21 Rap Songs Without Swearing, All Clean
People often associate rap music with lewd lyrics and explicit content, which has sometimes slowed its growth as a popular art form. However, not all rap songs contain profanity. Many songs in this genre don’t have swearing, making them appropriate for listeners of any age.
Here are some rap songs without swearing in them.
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“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Song Year: 2015
“See You Again” was the fourth release from the Furious 7 movie soundtrack. Despite other songs on the album having earlier release dates, the song emerged as the biggest hit from the soundtrack.
The song is a tribute to actor Paul Walker who played the character Brian O’Conner in the Fast and Furious film franchise and died in a car accident while filming Furious 7.
It is one of the most watched YouTube videos, with over 5.6 billion views. The song also received three Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
“God’s Plan” by Drake
Song Year: 2018
“God’s Plan” is the lead single for Drake’s fifth studio album, “Scorpion.” The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list, becoming Drake’s fourth chart-topper at the time.
In the song, Drake addresses some of the issues he has overcome in his artistic journey, including people who did not wish him well. He also concedes he would not have achieved his level of success, fame, and fortune without it being God’s will.
“Airplanes” by B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams
Song Year: 2010
“Airplanes” was the third release from B.o.B’s first studio album, “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.”
B.o.B uses the song to reflect on times he wishes he could go back to simpler times before becoming famous and experiencing all the trappings and disadvantages of fame. This was a time when rapping was all about passion and content without tailoring art to the trends of the day to achieve more success, and the nostalgia B.o.B. has for this time is clear in this song.
“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton
Song Year: 2011
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released “Can’t Hold Us” as the second single for their debut album “The Heist.” The song is notable for its catchy and easy-to-sing-along lyrics, which propelled it to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 songs, cementing its spot among the best 2010s hip hop songs.
The artists use the song to state that nothing can stop them from reaching the top of the rap industry. They believe in their craft, and they are confident that whatever they bring to the table artistically is enough to become music stars, especially in a genre that has predominantly black stars.
“Express Yourself” by N.W.A
Song Year: 1988
“Express Yourself” is a single in the N.W.A debut album “Straight Outta Compton.” Though N.W.A was a group that included Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, Dj Yella, and Arabian Prince; the song only features vocals from Dr. Dre.
The song is a protest song against the group’s experiences with radio censorship due to their songs containing profanity and explicit content. Dr. Dre insists on the need for musicians to freely express themselves without restraints, just like other forms of art, like painting, experience zero censorship.
“Chicken Noodle Soup” by J-Hope (feat. Becky G)
Sing Year: 2019
American rap music has become popular worldwide, and rappers are now collaborating with each other in order to bring cultures together through music. “Chicken Noodle Soup,” which was a feature track on the album “Hope World,” is just one example of this type of partnership that J-Hope, one of the members of BTS, and Becky G, a Latina rap star, came together to create.
“Chicken Noodle Soup” talks about the pride each of the singers has for their native countries, rapped in their native languages. They create a sense of community and commonality by talking about each of their homes and tying it together with chicken noodle soup, a dish that can be found in many cultures around the world.
“The Search” by NF
Song Year: 2019
“The Search” is the titular title of NF’s album “The Search.” In the song, NF highlights the toll success has had on his life.
Though the song highlights numerous negative aspects of his life, it also looks forward to a better future. NF insists on the need not to let negativity and tough circumstances cloud one’s ability to keep working towards a more positive outcome.
“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio ft L.V.
Song Year: 1995
“Gangsta’s Paradise” is a song from Coolio’s album of the same name and the soundtrack to the movie “Dangerous Minds”. Critics consider the song one of the greatest rap songs of the 1990s. The song won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, among other awards.
Coolio uses the song to highlight the lifestyle of an individual who grows up in a crime-riddled environment. He points out the negativity associated with living around crime and the effect it has on the mentality of a young man.
“Matrimony” by Wale ft. Usher
Song Year: 2015
“Matrimony” is a single from Wale’s album, “The Album About Nothing.” The song is Wale’s take on why his relationships have failed. He relates the issue to his career path, lifestyle, and experiences in previous relationships.
The song also mirrors society and the current generation that has a complicated relationship with matters of the heart. For instance, the fear of commitment younger generations have despite clearly having an interest in their partners, which Usher highlights in the song’s chorus.
“True Love” by XXXTentacion ft. Ye
Song Year: 2022
“True Love” is a song in the albums of both XXXTentacion and Ye. It is in Ye’s album “Donda 2” and XXXtentacion’s album “Look at Me: The Album.” The release of the latter album occurred after the death of the artist.
The duo uses the song to highlight their struggles with love and relationships. They also address the toll that heartbreak can have on someone’s psyche.
“Panini” by Lil Nas X
Song Year: 2019
Panini is one of the best clean rap songs from the Old Town Road hitmaker. Contrary to your possible opinion, the song isn’t about a sandwich.
The song’s basis is the cartoon character Panini from the animated series ‘Chowder’ which aired on Cartoon Network over a decade ago. On the show, Panini has a huge crush and is obsessed and possessive with the titular character, Chowder, who doesn’t share in the feelings.
Nas equates Panini to fans who loved him when he was an underground artist but were upset when he blew up.
