HOW TO USE HIP-HOP BACKGROUND MUSIC IN YOUR VIDEOS

Hip-hop is one of the world's fastest-growing genres, with Spotify reporting that nearly a quarter of all streams in 2023 were hip-hop songs.

Why Hip Hop Transforms and Elevates Content

What started as the voice of the marginalized has now evolved into an international phenomenon that is no longer just a style of music but a movement, culture, and universal language of the youth. Born in the South Bronx of New York City, hip-hop's influence is felt far beyond the streets from which it originated. Today, it is a driving force in film, TV, YouTube, and social media content. From the gritty soundtracks of television dramas like Top Boy to the heart-pumping beats of Southside With You, hip-hop has become a cornerstone in modern storytelling.

Unsurprisingly, hip-hop is the most popular genre on our platform. But why does hip-hop appeal to content creators, and how does it so beautifully elevate visual media?

Grab Their Attention with Movement

Hip-hop has a natural rhythmic foundation, a powerful tool for creators. The beats provide videos with a natural flow and energy that keeps the content engaging. Using hip-hop background music in your projects can do more than sync to your story—it can enhance your content by creating a sense of movement that captivates audiences. Whether you’re creating action-packed scenes or reflective montages, using hip-hop background music for videos injects your content with the rhythm it needs to keep viewers engaged and interested.

Make Your Content Youthful and Current

Incorporating hip-hop into your content is an effective way to keep things fresh and contemporary. Our carefully curated hip-hop background music tracks are designed to resonate with today’s audiences and can help your content connect with a younger demographic. It's especially useful when you're looking for copyright-free hip-hop music for YouTube to avoid legal hurdles while maintaining relevance.

How to Choose the Right Hip-Hop Beat for Your Content

Our extensive library of hip-hop tracks offers something for every type of video. Here are two particular genres of hip-hop that are perfect for specific projects:

Clean, Distraction-Free Beats

Instrumental hip-hop tracks are the perfect match if you regularly use voice-over in your content. Free from lyrics, these tracks provide atmospheric backing music while maintaining the energy that hip-hop is known for. 

You can find options that suit your needs, including where to get free background music for videos. Try experimenting with tracks that feature rich, layered instrumentals, such as strings or stripped-back beats. These tracks are designed for spoken-word content to ensure your message remains front and center.

Add Depth with Unique Vocal Hip Hop

Our vocal hip-hop tracks will offer a unique blend of instrumental and vocal elements for those looking to create something more distinctive. Rappers are natural storytellers, meaning vocal hip-hop can amplify themes in your content without needing extra dialogue. With the incorporation of strings, light percussion, and other subtle sounds, these tracks add depth and texture to your content. They’re perfect for creating an atmosphere that stands out, adding layers to your narrative without overpowering it.

Explore our collection to find your project's best hip-hop song download options.

License a Hip Hop track with Universal Music for Creators

Hip-hop has evolved from a grassroots movement into a global cultural force with an undeniable impact on visual media. It is the perfect tool to give energy to your videos, keep your content fresh and relevant, or add depth with distinctive soundscapes. For more insights on music licensing, check out our guide on music licensing 101. 

Explore our diverse collection of better than royalty-free hip-hop tracks and discover how they can transform your next project into something extraordinary.