John Denver sang about the “Rocky Mountain High? in the 1970’s and long has Aspen been a destination for vacationing. The beautiful mountain ranges are an outdoorsmen’s paradise with winding roads, open plains and majestic orange and blue sunsets. Stars have long stopped in Denver before making their way to Vegas or East, but it has only been in the last 20 years Denver has become a hip-hop mainstay. Everyone loves singing about the state as Tech N9ne and even Renee Rapp have released songs with the namesake. But if you’re not a local, it’s probably safe to say most national listeners have no idea what the Box State brings to the rap table.
These songs are not the best songs to ever come from the Mile High, just songs talking about the city or representing the image overtly.
Colorado’s New Gen
With the recent release of Gabbana Nova‘s “Colorado” song and it’s virility on TikTok, it got us to thinking, is this the best song to represent Colorado ever? Gabbana certainly brings that Westcoast influenced bassline and bop to this song, while infusing everything that comes to mind about his home state. But it is too early to say it’s best representation for fans to get behind?
Not to be hostages of the moment, there are a lot of people who can claim the best rap song out of Colorado, but that don’t mean it talks about the Box State specifically. In Gabbana’s song, he mentions multiple neighborhoods, landmark places and talks about Denver culture in depth. But what really is the best song to represent Colorado from a rap perspective?
The Competitors
Troy Good “Colorado” – dropped a song about a year ago by the same name. He does take a trip across Colorado, name dropping venues from Pueblo to Greeley. A worthy effort inundating with Colorado lifestyle and references.
Tr3Fonc Tha Don –
Tr3Fonc is an East Side Denver native with a unique delivery. Dropped this gem a couple years back but is certainly taking his shot at being the underground king of Denver. One of the underdogs for sure.
100PackSavy “Box State Baby” –
This will certainly draw some votes. The A-Co rep goes in over a melodic piano loop talking about the weed heavy market and breaking down which malls to go to. 100Packsavy represents the young generation of Colorado rap fans with a strong fanbase.
Toussaint Lorenz “CO Anthem”
The MC whose name is shared by a legendary historic figure has had some dope songs over the years. He gives his Co representative anthem produced by DJ Godzilla. It’s definitely a fun song with a good beat, but the song doesn’t talk much about Colorado in specifics, the hook encourages Colorado to get up. Still worth a listen.
Spinks featuring TheycallhimAP & DNA Picasso “Fan Duel”–
The song is a cool bop and the video is in front of the stadium, everyone drapped in blue and orange, but it doesn’t really talk about Colorado like that. However it represents Denver in a strong way visually.
The Classics
There is a rich history of rap music in Denver and this list specifically reflects songs with Colorado in the title or that reflect the culture and community in a strong way, by no means are we saying these are the best songs ever from Colorado. We will do that on a later list, but here are some of the anthems that shook the town and carved out a sound for Colorado. Could one of these be the best song reflecting Colorado the best ever?
Mr. Midas “Run My Town”
Midas had one hell of a run, starting with this gem “Run My Town.” The rollout for his album and song was one of the best I’ve witnessed in Colorado. The video features a slew of fixtures in the Colorado rap scene and represented a nuetral space in a testy gang culture of the time. Still a banger.
Esi Juey – Chalupa
We have talked about this one on our most underappreciated artists post, but this one is Colorado’s anthem until dethroned. You can still have Juey perform this at Denver’s biggest stages and it will go ham. Ask the DJs.
D-A Dubb – Colorado Thang
The Westside MC has multiple Colorado anthems, so you can take your pick. But D-A Dubb put his work in during an analog time in rap and has a long Colorado catalogue. His rapid fire delivery paired with the A-Co producer TC Crook gave us this joint.
Pure Devocion “When I Roll”-
Pure Devocion was one of the first Denver groups from West Denver to really have a lock on the streets. This song was eirily Westcoast influenced and heralded as a Chicano anthem.
Innerstate Ike – Moolah Shufflin’
I mean if you we’re outside when this was jumping, you know how impactful it was. Montbello’s general statesman, Innerstate Ike, might be Denver’s most beloved artist and has one of the most loyal followings. Left lane movement and the subsequent album baring the song’s name was one of the biggest to ever move the city.
Special Mention
Nyke Nitti x Esi Juey x Innerstate Ike – Denver Broncos
Yes we know there are 100 Denver Broncos songs now. The reason we mention this one, is prior to this, no one made Denver Broncos song this big, or with established Denver acts. Nitti FKA as Nyke Loc was one of the biggest rappers from Denver in the 90’s, along side Innerstate Ike welcoming Esi Juey to the forefront. This one started a trend.
There are a ton of honorable mention’s like Lil Tr3l’s “35th and Highraq,” SP Double “Colorado With Me,” D-A Dubb’s “Colorado Anthem” and more. But tell us your favorite Colorado anthem by sharing on social media and tagging us. We will follow up with this series. Who did we miss?
Read about Six Of the Most Underappreciated Artist here
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