25 Iconic Cars That Have Taken Centre Stage In Hip-Hop Culture
August 24, 2022
By
J. Findlay
Cars and hip-hop culture have gone hand in hand since 1979 when the Sugar Hill Gang released the song Rapper's Delight. This song contained the lyrics “I got a Lincoln Continental and a sunroof Cadillac”, which set the foundation for the link between hip-hop music and cars. Many rappers even have signature cars that have become associated with their image and persona. Here are twenty-five of the most iconic and memorable vehicles that have been made famous by hip-hop artists.
Notorious B.I.G famously rapped about this vehicle in his song Young G's, and rival Tupac did the same in his song Picture Me Rolling. As a result, Lexus vehicles have become synonymous with impending wealth and the 'hustler' lifestyle.
Aston Martin
The Aston has long been associated with James Bond, so it already has iconic status in pop culture. In his music video for Aston Martin Music, Rick Ross flaunts a fleet of James Bond Astons.
This car gave owners a lot of bang for their buck, and many rappers reminisce about owning one while growing up. The 5.0 also appeared in movies, such as Menace II Societyand Boyz In The Hood,both of which are considered classics by many rappers.
This vehicle is an in-your-face status symbol that gives rappers lots room to film music videos and host parties. B.G's music video for the song Bling Bling features a show-stopping Hummer limo.
50 Cent purchased this vehicle for $200,000 early in his rap career because he had been shot nine times and wanted adequate protection if it were to happen again. He rapped about the vehicle in two songs: High All the Time, and Many Men.
Dodge Challenger
The resurgence of the Dodge Challenger as a more aggressive, modern muscle car made it popular among many people, not just rappers. Wiz Khalifa features an appropriately colored model of the Challenger in his video for Black and Yellow.
With the controversial album They Can't Deport Us All,Bling needed an eye-catching marketing scheme. Thus, the taco truck was born and became a unique vehicle in hip-hop culture. Chingo was also known for selling mixtapes from the same truck early in his rap career.
E-40 and Nelly name-dropped the Cutlass in their songs, and other rappers have featured it in music videos. The Cutlass was a very successful vehicle when released and is sought after by many rappers and classic car collectors today.
Such artists as A Tribe Called Quest rap about growing up with this dependable and stylish vehicle. The space inside it makes it ideal for long trips, including the one featured in the song Left My Wallet in El Segundo.
This vehicle became a favourite among local hustlers and drug dealers. Jay-Z and Lil' Kim have both rapped about it in their songs. The vehicle is also featured in the song Shook Ones Pt. 2.
The Veyron is the fastest production car ever made. It is a huge status symbol for a rapper not only because of its $1.7 million price tag but also because it costs around $300,000 per year to maintain.
Lamborghini Murcielago
When the Murcielago was released in 2001, rappers Ja Rule, Jermaine Dupri, and Young Jeezy were seen cruising in this high-end performance vehicle. The car also appeared in the music video for I Get Money by 50 Cent.
Chrysler 300C
The 300C is known mostly for its good looks, which are ripe for customization with aftermarket wheels, body kits, spoilers, and hydraulic suspensions. Lil Flip, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent are among some of the advocates of this 'poor man's Bentley.'
This tank served as a symbol of the No Limit Army, which consisted of artists, promoters, and management and the brotherhood they shared. The gold tank was mentioned in almost every song during No Limit's heyday of the late 1990s.
Bentley Azure
Puff Daddy (also known as 'P. Diddy') bought the very first Bentley Azure to land on American soil, and since this time, the vehicle has been associated with wealth and success. Jay-Z even featured it on the cover of his album Volume 2... Hard Knock Life.
Cadillac Escalade
Due to its large size, customization options, and flashy appearance, the Escalade has become a standard car in hip-hop culture. Modifications to it have become incredibly excessive and expensive, with some vehicles even sporting doors from a Lamborghini.
The more powerful 4.6-litre V8 engine of the 4.6 was enough to cement it as a status symbol in 1990s hip hop. Jay-Z famously referred to it as being a lot better than the 4.0 version in his song Imaginary Player.
BMW 745
The fifth generation of the 7 series has a special place in hip-hop culture because many rappers, such as Fat Joe, Malice, Remy Ma, and Jay-Z, have embraced it. The luxury car is “heavy in the street”, providing a solid, luxurious feel that rappers want from their ride.
Mercedes-Benz SL
The SL Mercedes was a favorite of both Biggie Smalls and Tupac, who owned the vehicle. Underground favorite Big L also rapped about it, singing, “we can jump in the SL, rent a room at the best 'tel (hotel).”
Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Phantom is a staple among people with a ton of money to spend on their vehicle. Each one is custom ordered and contains a range of sophisticated features. In hip-hop culture, it is most well known for appearing in Fat Joe's music video for Lean Back.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has appeared in many hip-hop music videos that take place in warm, summertime locations, such as the beach. The look of this car brings out the inner child in many owners, including rappers.
Cam'ron is well known for wearing pink bandanas, clothing, and jewelry, so he decided to get his ride painted to match. This vehicle was put up for sale by Cam and sold to a car detailing shop for $50,000 USD in 2013.
Although this vehicle is not glamorous or unique, it still has a special place in hip-hop culture. Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan rapped, “rolling in MPV's, every week we make 40 g's”, signifying the vehicle's potential for transporting the entire crew and making C.R.E.A.M.
Maybach 62
When the luxury Maybach was reintroduced in 2002, it was heavily embraced by wealthy rappers. It makes an appearance in Jay-Z's music video for Dirt Off Your Shoulder.
West Coast artists, such as E-40, Cypress Hill, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, have all rapped about the 64 Impala. It was, perhaps, made most famous by the Eazy-E song Boyz in the Hood, in which he proudly exclaims, “cruising' down the street in my '64”.
