The 25 Best Rap Lines of 2011

We count down all your favorite quotes of the year.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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As 2011 winds down, we're finally getting to appreciate the great year that hip-hop had. There was lots of incredible music that brought about more than a few memorable lines from all of our favorite characters. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and the rest of the usual suspects left us with some gems—but there were plenty of exciting newcomers who also showed up with some great quotables this year.

So with that in mind, we’ve racked our brains, going back through all our song-lyric tweets and all those Facebook status updates you've seen 1,000 times over to bring you all The 25 Best Rap Lines of 2011. From the most memorable to the most shocking and clever, this list is packed with all the best rhymes served up this year. Take a look inside as we break down our favorites...

Written by Julian Pereira (@Broadway_Jay) & Keenan Higgins (@HIGzILLMATIC).

25. "Nothing's been the same since Big Daddy Kane/Flows will get recycled, passed down to different names."

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Song: Ludacris "Badaboom"
Album: 1.21 Gigawatts: Back To The First Time
Label: Disturbing Tha Peace

As a veteran in the rap game, Luda is not easily impressed. He's seen rappers come and go; he's seen styles get popular and unpopular; and he's always been a remarkably unique artist. So when he caught flack for using the "hashtag flow" popularized by Drake and Big Sean—you know, "parade, Macys!"—he felt it was time to give the young fellas a history lesson.

On "Badaboom" Luda makes it understood that no idea is original. Everything is taken from or influenced by something else and no one—not even himself—can claim ownership of a style. The statement was one that needed to be made, and not for nothing, Luda also served notices that his pen game was still as sharp as ever.

24. "I'm riding with the top back, my bitch hair in the breeze/I don't know her nationality, she overseas/But she's got some green eyes and a sexy shape/And she's going to let Juicy J nut in her face."

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Song: Juicy J "Stoners Night"
Album: Rubba Band Business 2
Label: N/A

Juicy J has long been known for his own special brand of hood chivalry. There's no time wasted getting to know one another, no names exchanged or conversation of any kind, indeed even basic respect is extremely scarce—but there's lots of money and sexual attraction involved.

On “Stoner's Night,” Juicy is kind of enough to put us all up on game when he raps poetically about the understanding he likes to cultivate with his females. Would that work for you or I? In short, not even a little bit. Juicy J however, is very, very much about that life—and it's commendable.

23. "'You Hollywood'/Nah, nigga I'm Chicago/So I cracked his head with a motherfucking bottle."

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Song: Common "Raw"
Album: The Dreamer/The Believer
Label: Warner Bros./Think Common Music Inc.

A far cry from Common's Finding Forever claim of picking up chicks by saying, "I got my SAG card, baby I'm an actor," here we find Common conflicted of being real dude from Chicago's Southside, but also a politically conscious rapper and a successful Hollywood actor.

But don't ever take him for a cardboard-cutout of a man, or get it misconstrued by assuming it's impossible to be equal parts hard-nosed street kid, enlightened cultural griot, and rich thespian. On his latest album somebody makes the mistake of labeling him “Hollywood,” causing Com to revert back to his Chi-town roots and showing him there's more than one use for a glass bottle.

The line even more entertaining because you don't expect Common to kick that brand of violent rap. But then again, we didn't think Com was really gonna get at Drake either but there you go. 

22. "Drunk driving on a Wednesday, with three bitches in an MPV/Half-a-gallon of Georgi Porgi, and cranberry that's the P.O.P."

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Song: Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire "Huzzah"
Album: Lost In Translation
Label: Mishka

Mr. Muthafuckin Exquire is broke as fuck. Still, a few moderately hot women and a mix of cranberry and Georgi vodka are all he needs to get through a hectic weekday. Exquire made a splash this year by telling extremely raw and unfiltered tails of his no-frills lifestyle and unabashedly independent attitude.

This line is the best embodiment of all that Exquire represents; It's not flashy, classy, or trying to be cool in any way. It simply sounds awesome because it's all he knows—and how you feel about it doesn't matter in the least.

21. "Clothes get weirder/Money get longer."

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Song: A$AP Rocky "Wassup"
Album: Live.Love.A$AP
Label: N/A

At 23 years old, A$AP Rocky's still coming into his own. To let him tell it, he's always been an individual and free-thinker. One of the aspects of Rocky's personality that contributed to his success in 2011 was how different his apparel choices were from the other rapping Harlemites that we're used to.

It seems Rocky has figured out that the more you stray from the norm, the more interesting you become. So it was only natural that the young rapper coupled his skill with an unusual flair for fashion, thus making his pockets a whole lot fatter this year. In hindsight, the line is pretty much the ambitious hipster's manifesto.

