Hip hop, is a cultural phenomenon that emerged in the late 20th century. Rap not only revolutionized music but also affected the way we communicate. Hip hop often introduces unique and ever-changing colloquial terms. Authentic hip hop slang from rap and the black community has become an integral part of the conversation.
Black American slang words started in the streets, then grew into the mainstream media. These terms transcend their origins, entering the vocabularies of people from all backgrounds. Here are the most popular hip hop slang words and their meanings, origins, and influence.
20. Lit
“That party last night was lit, everyone was there!”
Lit” is another term that has gained widespread usage. In hip hop slang, “lit” refers to something that is exciting, lively, or all-around enjoyable. Whether describing a party, a performance, or a general atmosphere, “lit” captures the essence of energy and fun.
19. Fleek/On Fleek
“Her eyebrow stylist is amazing because her eyebrows are on fleek.”
When something is on “fleek,” it means it’s on point, flawless, or perfect. This term gained popularity through social media as well as hip hop culture. Its use rate soared in the context of perfectly groomed eyebrows. The now authentic hip hop slang is often used to describe makeup, hair, or outfits that are impeccably put together. It exemplifies how hip hop slang can infiltrate mainstream conversations even through TikTok.
18. Deadass
“No I’m not joking, I’m deadass“
A term coined by New Yorkers, “deadass” is a shortened version of the phrase “dead ass serious.” It became one of the most popular black American slang words over the past decade.
17. Savage
“You never texted her back? You a savage.”
Describing someone as a “savage” might sound harsh, but in hip hop slang, it’s a compliment. It refers to someone who is bold, fearless, and unapologetically authentic. This hip hop slang also celebrates individuality and strength against adversity.
16. Swag
“My clothes, my shoes, my style, you can’t touch my swag.”
“Swag” is all about style and confidence. It’s the aura of coolness and self-assuredness that someone carries. In hip hop, having swag not only means looking good but also having a charismatic demeanor that sets you apart.
15. Flex
“I brought out the drop-top just to flex on em”
When you “flex,” you’re showing off your accomplishments or possessions, often in a bragging manner. It’s a way of asserting dominance or asserting one’s status, which aligns with the competitive nature of the rap culture.
14. Crib
“Pull up to the crib and we can watch the game in the living room”
While “crib” traditionally refers to a baby’s bed, in hip hop slang, it’s used to describe one’s home or living space. It adds a touch of familiarity and comfort to the language. Personal space becomes even more personal when given an artistic flare, like a nickname.
13. Hustle
“I’m working three jobs right now, it’s tough but I have to hustle to make ends meet”
“Hustle” in hip hop vernacular goes beyond its conventional meaning of moving quickly or engaging in a business venture. It signifies hard work, determination, and a relentless drive to succeed, often against all odds. This term encapsulates the resilience and ambition found within hip hop culture.
12. Bling
“Look at the bling on my wrist, all the diamonds in this watch”
“Bling” refers to flashy, extravagant jewelry and accessories, particularly those made with precious metals and gemstones. The term illustrates the opulent displays of wealth often seen in music videos and performances.
11. Ghostwriter
“Pusha T exposed Drake for having a ghostwriter help him with his lyrics.”
In hip hop, where lyricism is highly regarded, a “ghostwriter” writes the lyrics for another artist without receiving credit. This slang debates whether a hip hop artist is authentic with his lyrics and creativity.
10. Beef
“Tupac and Biggie had the biggest rap beef in hip hop history”
When artists have a feud or conflict, it’s often referred to as “beef.” This term has roots in hip hop’s history of rivalries and confrontations between artists. It’s a vivid metaphor that captures the intensity of such disputes.
9. Mic Drop
“Chris Rocks mic drop moment after condemning Will Smith was epic”
While originating from the world of stand-up comedy, the “mic drop” has become a symbol of triumph and assertion in hip hop performances. After delivering an impressive line or verse, some artists execute a “mic drop” as a declaration of their prowess and dominance.
8. Flow
“Slick Rick had the smoothest flow; his raps sounded like silk”
“Flow” refers to an artist’s unique rhythmic and melodic style of delivering lyrics. It’s the way their words ride the beat, creating a distinctive sound. A strong flow is essential for an artist to stand out and make their mark in the genre.
7. Banger
“That new Lil Uzi song is a banger!”
A “banger” is a hit song that’s not only popular but also infectious and energetic. It’s the type of track that gets people on their feet and dancing. The smash hit “Just Wanna Rock” is a great example of a “banger” that has dominated the club scene over the summer.
6. Fire
“Those shoes are fire.”
The word “fire” has been used as slang in hip hop to mean “great” or “cool” since the early 1990s. It is often used to describe a song, a rapper’s flow, or a piece of clothing. For example, a rapper might say, “My new album is fire” or “That’s a fire outfit.” The word “fire” can also be used to describe something that is exciting or dangerous. For example, a rapper might say, “That verse was fire” or “The crowd was going wild; it was fire.”
5. Trap
“Atlanta rappers use a lot of trap beats.”
“Trap” is a subgenre of hip hop characterized by its heavy use of 808 drum patterns, aggressive beats, and lyrics often revolving around street life and hustling. The term itself refers to the idea of being trapped in a difficult situation, reflecting the narratives often explored within this subgenre.
4. Drip
“My outfit costs $10K; peep the drip.”
“Drip” refers to a person’s sense of style and fashion. Rappers often brag about how they are exceptionally well-dressed and exude confidence in their appearance. The term celebrates individuality and creativity in the realm of fashion.
3. Turnt
“Mannnn the strip club was turnt last night!”
Similar to “lit,” when a party or event is “turnt,” it’s in full swing and exuding high energy. This term encapsulates the excitement and enthusiasm that hip hop culture often brings to its concerts and music videos.
2. Whip
“Just got a brand new two door whip, don’t scratch the paint”
In hip hop, “whip” is slang for a car. This term emphasizes the importance of vehicles in rap culture. Fancy “whips,” along with “drip,” play a key role in personal expression and mobility.
1. Dope
“Did you hear that new Kendrick album? man that sh*t was dope!”
Starts off with a classic and one of the best black American slang words in all of hip hop. The term “dope” started as a drug-related drug-related slang term. The word grew into a much more popular definition, describing something as excellent or impressive.
It’s a testament to hip-hop’s ability to reclaim words and reshape their connotations. The popular slang for drugs became a super popular slang for all things good.
Old drug definition used in a sentence- “The dope man got the plug on all the drugs!”
The world of authentic hip hop slang words is a dynamic and ever-evolving entity. It reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the culture from which it emerged. These terms not only provide a glimpse into the unique language used by artists and enthusiasts but also demonstrate the impact of hip hop on mainstream communication.
From “dope” to “on fleek,” these words transcended their origins and became fixtures in everyday conversations around the world. As hip hop continues to shape and reshape our culture, its black American slang words remain a testament to its enduring influence.
