The DNA of a Hip-Hop Head: My 20-Track Sermon on the Mount
- Daniel Rasul
- Aug 28
- 20 min read
What is a "favorite song"?
It’s a deceptively simple question. Is it the track you’ve played the most? The one that defined a summer? The one that saved you during a dark time? Or is it the song you hold up as the pinnacle of artistic achievement, a flawless specimen of rhythm and poetry?
For me, and for any true student of hip-hop, it’s all of the above and more. A list of favorite rap songs isn't just a playlist; it's a sonic autobiography. It’s a map of your own evolution, with each track representing a different city, a different emotion, a different lesson learned. The songs on this list are my personal canon. They are the pillars that hold up my understanding of the culture. They are the verses I’ve memorized, the beats that are etched into my soul, and the stories that have shaped my worldview.
This isn't an objective "Greatest of All Time" list, because such a thing is a fool's errand. This is something far more intimate. This is my 20-track sermon on the mount, a deep dive into the songs that, for me, define the power, complexity, and enduring genius of hip-hop. From the gritty sidewalks of Queensbridge to the cinematic chaos of Compton, from industry-shaking diss tracks to introspective confessions, this is the DNA of my hip-hop journey.
Let's begin.
Part I: The Foundation - Architecture of the Streets
Before you can build a skyscraper, you need a foundation of unshakeable concrete. In hip-hop, that concrete is the ability to paint a picture so vivid you can smell the piss in the stairwells and feel the chill of the city night. These are the songs that are not just heard, but experienced. They are masterclasses in world-building.
1. “New York State of Mind” by Nas (1994)
This isn't a song; it's a time machine. The moment DJ Premier’s haunting, melancholic piano loop drops, you are instantly transported. It’s 1994. You’re not in your room, you’re on a project rooftop in Queensbridge, overlooking the sprawling, indifferent metropolis of New York City. Nas, at the tender age of 20, becomes our Virgil, guiding us through a modern-day Inferno.
What makes this track a cornerstone is its unparalleled atmospheric density. Nas’s flow is relentless, a cascade of intricate rhymes and razor-sharp observations that never once feels forced. He’s not just rapping; he’s thinking aloud, his thoughts spilling out in a stream of consciousness that is both poetic and terrifyingly real. "I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death." It's not just a cool line; it's a thesis statement for the entire album, Illmatic. It’s the philosophy of a young man navigating a world where survival is a full-time job. He details the paranoia, the ambition, the violence, and the fleeting moments of clarity with the wisdom of an old soul. The genius lies in its rawness. It was recorded in one take. One. Take. That’s not just technical skill; it's a pure, unadulterated transmission of an idea from brain to microphone. It’s the sound of a prodigy realizing the scope of his own power in real-time.
2. “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep (1995)
If “New York State of Mind” is the philosophical, panoramic view of the city, “Shook Ones, Pt. II” is the frantic, ground-level view from the middle of a knife fight. There is no song in the history of music that better captures the feeling of raw, adrenaline-fueled paranoia. The beat, produced by Havoc, is a masterpiece of minimalist dread. The dissonant, metallic clank, the sirens wailing in the distance, the sinister bassline—it’s the sonic equivalent of your heart pounding in your ears.
And then Prodigy (rest in peace) delivers what might be the most iconic opening verse in rap history: "I got you stuck off the realness, we be the infamous..." He doesn't just grab your attention; he grabs you by the throat. Prodigy and Havoc’s rhymes are devoid of glamour. This isn't Scarface; this is the grim reality of street warfare, where every shadow could hide a threat and "ain't no such things as halfway crooks." The term "shook" entered the lexicon because of this song. It perfectly encapsulates the fear and fragility behind the tough exterior. It’s the anthem for a generation that understood that survival in certain environments meant projecting an aura of invincibility, even when you were terrified inside. It’s a pressure cooker of a song, and it has never, ever lost its ability to make the hairs on your arm stand up.
