Life can be tough, and sometimes it’s hard to find the right words or music to express how we feel. That’s where sad rap songs come in.
These powerful and emotional tracks often explore difficult topics such as heartbreak, depression, and anxiety, providing a space for listeners to connect with the artist’s vulnerability and find comfort in their own experiences. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the catchiest sad rap songs that can help you get through those tough moments when the world gets you down.
Sad Rap Songs to Get You Through When the World Gets You Down
1. “Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD
“Lucid Dreams” is a song by the late rapper Juice WRLD, released in 2018. The song has a dreamy, melancholic sound, and the lyrics express the pain of a failed romantic relationship. The song’s title refers to the concept of lucid dreaming, where one is aware that they are dreaming and can control the dream. In the song, Juice WRLD laments that he can’t control the pain and heartbreak he feels, comparing his emotional state to a never-ending nightmare.
The lyrics of the song deal with the aftermath of a breakup, with Juice WRLD expressing regret and frustration over the failed relationship. He sings about the vivid memories he has of his former lover, and how he can’t escape the pain of losing her. The chorus of the song features a memorable melody and repetition of the line “I still see your shadows in my room,” which has become a popular phrase and meme on social media.
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2. “All Girls Are the Same” by Juice WRLD
“All Girls Are the Same” is a song by Juice WRLD, released in 2018. The song is a somber, guitar-driven track that deals with themes of heartbreak and betrayal in romantic relationships.
In the lyrics, Juice WRLD expresses frustration with his ex-partner and laments the fact that all girls he’s been with seem to have the same tendencies to hurt and deceive him. The song’s chorus features the memorable refrain “All girls are the same, they’re rotting my brain,” which has become a popular phrase and meme on social media. Overall, “All Girls Are the Same” is a poignant and relatable song that touches on the emotional pain and confusion that can come with failed relationships.
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3. “Famous” by Kanye West ft. Rihanna
“Famous” by Kanye West featuring Rihanna is a controversial song that addresses themes of fame, power, and relationships. The song features a melancholic and haunting tone, with a sense of regret and sadness in the lyrics.
The chorus sung by Rihanna, “I hope you think of me,” expresses a yearning for someone who has moved on from the relationship. The verses by Kanye West include references to his own fame and power, as well as his past relationships, which have left him feeling isolated and alone. The overall mood of the song is one of sorrow and longing, with a sense of pain and heartache expressed in both the lyrics and the music.
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4. “Love Scars” by Trippie Redd
“Love Scars” is a song by American rapper and singer Trippie Redd, released in 2017. The song features a blend of rap and melodic singing, with Trippie Redd singing about the pain and heartbreak he has experienced in his romantic relationships.
The song’s title refers to the scars that love can leave on a person, both emotionally and physically. Trippie Redd sings about being betrayed and hurt by his former lover, and the pain that comes with trying to move on from the relationship. The chorus of the song features a catchy melody and repetition of the line “Love scars, my heart’s so cold.” Overall, “Love Scars” is a powerful and emotional song that resonates with many listeners who have experienced the ups and downs of love and heartbreak. The song helped establish Trippie Redd as a rising star in the hip-hop and R&B world.
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5. “U” by Kendrick Lamar
“U” is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released in 2015 as part of his critically acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” The song is a deeply personal and emotional track that deals with themes of self-doubt, guilt, and depression.
In the lyrics, Kendrick Lamar speaks to himself in the second person, addressing his inner demons and expressing his struggles with alcoholism, depression, and the pressures of fame. The song’s chorus features a repetition of the line “Loving you is complicated,” which speaks to the complexity of Kendrick’s relationship with himself and his own emotions. Overall, “U” is a raw and powerful song that reveals a vulnerable side of Kendrick Lamar and speaks to the pain and challenges that can come with success and fame. The song has been praised for its introspective lyrics and emotional depth, and has resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar struggles with mental health and self-doubt.
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6. “The Heart Part 4” by Kendrick Lamar
“The Heart Part 4” by Kendrick Lamar is a rap song that addresses various themes including the current state of the rap industry, political issues, and personal struggles.
The song features a somber and introspective tone, with Kendrick Lamar expressing his frustration with the current state of the world and the injustices he sees around him. The lyrics suggest that he feels disillusioned and disheartened by the state of society, and that he is struggling to find hope or meaning in the world. The overall mood of the song is one of sadness and despair, with a sense of urgency and desperation in Kendrick Lamar’s delivery.
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7. “1-800-273-8255” by Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid
“1-800-273-8255” is a song by American rapper Logic, featuring singers Alessia Cara and Khalid, released in 2017. The song’s title is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the lyrics of the song deal with themes of depression, suicide, and hopelessness.
In the song, Logic raps from the perspective of someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, expressing their pain and hopelessness in the face of life’s challenges. Alessia Cara and Khalid provide the song’s chorus, which features a repetition of the line “I don’t wanna be alive, I just wanna die today,” before transitioning to a more positive message of hope and encouragement to seek help. The song’s message of hope and support for those struggling with mental health issues has resonated with many listeners, and the song has been credited with increasing awareness of suicide prevention resources.
