For your 420 parties, low-key kickbacks, and just to jam while you’re lighting a joint, music inspired by cannabis makes everything better. While you probably have some of the more iconic smoke-themed songs on your playlist, we have a few songs to add. Yes, I know you already have Afroman’s “Because I Got High” on the list. If you’re looking for some of the more popular songs that are on everyone’s 420 playlist, check out this list from Rolling Stone. This list, however, are the songs you’re sleeping on, and we promise none of them are Sublime.
“I Gott Grapes”- Nump featuring E-40 & The Federation
Long live hyphy. In the mid-late 00’s the East Bay was the dictator of dance and the epicenter of the hyphy movement. Among the longest-lasting bangers from the bay is Nump’s iconic song about looking to pick up some purple. Purple is in reference to flower with particularly purple undertones (often more indica-leaning strains like Purple Punch), which becomes referenced as ‘grapes’. While this may be Nump’s most recognizable song, E-40 and The Federation became long-time staples in the hyphy scene. The concept is simple, but the beat is undeniable. Add this to the playlist when you want people dancing and singing along.
“Taste So Good (The Cann Song)”- LELAND, Hayley Kiyoko, VINCINT, MNEK, & Kesha
Save this one to your Pride playlist while you’re at it. This bombastic banger was created by Cann, an infused soda and tonic brand focused on microdosing CBD and THC and acting as an alternative to alcohol. Cann itself is a fun, bright, energetic brand, and “Taste So Good” reflects that in spades. The song was released as a celebration of both the drink and Pride and naturally, features icons in the scene, specifically Queen Kesha. Keep this one on any pre-game playlist while you’re at it- you’ll want to cheers to this one all year round.
“My Medicine”- Snoop Dogg featuring Willie Nelson
I think it may be illegal to do a cannabis-inspired song roundup without mentioning Snoop Dogg, so I’m going to go ahead and at least call out an iconic team-up that you might have slept on. And, low and behold, it’s so good. The song was released in 2008 and brought together two kings of cannabis- Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson. Both have since launched their own cannabis endeavors and are renowned for their affinity for the community. The song is a country meets hip hop mash-up that speaks to both of their respective backgrounds and overlaps on their love for the plant.
“Pink Paper”- Scene Queen
Totally get that bubblegum screamo may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Scene Queen is more interested in being a shot of tequila. Scene Queen joined Hopeless Records in recent memory and has since spread the word about being traditionally girly in a male-dominated scene. “Pink Paper” extends that core value to opting for Blazy Susan pink rolling papers. It’s loud, it’s fun, it’s angry, and it’s empowering.
”Marijuana”- Awkwafina
We love a straightforward songwriter. Since her rap career, Awkwafina has become a silver screen staple, with roles in Marvel movies, Ocean’s Eight, Jumanji, and countless other iconic franchises. Real Nora stans will always remember her as the gritty NYC comedy rapper who dealt with the early loss of her mother through her music. Her debut album, Yellow Ranger, dropped in 2014 and brought us this hysterical yet heartwarming track about falling short of expectations and appreciating the art of cannabis. She has since shelved her rap career in favor of Golden Globe award-winning acting roles (go off girl!), but her music will continue to live on.
We would be remiss not to reference the myth around Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”, which some have pointed out to be one of the origins of cannabis being associated with 420. It’s certainly a stretch, but if you’d like to go down that rabbit hole, check out our blog on the origins of 420.
