Rap & Hip-Hop Throwback 10 Piece Song Playlist for Gen-Z

Rap & Hip-Hop from it's beginnings in Boogie-Down Bronx have not only enchanted the entire nation from where it started, but now stands today as a global phenomenon. Found just about anywhere in the world and in every different language; the genre of music that is Rap & Hip-Hop has taken on many forms. 

In an effort to bridge the gap and ensure that today's generation as well as those to come still have access to great music; Bust-Down has compiled a list of 10 great songs from the 1990's & Early 2000's that still go as hard today as they did before.

Some of these artists are still around and recognizable with just a little touch of age. While some of these artists are no longer active for one reason or the next. However every artist on this list generated some quality music and blessed the world with it so it shall live on forever.

Either active, retired or sadly passed on; these artists and the hard-hitting songs songs they created still make enough noise to knock off amount of dust that they have accumulated in time.

A bigtime Bust-Down salute to the top 10 songs from back in the gap. A ten-track addition for your playlist to impress your friends and parents alike 

Now without further adieu, Bust-Down proudly presents:

"The Top 10 Throwback Tracks Ten-Piece For Gen-Z" 
*Bust-Down Your Playlist*

1. F**k Tha World by Lil Wayne From Album: Tha Block is Hot, 1999

Many today recognize Lil Wayne as the revolutionary Louisiana rap superstar that has introduced many great talents to the masses, as well as influenced countless artists in their writing and delivery styles, but how well do you recognize this Lil Wayne? 

From his 1999 solo-debut album, the 16 year old Lil Wayne had already proved to the game his age was no factor in his ability to create legendary music. F**k Tha World showcases Wayne's extraordinary ability to construct a song of amazing written ability while also delivering lyrics with depth far beyond what you may expect from the youngest member of The Hot Boys.

Now 25 years from his Cash Money Records release, Wayne still surprises with his artistic excellence and originality, F**k Tha World from album Tha Block is Hot is a song that can be eternally appreciated by long-time Wayne fans or new listeners all the same.

Jay-Z, from the time of his debut album Reasonable Doubt on Roc-A-Fella Records was the quintessential trendsetter in rhyming patterns and original style. How did he keep so many from outright copying his methods? Well, in his words "That's why I switch styles every two lines" from 22 Two's off of Reasonable Doubt. Just as he told you how he would do it; he executed his approach in a chess-like fashion all while offering a disclaimer leaving no excuses for competition to latch on to. From his first release it was evident that he truly was the emcee to write the blueprint.

Now in this breakthrough album that proves to play more like a greatest hits: season one, Jay-Z's fourth single released on Reasonable Doubt was Feelin' It featuring Mecca. When Jay-Z heard the beat produced by Ski for another artist Jay-Z replied "I want that record. I don't care what you do, I want that record." and he proceeded to apply his verses over this most melodic track.

Not unlike Michael Jordan's reaction to the Air Jordan XI and Tinker Hatfield's request for discretion until the release that Jordan completely disregarded and unveiled to the world anyway, Artist Jay-Z knew right away the potential for this beat and the magic he could create from that foundation. Also, just as Jordan cemented the XI sneaker's versatility, Jay-Z did the exact same leaving no parties involved with any regret.

Now, Reasonable Doubt Track Feelin' It will remain a timeless recording and coveted by listeners. As well as sampled by artists to come for it's tremendous quality checking off all boxes of a prototypic piece of art.

   

Late 2001, an era rich in artists from regions previously underrepresented in Rap & Hip-Hop, emerged a group with an organic ability to stand out amongst the crowd. That group was Nappy Roots. Advanced lyricism, soulful sounds, collective cypher chemistry of group members... From Kentucky? That's right, fam. Blowing any expectations so far out of the water they land in the middle of the desert, this group creates a standstill in Rap & Hip-Hop while everyone was forced to take a minute to either appreciate the skill of the group, or even just enjoy the amazing gift that was this new sound from Nappy Roots--the group where every member characterized such an independent talent that they could all be solo artists should they have chosen.

Awnaw, the first single released by Nappy Roots and produced by James "Groove" Chambers, was an erupting volcano of musical appeal. Second single from the album, Po' Folks featuring Anthony Hamilton is often a favorite due to it's incredibly honest appeal and feel good manifestation, however in stellar fashion Nappy Roots releases Awnaw as their introduction contribution and effortlessly setting the tone for their individual batch of brilliance. Not to mention that of (2) popular remixes from this song one featuring Jazze Pha and Marcos Curiel from P.O.D. implemented a guitar solo priming it to be featured on Madden 2003

Today and 20+ years following this songs release, Nappy Roots might not have maintained the same commercial success as others, their enlightening array of musical mastering on Awnaw can be appreciated now as much as then, possibly even more considering how much work it took in the days before social media exposure to be recognized as a group not from a larger market.  