20. "Prince Williams ain't do it right, if you ask me/If I was him, I would have Mary Kate and Ashley." (Kanye West)

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Song: The Throne "Niggas In Paris"
Album: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/Roc Nation

Whether Kanye intentionally referred to the Duke of Cambridge as “Prince Williams” just to be funny or whether he really doesn't know that William is the prince's first, not last, name is still up for debate. What's clear is that Kanye wouldn't hesitate to trade Kate Middleton for the Olson Twins.

Apparently, marrying into British royalty pales in comparison to being a famously-fashionable former child star in America, especially when considering the monarchy menage possibilities. The best part about the line? The Olsen twins actually love it—why wouldn't they?—and can be seen rapping along with Kanye while backstage at a Watch The Throne concert in one of his latest Voyr episodes.

19. "Ready to hit the studio and shit all on your mixtape/No, literally—shit all on your mixtape/Wipe with the credits, leave stains on the jewel case."

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Song: Danny Brown "Monopoly"
Album: XXX
Label: Fool's Gold

Danny Brown's ascension from relative obscurity last year was an impressive one. The rapper's no-holds-barred rapping style, addressing everything with brashness and honesty, resulted in one of the best albums of the year, XXX.

This line sums up the confidently aggressive spirit that makes Danny Brown so appealing. Deep down inside, he knows his talent is superior to many rappers who are better known than he is—and he's not moved, but his bowels sure are. Brown's defecation serves as a declaration that he can handle his business on the mic and wants every rapper in the game to know that in his book he's still No. 1, and they're No. 2.

18. "I be that pretty motherfucker/Harlem's what I'm repping."

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Song: ASAP Rocky "Peso"
Album: Live.Love.ASAP
Label: N/A

This line not only started off Rocky's Live.Love.A$AP mixtape track “Peso,” but ultimately it jumped off the whole A$AP craze. These were the first words many ever heard the MC utter, so this line was just him letting them know who he was and where he's from.

His style is Houston influenced, but the young rapper reps Harlem to the fullest. Nowadays, the self-proclaimed "pretty motherfucker" and his crew are sitting on a pretty big deal, a $3 million deal with Sony/RCA to be exact. We can't wait to see what his 2012 studio debut brings to the game.

17. "I wish I could give you this feeling/I'm planking on a million." (Jay-Z)

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Song: The Throne "Gotta Have It"
Album: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/Roc Nation

Upon first listen, this line sounds like the ultimate pompous-rich-guy boast. But it's the setup that raises the stakes to another level. As planking started to take off in 2011, Jay used the reference to connect to listeners in a humorous way, while also pointing out that, even by his own estimation, he's made it astonishingly far for a kid from Brooklyn's Marcy Projects.

But the fun doesn't stop there. By preceding the line with “I wish I could give you this feeling,” an echo of Kanye's hook on Common's gritty 2005 hit "The Corner," Jay gives the line an aspirational spin, like he's rooting for the next guy to do the same. Hey, if Jay can plank on a milli, maybe you can too. Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way.

16. "They say I run the streets, I tell them, 'No wonder/The cheapest thing I got on is my belt and it's $400.'"

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Song: 2 Chainz "Undastatement"
Album: T.R.U. Realigion
Label: Futuristic Swagg Entertainment

Boasting about what you have is nothing new to rap. Shit—flexing is what rap is built on. 2 Chainz (the artist formerly known as Tity Boi) is no different, but there's something about his delivery that makes you believe what he says just that much more (it's no wonder DJ Drama had to bring the line back three times on the mixtape). Maybe we're just so prone to going crazy in the club when we hear a Lex Luger beat, but when bumped at high volume this track really makes you feel like a boss. This line also gives us something to aspire to—affording $400 belts!

15. "Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist/Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn't say shit." (Lupe Fiasco)

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Song: Lupe Fiasco f/ Skylar Grey "Words I Never Said"
Album: Lasers
Label: 1st & 15th/Atlantic

Lupe had a lot to say in 2011. He told us he hated his own album, he called Lil B a genius, and he even called President Obama the biggest terrorist. Never one to bite his tongue, the rapper made sure his voice was heard in every possible forum regarding his dissatisfaction with American politics this year. The guy even made an appearance on Fox News's The O'Reilly Factor to voice his condemnation of President Barack Obama.

In this line, you see that Lupe's criticisms are not only aimed toward the left, but targets on both sides. By attacking popular political commentators Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, while also denouncing the president's lack of involvement in foreign affairs, the line perfectly encapsulated Lupe's frustrations with the poltical system. 

14. "I feel like lately, I went from top five to remaining five/My favorite rappers either lost it or they ain't alive."

