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.]80. Public Enemy - Harder Than You Think
You know you're in for a great year when one of the best songs is from a crew that started out 20 years ago. This is P.E.'s comeback party, and everyone's invited.
78. Polyrhythm Addicts - Kerosene
© Babygrande Records
Three decent male rappers and one talented female singer/rapper attempt to fill some big shoes: "We get compared to the Fugees, but all of us can rhyme." Not even close, but they're on the right track for now.
77. Guru feat. Common - State of Clarity
© 7 Grand Records
76. Young Buck - Get Buck
© G-Unit
Buck Marley dispels any notion of his crew's demise with this exuberant Polow da Don concoction from Buck the World.
75. Blitz - Hands of Time
Blitz rewinds his favorite hip-hop moments, blending snippets of timeless tunes like Biggie's "Unbelievable" and Nas' "New York State of Mind."
74. Phat Kat - Nasty Ain't It
© Look Records
Midwest hip-hop at its braggiest, grimiest, and nastiest.
73. KRS-One & Marley Marl - Hip-Hop Lives
© Koch
After 20 years and 16 albums, you'd think that KRS-One would be out of hip-hop terminologies by now. Instead, the Teacha finds a million more ways to symbolize Hip-Hop on the title track from Hip-Hop Lives .
72. Royce da 5'9" - Rewind
Royce imagines what could have become of three flourishing rappers that died before they ever had a chance to live out their dreams.
