This list of the fastest rap songs showcases some of the very best in technical rapping.
Fast rapping – also known as ‘chopper’ or ‘chopping’ – is one of the arenas in which rappers showcase their technical brilliance.
With its origins in Midwest hip-hop, the word ‘chopper’ derives from both the street slang for an automatic firearm, and the colloquial word for a helicopter. Often replicating those pulsating, mechanical sounds, ‘chopper’ is really the perfect name for the style.
This list features both well-known and lesser-known fast rappers, from Busta Rhymes and Eminem, to underground chopper legends. Let’s dive in.
B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad) – Outkast
Year of release: 2000
It may not be the number one track on this list, but it’s fair to say this article would not be complete without mentioning Outkast, and the iconic André 3000.
The thing about André 3000 is that his chopper raps are not merely technical exercises. This is an artist who exhibits exceptional musicality at the same time as technical brilliance.
‘B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad)’ is one of the best examples of Outkast’s rapping abilities. However, an honorable mention must also go to André 3000’s inimitable verse on the Frank Ocean song ‘Solo (Reprise).’
Jus’ A Rascal – Dizzee Rascal
Year of release: 2003
Dizzee Rascal was one of the pioneers of grime music and is one of the best-known British rappers of all time. His hit single ‘Jus’ A Rascal,’ off his legendary 2003 album Boy in Da Corner serves as the perfect introduction to the artist and his talents.
The track is not the fastest on this list (although it is impressive), and the song almost certainly earns Dizzee the accolade of fastest British rap song.
For any American readers who are not familiar, the track is essential listening for a taste of 00s UK rap – as well as being amongst of the fastest rap songs ever released.
Creep Fast – Twista (feat. T-Pain)
Year of release: 2007
Twista is an exceptionally fast rapper, and has held the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Rapper in the World’ at several points. His amazing credentials include dropping more than 11 syllables in one second.
‘Creep Fast’ is amongst Twista’s fastest rap songs. The biggest track on Twista’s 2007 album Adrenaline Rush, the track is amongst the better-known songs on this list. It’s pretty damn fast – the crazy thing is that it’s not even his fastest…
Rap God – Eminem
Year of release: 2013
‘Rap God’ is one of the songs that first got people tuned into the fact that Eminem is a technically brilliant rapper. Containing 1,560 words, the track received the Guinness World Record for a hit single containing the most words.
As for the speed at which Eminem delivers those lyrics, the track has been credited for reaching 9.6 syllables per second. As well as being extremely fast, the track performed well in the charts, peaking at number 7 on the US Hot 100 Billboard, and at number 5 in the UK singles chart.
Although the track has been celebrated to no end, the content of the lyrics has been subject to some criticism. With lines that allude insensitively to the Columbine High School massacre, and fairly obvious homophobic slurs (although the artist denies it), the track may be testament to Eminem’s technical skills – but it does not reflect well on his moral fibre.
Mista Tung Twista – Twista
Year of release: 1991
Twista’s chopping talents see him feature on this list not just once but twice. If you thought ‘Creep Fast’ was fast, then ‘Mista Tung Twista’ will knock the wind out of you.
Twista’s crowning glory, this track is a case study in technical rap abilities. After dropping the track in 1991, Twista was awarded the Guinness World Record for fastest MC in the world in 1992. The song fits 1,287 words into 4 minutes and 36 seconds.
Despite Twista’s undeniable technical brilliance, the track failed to make it onto Billboard’s charts. Which goes to show that skill alone isn’t everything you need to make it in the rap game.
Make sure to also check out Twista’s verse on the ironically-named ‘Slow Jamz,’ featuring Jaime Foxx and Kanye West.
Break Ya Neck – Busta Rhymes
Year of release: 2001
Busta Rhymes has always been revered as a technically brilliant rapper, and ‘Break Ya Neck’ is the track that is best-known for showcasing his chopper skills.
As well as featuring some smoking fast verses, the track was one of the most commercially successful songs on this list. Featuring production from Dr. Dre and Scott Storch, the track charted all over the world, and reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-hop Songs chart.
A big Busta Rhymes tune that also happens to be one of the fastest rap songs of all time. Take note – you have to wait a couple of minutes for the fast rap to drop!
New West – NoClue
Year of release: 2005
West Coast rapper NoClue is not the best-known rapper on this list, but that hasn’t stood in his way. In 2005 he was awarded the title of ‘Fastest Rap MC’ by Guinness World Records for his astonishing track ‘New West.’
NoClue’s award-winning hip-hop track hits 723 syllables in 51.27 seconds (averaging 14.1 syllables per second), and it’s absolutely staggering. The second verse is simply eye-watering. You have to hear it to believe it!
An impressive track that definitely deserves a place amongst the fastest rap songs of all time.
The Evergassin Gobstopper – Twisted Insane
Year of release: 2007
His name makes a lot of sense, because Twisted Insane’s raps are truly insane. ‘The Evergassin Gobstopper’ is the best example of his astonishing talents.
Although this track is not necessarily the fastest on this list (although it is extremely fast) what is so remarkable about the track is the rhythms Twisted Insane uses. Utilising complex dotted rhythms and triplet rhythms, as well as some very unusual feeling staccato flows, the track proves his talent beyond doubt.
The vocals on the chorus give new meaning to the word ‘chopper’ – never has a human voice sounded so much like a helicopter.
Worldwide Choppers – Tech N9ne
Year of release: 2011
Tech N9ne is revered as a rapping virtuoso thanks to extraordinary ‘chopper’ technique.
Enunciating each word with biting clarity, Tech N9ne’s super fast raps sound just like the name suggests – a whizzing helicopter blade. His name derives from the TEC-9 semi-automatic firearm, which is also a suitable metaphor for his rapping style.
Despite not being a hugely well-known rapper, it is clear by the features on his records how much he is revered in the rap community. He has featured the likes of Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chains, Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, and Lil Wayne on his tracks.
His fastest rap songs include ‘Midwest Choppers,’ ‘Midwest Choppers 2.’ His track ‘Worldwide Choppers’ – on which he features other legendary choppers Busta Rhymes, Yelawolf, and Twisted Insane – is a fantastic showcase of the fastest rappers in the world.
Power Up – Crucified
Year of release: 2017
Underground, independent Texan rapper Crucified is known for hitting ridiculous speeds of over 20 syllables per second. His best known track is ‘That Music,’ but his track ‘Power Up’ seems to go beyond it in terms of its pace.
Allegedly reaching speeds of up to 28.9 syllables per second, you have to hear this to believe it – and even then, you might not believe it.
Online the artist regularly seems to come up against accusations of being a fake. The problem some listeners may have is that the words are simply too fast to hear – even if they were enunciated more precisely, it may be impossible to understand what he’s saying that rapid tempo.
Rightly or wrongly, Crucified has not been granted official recognition by Guinness World Records. Either way, the dizzying speeds he reaches make this artist essential listening for anyone who is interested in fast rapping.
Godzilla – Eminem (feat. Juice WLRD)
Year of release: 2020
Eminem is well-known as one of the fastest rappers in the world, and Godzilla is a good example. Featuring additional vocals from Juice WRLD, Eminem’s third verse is the one that is celebrated, and occasionally emulated by aspiring technical rappers around the world.
The verse crams 224 words into 31 seconds. With 330 syllables in the verse, that makes approximately 10.65 syllables per second. The track saw Eminem break the record that he set on ‘Rap God.’
As well as reaching legendary speeds, the track was a big commercial success. The first posthumous release to include Juice WRLD, the track topped the UK singles charts, and peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and Rolling Stone Top 100.
Header image: André 3000
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