Over the past 25 or so years, hip hop has gone from a trendy form of music to a way of life.
We’ve seen the highs (literally) when our favorite artists win a Grammy or an Oscar, but we’ve seen the lows as well, when a popular rapper has his life cut short, thanks to beef or a a fight. We’ve seen protests about the vicious hate behind lyrics, while at the same time, seeing figures across the world praise these musicians for ‘keeping it real’ and inspiring an entire generation of kids. Without a doubt, however, the music style and genre that is hip hop has become one of the world’s most popular.
25 years is a long time, and as such, millions upon millions of songs have been released to praise and distaste. This past week, Billboard attempted to narrow it down to the hottest 100 songs in the past quarter-century, culminating in a top ten that would impress and shock many people; Billboard decided to base on where they charted and how they performed. Many projected Eminem or Jay-Z, maybe even B.I.G or Nas to rank number one…
…instead,it was Macklemore, with “Thrift Shop”.
Yes, Macklemore, probably the most criticized hip hop artist in years, landed two songs in the top FIVE (Can’t Hold Us was the other one). As expected, many hip hop fans were furious at the list, shocked that artists such as Waka Flocka Flame and the 69 Boyz were in the top ten instead of legendary, classic hip hop acts.
Fear no more, hip hop fans – BAMP has decided to do a redux of the top ten hottest rap songs from the last 25 years, and this is a list that doesn’t factor in charting or sales. Rather…it factors in the effect it had on hip hop, the way that the songs could connect with kids and adults alike. When you think of hip hop, what are the songs that you’d immediately think of? From 1989 to 2014, what have been the hottest songs in hip hop?
A couple of things to point out before this list starts – anything before 1989 doesn’t count for this list, so sorry fans of Grandmaster Flash, NWA, Run DMC, etc. Also, this is in no way shape or form the true list; this is just the list that BeAMusicPro has decided on. If you have your own top ten, make sure to comment it or Tweet it to us at @BeAMusicPro. Without further waiting, let’s begin.
Honorable mentions:
Not Afraid – Eminem: It was very difficult not putting this on my list, considering that it is probably one of my favorite songs ever, but as you’ll see, putting three Eminem songs on this list would look a bit biased. I am giving it honorable mention, though. This is the song for anyone struggling with drugs, addiction, depression; it reminds us that there’s always someone else who’s gone through the same things you’re fighting.
Thrift Shop – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: I am not the biggest fan of Macklemore, but it’d be neigh impossible to not put “Thrift Shop” on this list. “Thrift Shop” is a satirical and humorous take on a key aspect of music – money. All the time, we hear rappers flaunting about how much money they have, the cars that they ride, the women that are waiting for them outside. Macklemore? He raps about spending twenty dollars on clothing, rather than twenty thousand. The song has received much negative feedback lately, especially after Macklemore ‘robbed’ Kendrick Lamar and others at the Grammys, but if we’re talking the hottest songs, “Thrift Shop” falls here.
Dead Presidents II – Jay-Z: The song that pushed Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter into the mainstream, “Dead Presidents II” samples Nas’ “The World Is Yours”, which had come out a year before (1994).
10. Express Yourself – NWA
I cheated here somewhat, because despite this song being on NWA’s 1988 Straight Outta Compton, this song was released and became popular in 1989. I felt it needed to be put on this list, though. A Dr. Dre solo track – rare at the time – has the NWA producer mentioning his distaste for weed (FALSE), dropping science and english, but above all else – expressing yourself!
9. One Mic – Nas
Nas has been hailed as one of the greatest lyricists of all time, and “One Mic” is a perfect example. Sampling Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”, “One Mic” is on Nas’ 2001 album Stillmatic; on the track, Nas raps “Only if I had one gun, one girl, and one crib/One God to show me how to do things his son did”, while proclaiming that all he needs is one mic.
Stillmatic is an album that seems to have been forgotten about by many hip hop fans in the past few years, but “One Mic” is a song that should not be and probably won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
8. 99 Problems – Jay-Z
“I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one” is all you need to know about this 2003 hit. “99 Problems” discusses everything from his critics, to being pulled over for suspicion of drugs (which one law professor talks about in this 20 page piece) and finally weak men.
The music video, a highly controversial one, ends with Jay being shot; a metaphor for his rap career being over. Which, guess what, wasn’t true, because over ten years later, Shawn Carter is still making music (and endorsing athletes!).
7. Stronger – Kanye West
N-now th-that that don’t kill me Can only make me stronger. As soon as one hears those two lines, a familiar feeling returns to them – the feeling of excitement, of adrenaline pumping. Arguably Kanye West’s biggest hit, “Stronger” has been hailed as the greatest work out song ever, not to mention a pop culture hit. “Stronger” has been certified as 5X platinum in the United States, but even discarding sales, just listen to this song.
West’s 2007 hit is one that’s hard to describe just how special it is, just like the man whose song it is.
