This week's batch of new rap songs include Brother Ali's inspirational "Us" and Drake's star-studded "Forever," which now has its own music video.
10. LL Cool J - "NCIS"
After he was selected for the NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Legend, LL Cool J's first order of duty was to record an anthem to accompany the series. Watch LL's "NCIS" music video here. Yes, he's still got it.
9. J Cole - "Lights Please"
With so many people picking up the mic these days, it's almost impossible to find a breath of fresh air. J Cole is one of just few MCs who may be able to pull away from the pack. Being the first signee on Jay-Z's Roc Nation roster doesn't hurt.
8. Drake - "Forever" (Feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem)
"Forever" is 2009's "Swagga Like Us," a hip-hop collaboration of monstrous proportion. For the sake of argument, Eminem wrecked this track with lines like: "There they go, back in stadiums as Shady spits his flow. Nuts they go, Macadamia they go so ballistic whoa" and "When I slap the bass out your mouth with a taste so great that it shakes the place." Here's the music video.
7. Ghostface - "Baby" (Feat. Raheem DeVaughn)
© Def Jam
Ghostface is pushing the envelope on his latest LP, Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City, starting with this Raheem DeVaughn-assisted single. The song is a celebration of 'hood love and fatherhood. Pardon his gangsta.
6. Kid Cudi - "Pursuit of Happiness"
© Universal Motown
"Pursuit of Happiness" is the third single from Kid Cudi's debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. The song was produced by Ratatat and it features vocals by electro-pop outfit MGMT.
5. Mos Def - "Casa Bey"
"Casa Bey" is epic Mos Def. The way it starts off strong and hits a plateau toward the end is almost magical.
4. Brother Ali - "Us"
© Rhymesayers Entertainment
Ali's new album is as spiritual a rap album as you'll hear all year. Ant's beats have evolved as well, making for a refreshing listening experience.
3. Fabolous - "Never Let It Go"
Is there any question that Khalil is one of the most slept on producers around? Over fat drums kicks, Loso spits, "How many hustlers you know waiting for a chance? Some peddle more than Lance at the Tour de France."
2. Raekwon - "House of Flying Daggers" (Feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface)
Raekwon serves up a certified WU banger, alongside Ghostface Killah. In a recent interview with Angela Yee, Ghost revealed that he's heavily featured on Rae's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.
1. Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind" (Feat. Alicia Keys)
© Roc Nation
"Empire State of Mind" is one of the most outstanding songs on Blueprint 3. Imagine if Jay-Z teamed up with Nas and Rakim for a remix. I can dream, right?
