10 Favorite Beats of the Last Decade (2000's)

*Sigh* I've been on a major hiatus since my last blog post, but I'm gonna make more of an effort to keep updating this blog because I have LOTS to say about hip hop and virtually no one to discuss it with... With that said, let's get into the first post of the year!

With the start of the new decade, I've been reflecting on music of the past. The last 10 years has brought us some great hip hop, and I have countless favorite joints. But my boy asked me this question a few days ago that has been burning my brain: What are your favorite 5 beats in the last 10 years? I was scratching my head for at least 15 minutes before I replied quietly with a "Man I don't know..." Since that moment I had been dwelling on favorite albums of the past, hoping to remember some beats that stood out the most to me. After careful research, I realized I didn't have just 5 favorites, so I had to expand to 10 with honorable mention. Before you ask "Well, wouldn't you get a top 5 outta that 10?" like the smart ass you are, the first 9 of those beats are all equally ranked. So here they are, enjoy!:

#10. Busta Rhymes - Shut Em Down 2000, Prod. by Pete Rock



#9. Blu - Amnesia, Prod. by Godlee Barnes



#8. Reflection Eternal - The Blast, Prod. by Hi Tek



#7. The Game - Westside Story, Prod. by Dr. Dre



#6. Ghostface Killah - Mighty Healthy, Prod. by Mathematics



#5. Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way, Prod. Chief Xcel



#4. Common - Nag Champa, Prod. by J Dilla



#3. Royce da 5'9 - Ding Ding!, Prod. by DJ Premier



#2. Common - Be, Prod. by Kanye West



#1. Jay Z - Heart of the City, Prod. by Kanye West




Honorable Mention:

Common - The Sun God (Prod. by Hi Tek)

Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Prod. by Just Blaze)

Eminem - Music Box (Prod. by Dr Dre)

Royce da 5'9, Common, Chino XL - Enough Beef (Prod. by DJ Premier)

J. Cole - Dollar and a Dream 2 (Prod. by J. Cole)

Lupe Fiasco - The Coolest (Prod. by Chris & Drop)

Mobb Deep - Throw Ya Hands (Prod. by Kanye West)

Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, & Jay Z - Welcome To New York City (Prod. by Just Blaze)

Shyne - Diamonds & Mac 10's (Prod. by Just Blaze)

Slum Village - Fall in Love (Prod. By J Dilla)