At Mount Allison there are a select few, that I know of at least, that I consider knowledgeable about hip-hop and share the same taste as me. Robbie Lebans is one of those people that I can easily carry on a long conversation with about it. Also, I am all for having my friends contribute to this blog, so that being said I got a message from Robbie today listing his top 10 tracks of all-time. Here it is, a solid list that I can easily co-sign.
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A Couple of Things:
First, as you will see, my list is very contemporary. I moreso chose these songs because of their relevance in my life. So, the reason why I don't have the classics isn't because I don't like/respect those artists and songs, but rather I decided to pick the songs that had more relevance in my "growing up years" when I was really enveloping myself in hip hop and rap. I love the classics - because if it wasn't for them, the artists we enjoy today may or may not exist (Not to mention people like Rakim, NWA and others are all hard as fuck). BUT I just didn't listen to them as much growing up. Artists like Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z are artists that have been around for years and have survived. They have transcended the wall that separates the "old" and the "new". Also, my knowledge on rap from the past 10 years is much more polished, so I feel more comfortable with newer stuff. For me, I'd have to make 2 separate lists: one for pre-'99 and one post-'99. Perhaps I will take a stab at a top 10 list from like '98 and earlier at some point, but for now... this is what I got haha. Can't Knock The Hustle and Bring Da Ruckus are 2 exceptions to this, however. Hope this makes sense to ya as an introduction hahaha
Next, there's no Biggie or Pac on the list. I love both artists to the extreme. However, I find both have such a plethora of good jams that I really can't pick out a specific track by them. I feel like it would do them justice to actually make a "Top 10 Pac" and "Top 10 Biggie" lists seperately. Much easier for me, anyway.
The tracks in asteriks are wild card songs; Songs that didn't make the cut but were definately teetering on the edge and deserve a shout-out.
Enjoy, good sir.
1. Still D.R.E. - Dr. Dre
2. Ms. Jackson - Outkast
3. Encore - Jay-Z
4. Break You Off - The Roots
5. What Goes Around - Nas
6. Can't Knock the Hustle - Jay-Z (featuring Mary J. Blige)
7. Get 'Em High - Kanye West (featuring Talib Kweli and Common)
8. Still Dreaming - Nas (featuring Kanye West and Chrisette Michele)
9. Go - Common (featuring Kanye West and John Mayer)
10. Bring Da Ruckus - Wu Tang Clan
* Desire - Pharoahe Monch
** Get By - Talib Kweli
