R&B/Hip-Hop

Tres Generaciones Tequila, a 50 year old brand introduced by the family that elevated tequila to a symbol of Mexican pride, and Billboard are partnering together for a year-long celebration of music’s transformative power to unveil the top songs that have energized, uplifted and excited six select cities, known as the ‘Get Up Anthems.’ These playlists are curated through a mix of editorial insight and data analytics, and honor the songs that define each city’s history and culture. 

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We’re at the last stop of the six city Get Up Anthem’s tour: Los Angeles—quintessential for the city of dreams. Inside a Glendale studio, adorned with moodiness and odes to the city’s star quality, hip-hop heavyweights The Game and D Smoke sat alongside Billboard editor Carl Lamarre. Hosted by Rocsi Diaz, the roundtable celebrated LA’s storied musical legacy, with “It Was a Good Day” serving as the focal point. Over glasses of Tres Generaciones Tequila, the group delved into the song’s enduring impact, debating its place within the pantheon of West Coast classics and its role in shaping the cultural identity of Los Angeles.

Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day” distills the essence of West Coast hip-hop into a singularly iconic track. Released in 1993 on The Predator, its smooth production, vivid storytelling, and cultural resonance immortalize it as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ musical legacy. Over a soulful, nostalgic beat, Ice Cube captures a rare day of peace and joy amidst the turbulence of South Central LA, embodying the broader West Coast aesthetic of the era.

The track’s production, helmed by DJ Pooh, achieves emotional depth through masterful simplicity. Built around a sample from The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2,” the beat reimagines its dreamy guitar riffs in a hip-hop framework, exuding nostalgia and serenity. Understated elements—a mellow bassline, restrained drum programming, and sparse melodic keys—amplify Cube’s narrative, letting his words drive the track. The relaxed tempo and sunlit vibe epitomize G-funk’s laid-back yet resonant sound, placing it firmly in the lineage of West Coast greats like Dr. Dre while maintaining Ice Cube’s unique identity.

More than a song, “It Was a Good Day” offers a snapshot of early ’90s Los Angeles, blending realism and escapism. Ice Cube’s lyrics chronicle a dreamlike day—basketball games, favorite fast food, cruising the streets—untainted by violence or adversity. The specificity of his imagery, from local radio shoutouts to South Central landmarks, grounds the track in LA’s cultural fabric, rendering it both personal and universal. This fusion of optimistic storytelling and authentic detail makes the song a heartfelt ode to the city.

The cruising imagery and relaxed beat capture LA’s sun-soaked, car-driven ethos, cementing the track as a sonic emblem of West Coast life. It contrasts sharply with gangsta rap’s grittier portrayals, providing a moment of respite that resonated deeply with audiences and expanded the emotional scope of hip-hop.

Decades later, “It Was a Good Day” remains a benchmark for storytelling and production in hip-hop, inspiring countless artists. Its iconic status has led to numerous samples and references, from Beyoncé’s “Partition” to Kendrick Lamar’s “DUCKWORTH.,” which mirrors its narrative focus on transformative moments. Beyond direct interpolations, the track’s introspective yet celebratory tone continues to influence music across genres, solidifying its place as a timeless masterpiece.

The song’s genius lies in its balance of realism and aspiration. Ice Cube’s vivid storytelling invites listeners into a world where, for one day, everything aligns perfectly. Its production—a perfect marriage of G-funk’s smoothness and hip-hop’s grit—encapsulates Los Angeles’ essence. As both a personal narrative and cultural artifact, “It Was a Good Day” stands as a testament to hip-hop’s power to encapsulate time, place, and emotion, securing its legacy as a cornerstone of West Coast music and one of the most beloved tracks in Ice Cube’s storied career.

Some songs have the rare ability to define eras, celebrated for their infectious beats, groundbreaking production, vivid storytelling, and timeless appeal, earning them the status of true classics. In partnership with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we continue our exploration to round up the top Get Up Anthems over this next year from six iconic cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. Guided by curated panels, we dive deep into each city’s vibrant sonic history, highlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation while celebrating the power of music to inspire listeners to rise and chase their passions.