4. Thug Passion by 2Pac Featuring Dramacydal lka Outlawz, Jewell & Storm From Album: All Eyez on Me, 1996

2Pac the rapper, you know him. 2Pac the actor, you're familiar with him too. 2Pac the activist and outspoken fighter against social injustices - yes to all three? But did you know 2Pac the Mixologist? That's right, Fam - Thug Passion is not just the title of a great song, it's also a drink!

Alright, new drink: one part Alizé, one part Cristal
Thug's passion, baby, y'all know what time it is. 2Pac infamously speaks in a slurred speech at the start of this song only further accented by a slight chuckle as he laughs at himself, setting the stage for a song just as fun as it is ferocious.

After 2Pac's classic and comedic intro to this song comes Kastro, member of then Dramacydal later to take the permanent group name Outlawz, with a verse so serious complemented by slick production of Johnny J that this track symbolizes a lyrical lead-off home run. Following this verse comes a gloriously sung chorus by "The First Lady of Death Row," the lovely and late Jewell, over a sample of 1986 Zapp featuring Shirley Murdock and Charlie Wilson single Computer Love, proving that this song was just as potent as the ingredients of the drink that inspired it.

On deck and next to slam this song into the stratosphere is Napoleon, New Jersey native and member of The Outlawz, with an epic 8 bars of wordplay wizardry letting the rest of the world see in them what 2Pac did when he carefully selected each member of this young and exceptional group with remarkable talent.

Prior to a hard eight by Storm comes a solid collaboration flow of E.D.I Mean and the late Yaki Kadafi with some hard-hitting jabs to this track packed with bars and a debonair dedication to the beverage. Thug Passion continues to be completed by a swiftly sobered 2Pac, setting all jokes to the side and presenting a performance with perfect pronunciation, polishing off an already unforgetting track that the whole team showed up and showed out for.

Thug Passion may be sometimes overlooked in an ocean of classic songs from the final album to be released by 2Pac before his untimely death, All Eyez on Me. But this song embodies all of the great ability and grand personality traits of 2Pac and his team. Featuring many of the same group members of the very well know track Hit 'Em Up, the vibe from Thug Passion listeners will find to be a perfect alternative when looking for a feel good and still skillfully crafted song to be selected for a variety of playlists that pop. Not limited to drinking songs, because as 2Pac from the intro makes furpectfully clead: he ain't tryin' to turn ya'll into alcohols... alcoholics. Musical Greatness Grand-Slam. Forever etched in time.

Of the almost never-ending list packed with powerhouse picks in exemplary Southern Rap & Hip-Hop, Two Rap Super-Duos create a chemistry unmatched by almost any to predate or follow than U.G.K. of Port Arthur, Texas & Outkast of Atlanta, Georgia. Four very unique personalities, sounding significantly apart from each other, these two groups produce such a perfect harmony that you would think that they were creating music together from day one.

International Players Anthem (I Choose You) is not only VIP offering in Southern Rap, but also a good time to be shared by all from the playful yet still prolific concept that this song is set around. 

The song is kicked off by the multifaceted musician Andre 3000 delivering a monumental declaration on monogamy over the electrifying sound of a DJ Paul & Juicy J beat and soulful sample of Willie Hutch from The Mack, essentially personifying a Star-Studded Southern Rap assortment that couldn't have been better had it been engineered in a laboratory.

Up next bringing a charismatic contrast to Andre's profession of love to his sweetheart; comes the forever honored and never forgotten Pimp C doing what he never failed to do. Which is captivate listeners by contributing his raw delivery in conjunction with slick wordplay and bulletproof bravado. Satisfying fans and welcoming every new listener to the elements that create an image of Pimp C to be half-rapper and half-superhero.

Bun B is next to follow with Big Boi closing it out and both surpassing the grandest of expectations by spitting verses indicative of the fact that no matter how much recognition they receive, it will never be enough to truly honor the brilliance between the lines. 

International Players Anthem (I Choose You) was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, nominated for Best Video and won Best Collaboration at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards, named number 10 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007 along with many other mentions of honorable achievement. Still ultimately shrouded in sadness as this would be the same year that the world, Rap Game and Country Rap Tunes would lose the Godfather Pimp C. Leaving behind a game that he had blessed and changed forever with his presence. Long live the Pimp.

