Top 20 Jay Z Songs

When MTV released their top 10 list of the greatest rappers of all time in 2006, it was a huge deal to a big rap nerd like myself. Who would top this list? Maybe the Notorious B.I.G. Perhaps Eminem. Probably 2Pac. But MTV went with Jay Z as their pick for greatest rapper of all time which was borderline scandalous to me. I had never considered Jay Z to be a particularly impressive rapper and the fact that he was at the top of such an illustrious list felt wrong somehow. So I decided to actually pay closer attention to his music and see what the big deal is. I became a huge fan within a couple of months. His achievements as a rapper are astounding: most number one albums ever (surpassing Elvis Pressley’s record), 21 Grammies won, an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and respect from the 44th President of the United States. It’s true that there’ll never be universal consensus as to who the G.O.A.T is. But it’s fair to say that no rapper has had a career quite as successful as Sean Carter. Considering the length and breadth of his discography (with music ranging from the early 90s to today), it would be nigh on impossible to limit Jay to a top 10. Without much more ado, here’s my list for greatest Jay Z songs.

Twenty

A Million and One Questions/Rhyme No More

Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (1997)

Producer: DJ Premier

It might sound blatantly obvious, but when putting together any album, one of the most important things to get right is the opening track. Good thing that Mr. Carter has a fantastic track record (no pun intended) when it comes to starting off albums right. With this DJ premier produced banger, Jay Z is addressing willing listeners (fans and haters alike) and catching them up on what life’s been like since 1996’s Reasonable Doubt. He spends the first half of the track addressing people’s FAQs about all things Jay Z and Roc-A-Fella records. But when the track segues into “Rhyme No More”, a more menacing Jay Z takes shots at perceived rivals and competitors as he lets it be known his intention to dominate for the years to come.

Nineteen

Lost Ones

Kingdom Come (2006)

Dr. Dre

Although Jay’s much hyped comeback from retirement fell someway short of his high standards, there are certain moments on Kingdom Come that stand out. It’s not often Jay Z let’s listeners into the world of Sean Carter but when he does it makes for truly affecting material. In what was arguably the album highlight, he raps about his falling out with former pal and business partner, Damon Dash before talking about his break up with an ex. But in terms of true hurt, nothing beats the third verse where he talks about the death of his nephew in a car crash. In a car he bought him. Dre’s melancholic piano driven beat perfectly accentuates Jay’s lyrics without overpowering his sense of grief.

Eighteen

Meet the Parents

Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse (2002)

Just Blaze

Storytelling has been a staple in hip hop since its origins in New York 40 odd years ago. Certain rappers like Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah and Nas lean heavily on storytelling when constructing their verses. Jay Z, not so much. But with “Meet the Parents” he proved he could go toe to toe with the best storytellers as he tells the sad tale of Isis, a young girl in the projects who falls in love with Mike, the neighborhood bad boy and conceives a son for him. Since he’s too busy running the streets, he leaves her to raise their child alone. Fast forward to 15 years later, Isis’ son finds himself involved in an altercation on a street corner and ends up losing his life in a barrage of gunfire. The shooter? Mike. The message at the end is crystal clear, absentee fathers run the risk of killing their sons, figuratively and literally.

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Seventeen

Oceans (ft. Frank Ocean)

Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013)

Pharrell Williams and Timbaland

When Jay Z and Kanye were in the process of putting their 2011 collaborative effort Watch the Throne together, they had a mini argument about this feature with Frank Ocean. Kanye wanted the song to be on the album but Jay insisted on keeping this song for his next album. It’s a good thing he did because this isn’t just the highlight of the Magna Carta album, it’s one of the deepest songs in Jay’s deep catalogue. In this song, Jay displays his gift for wordplay as he compares and contrasts his success as a black man in America with the wretchedness of his ancestors. It’s a song heavy with symbolism as he examines how the same ocean waters act as a setting for his opulent lifestyle (yacht parties) when they once were the setting for the exploitation and destruction of slaves.

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Sixteen

Nigga What, Nigga Who (feat. Jaz O)

Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)

Timbaland

When Jay Z was still a novice in the rap game, he worked closely with Jaz O, a more experienced rapper who helped introduce Jay to the finer details of been a successful rapper. The duo dressed a certain way, carried themselves a certain way and rapped in a certain way. So when Jay Z had established himself as a successful rapper and he decided to feature his one-time mentor on a Timbaland helmed track, it was only right they adopted the flow that they used back in the early 90s. It’s still recognized today as one of Jay Z’s signature songs and it is a staple in his concerts.

Fifteen

4:44

4:44 (2017)

No I.D

When Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed smash release, Lemonade, was released in 2016, all everyone wanted to know was how autobiographical the songs were. Could the themes of betrayal be inspired by real life heartbreak? People didn’t have to wait too long for the answers, as Jay Z’s 4:44 (released a year after), basically confirmed people’s worst suspicions. What listeners then got with the title track, was a famously reticent Jay confessing his errors on wax in a deeply affecting fashion. It’s not very often the world gets to see behind the Jay Z persona and look at Sean Carter, warts and all. But with the help of the evocative sample (“Late Nights and Heartbreak” by Hannah Williams), No I.D was able to get Jay Z to bare his soul to the world in what is one of his best songs till date.

