The greatest hip-hop songs of all time who voted
We polled 108 critics from 15 countries across six continents to find out the best hip-hop song – here are their ballots in full (Warning: Some of the song titles in this list contain language some readers may find offensive)
We approached hundreds of hip-hop and music experts – critics, industry figures, artists, academics – and 108 from 15 countries across six continents responded by filling in an online poll in August and September 2019. Each critic voted for five songs, ranking them from one (favourite) to five (5th favourite). There were more than 280 different songs nominated, a testament to the breadth and depth of the genre, and how the term ‘greatest’ can be interpreted in various ways.
We awarded 10 points for first ranked track, eight points for second ranked track, and so on down to two points for fifth place. The song with the most points won. We split ties by the total number of votes: songs with more votes ranked higher. Any ties remaining after this were split by first place votes, followed by second place votes and so on: songs with more critics placing them at higher up the lists up ranked higher.
More on BBC Music’s greatest hip-hop songs of all time:
The 25 greatest hip-hop songs of all time
What critics had to say about the top 10
Why Juicy is number one (not available in UK)
Trends and surprises in the poll (not available in UK)
Why are there so few women in hip-hop polls? (not available in UK)
Playlist of the top 25 songs (Spotify)
Joseph Abajian, Fat Beats (US)
1. Terminator X To The Edge of Panic, Public Enemy (1998)
2. 4th Chamber, Gza ft. Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest, RZA (1995)
3. Peter Piper, Run DMC (1986)
4. Play That Beat Mr DJ, GLOBE & Whiz Kid (2001)
5. Time’s Up, O Cee (1994)
Biba Adams, Critic (US)
1. Players, Slum Village (1997)
2. Self Destruction, Stop The Violence Movement (1989)
3. Push It, Salt-N-Pepa (1986)
4. Ambitionz Az A Ridah, 2Pac (1996)
5. Big Pimpin', JAY-Z feat. UGK (1999)
Dart Adams, Critic (US)
1. Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979)
2. Sucker MCs, Run DMC (1984)
3. Lyrics Of Fury, Eric B & Rakim (1988)
4. Rebel Without A Pause, Public Enemy (1988)
5. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
Insanul Ahmed, Genius (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
3. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
4. In Da Club, 50 Cent (2003)
5. m.A.A.d. City, Kendrick Lamar (2012)
Joey Akan, Critic (Nigeria)
1. In Da Club, 50 Cent (2003)
2. Lose Yourself, Eminem (2002)
3. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
4. Jesus Walks, Kanye West, (2004)
5. Fuck Tha Police, NWA (1988)
Antonio 'Rolo' Alarcon, Critic (US)
1. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
2. Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979)
3. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
4. Lose Yourself, Eminem (2002)
5. Insane In The Brain, Cypress Hill (1993)
Ivie Ani, Critic (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
3. Ready Or Not, The Fugees (1996)
4. DMX, Party Up (1999)
5. Monster, Kanye West (2010)
Andrew Barber, Fake Shore Drive (US)
1. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
2. Hard Knock Life, JAY-Z (1998)
3. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
4. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
5. I Get Around, 2Pac (1993)
Fionn Birr, Critic (Germany)
1. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
2. Hip Hop, Mos Def (1999)
3. California Love, 2Pac ft. Dr Dre (1996)
4. Blood On The Leaves, Kanye West (2013)
5. HYFR, Drake ft. Lil Wayne (2011)
Davide Bortot, Critic (Germany)
1. We Got It For Cheap (Intro), Clipse (2006)
2. Fuck You, The LOX (2000)
3. Can't Tell Me Nothing, Kanye West (2007)
4. Ojuelegba (Remix), Wizkid ft Drake & Skepta (2015)
5. March Madness, Future (2015)
Julian Brimmers, Critic (Germany)
1. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
2. Rosa Parks, OutKast (1998)
3. Get Ur Freak On, Missy Elliott (2001)
4. Grindin’, Clipse (2002)
5. Dipset Anthem, Diplomats ft. Juelz Santana & Cam’ron (2003)
Harley Brown, Critic (US)
1. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
2. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
