Top 10 Hip Hop Song Outros

Once again it's time for some hip hop, this time around I'll be focusing on some of my favorite song outros. As the name would imply, an outro is the closing of the song, it could be a change up in production, a spoken word piece, a sample, or even a few bars short of a standard verse that sums up things.

1. 2Pac - Hit em Up

Easily one of everyone's favorite 2Pac songs as well as diss tracks in general. The passion laid throughout the whole track is ferocious, not to mention pretty much sampling two of the songs from artists that he was dissing at the time. "Player's Anthem" and "Get Money" by Junior M.A.F.I.A. and The Notorious B.I.G. What really makes this song a great diss and one of my favorite outros is the scathing minute and a half long outro where he goes into depth quite well and directly names all the artists he has any issues with from New York. The sheer amount of anger you can just imagine that he felt while recording this song is felt whenever you hear it.
Outro:
"Now you tell me who won
I see them, they run
They don't wanna see us
Whole Junior M.A.F.I.A. clique dressing up trying to be us
How the fuck they gonna be the mob when we always on our job?
We millionaires, killing ain't fair but somebody got to do it
Oh yeah, Mobb Deep: you wanna fuck with us
You little young-ass motherfuckers
Don't one of you niggas got sickle-cell or something
You're fucking with me, nigga
You fuck around and catch a seizure or a heart attack
You better back the fuck up
Before you get smacked the fuck up
This is how we do it on our side
Any of you niggas from New York that want to bring it, bring it
But we ain't singing, we bringing drama
Fuck you and your motherfucking mama
We gon kill all you motherfuckers
Now when I came out, I told you it was just about Biggie
Then everybody had to open their mouth with a motherfucking opinion
Well this is how we gonna do this
Fuck Mobb Deep, fuck Biggie
Fuck Bad Boy as a staff, record label and as a motherfucking crew
And if you want to be down with Bad Boy, then fuck you too
Chino XL: fuck you too
All you motherfuckers, fuck you too (Take money, take money)
All of y'all mother fuckers, fuck you, die slow, motherfucker
My .44 make sure all y'all kids don't grow
You motherfuckers can't be us or see us
We motherfuckin' Thug Life-riders
Westside til we die
Out here in California, nigga, we warned ya
We'll bomb on you motherfuckers. We do our job
You think you mob? Nigga, we the motherfuckin' mob
Ain't nothing but killers and the real niggas
All you motherfuckers feel us
Our shit goes triple and 4-quadruple
You niggas laugh cause our staff got guns under they motherfuckin' belts
You know how it is, when we drop records they felt
You niggas can't feel it, we the realest
Fuck em, we Bad Boy-killers"

After hearing something like that, I really can't imagine what would be going on in the minds of his enemies. It's simple, aggressive, direct and no beating around the bush, "Death to the enemies" is the general idea. Considering at the time he was under the assumption that they were the ones behind his 1994 shooting, it makes sense for him to be so angry however. Regardless, great way to finish a track.

2. N.W.A - One Less Bitch

 Once again a song that's a bit violent, but still another classic track. Dr. Dre gives 3 verses full of killing prostitutes for various reasons then MC Ren comes after with a verse of the same kind. Just looking at the song title you can tell it's not going to be a very female friendly probably but what really drives the point home is the outro of course which puts it on this list.

Outro:
"In reality, a fool is one who believes that all women are ladies
A nigga is one who believes that all ladies are bitches
And all bitches are created equal
To me, all bitches are the same
Money-hungry, scandalous groupie hoes
That's always ridin' on a nigga's dick, always in a nigga's pocket
And when the nigga runs out of money the bitch is gone in the wind
To me, all bitches ain't shit!"

 That outro (provided by Eazy-E) sums up the song quite well, I might not agree with the sentiments personally, but I can still look at it objectively and say that it's a fitting ending for the type of song it is. The passion and straight forwardness is great and it's relatable to anyone who has had to deal with the type of person that he's describing.

