Running it back: a hip-hop guide to the perfect run.
Let’s dive into 7 hip-hop songs to add to your running playlists.
Something I have recently fallen in love with are outdoor runs; to be specific, runs to Promontory Point as I listen to music and try to literally run away from an unfinished PSET (we all need a study break every here and there…). Now, adding music to these fun excursions has truly changed the game and even makes me look forward to running. However, as someone from Florida, I did not expect the Chicago winter to be THIS LONG; even though everyone warned me, I did not expect it. This is an issue because I spent my winter quarter listening to the most summery songs Spotify suggested (yeah it’s an interesting way to cope), and now that it actually is peak summer weather, my favorite songs seem a little overplayed. Until then, I remembered that a solution does not always have to be something new, I can always visit something that has already been done before. In other words, if 2016 is making a comeback, so can 90s hip-hop. To prove myself, I will show you how hip-hop can deliver steady beats and energy to successfully get you through a summer run. Let’s dive into 7 hip-hop songs to add to your running playlists.
Why don’t we start off the same way many things start off… with the beginning. Either you are REALLY excited to run and you have been looking forward to this for a really long time or you are totally dreading it. For this specific moment, we need a song to get you excited; I present to you (one of my favorites) “Harder Than You Think” by Public Enemy. Opening with a distorted electric guitar riff and conversation between Flavor Flav and Chuck D, this gritty, rock-influenced track, sets a heavy tone, allowing you to mentally prepare yourself for the run. But, the second the beat drops, it is time to commit. This song’s high-intensity energy and chaotic tempo helps maintain a fast and consistent pace for the beginning of your run. Each strong beat aligns with your footsteps and creates a steady cadence that makes slowing down feel nearly impossible. What makes this choice particularly powerful is the way it can truly transform your entire mindset. Play the song right now. The commanding beat and unapologetic intensity create an atmosphere where hesitation feels out of place, and fuels an adrenaline spike. As the rhythm drives forward, it becomes easier to settle into your pace, enabling the music to carry you through the (quite common) initial discomfort at the start of a run. Also, towards the end, our beautiful Chicago gets a shoutout (at 3:36 to be exact), giving “Harder Than You Think” an extra point in my book.
After the first long stretch, you are usually looking for something to match the same “hyped-up” vibe, but also something a little calming in order to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery if you are running outside (yes, very poetic I know). A song with a somewhat similar beat to the aforementioned is “Flute Loop” by the Beastie Boys. Though it is different because it has jazzy instrumentals, “Flute Loop” keeps the momentum alive without creating an overwhelming feeling that hip-hop tends to have. With a rhythmic flow, this track makes you feel as if you are “cruising” rather than sprinting. However, since “Flute Loop” is quite short, I’m going to give you another suggestion to go along with it: “Montego Slay” by People Under The Stairs. It has a smooth, laid-back West Coast feel, which is a nice addition to the mix. It not only allows you to physically catch your breath, but it is also perfect for reflection. Ok that sounds mega performative, but reflecting a little on occasion is beneficial because “It's good for the soul like dinner with your moms”, but “Sometimes it ain't timed, sometimes it can't be” so “This time we kick back and let the conscious be free”. The fact I was able to construct the latter sentence with quotes from the song proves why it perfectly fits this portion of the run. In essence, both tracks complement each other well because they allow you to take a break from intense cadences.
YOU ARE HALFWAY THROUGH. This is the equivalent of playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch with your sibling and you have completed 3/6 rounds (notice how I wrote completed and not won because the race ain’t over yet…). This moment can truly change everything; if the run hasn’t been going according to plan, you can change this right now. And for that, let’s recover some momentum with none other than “All the Way Turnt Up” by Roscoe Dash. Why this song? Because it is time to run at a level “All the way turnt up” so “crank it to the max” Sorry, I had to. The lyrics were begging for this. Released in 2010, this Atlanta hip-hop classic combines a booming bass, fast-paced production, and an insanely catchy chorus to instantly reignite your drive. Roscoe Dash’s signature high-energy delivery paired with Soulja Boy’s confident swag will definitely bring in the boost necessary to keep going and push through fatigue.
Now, we are back to something slower, something smooth before the final stretch. “Award Tour” by A Tribe Called Quest is the perfect way to transition from an explosive run into a more controlled stride. Known for their jazz-infused production and effortless lyricism, A Tribe Called Quest has truly mastered creating hip-hop that feels not only relaxed but also motivating. You may already be familiar with their iconic phrase, “Can I kick it?”, which has become deeply embedded in hip-hop culture and exemplifies the group’s lasting influence. “Award Tour”’s rhythmic (yet pretty laid-back sound) allows you to stabilize your pace and breathe for a moment before running at full speed one last time.
Finally, YOU ARE ALMOST DONE. YOU (most likely) NEED A FINAL ADRENALINE RUSH IN ORDER TO FINISH STRONG. For this, my suggestion to help you out is “Swag Surfin’” by F.L.Y.. This song starts with something a little more calming (just like “Harder Than You Think") to mentally prepare you to give it your all one last time; to motivate you to swaggishly surf through the sidewalk on your way back. What makes “Swag Surfin’”especially perfect for this final push is its balance of anticipation and explosiveness. Released in 2009, the track became a cultural phenomenon mainly because of how its initial build-up to the chorus flawlessly complements its anthemic vibe. The gradual escalation in the intro gives you just enough time to lock in before the beat fully drops, which delivers the kind of motivation needed when your legs are begging you to stop. With a heavy bass and triumphant production, it creates a feeling of excitement. Instead of simply helping you complete the run, Swag Surfin’ makes the ending feel fully earned.
Hey, congrats on finishing your run; get yourself a lemonade from Pret, maybe re-listen to some of these songs, and thank me later.
edited by Sarah Nagarkatti.
photo by Alexa Robles Cortes.
