Music…aww music, was it really better when I was younger, or does it just seem that way. Like parents telling kids stories about walking barefoot 10 miles to school uphill both ways?!? Is the degradation in quality of music over exaggerated……I think not, especially in Hip-Hop. Anyhow when it comes to music I am a Hip-Hop head, hands down. Yes I love and am passionate about many different genres, but when it comes down to what I love and buy, and rock in my car, it’s (insert Premier scratch here…) Hip-Hop!
Here I’ve broken down some of my favorite songs in each of the genres:
Hip-Hop
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
This is Hip-Hop at its prime for me. The horns, the chorus like voices in the back, the drum arrangement, the break in the intro, it is without a doubt the best Hip-Hop track of all time!
’93 ‘Til Infinity
Takes me back to summers in high school. Just that classic have fun, love hip-hop and lounge track. Number two on my list.
Scenario (Original & RMX), Buggin’ Out, Award Tour & Electric Relaxation
‘Scenario’ nuff said! ‘Buggin Out’ a killer album cut which made it on to the 2nd half of the Jazz video, Phife’s “yo”, when he kicks into the track is classic!
One More Chance (All Versions), Juicy, Unbelievable, Dreams & Big Poppa
It’s Biggie, this list could probably be much longer.
Chief Rocka
Again from that golden era of Hip-Hop, just a classic Marley Marl production.
I Got It Made, The Mission & Come On, Let’s Move It
Without a doubt one of my favorite MC’s of all time. I used to have posters of this dude in my high school locker! He kills it on the mic, one of the best storytellers, and yes he is my idol, numero uno!
Get Em High
Put this track against any era, and it still kills. Talib, Common, and Kanye destroy it over one of Kanye’s best beats!
Represent, N.Y. State Of Mind & Nas Is Like
Two of the three come from the best Hip-Hop album of all time, 'Illmatic'. What do they all have in common, Preemo on the boards, what more can I say?
You Never Know
This song is like an emotional rollercoaster. Probably the deepest Hip-Hop song I have ever heard. Jean Grae on the hook smokes it! I love it, he just spits sick shit, and drops it on every topic from government/politics, poverty, conspiracy theories, racism, to wack MC’s,
Shook Ones Pt. II & Back At You
Shook can’t be left off this list, and ‘Back At You’ from the “Sunset Park” soundtrack is one of those underground classics. The sped up Isaac Hayes sample, all filtered down gives that bassline a memorable sound.
Looking At The Front Door & Live At The BBQ
Two classics, Nas makes his MC debut on 'BBQ', and 'Looking At The Front Door' is just that have fun wearing your button up polka dot shirt, with Ewings, and that slanted afro Hip-Hop era!
Back In The Day
A song that hits you inside no matter how hard you are, taking you back to your younger years. No matter how old you are, this beat, and lyrics takes you to the days of lil’ responsibility, growing up and havin’ fun!
DWYCK
DWYCK is number three, in my top three Hip-Hop joints of all time. Primo’s cuts, with cameos from Nice N Smooth make this a classic party joint. “Aww wee-wee I say Muhammad Ali”.
So Fresh So Clean
Does It get any smoother than the ATLiens on this one.
Get By
Kanye destroys the beat, and Talib gives you real talk.
Roller Skating Jam
This Instant Funk Sample plays wickedly into De La’s hippie easy goin’ flow. Not to mention the catchy vocal hook. The lil’ breakdown at the beginning with the zigga zigga is also nice.
Tribe, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers (Native Tongues)
Buddy
I remember this song from when I was in Grade 8 or 9. This is when guest appearances on songs were done properly. Monie (yo where she at, no really where she at?! ), she comes in nicely, and the “hey child things are gonna get easier” lil’ singalong hook smoothes out a track that is already Butta! The Heartbeat break has been used and abused, but done to perfection on this one.
Uptown Anthem
This was the main joint from the 'Juice' soundtrack, and when Treach drops the "hey" off the sick Piano intro it makes you wanna lace up your Timberland’s, put on your freshest 100 Mile Jeans, throw on your Carhartt jacket, and go swing a baseball bat at someone! Guard Your Grill knuckle up!
I Used To Love H.E.R.
Lyrically is there anything more insightful?
Boom
Royce gets nowhere near the credit he deserves. Primo and him have produced a few classics, but this is the cream of the crop!