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Song: Drake "Dreams Money Can Buy"
Album: N/A
Label: N/A

Behold, Drizzy Drake at his boldest. This line had everyone doing Google searches to find out who he could be referring to, with names like Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West—even his mentor Lil Wayne being thrown around. In our Dec 2011/Jan 2012 cover story, Drake said “It wasn't meant to be a shot at the five rappers that I love” but rather comes from a newfound sense of confidence. Two consecutive No. 1 albums and record sales in the millions over the last two years alone will do that to you.

13. "My mansion sittin' on 40 acres, who the neighbors?/Kobe Bryant from the Lakers, now that's paper." (Juicy J)

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Song: Wiz Khalifa f/ Juicy J "Erreeday"
Album: Cabin Fever
Label: Rostrum Records

Fly houses in the Hills of L.A. must be nice. For rappers like Juicy J, this reality is only a phone call away. That's just how it is when you're an Academy Award winning rapper. And props to Juciy who quitely made a huge comeback this year by hooking up with guys like Lex Luger and WIz Khalifa, getting on his mixtape grind, and belting out immortal phrases like this. We TRIPPY MANE! 

12. "I got the swag and it's pumping out my ovaries."

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Song: Kreayshawn "Gucci Gucci"
Album: N/A
Label: Columbia Records

Kreayshawn had some serious swag at the time she released “Gucci Gucci.” The song became a huge hit that catapulted the Oakland femcee to overnight stardom. One might assume that it was her thrift-store fashion aesthetic or her “I don't give a fuck” attitude that made her such a sensation.

But Kreayshawn lets us know her secret—in fact it was her ovaries pumping all that swag into your headphones. But seriously Kreay, you should probably have a doctor check that out. It doesn't seem healthy.

11. "The talk don't match the leather/The swag don't match the sweaters."

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Song: Pusha T "Don't Fuck With Me"
Album: N/A
Label: N/A

To hear Pusha tell it, this line never actually mentions Drake's name. But come on, we've seen this movie before. It's like when Push took shots at a "King" and rapper who called himself the best on the "Chevy Riding High (Remix)" but totally denined it being about T.I. and Lil Wayne.

Considering the fact that the beat is a Drake original and that his sweater steez has been in the media heavy of late, we're just gonna go ahead and say that the chances of his being aimed at Drake is pretty fucking likely. 

10. "I'll crash that fucking airplane that that faggot nigga B.o.B. was in/And stab Bruno Mars in his goddamn esophagus/And won't stop until the cops come in."

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Song: Tyler The Creator "Yonkers"
Album: Goblin
Label: XL

We all know Tyler's got a few screws loose. Actually, dude is so unhinged we have to wonder sometimes if there were any screws up there to begin with. Even so, this line took us by surprise because it came out of nowhere. While Bruno Mars took the high road and dismissed the shot, B.o.B. sent a line or two back at him.

You've got to give it to Tyler for this clever scheme. When one of pop music's most beloved artists responds to a newcomer to the game, and it garners said newcomer a little press, that's a power move—taken straight from the school of 50 Cent. By summer's end, Tyler was walking across the stage accepting his first VMA. Go figure. 

9. "One of my baddest women ever, I call her Rihanna.....but that's 'cause her name is Rihanna." (Drake)

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Song: Rick Ross f/ Drake "Made Men"
Album: Ashes To Ashes
Label: N/A

Alright Drake, we get it! You had a fling with one of the hottest chicks out right now. Do you constantly have to rub it in our faces? As if it wasn't enough to star in a sexy video with the good-girl-gone-pop-superstar; Drizzy never tires of talking about their rumored romance at Lucky Strike Lounge bowling alley.

8. "Had a couple seizures, call it minor setbacks." (Rick Ross)

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Song: Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross "Ima Boss (Remix)"
Album: N/A
Label: N/A

Back in mid-October, Rick Ross suffered a seizure and reportedly blacked out during a plane ride. After recovering from that one, he had another on his private jet—all occurring within hours of each other. Luckily Ross survived. A few weeks later, when MMG dropped the "I'ma Boss (Remix)" we all wondered if Ross would address the situation. He did and he handled like only a bawse could. We're just glad he can rap about it in jest now. We like it better when he's blacking out on the mic.

7. "Talking 'bout baby money/I got your baby money/Kidnap your bitch, get that 'How much you love your lady?' money." (Lil Wayne)

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Song: Lil Wayne f/ Jadakiss & Drake "It's Good"
Album: Tha Carter IV
Label: Cash Money/Universal Republic

Did Jay-Z take shots at Baby with his “baby money” line from “H.A.M.”? Probably. However, there's no confusion about who Weezy's referring to on this line—he even brought Beyoncé into the mix. Jay brushed it off as “sport”—just part of the rap game. Even though this beef remains on wax, and this verse is where it ends—for now—there's no telling what 2012 holds for this battle of the Carters.

