23 Best Songs about Brooklyn That Celebrate Its Edgy Culture

Songs about Brooklyn have been a mainstay in popular music for decades, with countless artists paying tribute to this vibrant and diverse borough in their music. From classic rock to hip-hop, Brooklyn has inspired some of the most iconic and memorable songs in music history.

The songs about Brooklyn capture the spirit and energy of the borough, as well as its unique culture and history. The lyrics often reflect on the challenges and struggles of life in the city, as well as the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with living in such a vibrant and dynamic place. Many of these songs have become anthems for Brooklynites and fans of the borough alike, celebrating everything that makes this place so special.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, these songs offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Brooklyn and its people. So, whether you’re in the mood for rock, hip-hop, or something in between, there’s sure to be a Brooklyn-inspired song that captures your attention and leaves you humming along for days.

1. Borough Check (We Live in Brooklyn) – Digable Planets ft. Guru

“Borough Check (We Live in Brooklyn)” is a collaborative track by the hip-hop group Digable Planets and the legendary rapper Guru. The song is an ode to Brooklyn, New York, and celebrates the diverse and vibrant culture of the borough. The lyrics describe various landmarks, neighborhoods, and experiences that are unique to Brooklyn, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Coney Island boardwalk. The song’s mellow jazz-infused beat and smooth flow are signature elements of Digable Planets’ style, and Guru’s guest verse adds an extra layer of depth and grit to the track.

2. Brooklyn – Mos Def

“Brooklyn” is a song by rapper Mos Def that pays tribute to his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The track features a catchy, soulful beat that is a blend of classic hip-hop and R&B elements. Mos Def’s lyrics are an autobiographical account of his experiences growing up in Brooklyn, from the streets to the music scene. He paints a vivid picture of the borough, its people, and its culture, celebrating everything from the food to the fashion. The song’s chorus is an uplifting declaration of love for Brooklyn, with Mos Def proclaiming “Brooklyn, Brooklyn, take me in / Are you aware the shape I’m in?” The song has become an anthem for Brooklynites and hip-hop fans alike, a testament to the borough’s enduring legacy in the world of music and culture.

3. Albee Square Mall – Biz Markie

“Albee Square Mall” is a classic hip-hop track by Biz Markie, released in 1988. The song is named after a now-defunct shopping mall in downtown Brooklyn, and its lyrics describe the experiences of shoppers and vendors at the mall. The beat is a sample-heavy mix of old-school funk and hip-hop elements, with Biz Markie’s signature humor and storytelling abilities on full display. The song has become a cult classic in the hip-hop community, a testament to the power of Markie’s unique style and the enduring legacy of Brooklyn’s iconic landmarks.

4. Brooklyn Bound – The Black Keys

“Brooklyn Bound” is a blues-rock track by the Ohio-based duo The Black Keys, released in 2003. The song’s lyrics describe a journey from Ohio to Brooklyn, with the protagonist leaving behind their old life for a fresh start in the big city. The track features a stripped-down, guitar-heavy sound that is a hallmark of The Black Keys’ style, with Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals and Patrick Carney’s tight drumming driving the beat. The song’s chorus is an anthemic declaration of the protagonist’s determination to make it in Brooklyn, with Auerbach singing “I’m Brooklyn bound, yeah, yeah, yeah / Ain’t nothin’ gonna hold me down, yeah, yeah, yeah.” The song is a powerful ode to the enduring allure of New York City, and a testament to the transformative power of following one’s dreams.

5. Coney Island Baby – Lou Reed

“Coney Island Baby” is a song by the legendary rock artist Lou Reed, released in 1976. The song is a nostalgic tribute to Reed’s hometown of Brooklyn, and to the Coney Island neighborhood in particular. The track features a simple, stripped-down arrangement, with Reed’s raw vocals and acoustic guitar front and center. The lyrics describe a love affair with a girl from Coney Island, and the memories of the sights, sounds, and smells of the neighborhood that they shared. The song’s chorus is a wistful declaration of longing, with Reed singing “Oh, I’d like to go back to Coney Island / It’s in Brooklyn, not in Manhattan / And I’d like to be there at night.” The song has become a cult classic in the world of rock and roll, a testament to Reed’s poetic and deeply personal songwriting.

6. Brooklyn Baby – Lana Del Rey

“Brooklyn Baby” is a dreamy, atmospheric track by the singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2014. The song is a tribute to the borough of Brooklyn, and to the artistic and bohemian lifestyle that has long been associated with the neighborhood. The track features a lush, retro-inspired sound that is a hallmark of Del Rey’s style, with her ethereal vocals floating over a mix of electric guitars, strings, and synths. The lyrics describe a love affair with a musician from Brooklyn, and the protagonist’s immersion in the creative energy of the neighborhood. The song’s chorus is a hypnotic mantra, with Del Rey singing “I’m a Brooklyn baby / I’m a Brooklyn baby.” The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of Del Rey’s live shows, a testament to the enduring allure of Brooklyn’s artistic scene.

