Image via Complex Original
In the late '90s GIFs were a popular thing on the Internet (mostly because Internet speeds were so slow) but they've made a roaring comeback in the past few years. Nowadays, as soon an award show or an episode of your favorite series airs, there're GIFs on deck. However, GIFs have become so popular that there are sub-cultures of GIFs now.
Enter the hip-hop GIF.
A hip-hop GIF is basically anything that's even remotely rap related. They allow fans to make off hand references to things only hip-hop fans would know about and get. Although you're probably inundated with GIFs already, there are some GIFs that, as a hip-hop fan, it's your responsibility to know and have saved on your computer or phone to use in email and text message chains. And if you already know about them, be sure to favorite this post because soon enough you'll be looking for that perfect Jay Z GIF but won't want to search more than five seconds for it. So, whether you need them to react to someone or because you're too lazy to type out how you really feel, here are 40 GIFs Every Hip-Hop Fan Should Know.
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Birdman Handrub
Origin: He's literally been doing this FOREVER.
Next to YMCMB, the signature Birdman handrub is the biggest contribution Bryan Williams has made to hip-hop. He says it's because his palms are always itchy, which either means he's got dry skin or he's paid.
Obama Brushing Dirt Off His Shoulders
Origin: 2008 Campaign Trail
In one brief brush-off, then-Senator Obama took the high road in addressing political opponents who were attacking him during his 2008 Presidential Election run. And you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far!
DAAAMMMMNN!!!!
Origin: Friday (1995)
The original "booty had me like..."
Lil Boosie
Origin: Lil Boosie "Gin In My Cup" Music Video (2009)
Boosie's reaction when they told him Macklemore won Best Rap Album at the Grammys this year.
50 Cent SMH
Origin: Beef DVD
Here's the kind of thing we'd hit people with when they try to make dumbass arguments like "Ja Rule's gonna make a comeback!"
2 Chainz Dance
Origin: Nicki Minaj f/ 2 Chainz "Beez In The Trap"
Tity Boy's got moves and Nicki can't handle it.
Stevie J's Creep Face
Origin: VH1's Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta
The creep factor is on a hundred, thousand, trillion right now.
Cam'ron Killa Season
Origin: Killa Season (2006)
This is what Cam'ron does to anyone who mentions his pause-worthy debut album cover.
Action Bronson Cartwheeling Through Queens
Origin: Action Bronson "Strictly 4 My Jeeps" (2013)
Who says big men aren't agile? Bronsolino's got it.
Jay-Z Ehhhh
Origin: Jay Z f/ Amil and Beanie Sigel "Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up)" (1999) Music Video
Jay's "Ehhhh" isn't the funniest GIF, but it's the perfect response after someone hits you with a corny comeback or says something that's suspect.
Miguel Drop Kick
Origin: Billboard Music Awards 2013
This gif still hurts to watch, but let's not forget the hilarious memes that resulted from this, either.
Drake Throwing Shade
Origin: Performance at Wildfire in Toronto
He must've spotted Rihanna or something.
Kanye Laughs, Then He Doesn't
Origin: Kanye West MTV Interview
For when a joke is funny...but at your expense.
2Pac on Yo! MTV Raps
Origin: MTV's Yo! MTV Raps (1993)
For when the NSA shuts down your homeboy's Twitter just before he was about to expose the Illuminati.
Jay Z Oops
Origin: Jay Z "I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me) (2009)
When you're cornered about that humble brag last week which might've been a little bit of a stretch from the truth.
K.O. Hat Spin
Origin: From G's To Gents Reunion Special (2008)
Every time we watch this clip and see dude's hat in the air we think to ourselves, in the immortal words of Chris Rock, "They spinning! They spinning!"
Nothing But A G Thang
Origin: Dr. Dre f/ Snoop Dogg "Nuthin' But A G Thang" Music Video (1990)
Probably the most memorable moment of Dre & Snoop's video. Doesn't work as a reaction to anything, but it's popular nonetheless.
Rick Ross Gets Excited
Origin: MTV News clip documenting Rick Ross' reaction to Lebron James announcing signing with the Miami Heat.
The majority of GIFs have no setup-only a money shot. This one has an extensive setup. But it's worth the wait. Trust us.
