Hip-Hop Chord Progressions From Hit Songs
The chord progressions behind Still D.R.E., Lose Yourself, Gangsta's Paradise, God's Plan and more. Every chord is spelled out, you can switch to any key, hear each loop in your browser and download it as a free MIDI file.
i – iiø – vsus4
WHY IT WORKS + WRITING TIP
The half-diminished ii chord is dark and unresolved, and the sus4 on the v avoids a clear resolution. The result is a loop that never settles, perfect under a rap.
Tip: Play the chords as short, repeated stabs in a fixed rhythm; the rhythm is the hook.
i – VI – VII
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VI and VII lift the loop before it drops back to the minor i. The climbing shape gives a sense of determination and momentum.
Tip: Use power chords or octaves on a distorted guitar or synth for the rock-rap sound.
VI – iv – V – i
WHY IT WORKS + WRITING TIP
The major V (from the harmonic minor scale) contains the leading tone, which pulls strongly back to i. Strings or choir on top make it sound almost classical.
Tip: The raised 7th over the V chord is the most dramatic note in the loop. Put a hook note on it.
iv7 – v7
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Two minor 7th chords that never touch the tonic. With no resolution, the loop floats and leaves all the attention on the vocal.
Tip: Keep the voicings close together and let the 808 carry the movement.
VI – i – iv – v
WHY IT WORKS + WRITING TIP
All three primary chords of the key are minor, and the loop starts on the major VI for a moment of warmth before sinking. It sounds sad without being heavy.
Tip: Use a clean guitar or piano with a lot of reverb and a simple, repeating pattern.
Progressions with a lower-case i are shown in a minor key, the rest in major. Songs often use different chords in different sections; the section is listed for each example. "Song key" is the key of the recording as given in the published transcription.
All 5 Hip-Hop progressions as MIDI, in every key
Every progression on this page in all 12 keys (60 MIDI files, chords and bass on separate tracks, at 96 BPM). You also get our full Chord Progression MIDI Pack (864 files) and The Songwriter's Cheat Sheet (PDF).
Your downloads are ready. Links to the full MIDI pack and the cheat sheet are on their way to your inbox too.
DOWNLOAD HIP-HOP MIDI → FULL MIDI PACK CHEAT SHEET PDFWant these progressions as full grooves with bass and drums, or in 6 playing styles? See the Song Starter MIDI Kit ($19) and MIDI Pack PRO ($9).
How Hip-Hop progressions work
Hip-hop beats are usually built on short loops, often two to four chords, that repeat under the whole verse. The loop has to sound good for minutes on end and leave room for the rap, so dark minor keys and simple movement dominate.
Many classic hip-hop loops come from samples or were written to sound like samples: minor chords, strong bass notes and a melodic hook played on piano, strings or synth.
3 ways to use them in your own songs
- Two chords are enough. A minor loop like iv7–v7 (God's Plan) gives the rapper space. Build variation with drums and arrangement.
- Put the melody in the loop. Many hip-hop hooks are a piano or synth riff that outlines the chords (Still D.R.E., Gangsta's Paradise).
- Tune the 808 to the chords. The 808 usually follows the root of each chord. Use our free 808 tuning chart to get the notes right.
Now build the track around the chords
ProductionMap shows what every track does in each section of a Hip-Hop arrangement (and Pop and R&B), with sound design notes and a practical "Try it" step for 33 tracks. Try the free demo in your browser.
Quick answers
What chord progressions are used in Hip-Hop hit songs?
Common Hip-Hop loops include i – iiø – vsus4 (Still D.R.E.); i – VI – VII (Lose Yourself); VI – iv – V – i (Gangsta's Paradise); iv7 – v7 (God's Plan); VI – i – iv – v (SAD!). Every progression on this page is shown in the key of a real song, with playback and a free MIDI download.
What chord progression does Still D.R.E. by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg use?
Still D.R.E. uses i – iiø – vsus4 in the chorus lead-out and instrumental (iiø with an added 11th): Am – Bm7♭5 – Esus4 in A minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Lose Yourself by Eminem use?
Lose Yourself uses i – VI – VII in the chorus: Dm – B♭ – C in D minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio ft. L.V. use?
Gangsta's Paradise uses VI – iv – V – i in the chorus lead-out, bridge and instrumental: A♭ – Fm – G – Cm in C minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does God's Plan by Drake use?
God's Plan uses iv7 – v7 in the verse: Am7 – Bm7 in E minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
What chord progression does SAD! by XXXTENTACION use?
SAD! uses VI – i – iv – v in the intro, verse and chorus: A♭ – Cm – Fm – Gm in C minor, according to the published transcription (see sources below).
Can I use the same chord progression as a hit song?
Yes. Chord progressions are shared building blocks of music, and the loops on this page are used in hundreds of songs. What makes a song yours is the melody, the lyric and the production. (General information, not legal advice.)
Can I download these chord progressions as MIDI?
Yes. Every progression has a free MIDI download in the key and tempo you choose, with the chords and the bass on separate tracks, ready to drag into any DAW.
Sources: chord analyses from published transcriptions: Still D.R.E., Lose Yourself, Gangsta's Paradise, God's Plan, SAD!. Song titles are given for reference only. No lyrics, recordings or sheet music are reproduced, and The Sonic Secrets is not affiliated with any artist or label.