Good Ol Love, Beautiful & Nostalgia
All three tracks are more recent from Ace’s collection, and he has done mad classics like 'Music Man', 'Jeep Ass', and 'I.N.C. Ride', but these three are still my fav’s! 'A Long Hot Summer' I still think is a crazy slept on CD. 'Nostalgia' is much newer, and just pure DRRRTY!
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Summertime
Timeless and classic, and no I don’t care if he did ‘Get Jiggy With It’ and ‘Switch’ and ‘Miami’, I won’t hold it against him.
Worst Comes To Worst
Alchemist drops the best beat he’s ever done!
Paid In Full
"Thinkin' of A Masterplan..." Obviously so many classics from this MC. But the drums, with RA's vocals just tear into the track, makin' this one of the all time best.
R&B
Hi-Five – I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)
112 – Only You (All Mixes)
Tammy Lucas – Is It Good To You
Bobby Brown – Don’t Be Cruel & Every Little Step
Bubba - I Like Your Style
Zhane – Hey Mr. DJ
BBD – Poison
New Edition – Candy Girl
Ralph Sensitivity – Sensitivity
Jade – Don’t Walk Away & I Wanna Love You
Mary J. Blige – Real Love, Reminisce, I Love You (RMX) & Family Affair
SWV – Anything (Wu Remix), I’m So Into You, Right Here (Lord Finesse RMX)
Brand New Heavies feat N’dea Davenport – Never Stop
Mint Condition – Pretty Brown Eyes
Guy – Let’s Chill
Wrecks N Effect – Rump Shaker
Blackstreet – U Blow My Mind (Craig Mack RMX)
Tony Toni Tone – Feels Good, Boys & Girls & Let’s Get Down
Janet Jackson – Escapade, Pleasure Principle & Let’s Wait A While
Aaliyah – Back & Forth & One In A Million
Gina Thompson – The Things That You Do (Bad Boy RMX)
Mona Lisa – Can’t Be Wasting My Time
Alicia Keys & Maxwell – too many songs to mention!
Old Skool & House
Big Fun
I remember when I first heard of IC. It was probably Grade 8, and a friend had gone to the UK and came back with their cassette. Funny enough they are actually from Detroit, but first blew big overseas. It's that really big open fun vocal house era, where strong vocalist really drove the track, similar to Ten City.
Can't Get Enough
The vocals are bananas on this one! The soulful/almost disco inspired track leaves you drooling from the strong vocal lead. Truly the way house music should be enjoyed! It doesn't matter where I am, when I hear this one you can't help but just feel good!
Madonna – Into The Groove
MJ – Rock With You, Wanna Be Startin Something, Baby Be Mine, Billie Jean
Debbie Gibson – Out Of The Blue
Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam – I Wonder If I take You Home
Whispers - Rock Steady
The Jets – Crush On You
Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On
Robin S. – Show Me Love
Ce Ce Peniston – Finally
Lil’ Louis – Hot For You
Black Box – Everybody
Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait
Bhangra
Oh Tina Oh Tina & Gidha Pa Nikiye
Both of these just massive classics. Whether it's the tumbi in 'Tina', which makes the dance floor erupt, or the crazy melody line in 'Gidha Pa Nikiye', both are certified party bangers! "Ni Gidha" <clap clap>, "Ni Gidha" <clap clap>.
Das Ja
This fully blew up Lehmber from being one of a million 'desi' artists, to being da man in Bhangra. You can't deny this track, I know 'Mundian To Bach Ke', and 'Seeti' are all great songs, but I would take this song any day over the others.
Dhol Jageero Da
No one has done more on a production level, and consistently making hot tracks than this dude. But without a doubt 'Dhol Jageero Da' is his ultimate creation. The long vocal intro, then the riff hits, just sick, sick, sick!"
Melna De Naal Ayee Mitro
This is Bhangra in its most stripped down raw version. You hear a bass line? Is there even a kick drum in it? There is not even a dhol line in the track, yet it is one of the best songs of all time. Heera's writing was impeccable, they hooked you with nice percussion and catchy melodies.
Kurri Garam Jayee
Wow, almost 30 years later this still kills. That's what you call longevity. When the beat drops and you hear him drop his vocals, it's over!
Dhol Blaster & Music Blasters
Mega Mixes
Both of these albums did absolutely the best mega mix tracks of all time. All of them about 10 mins in length just cover the best vocals from all the classics.
|