For this post, it really took a long time to calculate such a list. Excluded are songs featuring multiple rappers, as it’s not as prolific a display of lyricism if someone else is doing half the work for you. Therefore, such great posse cuts as Binary Star’s “KGB” were excluded. Despite the fact that I love that one, I sadly could not include it here. So, after a really long deliberation (with…well, myself) I’ve come up with five songs that I consider to be some of the best of all time. Remember, this is opinion, so feel free to argue with me. It’s actually encouraged, believe it or not. Most of these are fairly recent (post ‘03), and that’s for a reason. It’s getting done and done well more and more often nowadays as hip hop continues to get bigger and better. Plus, including such classics such as “Children’s Story” would defeat the whole fun of the list and take the debate out of it. Sound off!
In order from good to best:
5. Canibus – Poet Laureate 2 (hear song)
Ah, good old can-i-bus. While suffering from terrible album syndrome (a disease that plagues many artists still today, believe it or not), he managed to construct this monster of a song. The beat(s), courtesy of Jedi Mind Tricks’ main man Stoupe is nothing sort of awesome, all three times. Maticulous wordplay is abundant (check the lyrics), making this one of the only Canibus songs I can listen to a fair amount.
4. Lil’ Wayne – Tha Mobb (hear song)
Here come the axes. I know how most of the world either loves him or despises him – and bloggers/blog readers tend to be of the latter, but this song is great. Weezy flat out rhymes for five minutes, no breaks, no nothing. Just rhyming. It sounds too good to be true, but really. One of the best parts of this is the placement of this track – as the opener to Tha Carter II. It really shows the potential he could have if he wasn’t putting out 1200 mixtapes a month and conquered the cough syrup addiction or whatever he’s got. Even if you don’t like Wayne, it’s tough to not respect this song.
3. Joell Ortiz – 125 Part Four (The Finale) (hear song)
Accompanied by a nice video, directed by none other than M.E. favorite Rik Cordero, this song is nice too. Gentle sounding beat, and it just allows Joell to say whatever is on his mind. In this final part of four, he reflects on the struggles of an up and coming emcee, tough life, and most of all, just having patience in dealing with things. Dope track to just chill and listen and enjoy.
2. The Roots – Web (hear song)
It’s really no secret that The Roots’ Black Thought is one of the best rappers in the game today. Just, the problem is, no one is aware. No one really cares. This song, from ’04’s underachieving The Tipping Point, is just one of the multiple breath control lessons that B.T. puts on throughout each and every inconsistent Roots album. A simple drum and bassline beat allow Thought to just go off, and it really shows. An excellent song.
1. Joe Budden – Whatever It Takes (hear song)
The best of the recent best. Now, there are other Joe Budden songs that could be considered for entry in this here contest. (“Dumb Out” anyone?) However, this one is my personal favorite Budden song ever, and it just happens to fit in this category of hook-less wonders. To be honest, it’s hard to put into words the impact of this song. All that’s really required is for you to sit there, open up your ears, and feel the man’s struggles, passion, and desire and determination to be the greatest he can possibly be. This seven-minute opus is a reflection of struggle, and the will to come out on top. Who doesn’t like that?
So there you have it. If I’m right, let me know. Totally wrong? Let me know that too. This is a topic destined for debate, and an important part of this site is consumer feedback and community involvement.
Finally, I’m thinking of having a contest. I need a banner to replace that new multi-colored office lookin’ thing on the top there. Design me something, you’ll get something dope. A cd, perhaps? I haven’t really decided yet. Or, we can make this a barter – tell me what it’s worth to you. Also, feedback on the new look (suggestions, recommendations?) is highly suggested and appreciated. Stay tuned, we’re going to have a blog carnival pretty soon around these parts…you don’t want to miss the bandwagon – trust me.
