As part of the new
Rollingstone series, Nas has created a top 10 list for the Best Lyrical Hip Hop songs of all time. I must warn you.. this list will make you shake your head repeatedly. Check out the list and my thoughts
after the jump.Nas's best lyrical hip hop records of all time are:
1. “My Downfall” – Notorious B.I.G., 1997
The lyrics are about how he’s acing the shadows of death, despite all of his success, and he’s giving it to you in a way that makes it seem so real.
2. “If My Homie Calls” – 2pac, 1991
He’s just saying to his boys that he’s going to be a friend no matter how big he gets.
3. “Road To The Riches” – Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, 1989
The way we’re rhyming now? He was already doing it then .
4. “A Bird In The Hand” – Ice Cube, 1991
5. “Paid In Full” – Eric B. & Rakim, 1987
6. “I’m Single” – Lil Wayne, 2010
I’m recently divorced, so I feel what he’s saying.
7. “Tears of Joy” – Rick Ross, 2010
Ross is at the pulpit here.
8 “The Moment I Feared” – Slick Rick, 1988
It’s cinematic. He’s at a hip-hop show and ices this girl who played him, then he’s in prison getting violated by some dude. This was unheard of.
9. “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z, 2009
This song is huge. It sounds like Broadway. It’s New York’s modern anthem.
10. “Queen Bitch” – Lil’ Kim, 1996
At the time, females rappers didn’t appeal to the street, but Kim came with the vulgarity, sexuality and gangster shit.
In the words of Ed Lover, Coooooo-mon-son. This list is ridiculous. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Lil Kim.. and out of all of Jay's songs you choose "Empire State of Mind?' How do you not have artists: Talib Kweli, Eminem, Jedi Mind Tricks, GZA, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco, Andre 3000, Common, Black Thought, just to name a few. I was troubled by this list and as a Nas fan this was extremely disappointing to read. If you know hip hop then you might feel the same.