3. Fuck Tha Police, NWA (1988)
4. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
5. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
Lawrence Burney, Critic (US)
1. I Love The Dough, The Notorious B.I.G. ft. JAY-Z & Angela Winbush (1997)
2. We Can Get Gangsta, Project Pat (2001)
3. What About Me, Lil Boosie (2007)
4. Boyz-n-the-Hood, Eazy-E (1988)
5. Fuck Tha World, Lil Wayne (1999)
J. Zoe Camp, Bandcamp (US)
1. B.O.B., OutKast (2000)
2. Stan, Eminem ft. Dido (2000)
3. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube (1992)
4. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
5. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
Paul Cantor, Critic (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
3. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
4. Love Yourz, J Cole (2014)
5. Paid In Full (Seven Minutes Of Madness – The Coldcut Remix), Eric B And Rakim (1987)
Rodney Carmichael, NPR (US)
1. As The Rhyme Goes On, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
2. Liberation, OutKast (1998)
3. God Lives Through, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
4. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos, Public Enemy (1988)
5. Mind Playing Tricks On Me, Geto Boys (1991)
Nick Catchdubs, Producer and DJ (US)
1. Nutmeg, Ghostface Killah (2000)
2. B.O.B., OutKast (2000)
3. Grindin’, Clipse (2002)
4. Work It, Missy Elliot (2002)
5. Rebel Without A Pause, Public Enemy (1988)
D.L. Chandler, HipHopWired (US)
1. Mural, Lupe Fiasco (2015)
2. How We Roll, Canibus (1998)
3. Get The Bozack, EPMD (1989)
4. Hovi Baby, JAY-Z (2002)
5. Mortal Man, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Jeff Chang, Author (US)
1. Double Trouble At The Amphitheatre, Double Trouble (1983)
2. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos, Public Enemy (1998)
3. I Am I Be, De La Soul (1993)
4. Get By, Talib Kweli (2002)
5. Alright, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Georgette Cline, XXL (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Changes, 2Pac ft. Talent (1998)
3. Ready Or Not, The Fugees (1996)
4. Quiet Storm (Remix ft. Lil Kim), Mobb Deep (1999)
5. Mona Lisa, Slick Rick (1988)
Andy Cohn, The FADER (US)
1. Walk This Way, Run DMC (1986)
2. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
3. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
4. Straight Outta Compton, NWA (1988)
5. Changes, 2Pac ft. Talent (1998)
Onyx Collective, Artist (US)
1. Triumph, Wu-Tang Clan (1997)
2. The What, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
3. Put It On, Big L (1995)
4. Can I Live, JAY-Z (1996)
5. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
Common, Artist (US)
1. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
2. Scenario, A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
3. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
4. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
5. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill (1998)
Dave 'Davey D' Cook, DJ (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
3. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
4. Have a Nice Day, Roxanne Shante (1989)
5. Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan (1992)
Philip Cosores, Uproxx (US)
1. m.A.A.d. city, Kendrick Lamar (2012)
2. Ultralight Beam, Kanye West (2016)
3. Hahahaha jk?, Das Racist
4. 1 Train, ASAP Rocky
5. Da Mystery Of Chessboxin', Wu-Tang Clan
Taylor Crumpton, Critic (US)
1. International Players Anthem, UGK ft. OutKast (2007)
2. Marcy Me, JAY-Z (2017)
3. Learned from Texas, BIG K.R.I.T (2019)
4. I Wonder, Kanye West (2007)
5. Realer, Megan Thee Stallion (2019)
Cam Curran, Styles Upon Styles Records (US)
1. Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan (1992)
2. The Bridge Is Over, BDP (1987)
3. Fuck Tha Police, NWA (1998)
4. A Milli, Lil Wayne (2008)
5. Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’), Dr Dre ft Snoop Doggy Dogg (1993)
Ross Devlin, Critic (US)
1. California Love, 2Pac ft. Dr Dre (1996)
2. Dirt Off Your Shoulder, JAY-Z (2003)
3. Alright, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
4. Can I Kick It, A Tribe Called Quest (1990)
5. Jesus Walks, Kanye West (2004)
Stephen Dowling, BBC Music (UK)
1. Guess Who's Back, Rakim (1997)
2. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
3. Still D.R.E., Dr Dre feat. Snoop Dogg (1999)
4. Puppet Master, Dr Dre feat. B-Real (1997)
5. Concrete Schoolyard, Jurassic 5 (1998)
Damola Durosomo, OkayAfrica (US)
1. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
2. Electric Relaxation, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
3. Real, Lupe Fiasco (2006)
4. SpottieOttieDopaliscious, Outkast (1998)
5. Party Life, JAY-Z (2007)
Hiroshi Egaitsu, Critic (Japan)
1. Planet Rock, Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force (1982)
2. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
3. Hip Hop, Dead Prez (2000)
4. Jesus Walks, Kanye West (2004)
5. Shinjitsu No Dangan, King Giddra (1995)
Brother Ernie, Photographer (US)
1. Nature of the Threat, Ras Kass (1996)
2. New World Water, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) (1999)
3. Dr Aden, BOB (2011)
4. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah (1993)
5. O.P.P., Naughty By Nature (1991)
Julio César Escovar, Producer (Colombia)
1. Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979)
2. Walk This Way, Run DMC (1986)
3. You Got Me, The Roots ft. Erykah Badu (1999)
4. My Name Is, Eminem (1999)
5. Gold Digger, Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx (2005)
Laurent Fintoni, Critic (US)
1. Hip Hop, Dead Prez (2000)
2. Je Danse Le Mia, IAM (1994)
3. Aceyalone, Mic Check (1995)
4. Tried by 12, East Flatbush Project (1996)
5. Elevators (Me & You), OutKast (1996)
Larry Fitzmaurice, The FADER (US)
1. Party Up (Up In Here), DMX (1999)
2. Da Rockwilder, Method Man and Redman (1999)
3. Livin' It Up, Ja Rule ft. Case (2001)
4. I Luv U, Dizzee Rascal (2003)
5. Gucci Gucci, Kreayshawn (2011)
Brendan Frederick, Genius (US)
1. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
2. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
3. Elevators (Me & You), OutKast (1996)
4. La Di Da Di, Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew (1985)
5. Where I'm From, JAY-Z (1997)
Simon Frantz, BBC Music (US)
1. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
2. Planet Rock, Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force (1982)
3. Paid In Full, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
4. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
5. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah (1993)
Sasha Frere-Jones, Critic (US)
1. Sucker MCs, Run DMC (1984)
2. Rosa Parks, OutKast (1998)
3. Mask Off, Future (2017)
4. Where I'm From, JAY-Z (1997)
5. Warning, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
Nick Fulton, Critic (New Zealand)
1. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
2. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill (1998)
3. Jesus Walks, Kanye West, (2004)
4. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
5. Grindin’, Clipse (2002)
Viola Funk, Critic (Germany)
1. Runaway, Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
2. I Heard, Young Fathers (2013)
3. Swimming Pools (Drank), Kendrick Lamar (2012)
4. Goosebumps, Travis Scott ft. Kendrick Lamar (2016)
5. God's Plan, Drake (2018)
Polla Garmiany, Critic (Germany/Kurdistan)
1. Brenda's Got A Baby, 2Pac (1991)
2. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah (1993)
3. The Story Of OJ, JAY-Z (2017)
4. Ms Jackson, OutKast (2000)
5. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube (1992)
Dan Green, Clockwork Music (US)
1. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
2. Life's A Bitch, Nas ft A.Z. (1994)
3. Mass Appeal, Gang Starr (1994)
4. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
5. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
Zack O'Malley Greenburg, Forbes (US)
1. Straight Outta Compton (Extended Mix), NWA (1989)
2. One Mic, Nas (2001)
3. Monster, Kanye West (2010)
4. Hypnotize, The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
5. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
Rob Harvilla, The Ringer (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
3. Work It, Missy Elliot (2002)
4. Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta Fuck Wit, Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
5. Throw Some D's, Rich Boy (2007)
Helen Herimbi, Critic (South Africa)
