- These 20 novelty rap songs are hilarious, absurd, and make no sense but are super entertaining.
- From dancing bananas to sports teams rapping, these tracks blend catchy beats with bizarre lyrics.
- If you love a good laugh and catchy hooks, this list is a must-listen for anyone embracing the weird side of music.
Absurd Beats and Bizarre Lyrics: The Best Nonsensical Rap Tracks Ever
Yo, if you’re down to vibe with the weird and wild, you’ve gotta dive into the chaotic world of novelty rap. These tracks? They make zero sense—and that’s exactly why we love them. From cowboys rapping about cattle rustling to bananas doing the “Peanut Butter Jelly” dance, these songs aren’t about deep lyrics or serious bars. Nah, it’s all about ridiculous beats, absurd lyrics, and just letting loose. I mean, when else are you gonna hear football players bragging in rap form or a fox making noises that sound like alien transmissions? We’ve rounded up 20 of the most nonsensical rap tracks that, even though they leave you scratching your head, will have you hitting replay. Whether they went viral or became cult classics, these songs are all about fun and absurdity. Trust me, you’re not ready for how entertainingly wild this list gets.
1. "Rappin' Duke" by Shawn "Rappin' Duke" Brown
"Rappin' Duke" is a 1984 novelty rap song by Shawn Brown, who performs under the persona of the Rappin' Duke, a parody of the late Hollywood legend John Wayne, nicknamed "The Duke." The song humorously blends cowboy culture with hip-hop, featuring lyrics that boast about the Duke's rapping prowess. The refrain "duh-ha, duh-ha" mimics Wayne's distinctive laugh, adding to the comedic effect. The song's lyrics include references to rustling cattle and tending sheep, but the main focus is on rapping to the beat. "Rappin' Duke" became a local hit in San Diego before gaining wider popularity, eventually peaking at number 73 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1985. The song's success led to Brown opening for major artists like Bobby Brown and Stevie Wonder. Its playful nature and unique concept have made it a memorable entry in the genre of novelty rap.
2. "The Super Bowl Shuffle" by The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew
"The Super Bowl Shuffle" is a 1985 novelty rap song performed by the Chicago Bears football team, credited as the Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew. Released in December 1985, the song was part of a larger promotional effort leading up to the Bears' Super Bowl XX victory. The lyrics feature prominent team members like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and William "The Refrigerator" Perry, each rapping about their skills and the team's dominance. Despite its corny nature, the song became a mainstream phenomenon, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song's sales raised over $300,000 for Chicago charities, aligning with the philanthropic message in the lyrics. "The Super Bowl Shuffle" remains a beloved piece of sports and music history, celebrated for its unique blend of football and rap.
3. "Shake Ya Tailfeather" by Nelly, P. Diddy, and Murphy Lee
"Shake Ya Tailfeather" is a 2003 hip-hop song by American rappers Nelly, P. Diddy, and Murphy Lee. Released as part of the "Bad Boys II" soundtrack, the song quickly topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking Nelly's third, P. Diddy's fifth, and Murphy Lee's first number one hit. The track features a catchy hook and playful lyrics, including the infamous line, "Is that your ass or your mama half reindeer?" The song's production, handled by Nelly and Jayson "Koko" Bridges, incorporates the Florida State Seminoles' "War Chant," adding a distinctive touch. The music video, directed by Benny Boom, features the rappers in various high-energy scenes, enhancing the song's party vibe. "Shake Ya Tailfeather" won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2004, solidifying its place as a memorable and entertaining hit in early 2000s hip-hop.
4. "Chacarron" by El Chombo
"Chacarron" is a 2006 novelty reggaeton song by Panamanian artist El Chombo, featuring Andy's Val Gourmet. The song is known for its mostly unintelligible lyrics, which are a mix of gibberish and repetitive phrases like "Chacarron, chacarron" and "Nini nini ron." The track gained viral popularity due to its absurd and humorous nature, with the chorus often being described as sounding like a series of random noises. The song's nonsensical lyrics and catchy beat made it a hit on the internet, where it was frequently used in memes and humorous videos. Despite its lack of coherent meaning, "Chacarron" reached the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart and became a staple in the novelty music genre. The song's playful and absurd style has made it a memorable and entertaining piece of music, often enjoyed for its sheer ridiculousness.
