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.]30. NYOil - Shout it in the Streets
With the emergence of so many new artists, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But NYOil has no intentions of taking the easy way out. "Shout it in the Streets" is a vicious follow-up to the memorable 2006 hit "Y'all Should All Get Lynched."29. Jazzy Jeff feat. C.L. Smooth - All I Know
The Jazzmeister cooks up a soulful concoction, while the Smoothsmith lays his rhymes in the cut.
27. Joel Ortiz - Hip-Hop
© Koch
Let's get this straight: No other newcomer delivered an endless supply of gritty rap anthems like Brooklyn's own Joel Ortiz. Of all the 5,279 songs titled "Hip-Hop," this one's a breath of fresh air.
25. Common - The Game
© Geffen
23. Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothin'
This piece of genius -- with a chorus so repetitive it will lodge itself in your memory for months -- is as gorgeous as anything 'Ye has recorded in years.
22. Brother Ali - Take Me Home
© Rhymesayers
21. Trae feat. Styles P & Jadakiss - Smile
© Rap-A-Lot
Trae and his D-Block cohorts sound right at home rhyming about the misfortunes of life that make it hard to crack a smile.
