These are some of the most popular rap songs in the U.S., ranked by their enormous YouTube reach and cultural momentum. None got huge just on beats—they each harnessed controversy, memes, narrative, or emotional hooks.
1. Love the Way You Lie — Eminem ft. Rihanna
This video surpasses 3 billion views. It dramatizes a volatile romantic conflict with visceral lyrics (“Just gonna stand there and watch me burn …”) paired with Rihanna’s melodic chorus. The contrast between aggression and vulnerability captured cross-genre audiences.
2. Bad and Boujee — Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert
Video has over a billion views. Why popular: The “rain drop, drop top” hook turned into a meme and viral quote. The sparse trap beat gives space for ad-libs and swagger, fueling replayability and cultural cachet.
3. Killshot — Eminem
Set records for first-day YouTube views for a rap audio track. It’s a direct diss targeting Machine Gun Kelly. Rap beef draws fanatic engagement. Fans listened for lyrical jabs, punchlines, and drama.
4. Sad! — XXXTentacion
One of XXXTentacion’s most streamed and watched songs. It blends emo and rap, dealing with mental health, regret, relationships. The emotional honesty resonated beyond traditional rap audiences.
5. See You Again — Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
More pop-rap but huge in the rap/hip hop sphere, with 2 billion+ views historically. It served as a tribute to Paul Walker, tying into Furious 7. Emotional association plus a singalong refrain broadened its appeal.
6. Bodak Yellow — Cardi B
Certified Diamond, over a billion views on video. Cardi’s breakout anthem of confidence (“I don’t dance now, I make money moves”) became a catchphrase. Her persona, media narrative, and swagger propelled it.
7. I Like It — Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cross-cultural hit with massive views and streaming success (note: Spanish + rap fusion) By blending Latin rhythms with rap verses, it tapped multiple fan bases. Its celebratory tone and fashion visuals made it a streaming juggernaut.
8. The Box — Roddy Ricch
Video has over 600 million views (plus huge audio streaming). Its “eee err” vocal hook is instantly recognizable and became meme fodder. The video’s cinematic imagery and surrealism fed online discussion.
9. Lose Yourself — Eminem
One of rap’s all-time streaming heavyweights. The motivational narrative and quotable lines (“You only get one shot, do not miss your chance…”) turned it into an anthem beyond rap fans.
10. God’s Plan — Drake
Huge YouTube numbers and cultural saturation. The video’s philanthropic theme (giving money away) fueled social media shares. Its warm tone and Drake’s brand magnified impact.
