I (once again) ask the crew to submit a few tracks that are in their current rotation. In the next installment I’m gonna take Chew’s suggestion and find a way to get the readers more involved – B-Easy
“Dollar And A Dream II” – J.Cole
Mixtape: The Warm Up; Producer: J. Cole
This song is too raw, especially when you consider that Cole wrote and produced this song. The song pretty much outlines dreams and life in general: “I got a Dollar and a Dream, Real niggas on my team, Everything ain’t what it seems, Every lady ain’t no ho and every bitch sure ain’t no queen. Every nigga ain’t no dog and every nigga ain’t no king, shit be happenin’ for a reason, everything is everything.” Damn. I couldn’t have said it any better myself.“Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)” – Nas
Album: Illmatic; Producer: Dj Premier
Sometimes it just doesn’t make any sense how good DJ Premier is at making the illest Hip-Hop beats. My favorite song off Illmatic has been in constant rotation lately on my playlist. Nas killed this one without a doubt too, I started to post up some lyrics, but then I realized I liked every line off the song. That’s right, every line.“Slump” – Outkast
Album: Aquemini; Producer: Outkast
Aquemini is, to me (and King Jerm), the best Outkast album ever put together. Slump is one of the crowning achievements of that album in my opinion. From the ridiculously appealing beat, the contagious hook, and the three verses that each add a different spin and flow to the song. And even though Big Boi was the only member of Outkast that rapped on this beat, you’d be lying if you said this wasn’t vintage Outkast.
“Pressure” –Killer Mike feat. Ice Cube
Album: I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II; Producer: Tha Bizness
If you could see the faces of the folks in Georgetown as I roll through, this blasting out of the Bronco. LMAO.“We Don’t Give A Fuck” – Lil’ Kim feat. Bun B & Twista
Album: The Naked Truth; Producer: Terrance “Hot Runner” Lovelace
This is the last song I listen to before going into work…sadly, that’s not a joke.“Juice (Know the Ledge)” – Eric B. & Rakim
Album: Juice (OST); Producer: Rakim
Undeniable. Movie is a hood classic, and this song is the reason I watched all the end credits. What’s scary is that lyrically, this song still rolls like it came out yesterday. Take a lesson young rappers.
“Mass Appeal” – Gang Starr
Album: Hard To Earn; Producer: DJ Premier & Guru
Even though it has been three weeks since Guru’s untimely passing, Gang Starr has still been in full rotation for me. This by far is my favorite Gang Starr track, it’s one that I can leave on repeat and list to all day if necessary. That’s what you call timeless music! R.I.P. Keith “Guru” Elam“Fancy Clown” – Madvillain
Album: Madvillainy; Producer: Madlib
It took an episode of The Boondocks (“Let’s Nab Oprah”) to remind me about MF Doom and Madlib’s collaborative album ‘Madvillainy’. Once I revisted the album, this track stood as my favorite on the project. From Madlib’s soulful production to Doom’s witty rhymes about his ex-girlfriend’s cheating way, it’s an all-around win.“Come Clean” – Jeru The Damaja
Album: The Sun Rises In The East; Producer: DJ Premier
What can I say, I love a DJ Premier beat, and this was arguably during his best years (Any objections? Didn’t think so…). This is probably my favorite track on Jeru’s classic album ‘The Sun Rises In The East’ from The Damaja’s rhymes and flow to the Premo’s production, which sounds like it was made obscurely (are those pipes??). Rappers couldn’t top this in ’94… And still can’t now.
“The Number One” – Atmosphere
Album: Sad Clown Bad Summer 9; Producer: Ant
“Used to vision being love struck with them, ’til I got blindsided by these grown up women”“All I Need (Razor Sharp Remix)” – Method Man feat. Mary J. Blige
Album: I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need To Get By (Single); Producer: RZA
“Even when the skies were gray, You would rub me on my back and say “Baby it’ll be Ok”. Now that’s real to a brother like me, baby, Never give my pussy away and keep it tight, aight”“Sheherezad, My Beloved (The Greatest Story Ever Told – Chapter 1)” – Cilvaringz feat. Intwine
Album: I; Producer: Cilvaringz
“Always supportive to my music and dreams, Always understand the things are more diffucult than they seem. Always by my side, Your eyes, so green, Your smile, so kind, Your mind, my queen”
“Like A Martian” – Lil’ B
Hold up, I don’t think I am going to start cosigning the nigga or nothing..HE HAS SOME HILARIOUS gems on this song. “100 thousand nigga…all day nigga!” Let’s not forget how he starts off the song..”Nigga I’ll fuck yo bitch nigga…Nigga, I’ll fuck yo hoe nigga”. You have to love that!“We Don’t Give A Fuck” – DMX feat. Jadakiss & Styles P
Album: Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood; Producer: Irv Gotti & Rebel
Reason why this song is on my list is because of the lil’ punk DJLP and his little disses. Last X verse is for you.“Public Service Announcement” – Jay-Z
Album: The Black Album; Producer: Just Blaze
I just been listening to the REAL Jay. Not this nigga that is out here Brett Favreing. This nigga HERE! Jay ain’t came hard since The Black Album. If you say anything different you a STAN.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” – Kanye West
Album: Graduation; Producer: Kanye West & DJ Toomp
Anytime I money troubles I play this song a lot. Did I mention that I frequently has money troubles? It’s a chant you can say to yourself whenyou on you grind.“No Wheaties” – Big K.R.I.T. feat. Curren$y & Smoke DZA
Album: K.R.I.T. Wuz Here; Producer: Big K.R.I.T.
I probably could have picked a few other song off K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, but this is the best of the batch. With all the football references, it funny that this song could never be played at a football game.“The People” – Jadakiss feat. Styles P
Mixtape: Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here Pt. 2; Producer: Kanye West
The No DJ version of the song recently came out which caused me to check it out again. 2/3’s of The LOX do Common’s “The People”. The verse for Kiss is still crack.
Download: nappyafro.com – The Playlist (Vol. #2)