With so many rap tunes raining down on us like confetti, it's often challenging to wrap our hands around the hottest songs out there. Not to worry, I've compiled a list of the ten songs that are incinerating charts and ears everywhere. The weekly Top 10 is based mainly on aesthetic value, relevance, and performance on various charts.
1. Rhymefest - Dynomite (Going Postal)
It's tough to decide which is better - Just Blaze's cinematic production, or Rhymefest's sharp lyrics. According to 'Fest, the highly anticipated debut, Blue Collar, will focus more on the rapper than on guest features. From what I've heard so far, Blue Collar could be one of the year's best releases. Head on over to Rhymefest's official website to stream four full tracks from the album.
2. T.I. - What You Know
After what seemed like an endless run on the Top 10, "What You Know" finally compromised for the runner-up spot this week. Regardless of the single's dethronement, King is still on top of Billboard's Hot 200 (sorry Prince!).
3. Gnarles Barkley - Crazy
The duo of DangerMouse and Cee-Lo made history recently when "Crazy" became the first song to reach #1 on UK singles charts based solely on digital downloads. Gnarles Barkley's collaboration, St. Elsewhere, is set to be released on May 9th, 2006.
4. Bubba Sparxxx featuring Petey Pablo & Sleepy Brown - The OtherSide
Unlike most of the tracks on Bubba Sparxxx's brand new album, The Charm, "OtherSide" is much closer to the vintage Bubba Sparxxx sound - warm, restrained emotion over a thumping beat. I'd like to see this released as a single.
5. Obie Trice featuring Akon - Snitch
Obie Trice was shot in his head last year, and he didn't come back with an "I-got-shot-[x times]-themed-song?" Seriously, If "Snitch" is truly the first single from Obie's upcoming Second Round's On Me, then it's a welcome departure from vain offerings like "Got Some Teeth" which spearheaded his debut, Cheers.
6. Mobb Deep featuring 50 Cent - Pearly Gates
Mobb Deep will attempt to regain their core fan base with the release of Blood Money this month. The main strength of "Pearly Gates" is 50 Cent's potent hook-writing ability. Beware Mobb, The Game fell out with Fiddy shortly after enjoying similar hook-writing privileges.
7. Ice Cube - Why We Thugs
Ice Cube's street smash, "Why We Thugs" hangs on to the #7 spot this week. Catch Cube in a city near you this spring, as he tours to promote his upcoming album, Laugh Now, Cry Later. Head over to Yahoo Music to watch Ice Cube's brand new video for "Why We Thugs."
8. Ghostface featuring Ne-Yo - Back Like That
Prior to Fishscale, every Ghostface album had moved less units than its predecessor. Thankfully, Fishscale, which currently holds the #4 spot on Billboard Hot 200, has helped nullify that trend.
9. Juvenile - Get Ya Hustle On
With both Juvenile's Reality Check and T.I.'s King in the top 5 on Billboard's Rap/Hip-Hop Albums chart, Atlantic Records continues its streak of releasing nothing short of chart-topping projects this year.
10. Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone - Ridin'
King Koopa along with his collaborator, Krayzie Bone, bows at #10 this week. Sound of Revenge, which many claim targetted Cham's nemesis, Paul Wall, is still doing well on the charts.