3. “Gimme The Loot” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
Christopher Wallace was a storyteller of unparalleled charisma. On “Gimme The Loot,” he doesn’t just tell a story; he performs a one-man play. Voicing two different characters—a seasoned, gravelly-voiced stick-up kid and his younger, more excitable accomplice—Biggie crafts a narrative that is as hilarious as it is horrifying.
The track is a masterclass in character development through cadence and tone. You can see these two figures, their dynamic laid bare through their dialogue. The beat is frantic and menacing, a perfect backdrop for the chaotic energy of a robbery spree. But it’s Biggie’s lyrical dexterity that elevates it. The internal rhymes, the switch-ups in flow, the sheer audacity of the narrative—it’s breathtaking. He finds humor in the darkest of places ("Your fam'll be disgraced / When the D.A. find your naked body parts in eight different states"), forcing the listener into a complicated position of being repulsed and entertained simultaneously. This song demonstrates the power of perspective in storytelling. It doesn't moralize; it simply presents a slice of life from the desperate and the damned, and does so with more style and technical brilliance than almost anyone before or since.
4. “Survival of the Fittest” by Mobb Deep (1995)
Another gem from The Infamous, “Survival of the Fittest” is the philosophical counterpart to the visceral panic of “Shook Ones.” It’s a cold, calculated doctrine for navigating a hostile world. The beat is slower, more contemplative, but no less menacing. It sounds like a war drum echoing through a concrete jungle.
This is Mobb Deep laying out their code of ethics, a Darwinian worldview forged in the crucible of the Queensbridge Houses. "We live a life that revolves around the an' nine / And trying to get away from police lines." The lyrics are a manual for survival, detailing the importance of loyalty, the constant threat of betrayal, and the necessity of a hardened heart. What’s so powerful about this track is its bleak honesty. There's no celebration of violence, only an acceptance of its necessity. It’s the sound of young men who have been forced to grow up too fast, who see the world not in terms of right and wrong, but in terms of predator and prey. It’s a chilling, profound piece of social commentary disguised as a hardcore street anthem.
Part II: The Art of War - Battles on Wax
Hip-hop was born from competition. From DJ battles in the Bronx to lyrical showdowns on the corner, the spirit of one-upmanship is woven into its fabric. Diss tracks aren't just insults over a beat; they are historical events, moments where legacies are forged and dismantled in the public square.
5. “The Takeover” by Jay-Z (2001)
This was a declaration of war. Dropped at a time when Nas’s career was seen as waning, Jay-Z’s “The Takeover” was a calculated, brutal, and masterful dismantling of his rivals, primarily Nas and Mobb Deep. Using a thunderous, rock-infused beat built on a sample of The Doors’ “Five to One,” Jay-Z sounds like a conquering general.
The brilliance of “The Takeover” is in its structure and precision. He doesn't just throw insults; he presents a meticulously crafted argument. He attacks Mobb Deep with surgical cruelty, famously projecting a picture of a young Prodigy in a dance outfit at Summer Jam. But the main event is his assault on Nas. He questions his street credibility, mocks his discography ("four hot albums in 10 years, nigga? I could divide"), and frames himself as the new and rightful King of New York. It’s arrogant, disrespectful, and utterly compelling. It was a corporate-style hostile takeover executed with street-level savagery, and it set the stage for one of the greatest battles in music history.
6. “Ether” by Nas (2001)
If “The Takeover” was a calculated military strike, “Ether” was a nuclear bomb. Stung by Jay-Z’s public humiliation, Nas returned with a fury that no one saw coming. The term "ether" became a verb for utterly destroying someone lyrically, and for good reason. From the opening gunshots and the Tupac sample screaming "Fuck Jay-Z," this track is pure, unadulterated venom.
Nas doesn’t just refute Jay-Z’s points; he attacks his very soul. He calls him a "stan," questions his originality, and paints him as a culture vulture who co-opts the styles of others (Biggie, in particular). The beat is simple but menacing, allowing Nas’s voice, dripping with contempt, to be the primary weapon. Lines like "How much of Biggie's rhymes is gonna come out your fat lips?" and the infamous "You've been on my dick, nigga / You love my style" were personal, cutting, and designed for maximum damage. “Ether” wasn’t just a response; it was a resurrection. It revitalized Nas’s career, re-established his credibility, and remains the gold standard for a comeback. It proved that in the arena of lyricism, a wounded lion is the most dangerous beast of all.