3. T.I - Why you Wanna

One of my favorite tracks by T.I. Two verses and a hook that really ask the question, quite literally, of why do you want to be with him when I have this that and the other thing. The intro brings it home with him talking to the woman in question directly about how he's laid things out and she has to make up her mind. Something I and plenty of others can relate to as well, all in all a great song with an outro that really makes you question your own situation.

Outro:

"This nigga playing mind games man
I think the time came, that you mind changed you understand
Life is like a chess move, you need to make yo next move
Yo best move, keep it pimpin' you understand... hey
I mean you know what I'm sayin I don showed you how I feel
You know what I'm sayin, I put myself all the way out there you know
The ball in yo' court man, but I just got a question for you...
Is you happy?"

Is she really happy with her man? T.I asks her firmly, explaining the differences between him and her current man. Great way to finish a nice track.

4. Ab-Soul - Beautiful Death

 Top Ab-Soul track and favorite song on his album that it comes from, Control System, the concept of the song is death, and between his verses, the hook, and the guest appearance of Co-president of TDE, Punch they definitely kill this track. The instrumentation is beautiful, and like death, the song is ended by an outro that leaves you wondering, is next?

Outro:
"Tragedy after tragedy, I know it's sad to see
America killing her babies like Casey Anthony
We try, we try to cope and hold on to our sanity
Popping ecstasy will surely shorten life expectancy
We travel the seven seas in hopes for a little peace
We promised pie in the sky, I'm dyin' to get a piece
Put down your piece, I'm wish you all a beautiful death
Peace"

Really speaks volumes, with a great flow and wordplay he speaks his peace. You can tell he really put thought into how he wanted to finish the song, which was done quite well and one of my favorites.

5. 2Pac - Picture me Rollin

 Another classic 2Pac track, this being one of the songs from his double disc album, All Eyez on Me throughout the track he speaks on how things have changed now that he's out of jail and how he's going to live life nicer than before. Shown once again in a long outro, he explains just how things are now as well as shouting out a few of his homies.

Outro:
"Is y'all ready for me?
Picture me rollin" roll call
You know there's some muh'fuckers out there
I just could not forget about
I wanna make sure they can see me
Number one on my list: Clinton Correctional Facilities
All you bitch ass C.O.'s
Can you niggas see me from there?
Ballin' on y'all punk ass!
Picture me rollin', baby
Yeah, all them niggas up in them cell blocks
I told y'all niggas when I come home it's on
That's right nigga, picture me rollin'
Oh, I forgot! The D.A
Yeah, that bitch had a lot to talk about in court
Can the ho see me from here?
Can you see me, ho?
Picture me rollin'
And all you punk police, can you see me?
Am I clear to you?
Picture me rollin' nigga, legit
Free like O.J. all day
You can't stop me
You know I got my niggas up in this motherfucker
Manute, Pain, Syke, Bogart, Mopreme
It's sad dog, can you picture us rolling?
Can you see me ho?
Is y'all ready for me?
We up out this bitch
Any time y'all wanna see me again
Rewind this track right here, close your eyes
And picture me rollin'"

One of his more well known songs, he delivers one of his most well known outros, calling out the District Attorney, The Prison he was in, as well as the correctional officers (C.Os) and he ends it with lines that just stick with you and really bring home the idea that he really saw himself dying soon. If you want to see him again, like he said, just rewind the track, close your eyes, and picture him rollin. As always, his fans will do just that.

6. Charles Hamilton - Falling & Balance

 Charles Hamilton brings it once again, giving you a track about about the ups and downs of a relationship, hence the "Falling and Balance".

Outro:

"I'm so crazy about you..
I just.. All the time I see you..
I just.. I don't know how to explain it..
I just.. I know there's something there
I just.. We got, um..
I don't ever know what I'm talking about..
Just hit me up another time.. Maybe I'll make more sense then
Haha.. I just don't wanna let go
And not have enough faith in us
Yanamean?
I kinda got used to waking up with you
So like waking up and not being around you
Just.. It don't feel the same
Forreal
I miss you

I miss you
I miss you"

Simple, sweet, to the point, he loves this woman and misses her. What else is there to really say? He spills his heart out on yet another track, and has that relatability that is oh so important. He needs balance, and I hope he finds it in her, or perhaps another woman. This is the kind of song you can send to your girlfriend to let her know you been thinking about her, which is nice, it's not really offensive and it's open and honest.

