referring to the aborted baby. Eminem doesn’t want to say or confess anything, so he would rather let all these emotions rain over him, but he still wants to be saved from it, hence the holy water. This chorus is perfect and intricate for the song, and the bible references, such as “river,” where John the Baptist would baptise Christians. Involving confessing your sins and it being washed away (baptised), and from there, you would be born again.
Do you see why this is so amazing?
These three musical moments have infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate. As we conclude, let us not forget the countless other choruses that have contributed to Hip-Hop. These are just the ones that resonate with me the most.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the top three choruses in Hip-Hop. Keep your eyes open for the next blog post!