My Bass Rocks

After seeing the above video featuring Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Royce, etc.) debate over the best tracks from the 90’s and 2000’s, I couldn’t help but scratch my head.  Not only do these established rappers totally miss the ball, but it seems that they have bought the bullshit hype that the radio gives certain newish records.  Especially when they dive into the best tracks from this decade (Ballin’????).

It really all depends on how you are measuring importance though…Are we discussing the most commercially successful, or the best music-wise?  I’m going to approach this thing as a combination of the two views, so peep game after the jump.  Here are Bass Rocks greatest hip-hop tracks from the 2000’s:

10) Lil’ Wayne: “A Milli”

“Yah”

Now before you come after me with the pitchforks and crosses, think about it…When was the last time in this decade that one single song had as much impact on the entire genre?  Honestly, I can’t think of one track that has been remixed, spit over, or just plain jocked as much as “A Milli.”  Now, I’m not a huge Wayne fan, but you can’t deny the importance of this song in the 2000’s.  Anyone who was somewhat lyrical (i.e. Jay-Z) jumped on the bandwagon, and made their own version…Think about it!

9) Dead Prez “Hip-Hop”

This is an anthem!  When Let’s Get Free initially dropped, “Hip-Hop” had already hit the radio and underground scene HEAVY.  I remember hearing this nearly everywhere I went back in 2000, and it still hits to this day.  Definitely on the top ten list regardless..

8 ) Clipse: “Grindin’”

“Ughhh”

The Clipse were (and still are) flat-out groundbreaking.  While Hell Hath No Fury remains the fan-favorite, “Grindin” is the track that put them on the map.  With an awkward beat accompanied by the gutter Virginia rhymes, The Clipse were truly in a class of their own.  At first it was a little hard to swallow (pause), but once you understood the method, it was hard not to get hooked.

7) M.O.P.: “Ante Up”

What “A Milli” was for 2008, “Ante Up” was for 2001.  Nearly every show I went to that year, whichever MC was performing, this instrumental was either apart of the act, or was played in between sets by the DJ.  The beat is so engraved in my head, that “Ante Up” and the 2000’s are completely synonymous…“You want big money?  Kidnap that foo!”

6) Dr. Dre: “Still Dre”

For about two years The Chronic 2001 was the most played, talked about, and debated album in rap music.  The return of Dr. Dre was the biggest thing in music, and made every radio-friendly rapper take the backseat.  This was a big smack in the face for everyone, because it meant that the king had returned.  Not only was 2001 one of the biggest records of the decade, but this is the track that set it off.

5) Snoop: “Drop It Like It’s Hot”

“Drop It Like It’s Hot” is Snoop’s biggest and best single since “Gin & Juice.”  Yes I just said that.  To this day, whenever I play this record, people absolutely lose their shit.  It was an instant classic, and brought Snoop back into the limelight…What else is there to say?

4) Nas: “Ether”

This may have been the most overall talked-about record in the past decade.  Who won?  Jay-Z or Nas?  Easy…While “The Takeover” was a good diss record in itself, Nas absolutely destroyed Jigga with his classic response.  This record alone made Nas a staple in hip-hop once again, and put him right back in the middle of the G.O.A.T. conversation.

3) Common: “The Light”

“The Light” is Common’s best work to date…While most would argue that Resurrection is the best album (myself included), “The Light” brought Common into the mainstream (and rightfully so).  Including the brilliant production from Jay Dee (R.I.P.), Common seemed to come full-circle with this track.  Not only is “The Light” one of the best from the past decade, but is a serious contender for one of the best hip-hop tracks ever..

2) Outkast: “Hey Ya”

Many would argue that “Hey Ya” isn’t hip-hop at all…But anyone saying Andre 3000 isn’t hip-hop, needs to seriously check themselves.  Andre has been an absolute BEAST in the 2000’s, solidifying his lyrical dominance throughout the years.  “Hey Ya” turned the world upside down, and set the path for such groups as Gnarls Barkley to excel…Don’t trip!

1) 50 cent: “In Da Club”

“Go Go Go”

I don’t even really need to explain this one.  Not only the most significant track from the 2000’s, but the most played-out as well.  No rap song has come out in this decade with as much dominance as “In Da Club,” and none probably will within the next year.  It was perfectly timed and incredibly catchy, and is the sole reason that 50 Cent is famous at all.  You know you used to love this one, regardless how “real” you try to keep it..