“5. One Mic – Nas – Stillmatic This song’s relatively simple instrumental track puts Nas’ lyrical ability in the spotlight. He’s undoubtedly one of the best lyricists in hip hop, and this song is one of his best. 4. Forgot About Dre – Dr. Dre and Eminem – 2001 From NWA to his solo career, it’s obvious that Dr.”
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5. One Mic – Nas – Stillmatic

This song’s relatively simple instrumental track puts Nas’ lyrical ability in the spotlight. He’s undoubtedly one of the best lyricists in hip hop, and this song is one of his best.

4. Forgot About Dre – Dr. Dre and Eminem – 2001

From NWA to his solo career, it’s obvious that Dr. Dre has been one of the most influential rappers of the last twenty years. His accomplishments include signing Eminem, who’s albums have been certified platinum more than once. This track features both of them.

3. Thugz Mansion – Tupac – Better Dayz

Does this one need any explanation? Tupac will forever be recognized as one of the best rappers in the game, and this track is a classic. His honest and socially conscious songs are miles above the stuff on the radio today. It will be a long time until we see an artist as inspirational, poetic or important as Tupac was.

2. Fight the Power – Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet

Every Public Enemy song is carefully crafted around their message, but this song cuts right to the chase. Not only is it a good song, but the controversy over the track spread around the globe. This song is a reminder that hip hop wasn’t always about cars, girls and money. It really does have the power to fight the power.

1. F*** the Police – NWA – Straight Outta Compton

This, originally, seemed like a hard pick. It was difficult to choose between this song by NWA and their song Express Yourself. Both are phenomenal, but F*** the Police was the track that led to the incredible success of NWA’s album Straight Outta Compton.

After the group was banned from radio airwaves, a letter from the FBI to the group over this song gained them enough media coverage to take their album double platinum.

This song has had more influence over the rap genre than any other song, ever. It’s been played around the world, and was even banned in Australia, where a radio station protested by playing Express Yourself for 24 hours straight. A similar protest occurred in Serbia in 1996, when a radio station played this song and Fight the Power by Public Enemy for two days without pause. Both songs characterized how Serbians felt at the time towards police and state rule.

This song has clearly become an anthem.

And by the way, that letter from the FBI is at the Rock’n’Rall Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

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