The raw, infectious energy of hip hop cheerleading music is a great way to get crowds and judges going wild. You should look for hip hop songs with strong, classic beats and catchy lyrics that everyone can sing along to. Pump up the crowd and crew with these songs in your performance mixes.
Pep Rally and Sideline Songs
Cheerleading squads are the official spirit squads of their schools and communities. In addition to boosting morale during games, they shine during pep rallies. There should be positive music playing during these events, motivating everyone to root for the winners!
- This one gets the crowd shouting “Hey ya!” Outkast’s Hey Ya (radio mix) – Upbeat and peppy!
- With its famous verse, “Things that don’t kill me, will only make me stronger,” Stronger by Kanye West is great for rebuilding faith after a loss.
- In Not Afraid by Eminem, the lyrics “I’m not afraid to take a stand. Everybody come take my hand. We’ll walk this road together….” are perfect for facing off against a rival.
- According to Des’ree, “You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger.” These are wise words to encourage sports team members to learn from their mistakes and move forward.
- As soon as the words “Jump! Jump!” are sung, the crowd will get out of their seats.
- A team’s ego can be stroked with the infamous lyrics “You can’t touch this” from U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer.
- You’re sure to get everyone pumped when you play I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas – Repeat the sentence “Tonight’s gonna be a good night.” Add the high tempo and the songs most uplifting phrases, “let’s live it up” and “let’s shut it down.”
- There is nothing better than a good line dance like the Casper (Cha-Cha) Slide. This type of dance is easy to follow along with, and spectators can bond over the music and dance together.
Encourage everyone to participate between songs with cheers and chants.
Half-Time, Pre and Post-Game Songs
There are certain times of the game when spectators and the opposing team are most attentive. Show your dominance, intimidate the opposition, and honor your victory by pulling out the crowd-pleasers before the game, during halftime routines, and at any post-game celebrations!
- No by Meghan Trainor – The other team always thinks it’s going to win. Repeat one word over and over again to deny them. “My name is no. My sign is no. My number is no. I need you to let it go.”
- There’s nothing clearer than the message “You better move…I’m going to knock you out.” from Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J (clean version).
- The Weekend’s Earned It (Kizomba remix) – Earned It celebrates female athletes with its solid message “Girl you’re perfect and you deserve it. The way you work it, girl you earned. Girl you earned.”.
- It will get players and spectators snapping their fingers to Snap Yo Fingers by DJ Snake and Lil Jon. After Lil Jon says “Let me see you do it!” turn the music down and listen to the fans shout “Ay!”
- It’s important to stir up the competitive nature of the team before the game with Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men. The song will have everyone barking “Who let the dogs out? Woof! Woof! Woof!” instead of telling them to “Be aggressive!”
- It’s Going Down by Young Joc (amended version) – In this song, “Anywhere we meet I guarantee it’s going down…” tells the opponents to prepare for defeat. You might think it’s cocky, but that’s what makes you successful.
- There are simple lyrics repeated over and over again in Turn Down for What by Lil Jon. It’s time for another round of shots…turn down for what!” More importantly, the bass is strong and the tune gets you moving.
- A final Lil Jon pick, Outta Your Mind (clean version) will stir up the fire within. The players will run circles around the other team with mini-chants such as “Focus!” and “Get out of your mind!”
These songs usually have beats you can clap to, snap to, jump to, or swing to, which is perfect for getting the crowd involved.
Competition Music
Cheerleading competitions are the squad’s biggest opportunity to showcase their skills and style in fun and challenging routines. The beat should be upbeat, help individuals accentuate their movements, highlight their hardest stunts, and allow them to show a bit of attitude through cheeky dance moves.
- Estelle’s Do My Thing shows off your pride and sass! In the lyrics, “I wear my clothes… I wear my hair… I do my thing like this, because I can” is announced without apology.
- Tell your competition that you’re not afraid to take the top spot with Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato (clean version). Payback is a bad chick, and I’m the worst. You’re messing with a savage. You can’t have this, you can’t have this.”
- Bring back this classic from 69 Boyz, designed to make the audience dance along with you “to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right, to the front, to the front, to the back, to the back… then dip.”
- This song has pauses and flair in just the right places for sharp, clean hits. Tambourine by Eve (clean version) – Find a little spice by shaking your tambourine.
- The Wild Wild West by Will Smith is a classic western that everyone loves. Enjoy rolling, strolling, and “bouncing into the wild, wild west” with the crowd.
- Bruno Mars’ Finesse features Cardi B. Remix – This is a modern hip hop song with classic beats. Put your best foot forward and show your swagger and finesse: “Ooh, don’t we look good together? There’s a reason why they watch all night long. Yeah, know we’ll turn heads forever, so tonight I’m gonna show you off.”
With a great selection of music, awesome choreography, and a routine that demonstrates the squad’s skills, you’ll get the judges’ attention!
Make Your Playlist Inspire
Whether you’re performing for a sporting event or competing, choosing the right cheerleading music can help your squad inspire confidence and pride. Create hip hop choreography that shows your spirit and skill on-stage or on the field using the lyrics and beats from this list.