Hip-Hop Heads are well acquainted with this astounding release by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. However, the title track S.D.E. that stands out in time has somewhat less of a talking point and well-know to newcomers of the genre. But make no mistake - This song is perfect for any playlist. With the epic Notorious B.I.G. sample "Cause the streets is a short stop / Either you slinging crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot" from Biggie Small's song Things Done Changed off of album Ready to Die. 

Cam talks hoop dreams and street realities. Discussing seemingly bad decisions made regarding an athletic path, but in a graceful fashion given the door to a career playing ball closing allowed for another to open, making an entrance to the rap game. A decision or destiny that Cam's many fans are grateful for. 
From Cam's storytelling in S.D.E. taking him from the blacktop in Harlem to the jailhouse in Texas, to rap game stardom and beyond, this track remains suitable for any mood and providing an honest perspective helping listeners reflect on their own decisions with poise and possibility.

 

Nelly busted down the doors of the game with a fun-loving and upbeat, semi-pop style in the late 90's/early 2000's. But track Luven Me resembles no other song from this album and essentially unlike any made after. Unique as it is heartfelt, in Luven Me Nelly expresses his sincere gratitude to all parties involved in his success and his strongest support system standouts to dedicate his accomplishments through a song, creating an everlasting tribute. 

With soulful expression and a strong beat, producer City Spud samples One Way featuring Al Hudson song Don’t Stop (Ever Loving Me) giving Nelly the expertly designated stage for giving thanks where they are most deserved. 

First and foremost Nelly is talking to his mom through the first verse and expresses his confessions of all of his mistakes to give even more gravity in painting the picture of the sacrifices she made for him. Luven Me is a great song all around, but the brutally honest dialogue with his mom and in his appreciation solidify this song as a classic.

The second verse for his girl is and executed with greatness. Showing authentic display he speaks to everyone in this song earnest and honestly, in a way that he would otherwise be speaking to the individual directly in conversation making the song as a whole profound and passionate. 

The third verse is the select and substantiative demonstration to all the bro's and the second-to-none style to close this track out on. Attempting to fit each and every homie deserved in the verse, Nelly fires off names in a roll-call like fashion. Including producer City Spud in the list of names, this third and final verse rounds off Luven Me and the entire Country Grammar album to a whole. An amazing song by Nelly and one that all generations now and going forward should appreciate for the importance of always giving credit to the ones who lift you up.   

8. Ghetto Qu’ran (Forgive Me) by 50 Cent From Album: Guess Who's Back, 2002

50 Cent was breaking ground in his efforts to achieve rap game recognition several years prior to his Shady/Aftermath contract and discovery by multi-platinum artist Eminem. From Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent had a few features and nods from established and respected artists. Most notably the song React by fellow Queens natives and legendary hip-hop group Onyx. 

Ghetto Qu’ran (Forgive Me) was released on 50 Cent's 2002 mixtape Guess Who's Back. However, it was originally slated for his debut studio album Power of the Dollar that was never released as a result of his infamous shooting leaving him injured and Columbia Records dropping him completely from the label. A blunder they most certainly still regret to this day. 

Ghetto Qu’ran (Forgive Me) is a first-hand account from artist 50 Cent recounting circumstances and figures that he watched and saw occur from adolescence. The song has brought on a wide variety of different opinions and criticism, but all around the honesty and genuine memoir-autobiographical perspective of a low-key and relaxed vibe makes for a favorable installment to the album, or mixtape at large. People can say what they want about Ghetto Qu’ran (Forgive Me), but when the dust settles - it was 50's song written from 50's story. And truly a track that should be experienced to hear the sound 50 created before records like Candy Shop. Please note that is no shade whatsoever - only suggestion for anyone wanting to hear a variety of different sounding releases in the timeline of 50's music career.

While the video for If I Could Teach the World adds an extra element of force by running the instrumental of Thug Luv featuring 2pac as the intro and close also an apocalyptic theme with the group at war throughout; the song stands alone as of of Bone Thugs many incredible releases. On paper one could draw that conclusion from the RIAA certified gold status from singles sold of the song, but the unique vibe from Bone Thugs that are exhibited in this uplifting while still thuggish-ruggish track, make it absolutely obvious what Eazy-E saw in this group of harmonizing rappers-singing group out of Cleveland, Ohio.