2007, despite its numerous disappointments, spawned many memorable moments. Like the theme music to a good movie, these songs underscored a unique year in hip-hop. Ladies and Gentlemen, grab your iPods! Cue the time machine! It's time to rewind 2007 and explore the year's best 100 rap songs.
[Disclaimer: The songs were ranked on production quality, lyrical appeal, and overall impact. It's a highly subjective list and I'm not claiming it to be the gospel.]90. USDA - Corporate Thuggin'
Over a trunk-rattling beat, Young Jeezy questions critics who question his talent.
89. Donny Goines - Never Let My Talent Die
The strings are ethereal and the drums are breathtaking, but it's upstart Donny Goines' hunger that makes this a thriller.88. Pharoahe Monch - When the Gun Draws
© SRC/Universal
Pharoahe Monch follows up Organized Konfusion's "Stray Bullet" with the graphical "Gun Draws." Monch tackles gun violence from the perspective of a bullet and the video plays like horror flick.
87. T.I. - Big Things Poppin'
© Atlantic
A synth-bounce track that is sure to bring any downer out of their shell. It's not "What You Know" but it gets the job done.
86. Little Brother feat. Lil Wayne - Breakin' My Heart
© ABB Records
Lil' Weezy and Little Brother trade rhymes about the consequences of infidelity in one of the most unlikely collaborations of 2007.
85. Busta Rhymes feat. Q-Tip & Talib Kweli - Lightworks
Busta, Tip, and Kweli pay homage to a music icon. This is space-rap inspired by Dilla's funky production.
84. DJ Khaled ft. Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Rick Ross, Wayne, Fat Joe - Brown Paper Bag
© Koch
Lyrically, it's everything you expect from a lineup that includes four crack-rap enthusiasts. Sonically, it's a fever dream of burbling keyboards.
83. Luckyiam - Classy Joint
Luckyiam, a funny moonlighting solo artist from the Living Legends, lets the listener into his world on this jazzy track.82. Black Milk - Sound the Alarm
© Fat Beats
81. UGK feat. Willie D & Charlie Wilson - Quit Hatin' the South
© Jive
Pimp C tells critics of "country-fried rap tunes" to stop whining and start grinding.