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Los Angeles’ music scene is the heartbeat of West Coast hip-hop, defined by G-funk grooves, cinematic storytelling, and a celebration of street culture, freedom, and pride. From the smooth funk-infused beats of “It Was a Good Day” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” to the anthemic energy of “California Love” and “Still D.R.E.,” these songs capture the soul of LA—a city where ambition meets artistry, and struggle gives rise to triumph. LA’s playlist reflects a rich legacy of innovation and influence, blending the grit of South Central with the sunny vibes of the West Coast.

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The Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Los Angeles were crafted through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analytics, social impact, and personal sentiment to create a ranked list of songs that have inspired, captivated, and energized the City of Angels. Spanning decades from 1992 to the present day, LA’s playlist [click HERE to play] features tracks that represent the city’s vibrant cultural history and unmistakable sound, hand-selected by local icons The Game and D Smoke, Billboard editors Carl Lamarre, and moderated by Rocsi Diaz.

Did they get it right? Or were they off the mark?

Check out the Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Los Angeles:

10. “BPT” – YG (2014)

“BPT” from YG’s debut album My Krazy Life is a raw, unapologetic tribute to his roots in Bompton (a nickname for Compton). Produced by DJ Mustard, the track features a minimalist, hard-hitting beat driven by claps and menacing synths. YG’s aggressive delivery and vivid storytelling capture the reality of gang life and his rise in the rap game. The song’s unfiltered depiction of LA street culture resonated deeply within Compton and other parts of Los Angeles, while commercially, it helped establish YG as one of the leading voices of West Coast hip-hop’s new generation.

9. “Regulate” – Warren G feat. Nate Dogg (1994)

“Regulate” is a storytelling masterpiece that combines Warren G’s vivid narrative with Nate Dogg’s melodic hooks. Produced by Warren G, the track samples Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” giving it a smooth, soulful feel. The lyrics recount a night of danger and triumph on the streets of Long Beach, showcasing the duo’s chemistry. Released on the Above the Rim soundtrack, the song became a massive commercial hit and a defining moment for G-funk. Locally, it solidified Warren G and Nate Dogg as pillars of the West Coast sound, while globally, it introduced a broader audience to the genre’s laid-back yet gritty appeal.

8. “We Can Freak It” – Kurupt (1998)

Kurupt’s “We Can Freak It” is a smooth West Coast anthem that blends G-funk with soulful production by Battlecat. The track features atmospheric synths, a hypnotic bassline, and Kurupt’s laid-back delivery, creating a vibe-perfect for cruising through LA. Lyrically, it explores themes of nightlife, relationships, and escapism, capturing the essence of West Coast living. Though not as commercially successful as other G-funk hits, it resonated deeply within LA, becoming a staple in local hip-hop circles. Its mellow yet infectious sound remains a favorite among fans of ’90s West Coast rap.

7. “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg (1992)

“Nuthin’ But a G Thang” is a definitive G-funk anthem that introduced the world to the chemistry between Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Built around a sample of Leon Haywood’s “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You,” the production features lush synths, a funky bassline, and a laid-back groove. Snoop’s effortless flow and Dre’s polished delivery made the track an instant classic. Released as the lead single from The Chronic, it became a commercial juggernaut, bringing West Coast hip-hop to mainstream audiences. Locally, it encapsulated the essence of LA’s party culture and street life, while globally, it redefined the sound of hip-hop in the early ’90s.

6. “Last Time That I Checc’d” – Nipsey Hussle feat. YG (2018)

“Last Time That I Checc’d,” from Nipsey Hussle’s Grammy-nominated album Victory Lap, is a celebration of independence and success. Produced by Mike & Keys, the track features an infectious, hard-hitting beat that complements Nipsey’s assertive delivery and YG’s fiery guest verse. The lyrics emphasize self-made success and maintaining authenticity, a recurring theme in Nipsey’s music. The song resonated deeply within Los Angeles, highlighting the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and gang unity, as Nipsey and YG represented rival factions coming together. Commercially, it solidified Nipsey’s rise as a major force in hip-hop, while locally, it became an anthem of empowerment and pride for the streets of LA.

