Explore how to play some of the most popular Hip-Hop tracks on the kalimba with these simple and easy-to-follow tabs! These tabs are provided for educational purposes only. All rights to the original music belong to the respective owners.
1. Post Malone - Rockstar (Kalimba Tab)
"Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage is a hip-hop track that looks into the themes of fame, wealth, and the rockstar lifestyle. The lyrics highlight material possessions like luxury cars, designer clothes, and expensive jewelry, while also addressing the challenges and perks of fame. The chorus reflects the hedonistic and rebellious nature of their lifestyle, touching on the darker aspects such as substance abuse and the pressures of celebrity.
G# A G# G D°# D° C° C° D° D°
D° C° A# A D° C° A# A D° C° A# A
D° C° A# A D° C° A# A
(D° A# G D G) (A°# F° D° A# F A#) (G° D°# A# D#)
C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C°
C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° C° B
C° B C° B C° B C° B C° B C° C° C° B G°
C° E° C° E° C° E° C° E° C° E° C° E° C°
E° C° E° C° E° C° E° F° G° F° G° F° G° F° G°
F° G° F° G° F° G° F° G° F° E° C°° C° C° F° G°
2. Nelly - Hot in Here (Kalimba Tab)
"Hot in Here" by Nelly is a hip-hop anthem celebrating partying, dancing, and the excitement of a lively club scene. The lyrics capture the energy of a crowded party, where the heat and intensity prompt people to let loose and enjoy the moment. With its catchy beat and playful lyrics, the song has become a popular choice for dancing and nightlife.
D° E° D° E° E° D°
D° E° D° E° E° D°
G° F#° G° F#° F#°
G° F#° F#° F#° A°
G° E° D° E° D° E° E° D°
3. Masked Wolf – Astronaut In The Ocean (Kalimba Tab)
"Astronaut in the Ocean" by Australian rapper Masked Wolf is a hip-hop track known for its catchy beat and engaging melody. The song features Masked Wolf's commanding vocals and introspective lyrics, which address struggles with mental health and challenges in the music industry. Its empowering message and dynamic energy have made it a global hit, dominating charts and resonating with audiences worldwide.
G G G° G° F E F° F° FF G
E E G° F° F° F F A A A A G
E E G G G F F° F F F E F G
E E G° F° F F F F F° F F G E E
G° G° F° F F A° A A G
4. Eminem - Without Me (Kalimba Tutorial)
"Without Me" from Eminem's 2002 album The Eminem Show marks his return to music with quick-paced delivery and playful lyrics. The track humorously addresses his influence on rap, pop culture, and media controversies, with the chorus proclaiming his comeback: "Guess who's back, back again, Shady's back, tell a friend." The vibrant music video parodies popular culture, enhancing the song's satirical edge. "Without Me" achieved global chart success, showcasing Eminem's sharp wordplay and contributing to his enduring legacy. Below, you'll find the letter notes and number notation for playing the song on the kalimba.
A F° E° D° A
A G A C° A
A G A G F
F E C D
A F° E° D° A
5. Eminem - Sing for the Moment (Kalimba Tab)
"Sing for the Moment" by Eminem is a rap song that explores the power of music to offer solace and inspiration during tough times. Eminem reflects on his personal struggles and the impact of his music on listeners, addressing themes like media influence, censorship, and freedom of expression. The track underscores music's cathartic and transformative qualities, connecting people across different experiences. For those looking to play it on a kalimba, custom tuning or a chromatic kalimba is recommended due to the song's range, though transposing notes can also make it suitable for other instruments.
(G°# F°) C° (G°# F°) C° (G° D°#) C° (G° D°#) C°
(G°# D°) C° (G°# D°) C° (G° C°#) C° (G° C°#) C°
(G°# F°) C° (G°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C°
(C°° F° C°) (A°# F° C°) (G°# F° C°)
(G°# F°) C° (G°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C°
(C°° F°) C° (C°° F°) C° (A°# F°) C° (A°# F°)
(G°# F°) C° (G°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C° (A°# F°) C°
(C°° F° C°)
6. Eminem - The Real Slim Shady (Kalimba Tab)
"The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem is a satirical rap song that critiques the music industry, celebrity culture, and societal norms. Eminem adopts a mischievous persona to question the authenticity of mainstream artists and public figures, humorously criticizing fame obsession, conformity, and superficiality. The chorus, "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?" encourages embracing one's true self. For playing this song on a kalimba, either use a chromatic kalimba or custom tune your instrument with D°=D# and A°=G#
C° D° G° A° C” A° G° A° G° F° G° B
C° D° G° A° C” A° G° A° G° F° G° B
C° D° G° A° C” A° G° A° G° F° G° B
C° D° G° A° C” A° G° A° G° F° G° B
C° D° G° A° C” A° G° A° G° F° G° B
7. Eminem - Stan (Kalimba Tab)
"Stan" by Eminem featuring Dido is a narrative-driven rap song about an obsessed fan named Stan who becomes increasingly distressed as he writes letters to Eminem, seeking attention and validation. The song explores themes of celebrity obsession, mental health, and the consequences of neglecting fans' emotional needs. Dido's vocals in the chorus underscore the emotional intensity of Stan's obsession, culminating in a tragic climax.
A E° E° E° E° D° C° E° D°
B C° E° B C° A
A E° E° E° E° D° C° E° D°
A G° A° E° D° E°
A G° G° G° G° D° D° C° E° C° D°
C° D° E° F° E° D° E°
A E° D°
C° C° D° E° C° D°
C° E° C° D°
A E° E° E° E° D° C° E° D°
8. Eminem - Lose Yourself (Kalimba Tab)
"Lose Yourself" by Eminem is a rap song that explores the struggles and determination involved in pursuing one's dreams despite adversity. The track narrates the challenges and pressures faced by an aspiring rapper, emphasizing the need to seize opportunities, overcome self-doubt, and push through obstacles. The lyrics stress the importance of giving one's all and making the most of each moment, even when faced with uncertainty and fear.