7. Lupe Fiasco - Body of Work

From Lupe Fiasco's album, Tetsuo and Youth, considered by many to be a big step up from his two albums before it, this song is just one example of why some fans of his feel that way.  Metaphor after metaphor and beautiful instrumentation. The outro however is my favorite part of the song and probably the whole album, it doesn't really have any lyrics to be exact, it's mainly a saxophone solo by saxophonist Terrace Martin with some background vocals by Troi. Really one of the most beautiful instrument solos I've ever heard and I don't have much more to say about it besides listen to it and see for yourself.

8. Lupe Fiasco - Madonna (And Other Mothers in the Hood)

Another track off of Lupe's album T&Y, this one refers to mother's raising their children in the "hoods" and the unfair situations they are put in because of their poverty and surroundings. The outro is where chills will more than likely be sent down your spine and a few tears might be shed.

Outro:

"Mama said my son never been no killer
Mama said my son never been no gangster
No drug dealer, no gang member
Mama said my son never been no trouble
Mama said my son never been no trouble"

The children in question have mothers, knowing they're not bad kids, but the streets don't see things that way, they're harsh, and can be dangerous. You don't have to be a criminal to be treated like one sometimes. Lupe makes that quite clear in this breaking finisher to an amazingly laid track. 

9. 2Pac - Against All Odds

 The last track of The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, released shortly after the death of 2Pac, and under his new moniker, Makaveli. This was once again another track aimed towards artists from the east coast, including Mobb Deep, Nas, and Puffy, among others. The title letting you know that he is truly going against all the odds, as the east coast was a pretty unified front of rappers that pretty much dominated the airwaves and had what many would consider some of the best at that time. He ends the track and with it the album with an outro letting you know that the beef isn't yet over even though the album might be.

Outro:
"Against all odds
Twenty-one gun salute
One love to my true thug niggas (Outlaw! Outlaw! Outlaw!)
Twenty-one gun salute to my niggas that die in the line of duty
Representing to the fullest being soldiers with military minds
That play the rules of the game, twenty-one gun salute
I salute you my niggas, stay strong
I ride for you, I rhyme for you, I roll for you, it's all for you
To all you bitch made niggas, I'm coming for you
Against all odds, I don't care who the fuck you is, nigga
You touch me I'm at you
I know you motherfuckers think that I forgot
Hell no I ain't forgot nigga
I just remember what you told me
You said don't go to war unless I got my money behind me
Aight, I got my money right here, now I want war"

With his real homies and against his enemies to the very end. The background noises of helicopters and guns competes and compliments his serious direct tone he takes with his enemies here. Battle ready is the mind frame he clearly shows here.

 10. Charles Hamilton - Disambiguation

This is a track full of Charles recalling details from his childhood and his relationship with his mother and then a verse about another woman who he doesn't give any exact hint at who. The roughly two minute ending of the song after his verses is filled with him yelling some unintelligible things at times, among some other seemingly random words but there's something about it that just makes you feel his pain. The instrumentation at this part is also what makes the song feel so amazing and heavy, it's best played with some headphones and bass. The title of the mixtape/album that it comes from is "Substance Abuse" and this is the kind of outro that really makes it believeable that he was abusing some substances at the time. With the random yelling and everything, not to say that it's bad in anyway, just very sporadic, and unconventional, but still one of my favorites. If that's not enough, check it out for yourself, the guitar section alone is very compelling. Charles has been through some pain, and this is one of those songs and outros that really lets you know that.

Top 10 Rpgs

Role Playing Games, also known as RPGs are a very important genre to me, easily one of the most vast and diverse. Definitely one of my favorite genres personally and loved by many. They mix well with almost any other genre due to their seemingly lax requirements to be labeled rpg. Some elements that make up an rpg are things such as:

• Menus for changing gear/items/tactics and more.
• A leveling up system to strengthen your character.
• Having a main character and a party (usually 3-4) they fight alongside.
• A world that is traversed on foot/vehicle/other mode of faster transportation such as teleportation or flight.
• Towns/cities to buy/sell/trade aforementioned equipment and items from shopkeepers and other npcs(non playable characters) of other professions that can also assist in your journey, like inn keepers to rest your party and blacksmiths to forge weapons and armor.

