A Dark Twist On Rhymes: Horror Movie References In Hip-Hop Lyrics
Hip-hop, with its roots in storytelling, has a knack for exploring a wide range of themes. From tales of triumph and struggle to social commentary, hip-hop artists often use their lyrics to express many emotions. However, there's an eerie side to hip-hop that can send chills down your spine.
In honor of Halloween, here are five hip-hop songs that draw inspiration from classic horror films in their lyrics, transforming ordinary rhymes into spine-tingling narratives.
"Black Friday" by Lil Kim
In this classic diss record about Nicki Minaj, "Black Friday" takes the terror of "Friday the 13th" and translates it into a lyrical nightmare, "I'm turnin' Pink Friday to Friday the 13th."
Kanye West - “Monster” feat. Nicki Minaj, Jay Z, Rick Ross & Bon Iver
Speaking of Nicki Minaj, she delivered one of the most memorable lines in this banger with a "Chucky" reference, "Forget barbie f*ck, Nicki she’s fake she’s on a diet but her pockets eating cheese cake, and I’ll say Bride of Chucky is child’s play just killed another career, it’s a mild day."
Lupe Fiasco - "Super Cold"
- Lupe Fiasco's "Super Cold" delves into the psychological horror of "The Shining." The song masterfully draws parallels between the protagonist's descent into madness and the artist's own journey in the rap industry, "And he leaves all types of cold tracks all behind me, And you can follow those if you ever wanna find me, Better dress warm or you might end up like the Shining."
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2Pac - "Troublesome 96"
2Pac's "Troublesome 96" invokes the supernatural horror of "Candyman." With vivid storytelling, 2Pac's lyrics paint a picture of a hardened past and the consequences of uttering a name that should never be spoken, "Pistol packin' fresh out of jail, I ain't goin' back, Release me to the care of my heartless strap, Say my name three times like Candyman."
Wu-Tang Clan - "Gravel Pit"
- Wu-Tang Clan's "Gravel Pit" summons the eerie atmosphere of "House on Haunted Hill." The song infuses a sense of foreboding with lyrics that transport listeners to the mysterious house on the hill, "From Park Hill, the house on haunted hill, Every time you walk by, your back gets a chill, Let's peel, you want to talk rap skills? I spit like a semiautomatic to the grill.