Drake Falls
Origin: Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 6 (2006)
What's that old saying about how art imitates life? Yeah, that counts even if said "art" is Degrassi.
J. Cole's Reaction at the 2012 Grammys
Origin: J. Cole at the Grammys (2012)
Crooked smile or nah?
Dipset Pops Champagne
Origin: Jim Jones "Pop Champagne" (2008)
Given that they popularized phrases like "Pause" and "No Homo," they should know that pouring champagne on another man is a no-no unless you just won a chip.
Dame Dash Sigh
Origin: This Is Jim Jones, (2009)
Pretty sure this is exactly what Dame did when he heard Biggs got arrested.
DJ Khaled Takes A Dive
Origin: DJ Khaled f/ Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne "Take It To The Head" Music Video (2012)
Damn, Khaled jumped in there with the Jordans on and everything.
"C'Mon Son"
Origin: N/A
Cam'rons reaction faces perfectly capture what a lot of us try to say online but can't ever get the words right. Nothing says "C'mon son," like this does.
Chief Keef Naaah
Origin: Chief Keef "Love Sosa" (2012)
Somebody's asking you to do something you don't feel like doing? Hit them with this GIF and reply, "OR NAH." Crisis averted. You're welcome.
Charles Hamilton Sonic Punch
Origin: Freestyle battle between Charles Hamilton and his girlfriend. (2009)
Charles Hamilton had a lot of fails. But this might be his greatest fail. However, whoever added those Sonic rings to this GIF, well that's probably their greatest contribution to hip-hop.
Nas' Ski Mask
Origin: Nas "Thief Theme" (2004) Music Video
Best believe if you Instagram your Red Octobers this GIF is coming to an inbox near you.
Lil B Cooking
Origin: Lil B "I Own Swag" Music Video (2012)
The Based God blessed us with this and literally had EVERYBODY cooking. Everybody but Kevin Durant, that is.
KRS One
Origin: Beef DVD
LOL, smiley face, LOL, smiley face. How awkward is KRS-One when he's cheesing?
Tyler, The Creator Bouncing
Origin: Tyler, The Creator "Tamale" (2013)
The only typical rap shit we'll ever witness Tyler, The Creator do in his videos.
Soulja Boy Crying
Origin: BET Awards 2012
It's okay Soulja Boy. We can't believe you're still around, either.
Wiz Khalifa Shrug
Origin: Wiz Khalifa's Day To Day Web Series
Other shrugs are too elaborate. This gif is for those too high to care. #shruglife
Rosa Acosta Stretching
Origin: Rosa Acosta Stretch Video (2009)
What's more hip-hop than stretching? Nothing apparently.
Nelly's Infamous Credit Card Swipe
Origin: Nelly's "Tip Drill" video (2003)
Due to advertisers (who keep our lights on) we can only show you an image, and not the actual GIF, of Nelly swiping a credit card through the ass of a stripper. But you already know exactly what we're referring to.
50 Cent Laugh Off
Origin: HBO's Entourage, Season 6 Episode 3 (2009)
50's "Laugh Off" is the perfect response to any and everything. Someone says something funny, you can respond with this. Someone says something corny, you can still respond with this. Someone responds with this? You can respond with the backwards version. And then they can respond with the Kermit/Bert version. Next thing you know, you're in an infinite loop of hilarity-which is exactly what GIFs are supposed to be.
Stylin' On You
Origin: Street DVD Battle: ENJ vs. Niks
Even as Niks spends his days collecting coins at a toll booth or mopping bathroom floors, he can always immerse himself in the warm memories of becoming the first rapper to ever get punched in the face on camera. All you aspiring Smack DVD rappers who still rhyme about having guns bigger than lawn mowers, watch for the hook
Nicki Minaj Twerking
Origin: Big Sean f/ Nicki Minaj "A$$ (Remix)" Music Video (2011)
Pay day bonus twerk.
#kanyeshrug
Origin: 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
One of the most legendary award show moments made for one of the greatest GIFS OF ALL TIME!
Cam'ron U Mad
Origin: FOX's The O'Reilly Factor (2003)
What does Cam have to say about this? He'd do it again. What do we have to say about this? GREATEST GIF EVER.