1. Umoya, Skwatta Kamp (2003)
2. Soweto, ProKid (2005)
3. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah (1993)
4. Sim Dope, AKA (2014)
5. Regrets, JAY-Z (1996)
Hrishikesh Hirway, Song Exploder (US)
1. B.O.B., OutKast (2000)
2. Alright, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
3. No Church in the Wild, JAY-Z & Kanye West (2011)
4. Respiration, Black Star ft. Common (1998)
5. Bring Da Ruckus, Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
Ethan Holben, BBC Music (US)
1. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
2. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
3. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
4. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
5. Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe, Kendrick Lamar (2012)
Charles Holmes, Rolling Stone (US)
1. Runaway, Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
2. Flava, Rich Gang (2014)
3. Rosa Parks, OutKast (1998)
4. La La La, Lil Wayne (2007)
5. Heart Of The City (Ain’t No Love), JAY-Z (2001)
Leslie Horn, Noisey/Vice (US)
1. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
2. Electric Relaxation, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
3. SpottieOttieDopaliscious, Outkast (1998)
4. Party Life, JAY-Z (2007)
5. Real, Lupe Fiasco (2006)
Vivian Host, Radio Personality and Critic (US)
1. Sideways, E-40 feat B-Legit & Mac Shon (1995)
2. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
3. Get Money, Junior M.A.F.I.A. ft. The Notorious B.I.G. (1995)
4. Straight Outta Compton, NWA (1988)
5. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
Kathy Iandoli, Critic (US)
1. D’Evils, JAY-Z (1996)
2. Lost Ones, Lauryn Hill (1998)
3. Queen Bitch, Lil’ Kim (1996)
4. Quiet Storm (Remix), Mobb Deep ft. Lil’ Kim (1999)
5. Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 2), OutKast (1998)
Antoinette Isama, OkayAfrica (US)
1. If I Ruled The World (Imagine That), Nas ft. Lauryn Hill (1996)
2. Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check, Busta Rhymes (1996)
3. Electric Relaxation, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
4. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Missy Elliott (1997)
5. Elevators (Me & You), OutKast (1996)
Reed Jackson, Critic (US)
1. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
2. Slippin', DMX (1998)
3. Love Is…, Common (2005)
4. Keep It On The Real, 3X Krazy (1997)
5. Clear Blue Skies, Juggaknots (1996)
Nadia Jae, BBC Radio 1Xtra
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Hit ’Em Up, 2Pac (1996)
3. Just A Moment, Nas ft. Quan (2005)
4. Hold You Down, Alchemist ft. Nina Sky, Prodigy, Illa Ghee (2004)
5. Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby), Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz (1998)
J'na Jefferson, Critic (US)
1. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
2. I’ll Be Missing You, Puff Daddy ft. Faith Evans and 112 (1997)
3. International Players Anthem, UGK ft. OutKast (2007)
4. Stan, Eminem ft. Dido (2000)
5. Jesus Walks, Kanye West, (2004)
Brian Josephs, Critic (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
3. Jesus Walks, Kanye West, (2004)
4. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
5. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
Bhanuj Kappal, Critic (India)
1. Fuck Tha Police, NWA (1988)
2. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
3. Bring Da Ruckus, Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
4. I've Seen Footage, Death Grips (2012)
5. Alright, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Mayuyuka Kaunda, Critic (South Africa)
1. Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park), Nas (1994)
2. God's Eye, Stogie T (2018)
3. Mo(u)rning, Akua Naru (2012)
4. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
5. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
William E. Ketchum III, Vibe (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
3. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
4. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
5. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
Sowmya Krishnamurthy, Critic (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
3. Hard Knock Life, JAY-Z (1998)
4. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
5. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
Kish Lal, Critic (US)
1. All Of The Lights, Kanye West ft. Rihanna, Kid Cudi (2011)
2. Day 'N' Nite, Kid Cudi (2008)
3. Country Grammar, Nelly (2000)
4. Bodak Yellow, Cardi B (2017)
5. Get Ur Freak On, Missy Elliott (2001)
Kevin Le Gendre, Critic (UK)
1. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
2. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
3. Paid In Full, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
4. Award Tour, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
5. Witness (1 Hope), Roots Manuva (2001)
Yi-Ling Liu, Critic (China)
1. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill (1998)
2. Humble, Kendrick Lamar (2017)
3. Self Control, Frank Ocean (2016)
4. I Like That, Janelle Monae (2018)
5. Lost In The World, Kanye West ft. Bon Iver (2010)
David Ma, Critic (US)
1. I Am I Be, De La Soul (1993)
2. Above The Clouds, Gang Starr ft. Inspectah Deck (1998)
3. The What, The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Method Man (1994)
4. Excursions, A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
5. Looking At The Front Door, Main Source (1990)
Alejandro Marin, Radio Personality (Colombia)
1. Paid In Full, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
2. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
3. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
4. Ms Jackson, OutKast (2000)
5. All Falls Down, Kanye West ft. Syleena Johnson (2004)
Michelle McDevitt, Audible Treats (US)
1. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
2. International Players Anthem, UGK ft. OutKast (2007)
3. Paper Planes, M.I.A. (2008)
4. I Got 5 On It, Luniz (1995)
5. It Was A Good Day (B-Side Remix version), Ice Cube (1994)
Drew Millard, The Outline (US)
1. Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan (1992)
2. Murder, UGK (1996)
3. I Got 5 On It, Luniz (1995)
4. Feelin’ Myself, Mac Dre (2004)
5. Beat Bop, Rammellzee & K Rob (1983)
Judy Miller, Motormouth Media (US)
1. White Lines, Grandmaster Melle Mel (1983)
2. Rapper’s Delight, Sugarhill Gang (1979)
3. Paid In Full, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
4. Baby Got Back, Sir Mix-A-Lot (1992)
5. The Breaks, Kurtis Blow (1980)
Sabelo Mkhabela, Critic (South Africa)
1. How To Rap About Africa, Black Vulcanite (2016)
2. Takkies, YoungstaCPT (2016)
3. Sub City, Stogie T (2016)
4. Gossip, Lil Wayne (2007)
5. Ngqangqa, Kanyi (2017)
Tseliso Monaheng, Critic (South Africa)
1. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah (1993)
2. So Many Tears, 2Pac (1995)
3. I Gave You Power, Nas (1996)
4. Triumph, Wu-Tang Clan (1997)
5. Witness (1 Hope), Roots Manuva (2001)
Jacob Moore, Pigeons and Planes (US)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Electric Relaxation, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
3. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls Of Mischief (1993)
4. Rosa Parks, OutKast (1998)
5. All Caps, Madvillain (2004)
Andrei Nikitin, Editor (Russian Federation)
1. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
2. N.Y. State Of Mind, Nas (1994)
3. Still D.R.E., Dr Dre ft. Snoop Dogg (1999)
4. Lose Yourself, Eminem (2002)
5. DNA, Kendrick Lamar (2017)
Andrew Nosnitsky, Critic (US)
1. Top Billin’, Audio Two (1987)
2. Freaky Tales, Too $hort (1987)
3. Codeine Crazy, Future (2014)
4. It’s All About The Benjamins (Remix), Puff Daddy ft. The Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim, & The LOX (1997)
5. Scotty, D4L (2005)
Simone Paget, Toronto Sun (Canada)
1. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
2. Flava In Ya Ear (Remix), Craig Mack (1994)
3. Act Too (Love of My Life), The Roots (1999)
4. Life's A Bitch, Nas ft A.Z. (1994)
5. Lost Ones, Lauryn Hill (1998)
Nate Patrin, Critic (US)
1. Follow The Leader, Eric B & Rakim (1988)
2. The World Is Yours, Nas (1994)
3. America's Most Blunted, Madvillain (2004)
4. Alright, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
5. Get Ur Freak On, Missy Elliott (2001)
Kevin Powell, Author (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
3. Lost Ones, Lauryn Hill (1998)
4. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
5. Lose Yourself, Eminem (2002)