5. "Loser" by Beck
"Loser" is a 1993 song by American musician Beck, which became his breakthrough hit. The song features a blend of folk, hip-hop, and alternative rock, with lyrics that are a stream of consciousness and often nonsensical. Beck wrote "Loser" while experimenting with a slide guitar riff and a hip-hop beat, and the chorus "Soy un perdedor" (Spanish for "I'm a loser") was inspired by his self-deprecating view of his rapping skills. The verses include random and surreal imagery, such as "In the time of chimpanzees, I was a monkey" and "With the plastic eyeballs, spray paint the vegetables." Despite its seemingly meaningless lyrics, "Loser" resonated with the slacker culture of the 1990s and became an anthem for Generation X. The song's success launched Beck's career, leading to a major label deal and the release of his critically acclaimed album "Mellow Gold." "Loser" remains one of Beck's most iconic songs, celebrated for its unique blend of genres and quirky lyrics.
6. "A Bay Bay" by Hurricane Chris
"A Bay Bay" is the debut single by American rapper Hurricane Chris, released in 2007. The song is characterized by its repetitive and catchy hook, "A Bay Bay," which is chanted throughout the track. The lyrics describe various scenes from club life, including partying, dancing, and showing off wealth. Despite its simple and repetitive nature, "A Bay Bay" became a commercial success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining significant airplay. The song's infectious hook and energetic beat made it a popular anthem in clubs and parties. Hurricane Chris later released a remix of the song, featuring prominent rappers like The Game, Lil Boosie, and E-40, which further boosted its popularity. "A Bay Bay" is often remembered for its catchy and nonsensical chorus, making it a standout track in the crunk genre.
7. "Prisencolinensinainciusol" by Adriano Celentano
"Prisencolinensinainciusol" is a 1972 song by Italian singer Adriano Celentano, performed with his wife Claudia Mori. The song is notable for its lyrics, which are composed entirely of gibberish meant to sound like American English. Celentano's intention was to mimic the way English sounds to non-English speakers, highlighting the barriers in communication. The song's nonsensical lyrics, except for the phrase "all right," were improvised over a looped beat, creating a unique and catchy tune. Despite its lack of coherent meaning, "Prisencolinensinainciusol" became a hit, reaching number one in Italy, France, Germany, and Belgium. The song's success is attributed to its infectious rhythm and the novelty of its concept. Celentano explained that the song was a commentary on the inability to communicate effectively, a theme that resonated with many listeners. The track has been described as a precursor to genres like hip-hop and house music, showcasing Celentano's innovative approach to music.
8. "Hook" by Blues Traveler
"Hook" is a 1994 song by American rock band Blues Traveler, from their fourth studio album, Four. Written by lead singer John Popper, the song is a satirical commentary on the formulaic nature of pop music. The title refers to the musical "hook," a catchy element designed to grab the listener's attention. The lyrics of "Hook" mock the superficiality of pop songs, suggesting that the hook is all that matters, regardless of the lyrical content. The song's chord progression is based on Pachelbel's Canon in D, a structure commonly used in popular music. "Hook" became a commercial success, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, directed by Frank W. Ockenfels, features a man channel surfing through various TV shows, with the band appearing in different segments. The song's clever lyrics and catchy melody have made it a lasting favorite, often praised for its insightful critique of the music industry.
9. "Shake It Off" (Parody Version) by The Key of Awesome
The Key of Awesome's parody of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" humorously exaggerates the original song's themes and style. Released in 2014, the parody features absurd and exaggerated lyrics that poke fun at Swift's persona and the song's catchy but simplistic message. The video showcases the performer making silly faces, dancing awkwardly, and invading people's personal space, all while mimicking Swift's upbeat and carefree attitude. The parody also includes humorous references to pop culture and Swift's public image, such as her relationships and media portrayal. The Key of Awesome's version highlights the repetitive and formulaic nature of pop songs, using exaggerated humor to entertain and critique the original track. The parody was well-received, gaining significant views on YouTube and further cementing The Key of Awesome's reputation for creating clever and entertaining musical spoofs.
10. "The Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground
"The Humpty Dance" is a 1990 song by the American rap group Digital Underground, featured on their debut album Sex Packets. The song is performed by Shock G's alter ego, Humpty Hump, a character known for his humorous and exaggerated persona. The lyrics are a playful mix of self-deprecating humor and braggadocio, with Humpty Hump introducing himself and his unique dance. The song includes memorable lines like "I like my oatmeal lumpy" and "I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom," showcasing the character's quirky and irreverent style. The chorus encourages listeners to "do the Humpty Hump," a dance that involves exaggerated, comical movements. "The Humpty Dance" became a major hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of 1990s hip-hop. Its catchy beat, humorous lyrics, and distinctive character have made it a lasting favorite in the genre.
