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.]50. Junk Science - Jerry McGuire
A friend once asked me for help with her resignation letter. I pointed her to the fleet of polished and professional resignation letter templates on our Job Search site. Next time, I'll just make her listen to "Jerry McGuire," a funny 12-step program on how to quit your job and probably get fired at your next job.
48. Skillz feat. Freeway - Don't Act Like You Don't Know
© Okayplayer
All guts and glory. Skillz and Freeway rap as if their lives depend on this chest-pumping heat rock.
47. C-Rayz Walz & Sharkey - Electric Avenue
© Babygrande
Sharkey and C-Rayz party like it's 1982 with their hip-hop interpretation of Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue."
46. Chamillionaire - Won't Let You Down
© Marlon Ross
Few rap songs are simultaneously inspirational and anthemic. Now you can add "Won't Let You Down" to that list. If you're feeling lucky, check out the 18-minute Texas All-Star remix.
45. Ghostface feat. Beanie Sigel - Tony Sigel (aka Barrel Brothers)
Ghost brings the ruckus. Beans brings the burner. It's a match made in trigger-happy paradise.
44. Brother Ali - Uncle Sam
© Rhymesayers
Brother Ali rails against the status quo. Sorta like Ron Paul without the political baggage.
43. Little Brother - Sirens
"Sirens" is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it rebukes hip-hop haters for ignoring society's larger issues ("Like most black folks living below the poverty line"). On the other hand, it repudiates a complacent hip-hop environment ("I had to tell my son, 'Cut that bulls**t off. Them ain't videos, that's psychological warfare'").
42. Talib Kweli - Everything Man
© Blacksmith
Over a tiptoeing Madlib beat, Kweli comes to the realization that he can't be everything to everyone at the same time.