7. “euphoria” by Kendrick Lamar (2024)
Fast forward two decades, and the art of the diss track proved it was alive and well. When the simmering tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake boiled over, the culture held its breath. Kendrick’s “euphoria” is a modern masterpiece of lyrical warfare, a six-and-a-half-minute psychological vivisection.
What makes “euphoria” so devastating is its intellectual brutality. It’s not just insults; it’s a deconstruction of his opponent’s entire persona. The song is structured in three distinct parts, each with a beat switch that signifies a shift in his attack. He starts calm and conversational, almost mocking, before the beat switches and his tone becomes one of pure, seething hatred. "I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk / I hate the way that you dress." This isn't just rap beef; it feels like genuine, personal disgust. He questions Drake’s blackness, his fatherhood, his authenticity, and his place in the culture. He uses Drake’s own tactics against him—the pop-friendly persona, the perceived insecurities—and turns them into weapons. “euphoria” is a thesis on his opponent’s character flaws, delivered with the precision of a surgeon and the fury of a prophet. It’s a testament to the fact that in the 21st century, the most powerful diss tracks are those that attack not just your career, but your very identity.
Part III: The Confessional Booth - Storytelling and Vulnerability
Beyond the braggadocio and battles, hip-hop’s greatest power often lies in its capacity for profound storytelling and emotional vulnerability. These are the songs that pull back the curtain, revealing the flawed, complex human beings behind the mic.
8. “Stan” by Eminem (2000)
“Stan” is not just a rap song; it’s a cultural landmark. A short film in musical form, it fundamentally changed what a mainstream rap song could be. Using a haunting sample of Dido’s “Thank You,” Eminem crafts a chilling epistolary narrative about an obsessed fan whose admiration curdles into dangerous delusion.
The song’s genius is its structure. We hear the story unfold through Stan’s increasingly unhinged letters, his voice growing more desperate and erratic with each verse. Eminem’s performance is a tour de force of character acting. You feel Stan’s pain, his entitlement, and his terrifying descent into madness. The final verse, where Eminem as himself finally writes back, is a gut punch. He’s calm, concerned, and completely unaware that his response is too late. The reveal—that the drunk driver who drove off a bridge with his pregnant girlfriend was Stan—is one of the most shocking and tragic moments in popular music. “Stan” transcended hip-hop. It gave us a new word for an overzealous fan and forced a global conversation about celebrity, obsession, and mental health. It’s a perfect, self-contained tragedy.
9. “Dance With The Devil” by Immortal Technique (2001)
If “Stan” is a tragedy, “Dance With The Devil” is a pure, uncut horror film. This is arguably the most disturbing song ever recorded, a cautionary tale so bleak and unrelenting that many people can only listen to it once. Immortal Technique tells the story of a young man named William, desperate to prove his toughness and join a gang. The price of admission is to participate in a heinous crime against a woman.
The storytelling is brutally linear and unflinching. Technique’s delivery is cold and journalistic, which makes the horrifying details even more impactful. He doesn't sensationalize the violence; he presents it as a grim, transactional reality. The song builds to a climax of unimaginable horror: after the crime is committed, William discovers the victim’s identity, leading to his own demise. The final lines reveal the story is autobiographical, not in that Technique is William, but that he was a witness who did nothing. It's a confession and a condemnation. The song is a brutal examination of peer pressure, toxic masculinity, and the irreversible loss of innocence. It’s not a song you “enjoy”; it’s a song that leaves a permanent scar on your psyche, a moral lesson delivered with the force of a sledgehammer.
10. “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast (2000)
From the depths of horror, we ascend to a place of profound empathy and regret. “Ms. Jackson” is the most soulful, heartfelt apology in music history. Set against a deceptively upbeat, instantly recognizable beat, André 3000 and Big Boi address the mother of Erykah Badu (the real-life "Ms. Jackson") and, by extension, all mothers of their children's mothers from relationships gone sour.
