If you are like any person ever, you probably love music. And if you’re reading Onward State, I’d say it’s fair to assume that you love Penn State, too. Sound about right? Well, what if you could combine your love for Dear Old State and music?

We set out to find the best Penn State references in songs by some of your favorite artists. Whether you’re looking to revamp your old playlist or are a SoundCloud rapper looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place.

‘Racked Up Shawty’ — Meek Mill Ft. French Montana & Fabolous

“Ass fat can’t sit straight, ballin’ like Griff Blake
Chain blue and white Penn State”

This song is the perfect addition to any gameday playlist right under “Dreams and Nightmares.” It is the 10th track off of Meek Mill’s 2012 album, “Dreamchasers 2.” The third and final verse of the song features French Montana, whose chain is Penn State colors.

‘Heat It Up’ — Rakim

“Rakim’s equipped with penmanship,
That my pen make, I’ve been graduatin’ from Penn State”

For the old-school hip-hop fan, there may be no better song on this list than this. The original “King of New York” brags about his songwriting on this track in the third person while still mentioning his favorite university.

‘Whatever USA’ — Hoodie Allen

“No lie, I’m such a leo at Penn State, I’m a lion”

The title track of Allen’s 2019 album is an ode to colleges across the nation. With more mascot references than one can count, Allen gives the Nittany Lion some love in the first verse with an astrological sign punchline. If you can make it through the initial mention of Notre Dame, it’s well worth it.

‘Slaughterhouse’ — Joe Budden

“Y’all be making up stories the little kids is buyin’,
I do everything my Penn State like a Nittany Lion”

Former rapper turned broadcaster and music critic Joe Budden wanted to emphasize that he was living out his lyrics in real life on this song off of his 2008 project, “Halfway House.”

‘It’s All About The Benjamins’ — Puff Daddy & The Family

“Fuck the state pen, fuck hoes in Penn State (C’mon)”

The fifth verse on this track features one of the greatest rappers of all time, The Notorious B.I.G. Biggie’s daughter, T’yanna Wallace, went to Penn State in the early 2010s. He gave this reference to Penn State way back in 1997:

‘Never Forget’ — Big Sean

“Man my city a hell hole like we like with Satan,
Tried to make it to Penn State, they throw us in state pen”

Now, I must admit that I’m a Big Sean fan. In an age of rap ruled by the “Lil’s,” he chose to be Big. On “Never Forget,” he reflects on how far he has made it from his beginnings in Detroit, Michigan. The second verse focuses on his struggles in the city.

If you’re an artist reading this, please consider including a Penn State reference in your future work. A diss track to Pitt would also be acceptable.