Who has the best ad lib in the rap industry?
Sure, we could discuss who the best producer is (Kanye West) or we could discuss the best overall rapper (Kendrick Lamar), but where's the fun in that?
Instead, we'll take a look at one of the most underappreciated topics in rap: ad libs!
When a song has subpar or mediocre ad libs, one probably won't notice.
But a song with great ad libs?
Instant hit.
What an artist yells in the background can make or break a song.
Here are the 5 best ad libs in the rap industry.
5. Yo Gotti's "Fuck It Up, Fuck It Up"
This one's super underrated.
Everything about this ad lib is great. From Gotti's relaxed delivery to the well-timed echos that often accompany this ad lib, everything about this works.
4. Desiigner's Gunshot Noise
Like everything about Desiigner, this ad lib is 100%, pure energy coming straight at you. He uses it very frequently, but somehow, it never gets old.
Side note: this ad lib also works in lieu of actual gunshot noises.
3. Pusha T's Ric Flair Noise
For anyone who's ever been a fan of the Nature Boy, you already know what this is about. King Push has been using this ad lib since the Bush Administration, and for our sake, I hope he never stops using it.
(Skip to 1:44 to start Push's verse. Ad lib occurs at 2:02)
2. Travis Scott's "Straight Up"
There's nothing particularly complicated about this ad lib. It's just an autotuned Travis Scott yelling "Straight up," usually in affirmation of a lyric that was just rapped.
I love every part of it.
Sometimes, simple is best.
(Ad lib occurs for the first time at :50).
1. Migos' "MAMA"
There's really no competition as far as the top spot is concerned. The "mama" ad lib is easily one of the most recognizable in all of music right now.
(Ad lib can first be heard at :36)