The Best Rap Songs For Getting Dressed

Pull yourself together with choice jams.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It's no secret that hip-hop and style have a symbiotic relationship. While songs like A$AP Rocky's "Fashion Killa" and Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick's seminal "La Di Da Di" reference multiple brands and labels, they don't exactly inspire you to get off your ass and put on a fresh shirt. When getting ready for the day—or night—there's something about the instant confidence you get when you put the right rap song on blast.

Forget brand shout-outs, we're talking about the bangers that just hype you up to face—and wear—just about anything. No matter the situation, whether it's a date, court case, or hurrying to your flight, there's a rap song for it all. Fix up and listen to The Best Rap Songs For Getting Dressed.

RELATED: The 25 Most Stylish Rappers From NYC Right Now

Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

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Perfect For: Throwing on the pair of Jordans you wish were actually Yeezys.


The best part of getting ready to rap music is echoing the lyrics in the mirror, and Kanye's aspirational track parallels the wishful thinking of most dudes with taste levels above their income. It's also a song that inspires you to take style risks and not care about the inevitable hate. After all, in a couple months those same dudes will be on that trend when they see a picture of you rocking it on tumblr.

Rick Ross "So Sophisticated"

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Perfect For: Rolling up your cashmere socks and looking for your other loafer.


No one knows sophistication like Rick Ross. The New Museum is free on Thursday & the MoMA is free on Friday. Enrich your cultural knowledge in a crispy tweed sportcoat and silk scarf. Maybe one of the museum babes will dig your style, and offer to give you a more, ahem, exclusive tour.

Lupe Fiasco "Paris, Tokyo"

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Perfect For: Hastily throwing on a hoodie and running to the cab that's been waiting outside.


Your flight to Japan leaves in little under an hour. You just woke up 20 minutes ago. Whoops. When you're in a time crunch-especially when you're about to board a 12-hour flight-convenience and comfort reign supreme. That doesn't mean you have to look sloppy. Put on your best pair of Alexander Wang sweatpants, a Reigning Champ fleece hoodie, and your flyest pair of Margiela kicks. Make sure to bring your gold watch and gold chain. Hot flight attendants await your arrival.

Snoop Dogg f. Pharrell "Beautiful"

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Perfect For: Spraying a little cologne on yourself and buttoning your shirt up.


That girl you met a couple weeks back is on her way to your humble abode. What better way is there to prepare yourself other than throwing on this song, chilling that 5-year old bottle of bubbly, and making sure your kit and grooming game are on point? Go get em' Junior.

Kid Cudi "Day 'n' Nite"

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Perfect For: Popping your coat collar before running errands in the cold.


This song makes the perfect prelude to any stroll. Whether it's laundry day or you just need to re-up on groceries, throw on your white-on-white Nikes and go free your mind. Stepping out to the convenience store just got a lot more existential.

Lil Boosie "Wipe Me Down"

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Perfect For: Brushing off your shoulders; putting in your fronts.


Ratchet behavior is almost never necessary but when it is, this song is playing. You're heading to the club and you came to stunt. Throw on those #veryrare kicks you've had on ice with a fashion-forward Givenchy T-shirt and some shiny jewelry. Shoulders. Chest. Pants. Shoes. Now walk it out.

Raekwon "Incarcerated Scarfaces"

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Perfect For: Lacing up your Timbs and zipping up your North Face.


You're going to need those boots for this journey, the 6-inch wheat ones. New Yorkers know how long the train rides to Washington Heights take-and how long you'll end up freezing your ass off on that subway platform. Your thick soles should provide extra comfort during your quest to Upper Manhattan. Bump this in your headphones and don't smile at anyone or anything. And leave the bandanna at home.

A$AP Ferg "Work"

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Perfect For: Straightening your name tag before the commute.


This song is the spiritual successor to "Hustlin'." Set it as your alarm and wake up ready to put in work. While A$AP Ferg gave the word new meaning, chances are it still means "9 to 5" for you. Whether you're crunching numbers or flipping burgers, meet your new morning motivator.

Jay-Z "Party Life"

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Perfect For: Tying your bowtie and adjusting your tuxedo lapels.


You're planning on being very fancy this evening. After all, other people have to wait a year for the reservation you booked only a week ago. Break out that Oscar-worthy tuxedo. Date? As in... just one? Nahhhh. You're rolling up to the spot with models on each arm. Jigga would be proud.

Camp Lo "Luchini"

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Perfect For: Ironing your shirt and pants before the big job interview.


Today's the big day. You're about to talk with a potential employer about your dream job. You've got your suit ready to go, you just need to press your pants one more time to keep those creases precise. Knot your tie in the mirror as Camp Lo puts positive vibes about getting money in your earlobe. Slip on those socks and lace those hardbottoms like a champ. Leave the house knowing you got this.

T.I. "Swagga Like Us"

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Perfect For: When it's T-shirt time.


Your boys have just rolled through to the crib. That means it's time to get fresh and make those last-minute adjustments to your kit before heading out. Pre-game if you must, but check the cuffs on your jeans, make sure your shirt isn't inside-out, and don't forget to gargle some mouthwash in case you get some facetime with a honey dip later tonight. Bad breath is an instant dealbreaker.

Dizzee Rascal "Fix Up, Look Sharp"

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Perfect For: Dressing to the nines because you want to, not because you have to.


Sometimes you don't wanna hit the town in the same T-shirt, jeans, and fitted you've been rocking. You wanna step it up, and get fresh in a full-on suit, or at least throw on a buttondown and sportcoat over your jeans and sneakers. When stepping up your style is the name of the game, let British rapper Dizzee Rascal hype you up for the evening. The thumping beat and vibrant sound almost guarantees that no matter what you wear, you'll feel a hundred times more amped after it's all put together.

Jay-Z "Change Clothes"

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Perfect For: Getting out of your work clothes.


Like Fred Flinstone yelling "Yabba-dabba-doo!" after a long day of hauling rocks with a dinosaur, most dudes can't wait to get home after work and transform from corporate drone to stylish dude. Whether that means throwing on a Yankee cap and Air Force 1s, or a slim pair of jeans and untucked oxford shirt, this song inspires you to put on the freshest gear you own.

Outkast "So Fresh, So Clean"

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Perfect For: Hopping out the shower and getting ready to hit the club.


This is the best song dedicated to getting ready. Put this on and let the chorus hype you up for the whole day. "Ain't nobody dope as me I'm dressed so fresh so clean" is what you'll be telling yourself at every cookout or club you and your boys hit up today. Go ahead and wear your gator belt 'cause you're the coolest motherfucker on the planet.

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