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.]20. Termanology - So Amazing
Forget sending a demo tape, Termanology exhibits his skills on "So Amazing" with DJ Premier on the boards. In an ideal world, this song would trigger an intense bidding war among all the majors.
19. Skyzoo feat Torae - Get It Done
The great thing about this song -- besides the obvious fact that Preemo is still the producer to beat -- is that the theme changes depending on who's clutching the mic. Skyzoo indulges in a lyrical exercise that references 2 decades worth of Preemology ("I'm in a 'New York State of Mind' when I 'Kick in the Door' with 'A Million and One Questions' when I'm bringing it on"), while Torae compares the collaboration to past classics ("It's reminiscent of Nas & Jay or Billy & Womack").
18. The Cool Kids - Black Mags
[Video]
2007 was the year of Chicago. Not only did the Windy City contribute 3 albums to 07's best top 10 joints, it also introduced us to this cool duo. "Black Mags" is a sonical collision of different styles and genres, from hyphy to boom bap.
2007 was the year of Chicago. Not only did the Windy City contribute 3 albums to 07's best top 10 joints, it also introduced us to this cool duo. "Black Mags" is a sonical collision of different styles and genres, from hyphy to boom bap.
17. Rich Boy - Let's Get This Paper
© Universal
16. Hi-Tek feat. Talib Kweli & Dion - Time
Maybe it's Hi-Tek's soul-drenched production. Maybe it's Kweli's masterfully interjected pauses when he says "We ain't got no time to kill...each other." Whatever it is, this one's sure to withstand the test of...15. Scarface - Never
© Scott Gries/Getty Images
Scarface once swore of rap music, but all that did was make us miss him badly. As this hard-hitting banger affirms, 'Face learned one hard lesson during his break: Never say never.
14. Kanye West feat. Dwele - Flashing Lights
Exuberant hip-pop funk from the Timbaland of this generation.
13. Wu-Tang Clan - Campfire
All three Clansmen on this song brought their A-game along for the ride. Combine their vigorous lyrical exercise with a RZA beat so great even Memphis Bleek could've made it a hit, and you've got the best song on 8 Diagrams.
11. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony feat. Akon - I Tried
© Interscope
