Newark is a major city in New Jersey, with large concert venues, an international airport, and much more to offer visitors. While artists don’t write or sing about Newark nearly as much as they do New York City, Newark still gets some shoutouts.
Check out the best songs about Newark below!
“Last Call” by Kanye West
Song Year: 2004
In this song, the infamous Yeezy raps about moving to Newark as a young adult, talking about the hardships and being young and broke and trying to make it. This track features some of his most relatable and real lyrics as he talks about unloading his IKEA furniture.
“I Was Made to Love Him” by Whitney Houston
Song Year: 1998
The lovely Whitney Houston begins this sweet ballad by saying she was born in Newark, where she and the love of her life both grew up together, so their love story begins in Newark. It’s one of the only love songs about Newark.
“Where the Shit Goes Down” by Ice-T
Song Year: 1996
Newark, NJ gets a shoutout in this Ice-T song, calling it a down-ass town that he respects. He mentions a bunch of major cities in this song, like Miami and LA, along with the New Jersey town.
“Bomb First (My Second Reply)” by 2Pac
Song Year: 1996
In 2Pac’s second reply to the haters, he mentions Newark Bricks, a small and rough neighborhood where he has friends and people he cares about. It’s a quick shoutout, but it’s in one of the most iconic rap songs of all time, so it’s kind of a big deal.
“Friends” by Diddy
Song Year: 1999
This song by Diddy mentions Newark in some versions, while in other versions he mentions New York, so there’s a divide on what the original lyrics were. Either way, both cities are important spots to Diddy, who has lived in both states.
“Roller Derby” by Lana Del Rey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_I8wZjTjsA
Song Year: 2007
This unreleased song by Lana Del Rey is one of her hidden gems, also called Pin-Up Galore by some fans. In it, she sings about wanting to go down to Newark where the girls spin around the roller derby.
“Cowboys” by Fugees
Song Year:1996
Newark gets a quick shoutout in this fun song by the Fugees, where they say that their toughest friends are always ready to ride for them, from Ontario to Newark, New Jersey
“S.I.N. (feat. Boogs)” by Flee
Song Year: 2019
This song has a surprisingly positive tone and Flee raps and sings about hanging out with his girlfriend on a beautiful Saturday in Newark, shouting out the city in the song lyrics more than once.
“Break It Down” by Artifacts
Song Year: 2012
Artifacts mention Newark twice in the intro to this song, rapping that he will one day be famous from Newark to Milltown. Milltown is another New Jersey town in East Orange, showing how the rapper cares about his home state and what they think of his music.
“I Am Newark” by Bandmanrill
Song Year: 2021
This rap song is all about Newark! The lyrics start by saying the city’s name three times, and the track is about how no one respects the city of Newark or the state of New Jersey the way they should. In the lyrics, Bandmanrill raps about he is the embodiment of his hometown.
“Road to Newark” by The Spinto Band
Song Year: 2003
Another song that is 100% about Newark, the entire track is about a road trip to this New Jersey town. In the song, the narrator talks about how excited they are to get to Newark and don’t want to be anywhere else.
“Rockafella” by Redman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI2gCHMkLnk
Song Year: 1994
In this song, Redman raps about how people from New Jersey are honest and keep their promises. The track is a tribute to the city, especially the people from Newark, and he says he’ll make them all proud from Newark to Milltown.
“Disco Stomp” by Hamilton Bohannon
Song Year: 1975
In this funky and fresh song, Hamilton Bohannon and his band sing about their new dance they call the Disco Stomp, and how everyone is doing it, including people in Newark! It’s such an upbeat and adorable song that makes you want to dance or at least tap your foot.
“Chicago Style” by Bing Crosby
Song Year: 1953
This old folksy song is about the music style from Chicago but also shouts out Newark. They say their amazing instruments may be from Newark, but they still play the Chicago style of music, which is where they’re from.
“Newark Is a Good Big City” by The Guy Who Sings Songs About Cities & Towns
Song Year: 2015
This song is more of a fun parody, from a man who likes to make music about particular cities. This Newark anthem has lyrics that mention different famous aspects of this New Jersey city, so it’s perfect if you want a song that highlights the best parts of Newark.
“Where I’m From (feat. Munee)” by DeAngelo Xavier
Song Year: 2020
This hardcore rap song is by DeAngelo Xavier, a rapper from Newark who is proud of his hometown. He mentions Newark several times in the lyrics, talking about it’s ingrained in his self-identity and that he represents Newark and will always be loyal to his home city.
“Eastside With Love” by Boss Gravy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMVSWydWar8
Song Year: 2019
This track is all about Newark and a few other spots in New Jersey. Boss Gravy raps about how people from the Eastside can be rough thugs, but they’re also good people and says he’ll always stand by his Eastside brothers.
“Jersey City Streets” by The Hudson Falcons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Zzk8wAXzg
Song Year: 2001
In this song, The Hudson Falcons talk about how hardcore the streets of New Jersey can be, but it’s still their home. They talk about having to be quick-witted and aware on the Jersey streets, especially in places like Newark where it can be dangerous.
“The Newark Airport Boogie” by Electric Six
Song Year: 2009
This uncomplicated song is fun and funky, as the band sings about a dance inspired by the Newark Airport. It’s a humorous tongue-in-cheek song that’s fun to listen to, especially if you’ve been to Newark Airport!
“Newark to C.I.” by Shaquille O’Neal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2_2nkzqbPM
Song Year: 1994
Yes, Shaq made a song about Newark! It’s a silly song with a great sound, with lyrics that shout out Newark and New Jersey several times. In the lyrics, Shaq talks about how he represents Newark and will always have a love for the city and the streets where he grew up.
“Newark Valley” by Gary Wilson
Song Year: 2004
This old song by Gary Wilson is about a girl from Newark. Wilson sings about how he fell in love with this Newark girl immediately and decided to move there to be with her. He talks about how he blew him away the moment he saw her, shouting out Newark throughout the song.
Top Songs About Newark, Final Thoughts
Newark is a highly underrated city, as it sits in the shadow of New York. Nevertheless, it’s an iconic location and, as you can see from this list, many famous artists feel a strong connection to this city.
Whether you’re from Newark or just love this city, download some of these songs about Newark so you can admire the lyrics that show these artists’ appreciation for this New Jersey city.