Meek Mill and Rick Ross made 9-to-5ers feel like the H.N.I.C. with last year’s inescapable, “Ima Boss”. Fuck a blog dog, Jahlil Beats’ triumphant horns were responsible for nearly every party in 2011. Operating like a hip-hop Stockton and Malone, Meek creates a perfect assist for his mentor, “Got so many shades they thought I had a lazy eye” before closing the track with a game-winning third verse. Who took a loss? Not MMG. Previously: #10 Wale x Miguel “Lotus Flower […]

Just in case anyone forgot Eminem and Royce Da’ 5’9″ could rap, “Fast Lane” was a great reminder. Released under their Bad Meets Evil banner, “Fast Lane” is a Stan’s wet dream. Over an aggressive soundbed, Em and Nickle bob and weave through pockets of syllables and complexities. By the end of the closing bell, their sparring match is best summed up by Royce’s line: “Me and Shady deaded the past, so that basically resurrected my cash flow“. Jackpot!

The story goes that Trey Songz was originally rapping on the chorus. Thankfully, the powers that be deaded that. Held down by Balla Et Ses Balladins’ tribal sample, Cole creates an irresistible hit with more bounce than an ounce. But it’s not all fun and games, Lightskinned Jermaine still handles his business with smart similes like, “I’m from the ‘Ville where they bang for the money/ And carry 4-5’s like change for a 20.” Good God, that hit the spot!