6. "I'm just feeling like the throne is for the taking, watch me take it." (Drake)

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Song: DJ Khaled f/ Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne "I'm On One"
Album: We The Best Forever
Label: We The Best/Cash Money/Universal Motown

It's easy to assume that from here on out, any reference to a 'throne” in hip-hop will be seen as a shot at Jay-Z & Kanye West, who are currently keeping the seat warm. When Drake spit this verse on DJ Khaled's summer anthem, the not-so-subliminal shot was seen as him declaring his ambitions as a ridah.

5. "Fuck a blog dog, 'cause one day we gone meet." (Rick Ross)

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Song: Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross "Ima Boss"
Album: Self Made Vol. 1
Label: Maybach Music Group/Warner Music Group

What makes this such a dope line is that, quite frankly, we can all agree on it. How many Facebook bullies or Twitter thugs have you witnessed in the past 24 hours alone? Just take a look at the comment section on any YouTube video and you'll see what Rozay's referring to.

Even more ironic, however, are the ill subliminals Ross threw at Young Jeezy a while ago via Twitter, one saying “we finished #selfmade in a month..so if your tired of your album being pushed back…..come to @maybachmusicgrp haaa #realshit.” Ouch! 

4. "I'm like, 'Really? Half-a-billy, nigga? Really?/You got baby money/Keep it real with niggas/Niggas ain't got my lady's money." (Jay-Z)

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Song: The Throne "H.A.M."
Album: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/Roc Nation

Most average listeners heard Jay simply saying that his competition had "baby money," as in immature, little to none. But that's not what Team YMCMB heard in this line. CEO Birdman, a.k.a. “Baby”, took Hov's words as the ultimate offense, questioning the heaviness of his pockets.

While Jay has never confirmed or denied his intent behind the line, Young Money soldier Drake said it was ”silly” to claim that this wasn't an intentional diss. Considering how far the whole exchange has escalated—and how Birdman has actually embraced the term by claiming "We're going to keep spending this baby money"—we might have to side with Drizzy on this one.

3. "Hiiiiii Rihannna."

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Song: Royce Da 5'9" in BET's Shady 2.0 Cypher
Album: N/A
Label: BET

In a cypher with Yelawolf and Eminem, Royce Da 5'9" crafted what was easily the line of the night at the BET Hip-Hop Awards when he made a few subtle allusions to Ri-Ri and separated them by pausing his verse to say, “Hiiii Rihanna!” Within minutes, #HiiiRihanna became a trending topic on Twitter and eventually Ri Ri hit Royce on Twitter just to say hi herself.

The first Rihanna reference follows a warning that Royce is “do or die dope,” and that if you want to battle in the car, you do so at your own peril. The second follows a half-way-kidding joke, in which Royce fantasizes about spying on Ri Ri and Nicki Minaj.

On first listen, Royce's rapping style makes it hard to catch everything at once—and he uses that skill to make you laugh while subtly masking how calculated and controversial the line really is.

2. "Tupac back." (Rick Ross)

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Song: Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross "Tupac Back"
Album: Self Made Vol. 1
Label: Maybach Music Group/Warner Music Group

All it took were two words and a tribute to an iconic rapper to birth a hip-hop meme. Immortalizing deceased rappers in your songs—especially Pac—isn't anything new, but after Meek Mill and Ross dropped this track, it seemed like half the rap game had their own remix, diss track, or version of the “[Enter Deceased Celebrity Name Here] Back” craze.

Paired with a beat that followed Lex Luger's infectious production style, this one became a sure-shot win for Maybach Music and the ultimate nod of respect to one of the greatest ever lost in hip-hop.

1. "(Ball so hard) That shit cray, ain't it Jay?/What she order, fish filet?" (Kanye West)

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Song: The Throne "Niggas In Paris"
Album: Watch The Throne
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/Roc Nation

Don't even get us started on the fish filet reference—we already tackled that in our Rapper's Infatuation With Seafood list—just know that you'll never ever be able to order anything at McDonald's ever again without one of your obnoxious friends referencing this line. That would probably be reason enough to top this list, but alas there's more to it. 

Let's instead focus on the "cray" part. The term marked the birth of the most overused (both on and off stage) word in 2011: “cray.” What started out as a fun retort to a crazy story or someone being annoying became something to use in any sentence, for any reason, at any given time.

It also spawned the argument as to whether it was actually cray or Kray (see: the Kray twins). Either way, this word, and line overall, became the second-coming of “swag.” That shit cray, indeed.

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