Sekese Rasephei, Critic (South Africa)
1. Exhibit C, Jay Electronica (2009)
2. Jonylah Forever, Lupe Fiasco (2013)
3. Da Art Of Storytellin’, OutKast (1999)
4. Slow It Down, Little Brother (2005)
5. It's Your World (Part 1 &2), Common (2005)
Slick Rick, Artist (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. Warm It Up Kane, Big Daddy Kane (1989)
3. Know The Ledge, Eric B & Rakim (1992)
4. Triumph, Wu-Tang Clan (1997)
5. Pass That Dutch, Missy Elliot (2003)
Grant Rindner, Critic (US)
1. Mind Playing Tricks On Me, Geto Boys (1991)
2. Lucifer, JAY-Z (2003)
3. PRIDE, Kendrick Lamar (2017)
4. Sock It 2 Me, Missy Elliott ft. Da Brat (1997)
5. Ms Jackson, OutKast (2000)
Al Rocco, Artist (China)
1. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
2. Changes, 2Pac ft. Talent (1998)
3. Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta Fuck Wit, Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
4. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
5. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
Dan Runcie, Trapital (US)
1. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube (1992)
2. All Of The Lights, Kanye West ft. Rhianna, Kid Cudi (2010)
3. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill (1998)
4. International Players Anthem, UGK ft. OutKast (2007)
5. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
Tresa Sanders, TreMedia (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. Ain't No N*gga, JAY-Z ft. Foxy Brown (1996)
3. Children's Story, Slick Rick (1999)
4. A Milli, Lil Wayne (2008)
5. The Message, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982)
Dimas Sanfiorenzo, OkayPlayer (US)
1. Moment Of Truth, Gang Starr (1998)
2. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
3. Bout It Bout It, Master P (1996)
4. Black Ice, Goodie Mob ft. OutKast (1998)
5. Bible On The Dash, Gunplay (2012)
Justin Sarachik, Rapzilla (US)
1. Lose Yourself, Eminem (2002)
2. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
3. Old Town Road (Remix), Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus (2019)
4. Renegade, JAY-Z ft. Eminem (2001)
5. I Used To Love H.E.R., Common (1994)
Jordan Sargent, SPIN (US)
1. Bling Bling, B.G. (1999)
2. Country Grammar, Nelly (2000)
3. Still Tippin’, Mike Jones (2004)
4. Sippin On Some Syrup, Three 6 Mafia ft. UGK (2000)
5. Who Dat, J.T. Money ft. Solé (1999)
Zachary Schwartz, Critic (US)
1. Never Change, JAY-Z (2001)
2. Exhibit C, Jay Electronica (2009)
3. Runaway, Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
4. A Milli, Lil Wayne (2008)
5. Mona Lisa, Slick Rick (1989)
Joseph Sciorra, Professor (US)
1. They Want EFX, Das EFX (1992)
2. Black Cop, KRS-One (1993)
3. Atrevido, Orishas (2000)
4. Fight Da Faida, Frankie HI-NRG MC
5. L'Americano, Akhenaton (1995)
Camille Storm, Critic (Kenya)
1. Kick, Push, Lupe Fiasco (2006)
2. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
3. Bonita Applebum, A Tribe Called Quest (1990)
4. If I Ruled The World (Imagine That), Nas ft. Lauryn Hill (1996)
5. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill (1998)
Mike Sunda, Critic (Japan)
1. Wot Do U Call It?, Wiley (2004)
2. Fuck Tha Police, NWA (1988)
3. Runaway, Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
4. B.O.B., OutKast (2000)
5. Nice For What, Drake (2018)
Toddla T, BBC Radio 1 (UK)
1. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
2. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
3. C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
4. Oh Yeah, Foxy Brown (2001)
5. Electric Relaxation, A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
Ma’an Abu Taleb, Critic (UK)
1. Blood On The Leaves, Kanye West (2013)
2. Codeine Crazy, Future (2014)
3. Trap Beldi, Issam (2018)
4. Grief, Earl Sweatshirt (2015)
5. Mtaktak, Shabjdeed & Al Nather (2019)
Sharine Taylor, Critic (Canada)
1. The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Missy Elliott (1997)
2. Cannon, Lil Wayne (2006)
3. Ready Or Not, The Fugees (1996)
4. Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop), Erykah Badu ft. Common (2002)
5. Rock Wit U, Joe ft. G-Unit (2003)
Ralf Theil, Critic (Germany)
1. Don't Sweat The Technique, Eric B & Rakim (1992)
2. Excursions, A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
