Hip-Hop’s Most Patriotic Songs

On its best day, hip-hop is a lot of things: Stirring. Thought-provoking. Spiritual. Powerful.

But patriotic? Not hardly.

There are countless tracks that take our government, our leadership and deep-rooted institutional racism to task. In fact, nearly every rap track with “America” in the title drips with sarcasm and spite. Finding a song that actually celebrates the country is as impossible as finding a full bottle of barbecue sauce at Rick Rawse’s house.

No worries, I tracked down a few songs – just in time for your cookouts.

This July 4, as we honor our nation’s birthday by nearly killing family members over a game of spades gone awry, blast these songs as you celebrate the land of liberty.

Hip-hop was a culture defined by rebellion and defiance – in a way, it’s the same attitude that America had in its fight for independence. They have a lot more in common that you’d think.

Petey Pablo, “Raise Up (All Cities Remix)

When Petey dropped his signature hit in 2001, it was an ode to his home state of North Carolina. But after the 9/11 terror attacks, we were all hit with a surge of national pride. Petey revamped his song to shout out the entire country.

Young Jeezy featuring Nas “My President”

This is more of a salute to Barack Obama’s historic presidential victory in 2008 than a salute to the country itself, but hey, you take what you can get. It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest Jeezy fan but this track actually hits the mark – showing equal amounts of despair and hope for the future.

Kurtis Blow, “America”

Even Kurtis Blow, the happiest rapper you’ll ever meet, got political sometimes. The first half of the song is Blow (in the most corny way possible, naturally) gushing over America’s freedoms. The second half is a plea to President Reagan to end his war mongering, before we’re all killed in World War 3. Obviously that didn’t happen. Honestly, the most offensive part of the song is when he categorizes the continent of Africa as a country. We need to do better.

The Throne featuring Frank Ocean, “Made In America”

Backed by Frank Ocean, Jay Z and Kanye West wax nostalgic about their rise to glory. It’s not so much a salute to the country as it is a reminder of the opportunities America can provide to even its most oppressed people. Sweet baby Jesus, miracles do happen.

What did I miss? Share your favorite patriotic rap tracks below.