questlove's top hip hop songs
Earlier this month, ?uestlove wrote the introduction to Rolling Stone's latest attempt to canonize the 50 greatest hip-hop songs of all time. Now, the magazine has posted ?uesto's personal list of 50 undisputable hip-hop classics from 1979 to 1995. "I wanted to concentrate on the period that I was not professionally involved in the art form," ?uestlove notes. "I wanted to celebrate the period that built and led to the influence that got me a record deal."
Check out excerpts of what ?uesto had to say about numbers 45-50 after the jump! Here are ?uestlove's top hip-hop songs!
50. Son of Bazerk feat. No Self Control and the Band, "Change the Style" (1990)
"The most brilliant swan song ever created by Public Enemy's Bomb Squad production team. After this record, their patented 'everything but the kitchen sink' style of production was deemed financially impossible, and illegal. (So illegal I had to beg Chuck D to give me a copy after I lost my Son of Bazerk album.)"
49. Ice Cube, "Amerikkka's Most Wanted" (1990)
"Even though Cube has more iconic singles, the drummer in me selfishly chose this song simply because it has the best, most violently disturbing use of a hi-hat sample chop in hip-hop."
48. Boogie Down Productions, "Jimmy" (1988)
"The best example of a song from the crew that introduced dancehall reggae ideas into the mix."
47. A Tribe Called Quest, "Bonita Applebum" (1990)
"This is the song that truly birthed the idea of neo-soul. It was the coolest love song hip-hop has ever offered us."
46. Gang Starr and Nice & Smooth, "DWYCK" (1992)
"The most powerful B-side of all time in hip-hop. No sugary hooks. Rhymes and ammo."
45. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, "Summertime" (1991)
"I kinda have to say, this single was the best pop hit Eric B. and Rakim never got to record."
Check the full list on RollingStone.com!