Of course those are just a few similarities between RPG games that I've taken notice of, and isn't to be taken as a guarantee. Some games incorporate other ideas of course and some people would prefer not to label with just one name.

That being said let's jump right into the list. Here's some of my favorites in the genre.

Possible spoilers ahead

1. Saga Frontier 2

 

Developed by: Squaresoft

Released: 1999 Japan, 2000 in NA.

Platform: PlayStation

A childhood favorite of mine, probably my all time favorite RPG or at least for the PlayStation system. The negatives I can find in the game are quite few so I'll start with them. First being the actual gameplay could be longer, a lot of time is spent reading dialogue between the characters and not enough time spent playing them (Not a huge negative since the game is very story driven, but people not used to rpgs might not feel the same). Second, the seemingly random time jumps that make you have some characters available for short periods of time while others are there for quite longer. Also the character's age at a given time has an effect on their stats(not inherently bad, it's pretty innovative.) Thirdly, one of the methods of learning techniques is pretty interesting but it can be quite bothersome unless you've previously played and remember how or you're checking up online how to do them. Based on that you might think I'm being hard on it, but no other problems for it are really there. The fighting style is a nice spin on the regular turn based system found in other RPGs. The soundtrack is one of the best for any video game I've ever played hands down. Every song just seems to fit so well within the confines of the event taking place. The characters are diverse and you'll find yourself spending hours just thinking about them and how they're connected to one another, I know I sure did. The main characters in particular feel extremely relatable even though their stories are so dramatic and surrounded in mystery. Recommended to any RPG fan, and for anyone who played the first Saga Frontier but didn't like it much(like myself)this is a big improvement all around.

2. Legend of Mana

 

Developed by: Squaresoft

Released: 1999 in Japan, 2000 in NA.

Platform: PlayStation

 When I think of RPG this is easily one of the first ones that comes to mind. A classic that is a childhood favorite. It's the fourth in the Mana series and the first one for the PlayStation console. Although I've never gotten around to finishing the whole game, (being one of the only very few games on this list that I haven't) it still made quite the impression for the time I did spend playing it. From the vibrant colors and very fitting soundtrack to the gameplay itself almost everything was top notch for me. The only drawback being the plot is pretty much non-linear, a lot of the quests can be done in various orders which is nice to some, but clearly not all. If you don't mind that then this game is a definite recommendation for anyone looking to play a throwback. With it's ability to choose from a male or female protagonist at the beginning, to it's option to choose where on the world map you place each unlocked game area this game has lots of choice for the player. Not to mention the various different partners you can pick from to bring to battle albeit one at a time, also a choice of a pet to join the party as well. A one of a kind game with a well deserved claim to fame.

3. Mass Effect 2

 Developed by: Bioware

Released: 2010 for Xbox 360 and Windows, 2011 for Ps3.

Platform(s): Xbox 360, Ps3 and Windows

The second in the Mass Effect franchise and my favorite as well as many fans of the series. ME2 improved on the problems that many had with the first in order to build a true great sequel that is better than the former. The combat system and inventory system being the main two problems that kept it from being great. This is another one that I just couldn't find many negatives about. It was such an enjoyable experience for me that I wound up beating the game back to back within 3-4 days. The storyline is compelling, you find yourself wondering what's going to happen next, the choices you make being a big part of that. Also the choices you make in the first game carry over so you really feel like you've made a difference in the development of the characters and their relationships. The variety of characters and their strengths gives you good choice of which one to take into combat with you and how to use their skills to make it through the fight. It might be a third person shooter at first glance, but it truly is a good mixture, with things such as the different classes, skill trees, decisions making, intricate plot and more this game surely deserves it's spot among the more typical rpgs.