11. "I'm on a Boat" by The Lonely Island featuring T-Pain
"I'm on a Boat" is a 2009 comedy hip-hop song by The Lonely Island, featuring T-Pain. The track was released as part of their debut album Incredibad and gained widespread popularity after being featured as a Saturday Night Live Digital Short. The song parodies the extravagant and often absurd tropes found in rap music videos, particularly those involving luxury yachts. The lyrics humorously describe the thrill of being on a boat, with lines like "I got my swim trunks and my flippy-floppies" and "I'm the king of the world on a boat like Leo." T-Pain's Auto-Tuned vocals add to the comedic effect, enhancing the parody of mainstream rap. The music video, which features the group and T-Pain on a yacht, became a viral hit, further cementing the song's popularity. "I'm on a Boat" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 52nd Grammy Awards and has since become a cult classic in comedy music.
12. "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" by Ylvis
"The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" is a 2013 novelty song by the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis, consisting of brothers BĂĄrd and Vegard YlvisĂĄker. The song humorously explores the sounds that various animals make, leading to the central question: "What does the fox say?" The lyrics list common animal sounds before launching into a series of absurd and nonsensical vocalizations meant to represent the fox's call, such as "Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!" and "Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!" The song's catchy and ridiculous chorus, combined with its playful music video featuring the duo in animal costumes, quickly went viral. "The Fox" became a global sensation, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and amassing millions of views on YouTube. The song's success is attributed to its humor, catchy melody, and the universal appeal of its whimsical premise. Despite its nonsensical nature, "The Fox" has left a lasting impact on pop culture.
13. "Baby Shark (Rap Remix)" by PJ Panda
"Baby Shark (Rap Remix)" by PJ Panda is a 2022 reinterpretation of the viral children's song "Baby Shark." This version infuses the original's catchy and repetitive melody with a hip-hop beat and rap verses, making it appealing to both children and adults. The remix maintains the familiar "doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo" chorus but adds a modern twist with rap lyrics that are clean and age-appropriate. PJ Panda's playful and energetic delivery, combined with the trap-influenced production, makes this remix a fun and engaging listen. The song has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where users create dance challenges and lip-sync videos. The remix's ability to bridge the gap between children's music and contemporary hip-hop has contributed to its widespread appeal, making it a favorite among families and young audiences alike
14. "Pants on the Ground" by General Larry Platt
"Pants on the Ground" is a 2010 novelty rap song by General Larry Platt, which gained fame after his performance on the ninth season of "American Idol." The song criticizes the fashion trend of sagging pants, with the repetitive and catchy chorus, "Pants on the ground! Pants on the ground! Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground!" Platt's energetic delivery and the song's humorous lyrics quickly made it a viral sensation. The performance was widely shared on social media and parodied on various TV shows. Despite its simplicity, "Pants on the Ground" resonated with many viewers, leading to its enduring popularity. The song's message, combined with Platt's charismatic performance, has made it a memorable and iconic moment in "American Idol" history. It continues to be referenced in pop culture and remains a humorous critique of certain fashion choices
15. "Baby Shark (Hip Hop Version)" by Lil Donald
"Baby Shark (Hip Hop Version)" by Lil Donald is a 2022 adaptation of the popular children's song "Baby Shark," transformed into a hip-hop track. This version retains the original's catchy "doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo" chorus but incorporates modern hip-hop elements, including rap verses and a trap beat. Lil Donald's rendition adds a playful and edgy twist to the beloved children's tune, making it suitable for a broader audience. The song's lyrics blend the familiar "Baby Shark" theme with contemporary hip-hop slang and rhythms, creating a unique and entertaining fusion. This remix has gained traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where users create dance routines and lip-sync videos. The "Baby Shark (Hip Hop Version)" showcases Lil Donald's ability to innovate and bring a fresh perspective to a well-known song, making it a hit among both children and adults
16. "Gangnam Style (Rap Remix)" by PSY featuring 2 Chainz & Tyga (Diplo Remix)
The "Gangnam Style (Rap Remix)" by PSY featuring 2 Chainz and Tyga, remixed by Diplo, is a 2013 reinterpretation of the global hit "Gangnam Style." This version infuses the original's infectious beat with new rap verses from 2 Chainz and Tyga, adding a fresh hip-hop flavor to the track. Diplo's remix maintains the iconic "Oppa Gangnam Style" hook while incorporating heavy bass and trap elements, making it suitable for club play and dance floors. The remix's production enhances the song's energy, with 2 Chainz and Tyga delivering verses that blend seamlessly with PSY's original vocals. The music video, featuring dynamic visuals and high-energy dance sequences, complements the remix's vibrant sound. This version of "Gangnam Style" showcases the versatility of the original track, appealing to both fans of K-pop and hip-hop, and further solidifying its place in pop culture.
