The murder ballad is an old concept, as are war poems and story songs. Today, hip hop has surpassed country music as the best and most interesting supplier of violent tales put to music. Some of my favorites are below.

Currently reading: Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk. 

"Shakey Dog" by Ghostface Killah (my all-time favorite)

"Walk Around" by Ghostface Killah

"Dance With the Devil" by Immortal Technique

"The Heist" by Big L

"Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" by Public Enemy

"Gold" by GZA