5. “Not Like Us” – Nipsey Hussle feat. YG (2018)

“Not Like Us,” one of Nipsey Hussle’s reflective tracks, exemplifies his dedication to empowerment and authenticity. Produced by Mike & Keys, the beat features soulful undertones and crisp percussion, allowing Nipsey’s motivational lyrics to take center stage. Released during a pivotal moment in his career, the track underscores his focus on self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. While it didn’t achieve widespread commercial acclaim, its message resonated deeply within Los Angeles, particularly in South Central, where Nipsey was a hometown hero. The song’s themes reflect Nipsey’s broader cultural impact, inspiring a generation of artists and entrepreneurs to prioritize legacy over fame.

4. “Still D.R.E.” – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg (1999)

“Still D.R.E.” marked Dr. Dre’s triumphant return to the forefront of hip-hop after a brief hiatus. Produced by Dre and Scott Storch, the track’s minimalist piano riff and crisp drum pattern became instantly recognizable. Snoop Dogg’s laid-back hook complements Dre’s confident verses, reasserting his dominance in the rap game. Released as the lead single from 2001, the song was both a critical and commercial success, signaling the resurgence of West Coast hip-hop at the turn of the millennium. Locally, it reinforced Dre’s status as an LA legend and pioneer of G-funk, while its sleek production and enduring appeal cemented it as a global hip-hop classic.

3. “California Love” – 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (1995)

“California Love” is an iconic West Coast anthem that captured the grandeur and diversity of California’s culture. Produced by Dr. Dre, the track samples Joe Cocker’s “Woman to Woman” and features Zapp frontman Roger Troutman on the talkbox, adding a funk-driven, futuristic flair. Lyrically, the song celebrates the vibrant lifestyle of California, from the streets of LA to the Bay Area, with 2Pac’s fiery verses contrasting Dre’s cool, confident delivery. Released as 2Pac’s comeback single after his release from prison, it became an instant commercial hit and an enduring cultural staple. Locally, it was a rallying cry for West Coast pride during the height of the East Coast-West Coast rivalry, while globally, it solidified California’s place as a central hub for hip-hop culture.

2. “Gin and Juice” – Snoop Dogg (1993)

Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” produced by Dr. Dre, is a cornerstone of West Coast G-funk. Its funky bassline, lush synths, and signature high-pitched whines, combined with Snoop’s smooth, laid-back delivery, create a quintessential party anthem. The lyrics reflect a carefree lifestyle centered around drinking, smoking, and enjoying life with friends—a sharp contrast to the gangsta rap narratives dominating the scene at the time. Released as the second single from Doggystyle, the track was both a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon. Locally, it represented the quintessential LA party vibe, from house parties in Compton to BBQs in Long Beach, while nationally, it introduced mainstream audiences to G-funk’s irresistible groove and Snoop’s effortless charisma, marking a new chapter in hip-hop.

1. “It Was a Good Day” – Ice Cube (1992)

“It Was a Good Day” is a quintessential track that perfectly encapsulates the relaxed yet gritty essence of Los Angeles in the early ’90s. Produced by DJ Pooh, the smooth, soulful sample of The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark” provides a mellow, nostalgic backdrop for Ice Cube’s reflective lyrics. The track’s narrative vividly describes a rare, violence-free day in South Central LA, showcasing the stark contrast between everyday struggles and moments of peace. Its debut on the The Predator album resonated deeply with audiences, both commercially and culturally, offering a rare positive perspective amidst the turmoil of the post-Rodney King riots era. Locally, it became an anthem for LA residents, a celebration of fleeting joys in a city plagued by systemic challenges, while nationally, it solidified Ice Cube’s status as a master storyteller.