4. Kingdom Hearts

Developed by: Square

Released: 2002

Platform: PlayStation 2

Up next a game you would find on a lot of people's favorite RPGs list. This game started the Kingdom Hearts series, which went on to be quite successful commercially and has garnered quite the fanbase. Probably the first action RPG for the Ps2 that I've played, and easily worth a spot on the list. It's groundbreaking crossover of Disney and Square characters made it a mash up of epic proportions to many. A title with at least one character that anyone would remember, kids and parents have the Disney side and gamers have the Square side, a great blend. It was the first time ever seeing a character from one video game world join forces with another, and playing it as a kid was one great experience. Having the main character be an original character but having the rest of your party be well known characters was a good decision in order to better immerse yourself into his shoes. You get the feeling that you're the strange new teen saving the world with characters from your childhood like Donald and Goofy. Not to mention the combat system is not exactly the first of it's kind but it's a good one none the less. You get your standard attacks, magic, item usage, and ability to summon some well known Disney characters to fight alongside you. The boss fights are a big draw, from the human sized ones to the ones the size of a house you'll have your hands full finding a good strategy for each and feeling fulfilled once you've done it. There's a reason this game spawned a great sequel in the main series and a few handheld titles as well. One word, innovation.

5. Persona 4 Golden

 Developed by: Atlus

Released: 2012

Platform: PlayStation Vita

The first and only ported game on this list, Persona 4 Golden. Being an enhanced remake of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 for the ps2 it has the same plot and everything else is pretty similar or the same it just includes additional content for the most part. I haven't played any Persona or Shin Megami games before this one so this was my introduction to the series and it impressed me enough to make me want to play the next one in the series as well as earn it a spot on my top RPG list and one of my favorite ps vita games in general. It might appear to be just another typical turn based RPG but it's pretty lengthy playtime, unique characters, mysterious plot twists, and combination of RPG, and social simulation(think final fantasy meets the sims) make it a pretty great game overall. The combat is nothing too different, but why change something that isn't broken? The focus is on the plot and getting to know more about all the characters, which doing so for the characters in your party brings helpful effects during battle. Also has a few different endings based on how you play through and decisions you make, and who doesn't like to make decisions in their games and have them actually count for something am I right? Whether you've played the original Persona 4 for ps2 or not, if you're into RPGs you'll find yourself liking this one and for people who have played it there's more of the same with the added content and changes.

6. Kingdom Hearts 2

Developed by: Square Enix

Released: 2005

Platform: PlayStation 2

The sequel to an earlier game on the list, Kingdom Hearts, KH 2 manages to be an even greater game than it's predecessor. As far as gameplay goes, it's really the same but the developers seem to have took the problems from the first one and made them better. Aspects such as the combat and gummi ship parts were improved upon slightly which is really all that was needed for me. Changes such as the drive forms really make the combat stand out now, but it's not much different and considering how much the first one was liked that's a good thing as there was not much needed change. As the saying goes, don't fix what's broken. Storywise it takes place a bit of time after the first and continues the mission Sora has to be reunited with his friends. New villains stand in his way though, and he gains some new allies(more from Disney games and square games) to combat them. Needless to say between this game, the previous one in the series and all the handheld titles it's lead to KH 3 being one of the most highly anticipated games I've seen yet and not without good reason. Everything you liked about KH is back in KH2, not much more really needs to be said. Definitely recommended, probably my favorite RPG for the Ps2.

7. Pokemon Red/Blue

Developed by: Game Freak
Released: 1996 Japan, 1998 NA.
Platform: Game Boy
The day that Pokemon hit the video game scene is the day that changed the video game industry for years to come. What is there to really say about a game who's success has lead to numerous sequels, copycats, and remakes. Playing the series as a kid is one of my fondest memories of video gaming,  in particular this game as it was the start of it all. It was a bonding agent for children everywhere, trading pokemon, conversations about which ones to catch and train and everyone's personal favorite pokemon.  It took the rock paper scissor element to the next level by having multiple elements, 15 in these games(increasing as the series continued.) Exploring the different weaknesses and strengths of each element type was just part of the fun of the game, roaming the region of Kanto(named after the real world Kanto in Japan) was the other. Every different town had various npcs to talk to and areas to catch different pokemon a which made you want to talk to everyone and explore every inch of the gameworld trying to learn as much as the game had to offer. Truly a game that started a childhood of video gaming for many and inspired people everywhere with the slogan "Gotta catch 'em all."

