Top 5 Emo-rap Songs I Recommend
by Alfredo Hui from 6B
Music is an interesting thing but very diverse. Today, I am going to talk about a subgenre, emo rap. Emo rap originated from the big genre, Hip-pop. Do you know what Emo-rap is? If you don’t know, this article may be helping you to find one of the best songs in this fusion genre.
It is a fusion genre of the main genre, hip-pop, and other subgenres, like “mumble” rap, 808(a type of electronic music), with small genres, such as punk, R&B, and some mild rock music.
The songs always feature depression, grief and loss. Special ones like “The Way” (will be mentioned later) contain emotional fragility. The rapper’s fans once noted that Juice WRLD’s songs made the fans feel “they’re not alone in this world”. These things made some of the songs sad, but rose up in the mid 2010’s because the people liked to listen to them as they contain sad themes.
Emo rap was first popular on the music platform “SoundCloud”, then became popular in the world. Many artists gained world fame, while XXXTentacion made the song “Sad” viral, and made the hit #1 on the USA billboard hot 100.
The genre’s beat type always uses trap, 808, and punk. The people singing emo rap’s vocals are not as clear as traditional rap. They mostly use autotune to make their sounds more electrified.
Following the tragic deaths of Juice WRLD, Lil’ peep, and XXXTentacion. Emo rap isn’t popular now. I’m writing to make more people know more about emo-rap and choose the best songs. Hope you enjoy this dive of the genre and buckle up! (The songs are listed according to my ranking!)
No.5 SAD!
By XXXTentacion
From the album “?”
The song delivers a message to overcome and past inner demons. I like this song because the structure of the song is clear, and it is one of my favourites in all my Spotify playlists!
No.4 Falling Down
By Lil’ Peep and XXXTentacion
From the (Lil’ Peep’s) album: “Come Over When You’re Sober”
A song that reflects on grief, loss, and regret by two emo-rap era mainstream artists, XXXTentacion and Lil’ peep. I like the vocals of Lil’ Peep, but I think XXXTentacion’s part should be more rock based on many of his songs, such as “Look at Me”.
No.3 Jocelyn Flores
By XXXTentacion
From the album “17”
The song is filled with themes like suicide, depression and loss similar to the song “Falling Down” mentioned above.
The song was dedicated to his ( XXXTentacion ) friend, 16 year old girl Jocelyn Flores. She came to the rapper’s house to an offer of the clothing line “Revenge” modelling. The rapper found that he had some money that were lost, so he told Jocelyn and another guest model to go away from his house. After that, she checked in to a hotel in Coconut Creek and at night, she committed suicide.
No.2 XO Tour Llif3
By Lil’ Uzi Vert
From the album”Luv is Rage 2”
Lil’ Uzi Vert’s song, “XO Tour Llif3” achieved massive platinum status, and is RIAA Diamond certified (over 10x platinum) because of the song’s popularity and defining a subgenre.
I just like the song.
No.1 The Way
By Juice WRLD & XXXTentacion
From the ( Juice WRLD’s Album) “Legends Never Die 5th Anniversary”
“The Way” is an introspective track that offers a raw look into the artists’ shared experiences with emotional fragility, the pursuit of healing, and the challenge of navigating life's difficulties. I like the song because it shows the original element of Emo rap.
Released on July 11, 2025, both artists died years ago.
The song could be finally released because both artists left vast amounts of unreleased rap materials. The song was released by the team which supported both rappers when they were still alive.
The album cover is originated and inspired from Juice WRLD’s album “Legends Never Die” with only a difference —a purple background.
I like these songs because their beats combined electro, mild punk, R&B, and trap music, even creating their own subgenre. These things make the pattern of the rhythm sad to outstand the specialty of the genre. People aged 12-18 will like these songs in my opinion. Hope you like all the songs! Wait and bye for now!