29 Best Hip Hop Songs of 2004: The Ultimate Playlist

Updated at: 21/06/2025

The year of oversized jeans, flip phones, and some of the most unforgettable hip-hop tracks ever created. If you're a true hip-hop head, or just looking to relive the glory days (or discover some hidden gems), then you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the heart of the best songs of 2004 hip hop, exploring the sounds and artists that defined a year of unparalleled creativity and influence in the genre. From the hard-hitting beats to the socially conscious lyrics and the undeniable swagger, 2004's hip-hop scene offered something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, get ready to dust off your nostalgia or discover your new favorite tracks as we count down the unforgettable anthems that shaped a generation. Prepare to be transported back to a time when hip-hop truly reigned supreme.

29 Best Hip Hop Songs of 2004: The Ultimate Playlist
Song	Artist	Album	Listens
1. Yeah!	USHER Lil Jon Ludacris	Confessions (Expanded Edition)	976M+
2. Hey Ya!	Outkast	Speakerboxxx/The Love Below	719M+
3. Drop It Like It's Hot	Pharrell Williams Snoop Dogg	R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece	297M+
4. Let's Get It Started	The Black Eyed Peas		273M+
5. How We Do	50 Cent The Game	The Documentary	222M+
6. Locked Up	Akon		214M+
7. Lean Back	Terror Squad		175M+

1. Yeah! (USHER ft Lil Jon ft Ludacris)

Genre-bending Fusion: USHER, Lil Jon, and Ludacris seamlessly blend R&B, hip-hop, and crunk, creating a unique sound that defined 2004.

Infectious Energy: The track's relentless beat and catchy hook are undeniably infectious, making it perfect for any party playlist from that era.

Cultural Impact: "Yeah!" wasn't just a hit; it became an anthem, embodying the vibrant energy of the early 2000s hip-hop scene and influencing countless artists.

2. Hey Ya! (Outkast)

Unforgettable Hook: "Hey Ya!" boasts one of the most instantly recognizable and infectious hooks in hip-hop history, cementing its place in 2004's musical landscape.

Innovative Sound: Outkast's blend of Southern hip-hop with funk and soul influences created a unique and undeniably catchy sound that transcended genre boundaries.

Cultural Impact: The song's vibrant music video and memorable dance moves further solidified its status as a defining track of the era, impacting both music and popular culture.

3. Drop It Like It's Hot

Production: Pharrell Williams' innovative production blends infectious synth lines with a hypnotic beat, creating a sound instantly recognizable as a defining element of 2004 hip-hop.

Vocal Chemistry: The effortless interplay between Pharrell's smooth vocals and Snoop Dogg's laid-back flow is a masterclass in collaboration, showcasing their individual strengths while creating a cohesive whole.

Cultural Impact: "Drop It Like It's Hot" wasn't just a hit; it became a cultural phenomenon, its catchy hook and memorable dance move permeating popular culture and solidifying its place in hip-hop history.

4. Let's Get It Started (The Black Eyed Peas - 2025)

Infectious Beat: "Let's Get It Started" boasts an undeniably catchy beat that's impossible to resist, perfectly capturing the energetic vibe of early 2000s hip-hop.

Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable hook and Fergie's powerful vocals cemented this track's place in hip-hop history, making it a perennial favorite for its undeniable memorability.

Cultural Impact: Its use in numerous sporting events and its overall energy made it a true anthem of its time, solidifying its place as a defining song of 2004.

5. How We Do

Hard-Hitting Production: The track boasts a signature 2004 hip-hop sound, with a menacing beat that perfectly complements 50 Cent and The Game's aggressive flows.

Lyrical Chemistry: The combination of 50 Cent's braggadocio and The Game's street-level storytelling creates an undeniable synergy, capturing the raw energy of the era.

Unforgettable Hook: The catchy hook is instantly recognizable and contributed to the song's lasting impact on the hip-hop landscape of 2004.

6. Locked Up (2004)

Akon's Vocals: Akon's signature smooth vocals are perfectly suited to the song's reflective and slightly melancholic mood, creating a captivating atmosphere.

Production: The track features a memorable, understated beat that perfectly complements Akon's vocal delivery, making "Locked Up" instantly recognizable even years later.

Lyrical Content: The raw and honest lyrics, depicting incarceration and longing, resonated deeply with audiences in 2004 and still hold emotional weight today, securing its place in hip-hop history.

7. Lean Back

Unforgettable Hook: Terror Squad's "Lean Back" boasts one of the most instantly recognizable and catchy hooks of 2004, cementing its place in hip-hop history.

Rhythm and Flow: The song's masterful blend of Latin-infused rhythms and effortless flows from each member creates an irresistible groove that is both innovative and undeniably fun.

Cultural Impact: Its massive popularity transcended the typical hip-hop audience, becoming a true summer anthem and solidifying its status as a defining track of the year.

8. Goodies (2004)

Infectious Hook: Ciara's instantly memorable vocal performance and Petey Pablo's equally catchy verse created a hook that dominated airwaves in 2004.

Production: The track's upbeat tempo and crisp production perfectly captured the vibe of early 2000s hip-hop, making it ideal for both clubs and radio.

Cultural Impact: "Goodies" transcended its genre, becoming a defining song of the year and leaving a lasting mark on popular culture.

9. Freek-a-Leek (Petey Pablo - 2025)

Sound: "Freek-a-Leek" boasts a distinctive, instantly recognizable synth riff and a heavy, driving beat that perfectly captures the energy of early 2000s hip-hop.

Rhythm: The song's infectious rhythm and call-and-response structure make it incredibly catchy and perfect for both casual listening and high-energy settings.

Pop Culture Impact: Its memorable chorus and playful lyrics cemented "Freek-a-Leek" as a defining track of the 2004 hip-hop landscape, influencing countless artists and remaining a staple in the genre.

10. Nasty Girl (Duets: The Final Chapter - 1997)

Star-Studded Lineup: Boasting a legendary collaboration between Nelly, Diddy, Jagged Edge, The Notorious B.I.G. (posthumously), and Avery Storm, "Nasty Girl" benefited from a truly iconic roster of hip-hop heavyweights.

Infectious Beat: The track's irresistible rhythm and catchy hook made it a club staple and a radio favorite in 2004, perfectly encapsulating the era's sound.

Nostalgic Vibe: Its blend of smooth R&B and hard-hitting hip-hop perfectly captures the energy of early 2000s hip-hop, making it a potent blast from the past for fans of the genre.