Fourteen

Renegade (feat. Eminem)

The Blueprint (2001)

Eminem

Although the Blueprint album is often remembered for how influential it was in making sped-up samples the dominant sound in hip hop (as well as made household names of Just Blaze and Kanye West), there are actually a couple of songs that deviated from the general sound. There’s “Jigga that Nigga” by the Trackmasters, “Hola Hovito” by Timbaland and “Renegade” by Eminem. While the former two songs represent the album’s weakest material, “Renegade” is one of the highlights of the album based on the intricate wordplay from both Jay and Eminem. Over a menacing beat, both rappers furiously bare their frustrations at the criticism that has been levied at them over the years. While Jay Z hits back at critics of his lifestyle and music, Eminem saves his barbs for the people who find his choice of language and subject matter offensive. Although both men have gone on to greater levels of success in the years since, it’s difficult to imagine they’d consider themselves as anything less than renegades.

Thirteen

Regrets

Reasonable Doubt (1996)

Peter Panic

As I mentioned earlier, the way artists choose to start their album is one of the most important decisions they can make. This can easily be applied to the way albums are wrapped up as well. With Jay’s classic debut Reasonable Doubt, he found a way to connect street tales with relatable human truths to make an album that was equal parts compelling and cohesive. In an album full of victories and braggadocio, it was only right to end the album on a somber note. “Regrets” sees Jay Z examine the collateral damage fast living can take on a street hustler. The paranoia, the loss of family/friends and the sleepless nights are the harsh realities most Mafioso rappers at the time weren’t necessarily addressing. But in its own way, the song’s message is universally applicable – to survive in this life, you have to learn to live with regrets.

Twelve

This Can’t Be Life (feat. Beanie Sigel and Scarface)

The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)

Kanye West

This is a historic song for a couple of reasons. For starters, this is the first of many Jay Z and Kanye West collaborations. Secondly, it’s the first collaboration with Beanie Sigel and Scarface – the trio would collaborate again on Scarface’s “Guess Who’s Back” and Jay Z’s “Somehow Someway”. Beyond the history though, this is one of the most honest songs in Jay’s career. The three rappers take turns pensively looking at some of the darkest times in their past and reflecting on how close they came to breaking under the pressure. Though Jay and Beanie come through with sincere reflections, the highlight is Scarface’s heartbreaking verse. The Houston rapper speaks on the pain of his friend Reek who’d just lost his child in a fire. What made his verse all the more remarkable is he was informed of this during the recording session of the song. It’s a heavy song to listen to but it’s also very relatable and isn’t that what hip hop at its best is all about?

Eleven

Imaginary Player

In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)

Prestige

Before Rick Ross established himself as the king of boss talk in hip hop, Jay Z proudly held the mantle for a decade or so. Even before he became one half of Hollywood’s most powerful couple, and before he was sharing Forbes’ magazine covers with Warren Buffet, Jay was heavy bragging about his financial status. “Imaginary Player” is the best example of this. At the time of the song’s release, he hadn’t even gone platinum yet alone topped any rich lists. But to listen to Jay tell it, he was already ahead of the game in his tastes, his style and his mindset. This is a man who foresaw his role as hip hop’s number one tastemaker/trendsetter and was happy to take position ahead of time.

Ten

The Story of OJ

4:44 (2017)

No I.D

If 4:44 represented a return to form for Jay Z, it’s because for the first time in a while he sounded hungry. Maybe having acquired everything he personally desired – the beautiful family, more money than he can count and the respect of the entire industry – there was a need to find a new raison d’etre. At this point in his career, Jay is all about black empowerment and trying to inspire black greatness. With “Story of OJ”, Jay Z in his own inimitable fashion tackles the sellout mindset some blacks have. Using O.J. Simpson as an example of selling out gone wrong, he uses his verses to once again preach financial freedom as the key to real liberty for African Americans.

Nine

I Just Wanna Love You

The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)

The Neptunes

Over the course of Jay Z’s 23 year career, he’s struck up great working relationships with several producers including Kanye West, Timbaland and Dr. Dre. But there’s a case to be made for his best working relationship been with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo aka the Neptunes. The trio have churned out several hits over the years but perhaps none have been bigger than their first collaboration, “I Just Wanna Love You”. The song became Jay’s most successful single at the time (#1 on the Billboard “Hip Hop/R&B Chart) and helped establish the Neptunes as the hottest producers in the game.

