It's been an exciting week for hip-hop: Fabolous broke his silence, Jay-Z dropped his first 16 of '13, and Meek Mill is still yelling about something. These are the top 10 hip-hop songs of the week.
10. Fabolous - "Ready" (Ft. Chris Brown)
Fabolous breaks his silence with new single "Ready," alongside Chris Brown. "Ready" appears on Loso's upcoming album, Loso's Way 2: Rise to Power, his first studio album since 2009's Loso's Way.
9. Justin Timberlake - "Suit & Tie" (Ft. Jay-Z)
Last time we heard from Justin Timberlake he was trying to bring sexy back. Six years later, he's bringing back something else: 70s soul (not that it ever left, mind you). "Suit & Tie" is a slinky tune that winks and nods to the likes of the Delfonics or a sedated Marvin Gaye. JT vows to "show you something" in his patented falsetto. Jigga, simply happy to glide along, uses his guest spot to flex and salute his in-laws: "Tell your mother that I love her cause I love you/Tell your father we go farther as a couple/They ain't lose a daughter, got a son."
8. Pusha T - "Millions" (Ft. Rick Ross)
"Millions" pairs Pusha T with MMG boss Rick Ross. That hardbody beat sounds familiar, as do their subject matter—drug game, fly chicks, etc.— but the execution makes it a solid listen. You can find "Millions" on Pusha T's Wrath of Caine mixtape.
7. Raekwon - "New Day" (Ft. Freddie Gibbs)
Easily the highlight from Raekwon the Chef's undercooked Lost Jewlry.
6. Rockie Fresh - "The Future"
MMG rookie Rocky Fresh has a thing for Back to the Future. Last year, he released a song and music video inspired by the film series. His new single, "The Future," continues that theme, movie samples and all. "Driving a DeLorean/Feelings of being born again," he raps. The autotuned anthem appears on Rockie's mixtape, The Electric Highway.
Tweetable: "I'd rather listen to Taylor Swift than most of you ni--as."
Tweetable: "I'd rather listen to Taylor Swift than most of you ni--as."
5. Blu, R.A. The Rugged Man, Tristate - "Thelonius King"
Blu enlists R.A. The Rugged Man and Tristate (Durag Dynasty) for "Thelonius King," a rugged track with an air of confidence, tracked by Bombay.
4. Meek Mill - "From Da Bottom" (Ft. Gourdon)
Just two months removed from his debut, Dreams & Nightmares, Meek Mill is already back on the saddle. Next up is: a third Dreamchasers mixtape, with "From Da Bottom" leading off the campaign. Meek has been wrapped up in a battle with fellow Philly rapper Cassidy lately. He doesn't address that here, but he does address a host of unnamed haters.
3. THURZ - "Acura Legend"
Acura Legend was the only car I ever wanted as a snotty-nosed lad. So Thurz had me from the title alone. Then, the track kicks in and it's all gritty drum shivers doing donuts around grimy synths and hi-hats, while Thurz drapes braggart rhymes over the mix, and I'm six all over again.
2. Ill Bill - "Truth"
Ill Bill's upcoming album, The Grimy Awards, features a who's who of lineup of sound architects. Among them, Pete Rock who produced this super soulful number dubbed "Truth." The Grimy Awards, out February 26, also features DJ Premier, El-P, DJ Muggs, and Large Professor.
1. Joey Bada$$ - "Unorthodox"
Joey's vintage rap aesthetics sparked an intense bidding war last year. The 17-year-old picks up where he left off, teaming up with the iconic DJ Premier on "Unorthodox." The single art bears a tribute to late Pro Era member Capital STEEZ, who allegedly committed suicide last December. Nice touch.











