Rap Radar

It’s easy to see why Jay-Z and Kanye West performed this so many damn times. Fueled by Hit-Boy’s nimble synths and occasional drums, “Niggas In Paris” became a universal hit for soccer moms and straphangers alike. Not to mention, rappers like T.I., and Busta Rhymes got in on the fun as well. What more can we say, it got the people going.

Previously: #5 Tyler, The Creator “Yonkers” | #4 Lil Lody “Rollin” | #3 Jahlil Beats “Ima Boss” | #2 Just Blaze “Lord Knows“

Every once in awhile, a respected elder in the rap game has to come down and slap fire out you young assholes. Make no mistake, C Breezy’s comback triumph would’ve knocked without Trevor Smith but Bussa-Bus steals the show here and takes this hit to a whole ‘nother level. Wack MCs beware! No one rhymes crisper, faster, while still being intricate and clever. You could dislocate your larynx tryin to create his captivating breath control. This potent performance got Busta plenty awards and a new record deal. Google that, bitch!

It’s tough to judge this guy because he’s actually my friend but thankfully the hip-hop nation agrees—Justin Smith is one bad muthafucka behind the boards. And the man who helped build the soundtrack to the Rocafella dynasty proved that he’s still destined for more greatness in 2011. The hardest moment on Drake’s Take Care comes courtesy of him as he turns an obscure gospel sample (sung over by a live choir) into a musical masterpiece. MCs would kill to spit over such audio crack and have done so without an official instrumental release. Make no mistake, Just Blaze is still dope. And he’ll remain that forever.

DJ Khaled patiently waited to work with Aubrey Graham and when he finally got his chance, Drake blessed him. His killer hook here set the tone for the summer and his Take Care comeback. And don’t sleep on the verse. “What’s up with these new niggas? And why they think it all comes so easy?”. He playfully jabbed at his fellow young MCs over his buddies T-Minus and 40′s filtered funk. Should Drizzy have kept this hit for himself? Fuck it. You can’t front on the end result. Get ‘em up!

How this wasn’t the lead single release off Self Made, we’ll never know? But what we do know is Meek Mill and Jahlil Beats are a good combination. This is audio adrenaline anchored with a cannon-like boom. Fuck keepin them instrumentals to yourself. This beat got Jah a deal with Roc Nation and he shared it with the world. Still with everyone from Childish Gambino to Tha Dogg Pound trying to grab a piece of the shine, none have touched the original. Right MC. Right producer. Right time. Magic.

Time and time again, Eminem proves why he’s one of the best to ever clutch a microphone. On Yelawolf’s “Throw It Up”, he anchors the track with clever couplets, witty limericks, and an undying penchant for fast food ,“I’m a rapper/ Then I wrap her/ In the head/ With a Whopper, that I bought from BK/ You expect me to be proper?” Nope. Have it your way, Marshall.

For the last year and a half, Lil Lody has been one of the most coveted producers in the game. So for Gunplay’s boom bap, Lody’s rapid drum patterns and cockbacks provide the perfect backdrop for the rapper’s choppy flow. Hell, even MMG nemesis, Young Jeezy couldn’t deny it. Picture us rollin.

Game’s no stranger to sharing the spotlight. So for his track, “Martians vs. Goblins” off The R.E.D. Album, he showcases Tyler, The Creator’s baritone front and center. Within the first couple bars, he wittily jabs Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, and Tyler Perry. But when it comes to down to it, Tyler’s rhymes ain’t no joke: “This nigga Game got Wolf Haley for this feature/ My team is running shit like we have full cleat Adidas/ Getting chased by the polices on a full bred Cheetah.” Run nigga run!

When The Creator finished concocting this track he titled it “Yonkers” because it sounded to him like his version of what vintage 90s New York rap sounds like. Yes the kick drums snap like Da Beatminerz, the looming baseline is dark and deadly, and, of course, Tyler had to thrust some chunky chords on top for good measure. Notorious for refusing to officially release his instrumentals, the OF leader couldn’t stop MCs like Styles from adding their 16s. Hey it’s his hometown, buddy. He gets a pass.

Fabolous is featured twice on Young Jeezy’s mixtape, The Real Is Back. But it only took one verse for him to separate himself from the rest of the pack. On “Rollin”, Fab puts a spin on Gunplay’s track with a mean 16 and funky breakdown: “That logo on my cap/ Say NY, that’s my trap/Shout out to my hood/ Too real to fake that/ A B-K-nigga-I-was-brought-up-on-take that!”  Yep, that’s the Brooklyn way.