The 100 Best Jay-Z Songs
By Andrew Barber | Sep 7, 2011 | 2:10 pm | Permalink
You already know Jay-Z is one of the greatest rappers ever to do it. He's told you time and time again. And you're aware that he's made some of the best hip-hop songs ever recorded. Jigga's one of the few rap artists who's been able to remain commercially and critically relevant for 15 years. From his humble beginnings with Big Jaz, to sitting atop the throne with Kanye West, Hov’s survived every era, every trend, every diss, and even a retirement. Plus he's got the hottest chick in the game wearing his chain. All this without writing down his lyrics.
Although his debut is a certified classic and his (not really) farewell disc The Black Album ranks with hip hop's greatest, Hov's sixth studio album, The Blueprint, remains the crown jewel of his career. Though it was released on the same day as the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, somehow it still sold 426,000 copies in its opening week. The Blueprint was such a classic, even Bin Laden couldn’t stop it.
Truth be told, a list of Jay-Z’s greatest songs could easily run to 200 or more. But we've fought the good fight and narrowed our crate down to his 100 best. It's just our way of commemorating the 10-year anniversary of The Blueprint, and celebrating Jay’s illustrious career. It's a celebration bitches! Salute.
Written by Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive)
BonVivantLeo September 7th, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Hmmm!Top10 Could of been better.
wow September 7th, 2011 at 02:52 PM
this list is fucked. how dare you have "can't knock the hustle" ranked so low. your top 10 sucks. "crazy in love" over "this life forever?" E for effort though :)
wow September 7th, 2011 at 02:56 PM
excuse me....crazy in love over this life forever??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i wish keith nash kicks you in the nads.
Elvis Freshly September 7th, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Why on the world Thank You from the Blueprint 3 not in this list?? that song is classic The 3rd verse was epic!
Sean O'Loughlin January 26th, 2012 at 02:15 PM
One of his dopest verses ever. Defintely epic.
LENNY September 7th, 2011 at 05:31 PM
what about party life, Say hello, etc
Thecool September 18th, 2011 at 12:52 PM
I was just about to say that
Whore for Page Views September 7th, 2011 at 05:42 PM
This couldn't have been presented as a list on 10 or so pages? Thanks for 101 slides, you jerks.
Snapped September 7th, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Man this article goes deep... Great writing, this must have taken forever. Been bopping to Jay all day.
clarkkent September 7th, 2011 at 05:46 PM
how is "song cry" way down in the 90's.....60's at least
stunner September 7th, 2011 at 06:50 PM
how the fuck did Feelin' It not make it.
Complex September 7th, 2011 at 07:19 PM
It did make it. It's at #42.
king September 7th, 2011 at 06:53 PM
This list is horrible and im nit even a jay z fan
mike September 7th, 2011 at 06:57 PM
I thought black album was his highest selling album and 99 problems and dead presidents not in the top 5 smh
@N_C_B September 7th, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Hardknock Life is his highest selling album, FYI.
Charz November 13th, 2011 at 12:02 AM
and dead presidents was on reasonable doubt not black album.... why are u even commenting???????