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8. “SAD!” by XXXTENTACION
“Sad!” is a song by American rapper XXXTentacion, released in 2018. The song has a melancholic sound, with XXXTentacion singing about his struggles with depression, heartbreak, and loneliness.
The lyrics of the song express the pain and emptiness that come with feeling isolated and misunderstood, with XXXTentacion lamenting the loss of a former lover and the inability to find happiness. The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I’m sad and low, yeah,” which speaks to the emotional weight of the song. Tragically, XXXTentacion was murdered in 2018, just a few months after the song’s release, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of sadness and pain.
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9. “Changes” by XXXTENTACION
“Changes” is a song by American rapper XXXTentacion, released in 2018. The song has a mellow, introspective sound, with XXXTentacion singing about the need for change and the struggles of personal growth. In the lyrics, he reflects on his own mistakes and regrets, expressing a desire to become a better person and to find redemption.
The song also deals with the pain and trauma of childhood, with XXXTentacion expressing a sense of loneliness and isolation. The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I’m going through changes,” which speaks to the emotional and psychological transformation that XXXTentacion is seeking. Tragically, XXXTentacion was murdered in 2018, just a few months after the song’s release, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of growth and self-reflection. Overall, “Changes” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of personal growth and transformation. The song has become a popular anthem for those seeking to overcome their own personal struggles and find a sense of purpose and redemption.
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10. “Save That Shit” by Lil Peep
“Save That Shit” is a song by American rapper and singer Lil Peep, released in 2017. The song has a melancholic and dreamy sound, with Lil Peep singing about his struggles with addiction and heartbreak. In the lyrics, he laments the pain and loneliness that come with addiction, and the difficulty of trying to move on from a failed relationship.
The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I’ll be waiting,” which speaks to Lil Peep’s hope and desperation for his former lover to return. Tragically, Lil Peep passed away in 2017 from a drug overdose, just a few months after the song’s release, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of pain and addiction. Overall, “Save That Shit” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of addiction and heartbreak. The song has become a popular anthem for those dealing with the pain of lost love and the struggles of addiction, and has cemented Lil Peep’s legacy as a talented and influential artist.
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11. “Cry Alone” by Lil Peep
“Cry Alone” is a song by American rapper and singer Lil Peep, released in 2018. The song has a melancholic and atmospheric sound, with Lil Peep singing about his struggles with depression, loneliness, and addiction. In the lyrics, he expresses his pain and isolation, and the difficulty of finding meaning and connection in life.
The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I just wanna cry alone right now,” which speaks to Lil Peep’s sense of hopelessness and despair. Tragically, Lil Peep passed away in 2017 from a drug overdose, just a few months before the song’s release, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of emotional pain and isolation. Overall, “Cry Alone” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of mental health and addiction. The song has become a popular anthem for those struggling with depression and loneliness, and has cemented Lil Peep’s legacy as a gifted and innovative artist.
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12. “Numb” by Linkin Park ft. Jay-Z
“Numb/Encore” is a collaboration between American rock band Linkin Park and rapper Jay-Z, released in 2004. The song is a mashup of Linkin Park’s “Numb” and Jay-Z’s “Encore,” and features a blend of rock and hip-hop elements.
The lyrics of “Numb” deal with themes of emotional pain, isolation, and a sense of feeling disconnected from the world. The song’s chorus features a repetition of the line “I’ve become so numb, I can’t feel you there,” which speaks to the emotional and psychological walls that can build up in response to pain and trauma.
The collaboration with Jay-Z adds a layer of poignancy to the song, with the rapper adding his own verse that speaks to the pressure and stress of fame and success. Tragically, Linkin Park’s lead singer Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of emotional pain and numbness. Overall, “Numb/Encore” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of mental health, fame, and success. The song has become a popular anthem for those struggling with emotional pain and disconnection, and has cemented Linkin Park’s legacy as a groundbreaking and influential band.
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13. “Everything Will Be OK” by G-Eazy ft. Kehlani
“Everything Will Be OK” is a song by American rapper G-Eazy featuring singer Kehlani, released in 2015. The song has a somber, introspective sound, with G-Eazy rapping about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and the challenges of dealing with personal demons.
The lyrics of the song express a sense of hopelessness and despair, with G-Eazy questioning his own sanity and wondering if he will ever find peace. Kehlani provides the song’s chorus, which features a repetition of the line “Everything will be okay,” offering a message of hope and encouragement to G-Eazy and anyone else struggling with mental health issues. Overall, “Everything Will Be OK” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of mental health, and the importance of finding hope and support in difficult times. The song has resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar struggles, and has cemented G-Eazy and Kehlani’s legacies as artists who are unafraid to tackle difficult and important issues in their music.