This song is a masterclass in maturity and nuance. Instead of pointing fingers, both rappers take responsibility while honestly expressing their pain and frustration. André’s verse is a poetic, stream-of-consciousness torrent of emotion. "Me and your daughter got a special thing going on / You say it's puppy love, we say it's full grown." He captures the complexity of a love that is real but ultimately failed. Big Boi’s verse is more grounded and pragmatic, detailing the practical struggles of co-parenting and fighting to be a good father against the odds. The iconic, sung chorus—"I'm sorry, Ms. Jackson (Ooh), I am for real"—is both an apology and a plea for understanding. It’s a song that turned a personal, painful situation into a universal anthem of reconciliation, and it remains one of the most emotionally intelligent songs ever written.
11. “Changes” by 2Pac (1998)
Released posthumously, “Changes” serves as Tupac Shakur’s eulogy for himself and for a society he saw as deeply flawed. Sampling the Bruce Hornsby and the Range track “The Way It Is,” the song is a poignant and timeless meditation on racism, poverty, and police brutality.
What makes “Changes” so enduring is its weary, almost resigned wisdom. This isn't the aggressive, confrontational Pac of "Hit 'Em Up"; this is the reflective, philosophical Pac. He’s not just angry; he’s tired. "I see no changes, wake up in the morning and I ask myself / Is life worth living, should I blast myself?" It's a raw admission of despair from a figure often seen as invincible. He diagnoses society’s ills with painful clarity, from the war on drugs to the cyclical nature of violence. Yet, amidst the bleakness, there’s a flicker of hope, a call for unity and understanding. The song is a conversation, a prayer, and a prophecy all at once. Decades later, its themes remain just as relevant, making “Changes” not just a great rap song, but an essential piece of American social commentary.
Part IV: The Kendrick Lamar Suite - A Generational Prophet
No single artist appears on this list more than Kendrick Lamar, and for good reason. He is, to my generation, what figures like Dylan or Marley were to theirs: a voice that doesn't just reflect the times, but defines them. His work is dense, complex, and endlessly rewarding.
12. “DNA.” by Kendrick Lamar (2017)
This is the sound of an artist at the absolute peak of his powers, firing on all cylinders. “DNA.” is a ferocious, defiant anthem of identity. The first half of the song, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, is a relentless banger. Kendrick’s flow is aggressive and percussive, as he lists the contradictions and complexities that make up his being: "I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA." He’s claiming every part of himself—the sacred and the profane, the peace and the violence.
Then comes the beat switch. After a sample of a Fox News clip criticizing his lyrics, the song transforms. The beat becomes a chaotic, distorted 808 assault, and Kendrick unleashes one of the most technically breathtaking verses ever recorded. He raps with the speed and precision of a machine gun, his flow contorting and evolving with every bar. It feels like he’s channeling the entire history of his culture, his city, and his ancestry directly through the microphone. “DNA.” is a statement of purpose. It’s Kendrick rejecting all external narratives and defining himself on his own terms, creating a new strand of musical genius in the process.
13. “m.A.A.d city” by Kendrick Lamar (2012)
This is the frantic, terrifying centerpiece of Kendrick’s narrative masterpiece, good kid, m.A.A.d city. If the album is a film, this is the pivotal, high-octane action sequence. The song is split into two halves, representing the two sides of Compton’s influence on a young Kendrick.
The first half is pure adrenaline. The beat is urgent and aggressive, and Kendrick’s flow is panicked as he recounts a story of being swept up in a robbery and the ensuing violence. You can hear the fear in his voice: "Seen a light-skinned nigga with his brains blown out." It’s the sound of innocence being violently stripped away. The second half, with its iconic "YAWK YAWK YAWK YAWK" ad-lib, shifts to a slower, more menacing G-funk groove. Here, Kendrick takes a wider view, explaining the cyclical nature of gang violence and the acronym of the title: My Angels on Angel Dust, a metaphor for the loss of innocence. The song is a tour de force of narrative pacing and sonic world-building, perfectly capturing the paranoia and constant threat of danger that shaped him.
