29 Hip Hop Funeral Songs

“Mourn Till I Join You” by Naughty by Nature

Song Year: 1998

“Mourn Till I Join You” by Naughty by Nature is featured on the Ride soundtrack. However, the tune is a tribute to the group’s friend Tupac Shakur and focuses on the relationship between the main rapper, Treach, and Tupac.

Although this song wasn’t a huge commercial success, the sorrow is evident in the rap lyrics. It’s a heart-wrenching funeral song to mourn a close friend with whom you share many memories. Play it during a photo slideshow of your beloved’s life during their memorial for a deep reflection of how much they meant to you.

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans

Song Year: 1997

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans is an ode to their fellow Bad Boys Record rapper Notorious B.I.G. After Notorious’s murder, the grief took a toll on Diddy, and he decided to pen a song to honor his friend and let him know how much he meant to him.

This track is one of the most popular funeral songs today, thanks to its touchy lyrics and melodic hook. Let your deceased beloved know you’ll always remember them by dedicating this song to them during their send-off.

“Without You” by Quavo

Song Year: 2023

In 2022, Migos rapper Takeoff was fatally shot, marking the passing of one of hip hop’s brightest stars. Quavo, Takeoff’s real-life uncle and fellow Migos member, was devastated by the loss, particularly considering he died before his eyes.

In “Without You,” Quavo expresses his deep emotions as he reflects on their shared bad and good times. If you share a similar experience, this melancholic song will have any mourning person grieving deeply.

“Dead and Gone” by T.I ft. Justin Timberlake

Song Year: 2008

“Dead And Gone” by T.I. is a conscientious hip hop track, the 8th single from his 6th album, Paper Trail. In the track, T.I. mourns the death of his former bodyguard and close friend, Philant Johnson, who died from a fatal shooting as his crew left following a show.

If you’re trying to deal with the death of a loved one, the lyrics on this tune can be soothing and inspirational. As T.I. talks about how he’ll see his friend again, this track will give grieving persons the slightest bit of strength they need to soldier on.

“Till We Meet Again” by Mr. Cheeks ft. Stephen Marley

Song Year: 2001

“Till We Meet Again” is the 9th track off Mr. Cheek’s debut album, John P. Kelly. The track features the incredible vocals of Jamaican musician Stephen Marley to make it hearty and touching, especially in grief.

The lyrics are sad but, at the same time, inspiring. While saying the final goodbye can be quite difficult, this song also gives you the promise of meeting your beloved again someday. This message can give mourners at funerals the strength to overcome their grief.

“Tribute” by D.I.T.C.

Song Year: 2000

“Tribute” is the final track off the self-titled debut album by hip-hop group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew. Before the album’s release, one of their members, Big L, fell victim to a fatal shooting at only 24 years old. In the song, D.I.T.C. ‘s members share their personal experiences with Big L and how much they wish he’d still be alive to continue his career.

The slow tempo adds to the melancholic vibe, and the lyrics will trigger strong emotions. Play this song at a funeral to commemorate all the memories you shared with your beloved.

“Veterans Memorial” by Prodigy

Song Year: 2000

Traumatized by repeated exposure to violence and death and numbed by the opioids prescribed to suppress sickle cell anemia, Prodigy’s pain was ever-constant in his tracks. As Prodigy described it, constant physical suffering was as integral to the artist’s life as the songs that became his savior and source of popularity.

“Veterans Memorial” by Prodigy is one of Prodigy’s many conscious rap songs from his debut solo album, H.N.I.C. Prodigy talks about how he misses his friends who passed away. The heartful lyrics on this track are perfect for a funeral service as they portray the loneliness and sorrow of losing a loved one.

“Miss U” by Notorious B.I.G

Song Year: 1997

Biggie’s “Miss You” demonstrates that his stories of street life weren’t all about money and violence. Notorious performs a moving and emotional song dedicated to his friend, Big O. This song allows Notorious B.I.G. to expose the tragic side of drugs, which leaves many dead.

It’s normal to grieve and long to see your deceased beloved someday. Playing this tune during a funeral is sure to bring many to tears.

“Tell Me Why” by Kid LAROI

Song Year: 2020

After the death of a loved one, grieving friends and relatives are always left with unanswered questions. “Tell Me Why” is a tribute to Kid LAROI’s mentor and friend, Juice WRLD, who passed away from a drug-induced seizure.

As you’d expect, the song features an emotionally charged trap beat, and sensitive lyrics, making it a popular choice at numerous funerals. It’s a great song for mourners to convey feelings about their loved one’s death.

“Dance” by Nas

Song Year: 2002

Nas’s mother passed away before he released his album God’s Son. As such, most tracks on this album are devoted to her. However, none of the tunes is as emotional and touching as “Dance,” which is one of the best hip-hop funeral songs. Lyrically, Nas envisions a final dance with his mother.

Nas’ delivery of this song is full of wishes and hope of seeing his mother again. If you’ve lost your mother, “Dance” is a great song to play at her funeral as it’s quite consoling.