Here are the top 10 songs for this week as selected by the About Guide to rap/hip-hop. This list is based mainly on the popularity of the songs, aesthetic value, and their overall performance on various music charts.
1. T.I. - What You Know
In a unique venture poised to redefine album releases, T.I.'s Atlantic Records has recently disclosed that they will preview his album, King, on Sirius satellite radio. "What You Know" has been incinerating radio stations everywhere, and holds on to the #1 spot for the 2nd consecutive week.
2. Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone - Ridin'
Chamillionaire's octane-flow method of rap is only rivaled by the fast-tongued Krayzie Bone here. His debut, The Sound of Revenge is already gold-certified. The Houston rapper also represented his hometown by performing at this year's SXSW event.
3. Busta Rhymes ft. Papoose, Mary J Blige, Lloyd Banks, etc - Touch It (Remix)
Busta Rhymes (Trevor Smith jr.) recently divulged that he's had to learn to excercise some patience with his forthcoming album, The Big Bang. In the hopes that he could achieve the same level of success as his mentor and CEO, Dr. Dre, Busta has decided to take Dre's perfectionist approach on The Big Bang. "Touch It" is a positive sign.
4. Ghostface featuring Ne-Yo - Back Like That
Ghostface has managed to heighten the hype surrounding his upcoming Fishscale album with just one 'mainstream' single. The music video for "Back Like That" has now been added to the MTV 2 Hip Hop Show, while Ne-Yo continues to dominate the Billboard Albums chart with his own full length.
5. Kanye West featuring Lupe Fiasco - Touch The Sky
After a brief supremacy on the Top 10, Kanye West falls from the sky to #5 this week. Thanks to "Touch The Sky," however, Lupe Fiasco has been enjoying a deafening buzz lately, appearing in national magazines, hip-hop ezines, and most recently MTV's DFX.
6. Juvenile - Get Ya Hustle On
Consider this the dirty south's first full-fledged response to the hurricane Katrina debacle. To the delectation of many, Juvenile blatantly calls out Mayor Nagin, George Bush, and Dick Cheney on "Get Ya Hustle On" and the accompanying video.
7. Lil Wayne - Hustler's Musik
From one "hustle" song to another. Lil Wayne flaunts his "most improved rapper" insignia on "Hustler's Musik" and on the rest of his album, Tha Carter II. His gold-certified disc has now spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.
8. Juvenile - Rodeo
Juvenile's catchy single drops several notches down this week, as another Juvy song, "Get Your Hustle On," makes its way up the chart. Rodeo was produced by in-house Terror Squad beatsmiths - Cool & Dre.
9. Juelz Santana - Oh Yes
Juelz Santana may not be the most sophisticated rapper of his generation, but he's managed to devise a style that works for him. A conservative of words, Santana revels in his stutter-step delivery on this infectious tune.
10. Dem Franchize Boyz - Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It
The ubiquitous "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" was recently featured on the Boondocks comic strip. On Top of Our Game has now spent 5 weeks on the Billboard Albums chart, but it's yet to reach the coveted #1 spot.