Kanye West’s 2007 song “Stronger” became a hit, as did “Shutter Shades”
6. Nuthin But A G Thang – Dr. Dre & Snoop Doggy Dogg
“Nuthin But A G Thang” may have been the early 1990’s version of “Stronger”; you heard it everywhere because it was that popular. Clubs, parties, and even shows featured the 1992 duet between Dr. Dre of Compton and Snoop Doggy Dogg from Long Beach. It was your prototypical gangsta rap song, talking about girls, parties, the area they rep, and shouting out other celebrities (The D.O.C, Evander Holyfield).
The lead single to Dre’s classic album The Chronic, “Nuthin But A G Thang” was named the top hip hop song of the 1990’s by XXL, while critics called it the intro to G-Funk, a type of hip hop most prominent in the ‘gangsta rap’ era of the 1990’s. If you ask someone to name a Dr. Dre song, chances are they’ll mention “Nuthin But A G Thang”, even in 2014.
5. Fight The Power – Public Enemy
Ask someone on the streets who Public Enemy is, and I’m willing to bet at least 7/10 people say, “Aren’t they the people Em[inem] name dropped in ‘Berzerk’?” Well, yes, but many years ago, Public Enemy was a hip hop group that influenced many artists with their songs; one such work was “Fight The Power”. Arguably the group’s most popular and memorable hit, the song focuses on black culture, and how people should, well, fight the power!
“Elvis was a hero to most/But he never meant shit to me you see/Straight up racist that sucker was/Simple and plain/Mother fuck him and John Wayne/Cause I’m Black and I’m proud/I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped/Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps” is rapped on the 1989 hit.
4. The Real Slim Shady – Eminem
Can I have your attention please? Will the number four song on this list please stand up? I repeat, will the number four song on this list please stand up? We’re gonna have a problem here.
When “The Real Slim Shady” dropped in May of 2000 as the leads single of the (first) Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem was on his way to becoming the world’s most popular celebrity. Kids everywhere took to making their hair blonde, getting earrings, and even fake tattoos, just so they could be like Slim Shady. Hence, it was up to Marshall Mathers to take to the mic and announce just who the real Slim Shady was – him!
“The Real Slim Shady’ is a bit like “Thrift Shop (cue millions of rap fans yelling at me) in the way that its satire, but this version of satire is more on pop culture and what was going on at the time. N Sync, Britney Spears, Will Smith, Christina Aguilera, and others were all victims to the ruthlessness that Eminem showed on his 2000 hit single.
Oh, and it wasn’t even supposed to be on the album. It was only made hours before the album was due in stores. Legendary.
3. Big Poppa – The Notorious B.I.G
Ready To Die turns 20 this year and Sunday was the 17 year anniversary of his death, but that hasn’t stopped the Notorious B.I.G. from being a staple in the music scene. It’s songs like “Big Poppa”, songs that still are played in clubs and parties, that keep Biggie’s legacy alive. What’s impressive about this song is that it was one of the tracks that helped break cultural boundries in music, as it was able to attract both kids and adults alike.
“I love the way you call me Big Poppa!” Biggie raps, and we still do call him Big Poppa, even 17 years after his death. Rest in peace, B.I.G, thanks for giving us amazing music throughout the years.
2. In Da Club – 50 Cent
Over 10 years later, this is still a popular play on radio stations and in clubs everywhere. The prototypical party song that sent 50 Cent into the mainstream, “In Da Club”, the lead single off 50’s debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, details 50 Cent’s goals (putting the rap game in a chokehold), how he earned his money (his flow), and how ALL of the women want Curtis Jackson.
The way that “The Real Slim Shady” made young children dye their hair blonde and get earrings in a way of mimicking Eminem, “In Da Club” had teens buying du rags and bandannas in the fashion of 50 Cent. As I stated in my review of Beg For Mercy, 2003 was 50 Cent’s year, and it wouldn’t have been possible without “In Da Club”.
The music video is also a personal favorite of mine, namely because of the fact that as 50 Cent is partying, we see Eminem and Dr. Dre watching; Philip Atwell, the director of the video, made note that “seeing 50 with Dre and Em having his back is as big a visual statement as it is a musical statement.” Amen to that!
1. Lose Yourself – Eminem
Even if you’re not an Eminem fan, it’d be extremely difficult to not put this at the front of this list. “Lose Yourself” has been described as a modern day “Eye of the Tiger”; it’s the song of our generation. When historians look back on the early 21st century, they’ll think of “Lose Yourself”. Everything from stadiums to graduation ceremonies to even birthday parties feature this 2002 hit single. It’s become Eminem’s most iconic song, and for good reason.
Off the 8 Mile soundtrack, “Lose Yourself” is a motivational tune, reminding everyone out there never to give up, to seize the moment and opportunity you’re given. Whether you’re a writer, an athlete, a rapper, or a teacher, this song should speak volumes to you. It should teach you to not give up, to keep going and pursue your goals.
You better lose yourself!
What do you think are the hottest songs from the past 25 years of hip hop?
Bump Magazine 