7. Somewhere in Brooklyn – Bruno Mars

“Somewhere in Brooklyn” is a song by the singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released in 2010. The song is a romantic ballad that tells the story of a chance encounter between two strangers on the streets of Brooklyn. The track features a classic R&B sound that is a hallmark of Mars’ style, with his smooth vocals and a groovy beat. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s search for love in the big city, and the magical moment when he meets someone special in Brooklyn. The song’s chorus is a hopeful declaration of love, with Mars singing “Somewhere in Brooklyn, she’s watching me / And I know, someday, yeah, we’ll be together.” The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring appeal of Brooklyn’s romantic allure.

8. Brooklyn Roads – Neil Diamond

“Brooklyn Roads” is a song by the legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, released in 1968. The song is a nostalgic tribute to Diamond’s childhood in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Brighton Beach. The track features a lush, orchestral sound that is a hallmark of Diamond’s style, with his emotive vocals and a soaring melody. The lyrics describe the memories of Diamond’s youth in Brooklyn, from playing stickball in the streets to listening to music with his family. The song’s chorus is a heartfelt declaration of love for the borough, with Diamond singing “Brooklyn roads, they lead me home / To the place where I was known.” The song has become a classic in the world of pop music, a testament to the enduring power of Diamond’s songwriting and his love for his hometown of Brooklyn.

9. Brooklyn’s in the House – Cutmaster D.C.

“Brooklyn’s in the House” is a hip-hop classic by the DJ Cutmaster D.C., released in 1986. The song is an ode to the Brooklyn hip-hop scene and to the pioneers who helped shape the genre. The track features a classic old-school hip-hop sound, with a funky beat, scratching, and samples of classic tracks from the likes of Run-DMC and Grandmaster Flash. The lyrics celebrate the energy and creativity of the Brooklyn hip-hop community, and pay tribute to the legendary MCs and DJs who emerged from the borough. The song’s chorus is a call-and-response chant, with Cutmaster D.C. shouting “Brooklyn’s in the house!” and the crowd responding with a resounding “Brooklyn!” The song has become an anthem for hip-hop fans and a testament to the enduring influence of Brooklyn on the genre.

10. Coney Island – Death Cab for Cutie

“Coney Island” is a haunting, atmospheric track by the indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, released in 2009. The song is a melancholic meditation on the faded glamour of the Coney Island amusement park and the ghosts of the past that haunt the neighborhood. The track features a sparse, ethereal sound that is a hallmark of Death Cab for Cutie’s style, with singer Ben Gibbard’s plaintive vocals floating over a mix of piano, guitar, and ambient textures. The lyrics describe the decaying rides and empty boardwalk of Coney Island, and the memories of the park’s heyday that linger on. The song’s chorus is a mournful refrain, with Gibbard singing “Coney Island, baby, now it’s gone / But it haunts me like a curse.” The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion and memory.

11. Return of The Crooklyn Dodgers – The Crooklyn Dodgers

“Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers” is a hip-hop classic by the supergroup Crooklyn Dodgers, released in 1995. The group consisted of three Brooklyn-based MCs, Jeru the Damaja, Chubb Rock, and O.C., and the track was produced by DJ Premier. The song is a sequel to the group’s 1994 hit “Crooklyn,” which appeared on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s film of the same name. The track features a classic boom-bap sound, with a gritty beat, scratches, and samples from the original “Crooklyn” track. The lyrics celebrate Brooklyn and the MCs’ experiences growing up in the borough, with each rapper delivering a powerful verse that showcases their distinctive style. The song’s chorus is a call-and-response chant, with the MCs shouting “Brooklyn!” and the crowd responding with a resounding “Crooklyn!” The song has become an anthem for Brooklyn hip-hop and a testament to the enduring legacy of the borough’s rap scene.

12. I and Love and You – The Avett Brothers

“I and Love and You” is a heartfelt, introspective track by the folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, released in 2009. The song is a tender declaration of love and commitment, with singer Seth Avett’s emotive vocals and acoustic guitar setting the tone. The track features a stripped-down, acoustic sound that is a hallmark of The Avett Brothers’ style, with sparse instrumentation and lush harmonies. The lyrics describe the beauty and complexity of love, and the struggles that come with opening oneself up to another person. The song’s chorus is a powerful refrain, with Avett singing “I and love and you / What you were then, I am today / Look at the things I do / To find a way to say I love you.” The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the power of music to express emotion and connection.

13. Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus – The Strokes

“Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” is a song by the American rock band The Strokes, released in 2020. The song features a catchy, synth-driven sound that is a departure from the band’s earlier garage rock sound. The track is an ode to the nostalgic memories of the lead singer Julian Casablancas’ youth, with references to music, movies, and pop culture from the 1980s and 1990s. The song’s chorus features a memorable hook, with Casablancas singing “I want new friends, but they don’t want me” over a soaring synth riff. The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the passage of time and the struggles of growing older, with Casablancas lamenting the loss of innocence and the changing world around him.

