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.]40. Devin the Dude feat. Lil Wayne & Bun B - Lil Girl Gone
© Rap-A-Lot
See, life for Devin isn't all weed, wine and women -- actually, it is. "Lil Girl Gone" connects three stories about a girl gone wild despite her proper upbringing.
39. Beanie Sigel - Return of the Bad Guy
© Def Jam
Beanie Sigel specializes in songs that are grim enough to make even the toughest villains whimper, and this is a perfect example of that. This was the original title of his fourth album, which was later renamed The Solution.
38. Consequence - Don't Forget 'Em
© GOOD Music
37. Sean Price - P-Body
© Duck Down
Sean Price is already famous for being the brokest rapper you know. P's knack for alliteration ("Pound for pound perfection, and punch potholes in pretenders") adds yet another feather to his NY fitted hat.
36. Wu-Tang Clan feat. Erykah Badu - The Heart Gently Weeps
© SRC/Universal
There was so much hoopla about the process behind "The Heart Gently Weeps" that many forgot just how brilliant the song is. Backed by a warm acoustic guitar, "The Heart Gently Weeps" is meditative storytelling at its finest.
35. Jay-Z feat. Pharrell - Blue Magic
© Def Jam
[Video]
This was billed as a bonus track on American Gangster because Jay-Z wasn't sure if it belonged on that album. He's right: The musical charm that is "Blue Magic" is in a world of its own. From the Pharrell's barebones production to Jay's sophisticated rhyme scheme ("Blame Oliver north and Iran-Contra/I ran contraband that they sponsored").
This was billed as a bonus track on American Gangster because Jay-Z wasn't sure if it belonged on that album. He's right: The musical charm that is "Blue Magic" is in a world of its own. From the Pharrell's barebones production to Jay's sophisticated rhyme scheme ("Blame Oliver north and Iran-Contra/I ran contraband that they sponsored").
34. Blu & Exile - Cold Hearted
© Sound in Color
Avant-garde storytelling from one of 2007's most promising newcomers.
33. Blue Scholars - Back Home
© Rawkus
Blue Scholars echo the sentiment of 70% of Americans and ask for an end to the Iraq war.
32. CRS - Us Placers
There's a certain magic to this song that I don't want to ruin by trying to dissect the ingredients. Thankfully, it's just one of many gems to come from this hip-hop supergroup that consists of Kanye, Pharrell, and Lupe Fiasco.31. Pharoahe Monch - Welcome to the Terrordome
Seventeen years after it was first laced on wax, Public Enemy's "Welcome to the Terror Dome" gets a facelift from Pharoahe Monch.
