In a year that brought us mediocre movies, it’s great to have some great hip-hop music to fall back on. No matter what those cynical bastards tell you, hip-hop had a strong outing in 2010. B-boys and b-girls, I give you the 50 best hip-hop songs of 2010.
50. Bun B - "Let 'Em Know"
© Rap-a-Lot
We've seen Bun B wreck tons of synth-laden southern beats over the years. On "Let Em Know," though, DJ Premier gives his Texas comrade a new sandbox to play in on this standout from Trill OG.
49. King Driis - "Hold On" (Feat. Shadow)
Photo © Gareth Cattermol/Getty
First, let me point out that King Driis is actually Idris Elba, better known as Stringer Bell from The Wire. OK. Let that marinate for a second. So, dude not only kicks buttocks onscreen, he's also well versed in the art of ragamuffin style hip-hop. Nice.
48. Copywrite - "Serotonin"
© Man Bites Dog
"Serotonin" is a brooding epic from Copywrite's underrated Life and Times Of Peter Nelson. Instead of dancing along with the track, Copywrite invites the listener to the dark side. "I dyed my hair black to match my soul," he proclaims without a hint of remorse.
47. Drake - "Fancy" (Feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz)
© UMG
First there's the majestic beat by 40 and Swizzy, then there's Drake's uniquely female-friendly verse. Throw in Tip's straitjacket flow and Mary J Blige's ear-grabbing vocals and you've got the makings of a hip-hop anthem.
46. Celph Titled & Buckwild - "F-ckmaster Sex"
© No Sleep Recordings
Nineteen Ninety Now is mostly Celph Titled and Buckwild tapping into the sepia-toned past of hip-hop when smooth basslines and over-the-top boasts ruled the menu. That jewel spawned some fine cuts, including the clever, laugh-out-loud hilarity that unfolds throughout "Funkmaster Sex."
45. Young Buck - "My Campaign"
© Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Life gave Young Buck lemons, he gave us lemonade. The exiled G-Unit rapper recorded this reflective number following an IRS raid of his house for $300,000 in unpaid taxes.
44. Kool G Rap - "Sad"
Hip-hop fans are notorious for showering vets with blind adulation. G Rap is one of the few who actually deserves praise on the strength of consistency. Over two decades in and Giancana’s still kicking it with the best of 'em.
43. Yu - "Break Down" (Feat. Bilal Salaam)
© Mello Music Group
42. Canibus - "Ripperland" (Feat. Psalm One)
Well, excuse me for including such an ominous track on 2010's best rap songs list. It's worth the inclusion because Psalm One likens herself to an oasis in the wilderness. 'Bis adds to the sinister vibe with a visual portrait of "little green men with big eyes."
41. The Roots - "Dear God 2.0"
© Def Jam
Taken from The Roots’ How I Got Over, “Dear God 2.0″ is a perfectly layered track with an otherworldly, futuristic vibe to it. If you say you like profoundly affecting music but don’t like this, you’re probably a Kenny G fan.