14. In Brooklyn – Al Stewart

“In Brooklyn” is a song by the British singer-songwriter Al Stewart, released in 1989. The song is a nostalgic reflection on the sights and sounds of Brooklyn in the 1950s and 1960s, with Stewart’s acoustic guitar and vocals setting a wistful tone. The song’s lyrics describe the everyday life of the borough, from the streets and buildings to the people and the music. The song’s chorus features a memorable refrain, with Stewart singing “In Brooklyn, in Brooklyn / All the streets and the buildings are gone.” The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Brooklyn’s history and culture.

15. One More Night in Brooklyn – Justin Townes Earle

“One More Night in Brooklyn” by Justin Townes Earle is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the essence of heartbreak and longing. The song is about a man who can’t seem to let go of his past lover and is seeking one more night with her in Brooklyn before they part ways forever. The acoustic guitar and Justin’s soulful voice make for a moving performance that pulls at the heartstrings.

16. Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me) – Steely Dan

“Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)” by Steely Dan is a classic rock song that tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman in Brooklyn. The song is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, and the smooth jazz-infused instrumentation creates a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret as the man reflects on his lost love, and the catchy chorus is sure to stick in your head. Overall, “Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)” is a timeless classic that showcases Steely Dan’s unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop.

17. The Brooklyn Bridge – Frank Sinatra

“The Brooklyn Bridge” by Frank Sinatra is a classic song that pays tribute to the iconic landmark that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. The song’s swinging melody and Sinatra’s velvety voice make for a delightful listening experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bridge’s beauty and the hustle and bustle of New York City life. The song is a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture and the people who call it home. Sinatra’s effortless charm and charisma shine through in this timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of listeners.

18. Lighters Up (Hani Num Club) – Lil’ Kim

“Lighters Up” by Lil’ Kim is a high-energy hip-hop track that encourages listeners to get up and dance. The song’s catchy beat and Lil’ Kim’s fierce vocals create a bold and empowering atmosphere. The lyrics are a tribute to Lil’ Kim’s hometown of Brooklyn, where she grew up and honed her skills as a rapper. The song’s message is one of unity and pride, encouraging listeners to stand together and support one another. The Hani Num Club remix adds an extra layer of excitement to the already energetic track, making it a club favorite. “Lighters Up” is a standout track in Lil’ Kim’s discography and a testament to her talent as a rapper and artist.

19. Brooklyn-Queens – 3rd Bass

“Brooklyn-Queens” by 3rd Bass is a classic hip-hop track that showcases the group’s witty lyricism and smooth flow. The song pays homage to the group’s hometowns of Brooklyn and Queens, as they rap about the different neighborhoods and landmarks in each borough. The sample of Run-DMC’s “Peter Piper” adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the track, and the upbeat tempo makes it a fun and catchy song to listen to. Overall, “Brooklyn-Queens” is a standout track in 3rd Bass’s discography and a testament to their talent as hip-hop artists.

20. Bucktown – Smif-N-Wessun

“Bucktown” by Smif-N-Wessun is a gritty, hardcore hip-hop track that embodies the raw energy and spirit of Brooklyn’s underground rap scene. The song’s ominous beat and aggressive lyrics create a sense of tension and urgency, and the group’s gritty vocals add to the track’s intensity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in Brooklyn’s tough neighborhoods, where survival of the fittest is the name of the game. “Bucktown” is a standout track in Smif-N-Wessun’s discography and a classic example of the group’s unique sound and style. The song has become a staple in the underground hip-hop scene and a must-listen for fans of the genre.

21. Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me – Andrew McMahon

“Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me” by Andrew McMahon is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song that captures the frustrations of living in a big city. The song’s upbeat melody and Andrew’s emotive vocals create a sense of urgency and desperation, and the lyrics convey a sense of isolation and loneliness in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn life. The chorus is especially catchy, and the song’s anthemic quality makes it a fan favorite. Overall, “Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me” is a standout track in Andrew McMahon’s discography and a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt lost in a big city.

22. The Place Where We Dwell – Gang Starr

“The Place Where We Dwell” by Gang Starr is a classic hip-hop track that showcases the group’s smooth flow and jazzy beats. The song’s laid-back tempo and Guru’s smooth vocals create a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, and the lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The song’s message is one of unity and the importance of community, as the group reflects on the neighborhood they grew up in and the people who shaped their lives. “The Place Where We Dwell” is a standout track in Gang Starr’s discography and a testament to the group’s talent as hip-hop artists. The song has become a classic in the genre and a must-listen for fans of old-school hip-hop.

23. Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge – Art Garfunkel

“Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge” by Art Garfunkel is a beautiful ballad that tells the story of two lovers who plan to meet just over the Brooklyn Bridge. The song’s gentle melody and Garfunkel’s emotive vocals create a sense of tenderness and longing, and the lyrics are full of poetic imagery and romantic nostalgia. The song’s message is one of hope and perseverance in the face of distance and adversity, as the two lovers vow to keep their love alive despite the challenges they face. “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge” is a standout track in Garfunkel’s discography and a testament to his talent as a singer and songwriter. The song has become a classic in the genre and a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a timeless love song.