Eight

Can’t Knock the Hustle (feat. Mary J. Blige)

Reasonable Doubt (1996)

Knobody

The opening track of his debut album saw Sean Carter properly introduce the Jay Z persona to the world. With Knobody’s smooth yet bouncy beat and the Queen of Hip Hop soul on the chorus, Jay had all the ingredients for a hit before he even laid his verses. Like most of the songs on Reasonable Doubt, Jay Z rhymes from the perspective of a street hustler/Mafioso don who has enjoyed the spoils of victory for so long that he can’t ever contemplate changing his ways. If anyone wants to understand Jay Z’s perspective on success, this song would be a perfect starting point as he effortlessly makes a case for his voracious appetite for the dough.

Seven

Allure

The Black Album (2003)

The Neptunes

There’s an interesting part in Jay Z’s 2003 documentary, Back to Black, where Pharrell explains how he came up with the song. He not only cites the score for the 1993 film, Carlito’s Way, he saw this as an opportunity to do his version of “Dead Presidents” (one of Jay Z’s greatest songs). In “Allure”, Jay is reminiscing on his life on the streets and breaking down the allure of living life illegally. He understands the rush of life in the fast lane and how addictive it can be. It’s no wonder he’s often referred to this as his favorite song of his.

Six

Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)

The Blueprint (2001)

Kanye West

When Jay Z released the Blueprint album in 2001, it was at a time when he was unquestionably the number one rapper in the game. But unsurprisingly, being at the top came with the pressure of being a target. A target for less successful rappers, music critics and even so called fans. With “Heart of the City”, Jay considers celebrities like Richard Pryor and the Fugees that experienced major downfalls in their career and wonders if this is to be his fate as well. He takes the time to reassert his dominance in spite of any haters he might have while making a strong case for more love and respect.

Five

Can I Live

Reasonable Doubt (1996)

Irv Gotti

Apparently Jay Z initially planned for this song to feature Nas but the Queens’ MC never showed up to the studio session. One can only imagine how great the song would have turned out if two of the great MCs of their generation got an opportunity to collaborate. Make no mistake about it though, even without Nasir Jones, “Can I Live” is not just one of Jay’s best songs but arguably one of the best songs in hip hop. Keeping with the Mafioso theme that pervades most of Reasonable Doubt, Jay perfectly explains the criminal mindset while defending his hunger for success. As he declares in the song, he’d rather “die enormous than live dormant.”

Four

Excuse Me Miss (feat. Pharrell)

Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse (2002)

The Neptunes

Jay has never been one to be vulnerable on his records especially in the area of relationships. Even in his more intimate moments he rarely divulges his feelings let alone the finer details of his love life. With that been said, it’s no secret that “Excuse Me Miss” is a love letter of sorts to his then squeeze and current wife, Beyoncé. He is at his most charming here as he suavely shows his more gentlemanly side. It’s a far cry from the guy who made songs like “Big Pimpin’” and “Girls, Girls, Girls”. With this, he earnestly makes a case for himself as a reformed player just looking to settle down. Toss in the smoothest Neptunes’ beat ever and a Pharrell hook inspired by Luther Vandross and you get one of Jay’s greatest songs.

Three

Dead Presidents II

Reasonable Doubt (1996)

Ski Beatz

Considering Jay Z’s mantra for most of his career has been making and accumulating money, it’s hardly surprising that a song titled after a moniker would be his first single from his debut album. Although “Ain’t No Nigga” was the single that helped push Reasonable Doubt to gold status, “Dead Presidents” was without a shadow of a doubt the album’s outstanding song. Over a Nas vocal sample from “The World is Yours”, Jay articulates the way money dictates the activities of the underground and how the hunger for more can make criminals out of desperate people. His favorite topics over the years have been money and the drug game and with “Dead Presidents”, we get the perfect union of topics.

Two

99 Problems

The Black Album (2003)

Rick Rubin

It’s become known as Jay Z’s signature song and yet the extremely quotable hook was conceived by Ice T in 1993 for his own “99 Problems” single. Although Jay might not have come up with the hook, the way he uses it to inform his verses is fantastic. When he says a “bitch” isn’t one of the 99 problems he has to deal with, he’s using the word in its different contexts. In his first verse, he uses it to refer to the music critics who seek to exploit his fame for their own ends. In his second verse, he refers to the police dogs the police want to use to sniff his car for drugs. In his third verse, he addresses the potential aggressors who look for confrontations just so they can sue. Rick Rubin’s boom bap style beat gives the song a traditional feel and helps accentuate Jay’s lyrics.

One

Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

Vol 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)

Mark the 45 King

This is the song that changed Jay Z’s career. Before the release of “Hard Knock Life”, Jay Z was a well-respected New York rapper with an interesting story and some good songs. After it Jay became one of the biggest rappers in the world with the single charting in 15 different countries. Admittedly, the sample (from the musical, Annie) was the biggest factor in the song’s success but Jay saw beyond the catchiness of the hook. He could see the similarities between his experiences growing up in the ghetto and the hard knock life Annie sang about. As such, he was able to make a single dedicated to generations of ghetto children everywhere. Years later and they’re still singing.

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