I got a post from Samuel Lai, one of my athletes following the Ultimate MMA program (or was it the xMB program – I can’t remember!) asking me for the names of some of my favourite songs to workout to.
So I figured I’d do up a little post and also request that you also post the Top 5 Workout Songs you’re currently listening to. You can do so in the Comments at the end.
While I grew up on alternative rock and still love a lot of it (Nirvana – In Bloom will always be one of my favourite songs), hip hop grows on me more and more.
But it’s not the hype and flash. Although who wouldn’t want to throw wads of money in the air and drive around in a Hummer on 29″ rims.
It’s the lyrics.
I always tell my wife that hip hop artists are some of the best poets ever. She has trouble hearing the words, but sometimes she catches something and rhymes it off. So cute.
Needless to say, I’m a lyrics guy. Of course the beats/music is important, but the lyrics are what fire me up.
So with that prelude, now you know where I’m coming from. Here are my top 5 workouts songs right now.
Uptown – Drake
Yeah he sings as much as he raps and teenage girls love him but some of the lines that Drake spits on this track always get me pumped up:
“Hardly home but always reppin’. You hardly on and always second. When I’m awake you always restin’ and when they call you to answer you hardly question I. I’m doin’ classic shit in all my sessions… other niggaz situations they are all depressin’. That’s why I never follow your suggestions. I just always did my own thing… Now I run the GAME.”
Can’t beat that for bumpin’ the confidence. The beat is heavy too.
Hip Hop Saved My Life – Lupe
While there are some lines from this track that are tight, the song is a story that you’ve got to hear from start to finish.
It’s a powerful song and if I had to summarize it, Lupe spins a tale about what fuels perseverance and triumph and how tragedy was avoided at the very last second.
Big Brother – Kanye
“Big brother saw me at the bottom of the totem. Now I’m on the top and everybody on the scrotum.”
That line is off the hook!
But it’s not just the catchy lines. In a world that’s full of self-aggrandizement, and from someone who is known for it, this song is a great reminder of the fact that being humble is cool and giving props to those who are at a level above you and help you reach your goals is a good thing. On this track, Kanye is giving props to Jay-Z.
“If you admire somebody you should go ahead and tell him. People never get the flowers while they can still smell ’em. An idol in my eyes. God of the game. Heart of the city. Rockafella chain. Never be the same. Never be another. #1 young hov also my big brother.”
JFK to LAX – Gangstarr
“… that’s why you gotta regulate your own mind state. Read. Study lessons and build your inner power. The next level, doesn’t tolerate cowards.”
RIP GURU.
Put it Down on Me – 50 Cent
OK I’m not just a lyrics geek. This beat is down and DIRTY. And I love it.
What are yours?
Hit me up with some of your big tunes in the Comments below.
Leave a Reply