2011 Rewind: Hip Hop’s Top 50 (15-6)
For the previous two lists click here: Leftovers + 50-16
Into the home stretch, all of these tracks are currently in rotation for me. Check them out.
15) Fly Together (remix) – Red Café, Trey, J. Cole, Wale
There are several remixes to this track but this is, in my opinion, the best for a few reasons. Not only does it ooze cohesiveness but it includes two of the brightest stars of this new year (Cole/Wale) while enlisting the help of, arguably, R&B’s #1 talent for the chorus and an extra verse. You want punchlines? This track is rife with em. Great combo of artists and a fantastic example of what can happen if artists put their egos aside and try to make the best track possible.
Defining Line: since I was a knee high, bein fly was something that’s in my levi’s
Defining Line 2: and I don’t wanna be a player no more…ok I’m lyin but I’m tryin
This isn’t higher because it was only re-released on Cole World.
Defining Line: how gonna look in your son’s face and turn your back then go start another family dog what type of s*** is that?
Defining Line 2: For now everything just seems so right, and how you make the darkness seem so bright, feelin like things gon be alright, lights please
13) Heartbeat – Childish Gambino
I’m a sucker for tracks that synthesize house-ish music and hip hop. It’s a natural combination and I think we’re going to start seeing it more often.
Oh and if dubstep is your thing here’s a good remix of this song.
Defining Line: I wanted you to know that I am ready to go, heartbeat, my heart beat. I wanted you to know whenever you are around I can’t speak, can’t speak
Defining Line 2: I got a heart but the artichoke is only thing girls want when you in there smokin
12) She Don’t Want a Man – Curren$y
One of the few Curren$y tracks I like. Smooth riding record, Curren$y’s style works perfectly for it.
11) Words I Never Said – Lupe Fiasco
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of Lupe. I think he’s a more pretentious version of Kanye, ya, that’s apparently possible. But this record was too on point to ignore.
Defining Line: I really think the war on terror is a bunch of bulls***, just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets, how much money does it take to really make a full clip?
Defining Line 2: Your child’s future was the first to go with budget cuts,if you think that hurts then wait here comes the uppercut, the school was garbage in the first place, that’s on the up and up
Defining Line 3: I’m a part of the problem, my problem is I’m peaceful, And I believe in the people
10) Don’t Tell Me You Love Me – Big Sean
And kicking off the top 10 is Big Sean, my choice for artist of the year and album of the year.
This is the best track on the whole album in my opinion. Why? You can relate to it. We’ve all been there, Sean’s saying what we want to say, what we think, and how things end up panning out. He talks about how things start out perfect then get irrational, sound familiar? That’s everyone’s relationship with everyone.
It’s not an exceptionally deep track, but it is blunt. Sometimes we need to hear that, especially in the clever terms Sean uses.
Defining Line: I know your tears more than you cause I see em so much, that’s what happens when you here with no trust
Defining Line 2: And mother*** your friends, all them h*** hatin
Defining Line 3: They gave they two cents and we ain’t ask for donation
Defining Line 4: Went from I love you to “you don’t know who you f***** with”
Defining Line 5: She said I had enough tries oh and I’m the reason that she doesn’t trust guys, what’s the perfect girl if it’s not the perfect time
Defining Line 6: wishin I would’ve tried more she wanted the truth truthfully I wish I lied more cause when I was true all I heard was buy more, f*** you, who is that, and “I don’t know why” more
Defining Line 7: Crazy when a heart breaks it never breaks even
Defining Line 8: We were picture perfect and I tore it all apart but if I pick up all the pieces we can still be a collage
Do you have someone in your life that played a huge part in making you who you are today? This is a song for them. At 40 tech is at the pinnacle of his career, he can convey a meaningful point while still making it easy to listen to.
For me that comes down to two people, my sister and my mother. Tech wrote this song for his mother and the way he talks about her and the rest of his family is endearing. My mom inspires me to be a better person, I can only hope one day I can repay her for everything she’s done for me. Good to see a song dedicated to all the mothers out there, working hard to raise kids that defy them at every turn.
While not immensely deep, the emotion is evident in this track.
Defining Line: If your mama gone, heavens where mum belongs or if your momma home, call ya momma phone and say “I love you momma, and you are not alone” I just wanted to thank you and that’s why I made this momma song
Did you play Kingdom Hearts when you were younger? Well I did so the sample made this track an instant classic for me.
Defining Line: Work 9 to 5 but 5 to 9 do you ever dream
Defining Line 2: Not everybody lives, but everybody dies so while a n**** here I’m shooting for the sky, landin on the moon walkin on the sun
Defining Line 3: Vizzy where you been player? Where the wild things are where the kids wear crowns where we don’t eat supper we just tear that b**** down
7) Racks – YC
10 years from now we will still remember this infamous line: RACKS ON RACKS ON RACKS. It’s inspired thousands of puns (try saying the following during the chorus: rex on rex on rex, tyrannosaurus rex) and it’s the perfect “I don’t care, just put in something catchy with a good beat” record.
I can’t understand a word YC is saying but I’m sure it’s not important. Apparently he’s driving foreign cars, while being strapped up without a bodyguard. Good for him, with all those racks he’s carrying around he should be protected.
6) N***** In Paris – Jay and Kanye
What can I say about this song that hasn’t already been said? Not sure, but it’s provocative. Such a random track in so many ways that it’s an instant classic. Ball so hard.
The top 5 will be posted today as their own submissions so I can upload youtube videos, stay tuned.
3 Notes/ Hide
- 4pointplay-blog posted this