E° C° A E° D° B G D°
E° C° A G° D° E° C° A E°
D° B G D° E° C° A
A F D A G F E D
E F A (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB)
(C°E) (C°E) (C°E) (C°E) E
(C°E) (C°E) (C°E) A
(EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB) (EB)
(C°E) (C°E) (C°E) (C°E) E
(C°E) (C°E) (C°E) A
9. 50 Cent - In Da Club (Kalimba Tab)
"In Da Club" by 50 Cent is a hip-hop anthem that celebrates partying, success, and living life to the fullest. The song's lyrics emphasize hedonism, wealth, and enjoyment, with 50 Cents lyrics about his luxurious lifestyle, including expensive cars and jewelry. The catchy beat and infectious chorus make it a popular choice for clubs and parties, encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment.
C B B C A B B C
C B B C A B B C
C B B C A B B C
10. 21 Savage - Bank Account (Kalimba Tab)
"Bank Account" by 21 Savage is a hip-hop song that celebrates success, wealth, and financial independence. The lyrics reflect on 21 Savage's rise to fame and about his luxurious lifestyle, including expensive cars and designer clothes. The chorus, "I got one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight M's in my bank account," underscores his financial success and abundance. Overall, the track is a high-energy anthem that highlights material wealth and the rewards of achieving financial prosperity.
E° G°# F°# G°# E° G°# F°# G°
# E° G°# F°# G°# A° G°# F°# G°#
E° G°# F°# G°# E° G°# F°# G°#
E° G°# F°# G°# A° E° G°#
11. Sunflower – Spiderman Into the Spider-Verse (Kalimba Tab)
The song "Sunflower" from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse explores the theme of a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics reflect the narrator's struggles with a challenging partner who is hard to let go of. The repeated phrase "You're the sunflower" signifies admiration and recognition of the partner's positive qualities despite the difficulties. The track is about the complexities of love and commitment amid adversity. Below, you'll find the number notation and letter notes to play the song on the kalimba.
G A C° C/C° C° G° A° F/E°
D° C° C° D/C° C° G° A° F/E°
D° C° C/C° C° C° E°
C° A A C° C° C° C° E°
C° A A A C° F/C° C° C° E°
C° A A A A C° C° C° E°
C° A A A A C° D/C° C° C° E°
C° A A A C° C° C° C° F°
E° C° C° C° D° F/C° C° C° F°
E° C° C° C° C° D° C° C° F°
12. Lil Peep - Star Shopping Intro
Star Shopping by Lil Peep is a melancholic hip-hop ballad that explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. The lyrics depict the narrator reflecting on a past relationship that has ended. They express feelings of heartbreak and regret over the loss of their partner, as well as a sense of nostalgia for the happy memories they shared together. The narrator yearns for reconciliation and expresses a desire to "start shopping" for love again, suggesting a willingness to open themselves up to new possibilities despite the pain of the past.
G F°# G F°# G F°# G
F°# G F°# B F°# B F°#
B F°# B F°# B F°# A
F°# A F°# A F°# A F°#
A F°# A F°# A F°#
A D° F°# D° F°# D°
13. Dr. Dre - Forgot About Dre
Forgot About Dre by Dr. Dre featuring Eminem is a rap song that addresses Dr. Dre's return to the music scene and the respect he commands as a legendary figure in hip-hop. The song is about Dr. Dre's influence and success in the industry, despite a brief hiatus. Eminem's verse adds to the bravado, showcasing his lyrical prowess and the duo's dominance in the rap game. The lyrics also touch on themes of loyalty, authenticity, and the consequences of underestimating their talent.
G G A A# A D# D A#
G A# D° G° (A° A)
(A°# A#) D# A# D° G° (A° A)
(A°# A#)
14. Travis Scott - Goosebumps (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Goosebumps by Travis Scott featuring Kendrick Lamar is a hip-hop song that explores themes of desire, intoxication, and the pursuit of euphoria. Lyrically, the song describes the intense attraction and infatuation the protagonist feels for their romantic interest. Travis Scott expresses a desire to experience a physical and emotional connection with his partner, likening the sensation to "goosebumps" that send shivers down his spine.
C C C C C B B A A G B G A A A A C
C C B B A A B A A G A G B A
15. Ryan Bomzer - Worthless
Worthless is a rap song written and performed by Ryan Bomzer. The track was released in 2021 and is about major life events from his upbringing, times of heartbreak, when he was robbed, and other times of severe anxiety. The music video begins with Ryan's hands playing a piano then comes an emotional violin being played by a woman. The song is sad but powerful. The song showcases the bad parts of his life but the end of the song goes towards making life better and finding the right path.
(A C E°) E° E° E° D° C° (G) B A B
(F A C°) A B C° D° (E G B) E° G° B°
(A C° E°) E° G° B° A° G° A° G° (G B D°) E° D° E°
C° B (F A) D° B A B C° D° (E G B) E° G° B°
(A C°) E° E° E° E° E° E° E° E° D°
(G B) D° D° D° D° D° D° D° C°
(F A) C° C° C° D° D°
(E G) B B B C° C°
(A C°) E° E° E° E° E° E° E° E° D°
(G B) D° D° D° D° D° D° D° C°
(F A) C° C° C° D° D°
(E) G B D° E° E° (A C° E°)
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