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.]100. Anime - Tell Myself I'm Happy
Every now and then you'll come across a song that everyone can identify with, irrespective of status or background. Anime's "Tell Myself I'm Happy" is one of those songs.
98. Ja Rule feat. The Game - Sunset
Ja toasts to the Golden State ("I'm from New York, but I love California-e") alongside one of its favorite sons.
97. CunningLynguists - Mexico
The best rap group with the worst name contribute to one of the year's highlights with this irresistibly catchy tune about eloping to Mexico.
96. Scarface - Big Dogg Status
© Rap-A-Lot
Hip-hop O.G. reaffirms his status as a top shelf artist over N.O. Joe's southern-fried production.
95. Hell Razah feat. Tragedy & R.A. the Rugged Man - Renaissance
© Nature Sounds
Sure Hell Razah and Tragedy held their own on this, but it was R.A.'s lung-snapping wordplay that made this one a keeper.
94. LL Cool J feat. Kool G Rap, Mobb Deep, 50 Cent & Tony Yayo - Queens
It's a Queens thing, as LL and friends shout out their New York neighborhood. L sneaks in a subliminal slap at Def Jam (then headed by Jay-Z and L.A. Reid). But even without the Def Jam snipe, this is still one of uncle L's better songs in years.
93. Fabolous feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murder - Brooklyn
© Def Jam
No, it's not a response to LL's "Queens," but it's an equally endearing 'hood tribute. Aided by a familiar Biggie line ("Where Brooklyn at?"), Fab and Jay get majestic over a booming bass that sounds like you just crashed a block party, with Uncle Murder riding shotgun.
92. Akir feat. Immortal Technique - Treason
© Babygrande
Technically, Akir's debut CD Legacy was released two years ago via Viper Records. But, Babygrande Records snatched up the project and re-issued it in July 2007 to give those who slept on this great record a chance at redemption. "Treason," a surreal social protest, is the album's magnum opus.
91. Beanie Sigel - What They Gonna Say to Me
© Roc-A-Fella
A nasty exercise in braggart rap. Sigel huffs and puffs, but delivers the goods in the end. Too bad, the rest of The Solution didn't live up to par.
