Dead Prez – Hip-Hop (2000)
The dirtiest of the 2000s rap songs on this list, Dead Prez go hard and real in this recognizable, special-sounding track that won’t ever sound dated. Strong messages throughout and a chorus perfect for parties makes the track listenable in all possible situations which is why this underground-sounding track received achieved such popularity. The track attacks the music industry and also tries to snap the listener out of its grip. Did it accomplish its goal with you?
50 Cent – Many Men (Wish Death) (2003)
50 Cent was so huge in the last decade that this list could’ve been made exclusively out of his songs. 21 Questions, Wanksta, and P.I.M.P. are some of the most relevant 2000s rap songs, yet Many Men just has them beat by a small margin due to its importance to the artist as it tells the story of 50’s shooting. The iconic beat and the personal story that still manages to be relatable to a lot of people is what cements Many Men as one of the most iconic tracks of the 2000s.
Jay Z – 99 Problems (2004)
The hardest and the best Jay Z track by far, due to its old school vibe and the black and white video some might think that it’s an older track, but it was released as a part of 2004’s The Black Album. Rick Rubin produces the gritty, powerful, unique beat, and Jay Z raps with an intent that isn’t seen from him in recent years. 99 Problems quickly became one of the classic tracks, not just best 2000s rap songs, and rightfully so.
Ludacris ft. Mystikal & I-20 – Move Bitch (2002)
For a couple of years, dirty south rap sub-genre was on a level with the more classic, mainstream rap style and while Get Low would be another great shout to represent the style, Move Bitch had a larger cultural influence. Also, Ludacris deserves recognition as he is truly one of the most underrated rappers of the decade seeing how he proved himself in his own style, but also in the more general ways.
Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind (2009)
If a track becomes the unofficial anthem of one the biggest, most significant cities in the world, it surely is one of the best 2000s rap songs as well. The instrumental can be listened on its own and on repeat while Jay Z does really well to represent the concrete jungle of New York. Alicia Keys elevated the track with her powerfull elegant voice like no R&B singer did to any other rap track cementing its place on this list.
What do you think about these iconic 2000s rap songs? It was hard boiling it down to just 10 tracks, feel free to try better in the comments bellow.