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14. “Tears” by Post Malone
The lyrics of “Tears” by Post Malone describe a person who is dealing with emotional pain and uses money, specifically clothes from the brand “Supreme,” to ease the pain.
In the chorus, Post Malone sings about wiping his tears with money and how the clothes from Supreme take the pain away. In the verses, Post Malone and featured artist 1st rap about their wealth and how it allows them to deal with emotional pain. The song overall portrays a message of using material possessions as a means of escaping emotional pain, although it can be seen as a commentary on the superficial nature of society and how people often rely on material possessions to feel happy.
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15. “My Fault” by Juice WRLD
“My Fault” by Juice WRLD is a sad song about regret and taking responsibility for one’s mistakes in a relationship. In the chorus, the singer laments that everything went wrong and it’s all his fault, wishing that things had gone differently and they could be happy instead of sad.
The verse describes a toxic relationship where the girl is stuck and he is messed up from rolling weed. He wishes she would cool down and stop talking so much, but he realizes that he is the one who let her down and drowned in the drama. The song’s bridge and final chorus repeat the theme of regret, with the singer acknowledging that he should have made different choices and now it’s a sad song instead of a happy one. Overall, the song portrays the pain and sadness that comes with realizing one’s mistakes and the consequences that follow.
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16. “Bad Vibes Forever” by XXXTENTACION ft. Trippie Redd and PnB Rock
“Bad Vibes Forever” is a song by American rapper and singer XXXTENTACION featuring Trippie Redd and PnB Rock, released in 2019. The song has a melancholic and reflective sound, with the three artists singing about the pain and struggles they have experienced in their lives.
The lyrics of the song express a sense of hopelessness and despair, with each artist reflecting on their own battles with depression, addiction, and heartbreak. The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “Bad vibes, get off of me,” which speaks to the desire to move on from the negative emotions and experiences that haunt them. Tragically, XXXTENTACION passed away in 2018, adding a sense of tragedy and poignancy to the song’s message of pain and struggle. Overall, “Bad Vibes Forever” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of mental health, and the importance of finding hope and support in difficult times. The song has become a popular anthem for those struggling with emotional pain and the struggles of life, and has cemented XXXTENTACION’s legacy as a gifted and innovative artist.
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17. “Hate Myself” by NF
“Hate Myself” is a song by American rapper NF, released in 2019. The song has a dark and introspective sound, with NF rapping about his struggles with mental health, self-doubt, and self-hatred. The lyrics of the song express a sense of despair and hopelessness, with NF acknowledging his own shortcomings and the pain that comes with feeling like a failure.
The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I hate myself,” which speaks to the self-loathing and negative self-talk that can be so pervasive for those struggling with mental health issues. The song also touches on themes of addiction and the challenges of breaking free from destructive patterns of behavior.
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18. “I Fall Apart” by Post Malone
“I Fall Apart” is a song by American rapper and singer Post Malone, released in 2016. The song has a melancholic sound, with Post Malone singing about the pain and heartbreak that comes with a failed relationship.
The lyrics of the song express a sense of vulnerability and sadness, with Post Malone lamenting the loss of love and the struggles of moving on. The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I fall apart,” which speaks to the emotional turmoil and pain that can come with heartbreak. The song also touches on themes of alcoholism and the numbing effects of substance abuse as a coping mechanism for dealing with the pain.
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19. “Lonely” by Diplo and Jonas Brothers
“Lonely” is a song by American DJ and producer Diplo featuring the Jonas Brothers, released in 2020. The song has a somber and reflective sound, with the lyrics exploring the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can come with fame and success.
The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “Everybody knows my name, but it’s just a lonely feeling,” which speaks to the sense of disconnection and emptiness that can come with being in the public eye. The verses of the song touch on themes of heartbreak and the challenges of finding genuine connections with others, even in the midst of adoration and attention.
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20. “Fighting Demons” by Juice WRLD
“Fighting Demons” is a song by American rapper Juice WRLD, released in 2021 posthumously. The song has a melancholic and introspective sound, with Juice WRLD rapping about the struggles of battling with addiction and mental health issues. The lyrics of the song express a sense of despair and hopelessness, with Juice WRLD acknowledging his own demons and the pain that comes with trying to overcome them.
The chorus of the song features a repetition of the line “I’ve been fighting demons,” which speaks to the daily battle of fighting with one’s own inner demons. The verses of the song touch on themes of self-harm, loneliness, and the difficulties of maintaining healthy relationships while dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Overall, “Fighting Demons” is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the challenges and complexities of mental health, and the importance of finding hope and support in difficult times. The song has become a popular anthem for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, and has cemented Juice WRLD’s legacy as a gifted and innovative artist who was unafraid to tackle difficult and important issues in his music.
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, sad rap songs offer a powerful outlet for people to express their emotions and find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
Whether you’re feeling down, going through a tough time, or simply looking for a new playlist to explore, these 20 catchy songs are sure to connect with you on a deep and meaningful level. So the next time the world gets you down, turn to the power of music and let these sad rap songs guide you through.
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