17. "Gangnam Style (Drill Remix)" by PSY
The "Gangnam Style (Drill Remix)" by PSY is a 2022 adaptation of the viral hit, reimagined with drill music elements. This remix incorporates the signature heavy bass and aggressive beats characteristic of drill music, giving the song a darker and more intense vibe. The remix retains the original's catchy chorus and iconic dance moves but adds a gritty edge with its new instrumental arrangement. The drill remix breathes new life into "Gangnam Style," making it appealing to a different audience while maintaining the fun and energetic spirit of the original. The music video features a blend of PSY's playful choreography and the raw, urban aesthetic typical of drill music videos. This remix highlights the adaptability of "Gangnam Style," demonstrating how it can be transformed across various musical genres while still retaining its core appeal.
18. "Gangnam Style (Afrojack Remix)" by PSY
The "Gangnam Style (Afrojack Remix)" by PSY is a 2018 version of the hit song, remixed by renowned Dutch DJ and producer Afrojack. This remix infuses the original track with Afrojack's signature electronic dance music (EDM) style, featuring pulsating beats, high-energy drops, and a festival-ready sound. The remix maintains the iconic "Oppa Gangnam Style" hook and PSY's playful vocals while enhancing the track with powerful synths and dynamic build-ups. Afrojack's production elevates the song's danceability, making it a favorite in clubs and at music festivals. The remix's infectious energy and modern EDM elements breathe new life into the already popular track, ensuring its continued relevance in the dance music scene. The "Gangnam Style (Afrojack Remix)" showcases the song's versatility and enduring appeal, highlighting how it can be successfully adapted to different musical styles.
19. "It's Raining Tacos" by Parry Gripp
"It's Raining Tacos" is a 2012 novelty song by Parry Gripp, known for its whimsical and absurd lyrics. The song describes a fantastical scenario where tacos fall from the sky, replacing the need for utensils or plates. With lines like "It's raining tacos, from out of the sky, tacos, no need to ask why," the song captures a playful and carefree spirit. The catchy melody and repetitive chorus make it a favorite among children and adults alike. The song's popularity has been boosted by its use in various internet memes and YouTube videos, where it often accompanies humorous or surreal content. Parry Gripp, a musician known for his quirky and humorous songs, has created a track that is both entertaining and memorable. "It's Raining Tacos" has become a staple in the novelty music genre, celebrated for its lighthearted and imaginative premise.
20. "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" by The Buckwheat Boyz
"Peanut Butter Jelly Time" is a 2002 novelty song by The Buckwheat Boyz, which gained widespread popularity through its association with a viral internet meme. The song features repetitive and catchy lyrics, with the chorus chanting "Peanut butter jelly time, peanut butter jelly time!" The track's upbeat tempo and playful nature make it a fun and infectious listen. The song became a viral sensation when it was paired with an animated dancing banana, which spread rapidly across the internet. This meme helped cement "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" as a cultural phenomenon, often used in humorous and lighthearted contexts. The song has been remixed and covered numerous times, with various artists adding their own spin to the original track. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy and whimsical appeal, making it a beloved novelty song that continues to entertain audiences.
So, there you have it—20 rap tracks that make absolutely no sense but will still get stuck in your head for days. Sometimes, it’s refreshing to ditch the serious stuff and just embrace the chaos, right? These songs remind us that music doesn’t always have to be about making sense; sometimes it’s just about having a good time and laughing at the absurdity of it all. Whether it’s a dancing banana hyping up "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" or Taylor Swift’s "Shake It Off" getting hilariously spoofed, these novelty tracks deliver on all the randomness. So next time you're looking for something fun and bizarre to groove to, cue up one of these and let the nonsense take over.
Stay connected and stylish with more insights from the vibrant world of Gen Z entertainment at Woke Waves Magazine.
#NonsensicalRap #NoveltySongs #ViralHits #ComedyRap #AbsurdLyrics