14. “Wesley’s Theory” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
The opening track to the sprawling, ambitious, and deeply political album To Pimp A Butterfly is a funk-drenched explosion of ideas. Featuring a star-studded cast of collaborators including George Clinton, Thundercat, and Flying Lotus, “Wesley’s Theory” is a thesis statement for the entire album. It explores the concept of the "pimping" of black artists by the American capitalist system.
The song is structured as a two-part narrative. The first verse is from the perspective of a young, successful rapper ready to indulge in every hedonistic cliché. The second verse is the voice of "Uncle Sam," the metaphorical pimp, who encourages this self-destruction, knowing he can exploit it for profit and eventually discard the artist once he’s no longer useful ("When you set, I'ma just set you up"). The Wesley in the title refers to Wesley Snipes and his tax evasion problems, a real-world example of a successful black man being brought down by the system. The song is brilliant, groovy, and deeply unsettling. It’s a warning shot, a complex economic and racial critique disguised as the funkiest song you’ve ever heard. It immediately signals that this is not just an album, but a dense, academic text set to music.
Part V: Anthems and Icons - The Mount Rushmore of Hits
Some songs transcend their genre. They become part of the cultural wallpaper, recognized by everyone, everywhere. But for a song to be a true anthem, it must have substance behind the fame—a perfect beat, an unforgettable hook, and a verse that stands the test of time.
15. “99 Problems” by Jay-Z (2003)
This is more than a hit; it’s a cultural proverb. Built on a monstrous, stripped-down beat by Rick Rubin that samples Ice-T and Mountain, “99 Problems” is Jay-Z at his most charismatic and clever. The song’s fame largely rests on its second verse, a masterful, beat-by-beat breakdown of a racial profiling traffic stop.
This verse is a masterclass in storytelling and legal wit. Jay-Z lays out his rights with the confidence of a seasoned lawyer ("I'm a lawyer's dream"), turning a tense, potentially dangerous situation into a moment of empowerment. He’s not just bragging; he’s providing a playbook. The line "I got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one" is famously misinterpreted. As explained by Ice-T (who originated the phrase) and Jay-Z, the "bitch" in this context refers to a police dog, completing the legal narrative of the traffic stop. It’s a brilliant piece of lyrical misdirection. The song is a perfect fusion of rock and rap, a timeless anthem of defiance that is both incredibly smart and impossibly cool.
16. “Stronger” by Kanye West (2007)
With “Stronger,” Kanye West didn't just create a hit; he kicked down the door to a new era of mainstream music. By sampling the French electronic duo Daft Punk, Kanye fused hip-hop with stadium-sized electro-pop, creating a sound that would dominate the next decade. The song is a monument to self-improvement and resilience, built around Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous aphorism: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."
The production is immense. The robotic vocal sample, the pulsating synths, the thunderous drums—it sounds like the future, even today. Kanye’s lyrics are pure, uncut ambition and arrogance, delivered with the conviction of a man who genuinely believes he is a god. "I need you to hurry up now / 'Cause I can't wait much longer / I know I got to be right now / 'Cause I can't get much wronger." It’s the ultimate workout song, graduation anthem, and personal hype track. “Stronger” was a commercial juggernaut that proved Kanye’s genius wasn't just in his production or his rapping, but in his visionary ability to synthesize disparate genres into something entirely new and universally appealing.
17. “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott (2018)
“SICKO MODE” is less of a song and more of a three-part, psychedelic carnival ride. It’s a chaotic, sprawling epic that breaks every rule of traditional song structure. It starts with an ethereal intro from Drake, which is abruptly hijacked by Travis Scott for a hard, aggressive first section. Then, just as you get comfortable, the beat switches again into a more melodic, hazy vibe, before finally transitioning into its triumphant, Tay Keith-produced final act.