3. The Blacker The Berry, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
4. One Day, UGK (1996)
5. Root Down, Beastie Boys (1994)
Vikki Tobak, Author (US)
1. Aiiight Chill, Gang Starr (1994)
2. Life's A Bitch, Nas ft A.Z. (1994)
3. Rebel Without A Pause, Public Enemy (1988)
4. Bastard, Tyler, The Creator (2009)
5. Look At Me!, XXXTENTACION (2015)
Gabriel Tolliver, Critic (US)
1. Rebel Without A Pause, Public Enemy (1988)
2. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
3. 93 ’Til Infinity, Souls of Mischief (1993)
4. So What’cha Want, Beastie Boys (1992)
5. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
Pete Tosiello, Critic (US)
1. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.), Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth (1992)
2. Last Dayz, Onyx (1995)
3. Can't Knock The Hustle, JAY-Z (1996)
4. Swangin' and Bangin', E.S.G. (1993)
5. B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), Killah Priest (1995)
Allyson Toy, Critic (US)
1. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
2. Backseat Freestyle, Kendrick Lamar (2012)
3. OVERSEAS, Bohan Phoenix (2018)
4. I Get Around, 2Pac (1993)
5. No Diggity, Blackstreet ft. Dr Dre and Queen Pen (1996)
Ruby V, Radio Host (Kenya)
1. Hit ’Em Up, 2Pac (1996)
2. 22 Two's, Jay Z (1996)
3. Work It, Missy Elliott (2002)
4. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
5. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube (1992)
Johann Voigt, Critic (Germany)
1. That's Not Me, Skepta ft. Jme (2014)
2. The Black God, SpaceGhostPurrp (2012)
3. Hard In Da Paint, Waka Flocka Flame (2009)
4. Kyoto, Yung Lean (2013)
5. Love Sosa, Chief Keef (2012)
Jan Wehn, Critic (Germany)
1. I Really Mean It, The Diplomats (2003)
2. All Of The Lights, Kanye West ft. Rhianna, Kid Cudi (2010)
3. Worst Behavior, Drake (2013)
4. Tha Crossroads, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1996)
5. Still Fly, Big Tymers (2002)
Jeff Weiss, Passion of the Weiss (US)
1. Passin’ Me By, The Pharcyde (1992)
2. Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang, Dr Dre ft. Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)
3. Verbal Intercourse, Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah and Nas (1995)
4. Beat Bop, Rammellzee & K Rob (1983)
5. Wipe Me Down (Remix), Foxx, Lil Boosie, Webbie (2006)
Eamon Whalen, Critic (US)
1. One Love, Nas (1994)
2. Ain't No Thang, Outkast (1994)
3. Cartoons & Cereal, Kendrick Lamar, ft. Gunplay (2012)
4. Sky's The Limit, The Notorious B.I.G ft. 112 (1997)
5. Pacifier, Young Thug (2015)
Ernest Wilkins, Office Hours (US)
1. Fight The Power, Public Enemy (1989)
2. Paid In Full, Eric B & Rakim (1987)
3. Hypnotize, The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
4. Who Am I (What’s My Name)?, Snoop Dogg (1993)
5. Can’t Tell Me Nothing, Kanye West (2007)
Andrew Winistorfer, Vinyl Me Please (US)
1. Grindin’, Clipse (2002)
2. Cherchez La Ghost, Ghostface Killah ft. Madam Majestic & U-God (2000)
3. Runaway, Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
4. Ha, Juvenile (2008)
5. Turn On The Lights, Future (2012)
Fabian Wolff, Critic (Germany)
1. Things Done Changed, The Notorious BIG (1994)
2. Ghetto Manifesto, The Coup (2001)
3. Vicious Rap, Tanya "Sweet Tee" Winley (1980)
4. I Used To Love Him, Lauryn Hill ft. Mary J Blige (1998)
5. Love Again (Akinyele Back), Run The Jewels ft. Gangsta Boo (2014)
Kirsten Zemke, Academic (New Zealand)
1. Lose Control, Missy Elliot ft. Ciara and Fatman Scoop (2005)
2. Super Bass, Nicki Minaj (2011)
3. Bodak Yellow, Cardi B (2017)
4. Ready Or Not, The Fugees (1996)
5. Shoop, Salt-N-Pepa (1993)
Brian "Z" Zisook, DJ Booth (US)
1. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube (1992)
2. Shook Ones (Part II), Mobb Deep (1995)
3. Juicy, The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
4. Dear Mama, 2Pac (1995)
5. One Mic, Nas (2001)
More on BBC Music’s greatest hip-hop songs of all time:
The 25 greatest hip-hop songs of all time
What critics had to say about the top 10
Why Juicy is number one (not available in UK)
Trends and surprises in the poll (not available in UK)
Why are there so few women in hip-hop polls? (not available in UK)
Playlist of the top 25 songs (Spotify)
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