8. Brave Fencer Musashi

Developed by: Square

Released: 1998

Platform: PlayStation

Out of all the games on this list, this one will most likely be the one that is the least known, at least from what I've seen. I have yet to meet anyone who has also had the joy of playing this game unfortunately. Brave Fencher Musashi is yet another Square game on the PlayStation, made in a time when RPGs were the pretty much the main selling point for PS. This one is no exception, follow the story of Musashi a warrior summoned to the Allucaneet(All U Can Eat) Kingdom(there's a few more naming pun like that throughout the game) in order to save them from the Thirstquencer Empire(see?). Part of it's appeal is it's humorous approach, as well as it's graphics style which at that time was great and still looks good to me now. Musashi is a dual wielding sword fighter with a short stature and an impatient but kind nature and extraordinary strength. Another nice feature is the unique nature of the two swords, they aren't your ordinary blades. One of them lets you temporarily assume the form of an enemy and use it's abilities, which is an interesting function used at times for puzzle solving. The other one, you'll see for yourself if you give the game a chance. It wasn't a huge selling game that lead to numerous sequels and spin offs like some games on the list but it did lead to one sequel for the Ps2 and that one also is worth a playthrough.

Bonus: I just happen to have a video I uploaded years ago with a bit of gameplay. The audio quality is not good but you'll get better idea of the game itself.

9. YS: Memories of Celceta

Developed by: Nihon Falcom

Released: 2012 Japan, 2013 NA, 2014 China

 Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, Windows

Apparently the YS series is pretty popular, at least in Japan it seems, I've never played one until I first got my Vita and was looking for games to get for it. This one was rated pretty highly and I decided to check it out, easily it made it's way to one of my favorite games for the handheld. An Action-RPG(alos known as ARPG) like a few others on the list YS: Memories of Celceta takes place somewhere on the big timeline of YS games dating back to 1987.  Everything you could want in an rpg, multiple playable characters with different fighting styles, a wide map to explorer, quests to complete, and a twisting story line. Not to mention that the main character starts off with amnesia, which is a bit of an overused plot device but it wasn't done poorly in this game so I won't fault it for that. The graphics are good, although you find yourself roaming places that don't look vastly different, it tends to be a variety of this cave or that cave, and this part of the forest or that part of the forest but the other features more than make up for it to me. The soundtrack is fitting and the monsters and characters are diverse and trying to discover 100% of the map is a nice way to spend some time on it, especially for anyone who likes roaming pretty large maps. Overall it's a game that is an enjoyable experience worth playing and leaves me hoping that a sequel comes out soon.

10. Final Fantasy X

Developed by: Square

Released: 2001

Platform: PlayStation 2

An RPG list without a Final Fantasy game just doesn't seem right now does it? Well one of my favorites is FFX, the first of the series for the Ps2. This one took things up a notch with various changes, first and most noticeable is the graphical improvement thanks to the upgrade of consoles. Also it's the first of the series with voice acting, and the facial expressions of the characters can add an extra sense of relatability to them. Then of course there's just the beauty of the game scenery, it really is stunning for a game of that time. There's also an enhanced port for the Ps3/Ps Vita also with the graphics improved even more which is nice for those that don't missed out on the game for Ps2. The combat system is among the list of changes in the series, you get three characters to bring into a battle at once but are able to switch them out during each individual's turn for someone else. That adds on a whole level of strategy for fighting enemies and bosses alike. The Active Time Battle sytem(ATB) was replaced by the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system which pauses the battle and gives you time to make your selections. The game did so well that it was the first of the series to have a direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2 which takes place some time after X and brings some of the characters back for a second appearance.  These facts along with the deep storyline and developing of the love between two of the main characters really puts it ahead of the rest of the FF franchise for me.

That wraps up my top 10 rpgs, besides Saga Frontier 2 being first, the rest of them are not in order of enjoyment or anything else really besides how they just happened to be typed out.

The game box art pictures came from google images.