The song is the ultimate expression of the modern, streaming-era musical sensibility. It’s designed for short attention spans, constantly shifting and surprising the listener. It’s a showcase of Travis Scott’s greatest strength: his ability as a curator and an architect of vibes. The track is packed with quotable lines, ad-libs, and memorable moments, making it feel like three hit songs stitched together into one Frankenstein’s monster of a banger. It’s ambitious, disorienting, and wildly fun—a landmark of modern production and a perfect encapsulation of a specific moment in hip-hop history.
18. “Till I Collapse” by Eminem ft. Nate Dogg (2002)
This is the definitive anthem of perseverance. It may not have been a traditional single, but its cultural footprint is immeasurable. From military training videos to gym playlists to movie trailers, "Till I Collapse" has become the go-to soundtrack for anyone needing to dig deep and find an extra ounce of strength. The beat, with its stomping, Queen-esque drum pattern, is a relentless march forward.
Eminem’s verses are a masterclass in lyrical endurance. His flow is intricate and breathless, a technical showcase that mirrors the song’s theme of pushing beyond your limits. He’s not just rapping about resilience; his performance is an act of resilience. The song’s climax, where he lists his own personal Mount Rushmore of rappers (Reggie, Jay-Z, 2Pac, Biggie, André 3000, Jadakiss, Kurupt, Nas, and himself), is a moment of pure, unadulterated hip-hop passion. And then, the late, great Nate Dogg delivers a hook that is both a promise and a threat: "Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out... I will not fall." It’s a perfect song, an adrenaline shot to the heart that will motivate generations to come.
Part VI: The New Guard - Modern Masters
Hip-hop is ever-evolving, and new voices constantly emerge to push the genre forward. These are the tracks from more recent years that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the classics, proving the art form is in capable hands.
19. “Power Trip” by J. Cole ft. Miguel (2013)
J. Cole’s greatest strength has always been his relatability, and “Power Trip” is the perfect example. It’s a love song, but one filtered through the lens of insecurity, obsession, and longing. Cole tells the story of having a crush on a woman who is dating a friend, a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally understood. The beat, which he co-produced, is brilliant, sampling Hubert Laws’ “No More” to create a mood that is simultaneously smooth and melancholic.
Cole’s verses are conversational and honest, filled with the small, specific details that make a story feel real. He’s not a superhero; he’s just a guy with a crush, contemplating petty acts of sabotage and wrestling with his own feelings. Miguel’s chorus is sublime, adding a layer of soulful yearning that elevates the entire track. “Power Trip” is a mature, nuanced take on love and desire that showcases Cole’s growth as a songwriter and producer. It’s a modern classic that proves vulnerability can be just as powerful as bravado.
20. “Talkin the Hardest” by Giggs (2008)
And finally, we cross the Atlantic to the streets of Peckham, South London. For anyone outside the UK, Giggs might be the least familiar name on this list, but his impact on British music is immeasurable. “Talkin the Hardest” is the foundational text of UK road rap. It’s a freestyle that became a national anthem. The beat is iconic—a menacing, slow-tempo instrumental that gives Giggs all the space he needs to operate.
And operate he does. Giggs’s style is completely unique. His delivery is slow, deep, and deliberate, each word landing with the weight of a concrete block. He’s not trying to dazzle you with speed; he’s intimidating you with presence. The lyrics are raw, unfiltered dispatches from the street, filled with slang and references that paint a vivid picture of his environment. "That nigga's a talker / Man's a walker." It's a simple, powerful declaration of authenticity. “Talkin the Hardest” is the sound of a new voice emerging, a voice that was unapologetically British and refused to conform to American standards. It laid the groundwork for the entire UK drill scene and established Giggs as a true original, a hollowman whose influence can still be heard today.
Conclusion: A Never-Ending Playlist
There it is. Twenty songs. Twenty pieces of my soul.
To list them is to relive them. I can feel the cold of the Queensbridge air in "New York State of Mind," the adrenaline spike of "Shook Ones," the intellectual fury of "euphoria," and the heartbreaking apology of "Ms. Jackson." These songs are not just files on a device; they are experiences. They are monuments to lyrical genius, sonic innovation, and fearless storytelling.
