Top 10 Rap Songs that Use the Term "9 to 5"

The nine to five saying is simply a term used to refer to an office job or career. In Hip-Hop music, it specifically refers to a regular job and lifestyle.

At some point in Hip-Hop, it became common to use the term in lyrics, usually to contrast a regular job with the hustling and fame lifestyle.

And if you work a 9 to 5, remember, it's only music.

The Top Ten

  1. Paid in Full - Eric B. & Rakim

    One of the few examples in rap where the rapper speaks of the "9 to 5" in a positive light.

    "But now, I've learned to earn 'cause I'm righteous,

    I feel great, so maybe, I might just

    Search for a nine to five, if I strive

    Then maybe I'll stay alive."

    Rakim means that, metaphorically, he is tired of the illegal hustling lifestyle and that he might start earning honestly.

  2. 24's - T.I

    "I refuse to get a 9 to 5, I'd rather flip my keys.

    Been paying my dues ever since '89, tryna get my cheese."

    T.I. clearly states that he's been hustling and rapping too long to move to a 9 to 5 and that it's not in him.

  3. Last Dayz - Onyx

    An early Onyx single about staying afloat in the hood, poverty, and politics.

    Fredro Starr says:

    "I just wanna get high and live it up.

    So f*k a 9 to 5! And why they tryin' to slave us?"

    Starr explains he's stuck in a system with his 9 to 5.

  4. Lose Yourself - Eminem

    "All the pain inside amplified by the

    Fact that I can't get by with my nine-to-five and I can't provide the right type of life for my family."

    In this example, Eminem explains that his life has gotten to a point where, no matter how hard he works, he cannot afford to get by with a regular job.

  5. Bitch Please - Snoop Dogg & Xzibit

    "Xzibit ready to scrap like Mike Tyson with his license back

    9 to 5 minimum wage? What type of life is that?"

    - Xzibit

  6. Money Trees Deuce - Jay Rock

    "And we ain't worried 'bout them coppers out here

    Do anything to try to stop us out here

    No 9-to-5's but we clockin' out here

    Every chance they get, you know they watch us out here."

    - Jay Rock

  7. Dollar and a Dream III - J. Cole

    "My goal this year is a real one, gonna stack a million

    And as soon as I do, Mama, that 9 to 5 is through."

    I guess it all worked out for Jermaine Cole. He ain't working a 9 to 5 anymore.

  8. Dear Lord - Rick Ross

    "But that 9 to 5 gig won't get that Benz

    That 9 to 5 gig won't get that boat

    That 9 to 5 gig don't impress these hoes."

    Here, Rick Ross explains that all the things you desire in life won't be achieved by working a 9 to 5.

  9. Brand Name - Mac Miller

    Mac Miller begins the song with:

    "We in-between heaven and hell

    F**k a 9 to 5 (Hell)

    I'd rather end up dead or in jail."

    Mac Miller is simply saying there are better ways to spend his time than working a 9 to 5.

    Rest easy, Mac.

  10. What Happens - A$AP Mob

    "This what happen when you unified

    From the land to the struggle, do or die

    Brooklyn ballers (Harlem fly)

    Always gotta hustle, f**k a 9 to 5."

    The most "9 to 5" example on this list.

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