When I said 'hip-hop is dead' a few years ago i felt we had gotten away from the great wordplay and storytelling, says Nas. "There's a place for the party shit and a place for the gangster shit. I focus on the guys that are always pushing themselves forward."
1. "My Downfall"
Notorious B.I.G., 1997
The lyrics are about how he's facing the shadow of death,despite all of his success, and he's giving it to you in a way that makes the lyrics seem so real.
2. "If my Homies Call"
Tupac Shakur, 1991
He's just saying to his boys that he's going to be a friend no matter how big he gets.
3. "Road To The Riches"
Kool G Rap & Dj Polo, 1989
The way we're rhyming now? He was already doing it then.
4. "A Bird In The Hand"
Ice Cube, 1991
5. "Paid In Full"
Eric B. & Rakim, 1987
6. "I'm single"
Lil' Wayne, 2010
I'm recently divorced so i feel what he's saying.
7. "Tears Of Joy"
Rick Ross, 2010
Ross is at the pulpit here.
8. "The Moment I Feared"
Slick Rick, 1988
It's cinematic, he's at a hip hop show & gets robbed, his girl plays him, then he's in prison getting violated by some dude. This was unheard of.
9. "Empire State of Mind"
Jay-Z, 2009
This song is huge. It sounds like Broadway. It's New York's modern anthem.
10. "Queen Bitch"
Lil' Kim, 1996
At the time, female rappers didn't appeal to the street, but Kim came with the vulgarity, sexuality and gangster shit.