This list is a snapshot, a moment in time. Ask me again in a year, and a few tracks might shift. A new masterpiece might be released, or an old classic might reveal a new layer of meaning. And that is the beauty of it. Hip-hop is a living, breathing art form. It doesn't sit still in a museum. It's out on the streets, in our headphones, in our hearts, constantly evolving, constantly challenging, constantly adding new chapters to its incredible story.
This is my canon. What’s in yours?
Please note this list is my mind on 25/08/2025, ask me the same question in 30 days the list would probably change. That's the beauty of Music!
References/Links
Of course. A great blog post is always strengthened by credible sources and links for readers to explore further. Here is a comprehensive list of references with links, perfect for including at the end of your blog post.
This list is structured to be user-friendly, separating the primary sources (the songs themselves) from the secondary sources that provide context, analysis, and deeper understanding.
References & Further Exploration
For those who want to dive deeper into the tracks, artists, and stories discussed in this post, here is a curated list of resources.
I. The Core Playlist: Listen and Read the Lyrics
Here are direct links to listen to each of the 20 songs, along with links to their annotated lyrics on Genius.com, which provide invaluable context and breakdowns.
DNA. by Kendrick Lamar
New York State of Mind by Nas
Dance With The Devil by Immortal Technique
99 Problems by Jay-Z
Stan by Eminem
m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Ms. Jackson by OutKast
The Takeover by Jay-Z
Gimme The Loot by The Notorious B.I.G.
Survival Of The Fittest by Mobb Deep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI8A14Qcv68 (Note: This is often bundled with NY State of Mind in user-uploads, official link may vary) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NUX4tW5_gw
Talkin the Hardest by Giggs
Stronger by Kanye West
Wesley's Theory by Kendrick Lamar
Ether by Nas
euphoria by Kendrick Lamar
Power Trip by J. Cole
SICKO MODE by Travis Scott
Shook Ones, Pt. II by Mobb Deep
Changes by 2Pac
Till I Collapse by Eminem
II. Further Reading, Watching, and Analysis
On the Art of Storytelling & Production:
"How Nas' 'N.Y. State of Mind' Was Made" - Complex:** An article detailing DJ Premier's account of the one-take recording and beat creation.
"The Legal Analysis of Jay-Z's '99 Problems'" - NPR:** Professor Caleb Mason breaks down the legal accuracy of Jay-Z's second verse.
"How Rick Rubin & Jay-Z Made '99 Problems'" - YouTube (GQ):** Rick Rubin discusses his minimalist production philosophy for the track.
"Dissect" Podcast:* A serialized music podcast that dedicates entire seasons to analyzing albums like Kendrick Lamar's *DAMN. and To Pimp A Butterfly. Essential for deep dives.
On the Great Hip-Hop Battles:
"A Complete Timeline of the Jay-Z vs. Nas Beef" - UPROXX:** A detailed history of the conflict, providing context for "The Takeover" and "Ether."
"The Complete History of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef" - Complex:** A comprehensive timeline that traces the origins of the feud leading up to "euphoria" and the subsequent tracks.
On Cultural Impact and Legacy:
"How Eminem’s ‘Stan’ Became a Badge of Honor for Fans" - The Ringer:** An article exploring the song's journey from a cautionary tale to a term of endearment in fan culture.
"How Mobb Deep's 'Shook Ones' Became Hip-Hop's Most Terrifying Anthem" - Rolling Stone:** An analysis of the song's enduring power and influence.
"The Story of OutKast's 'Ms. Jackson'" - Vibe:** An article delving into the real-life inspiration for the song and Erykah Badu's mother's reaction.
"Giggs And The Making Of 'Talkin' The Hardest', The UK's Biggest Road Rap Anthem" - Complex UK:** An oral history featuring Giggs and other key figures on the creation and impact of the legendary freestyle.
Documentaries and Visuals:
Hip-Hop Evolution* (Netflix):** A fantastic docuseries that covers the history of the genre, providing broad context for many of the artists on this list, including the New York scene of the 90s.
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell* (Netflix):** A documentary offering insight into the life and mind of The Notorious B.I.G.
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