The Best Hip Hop Music of 2007
A look at the best hip hop music of 2007, including tracks from Jay-Z, Kanye West, and 50 Cent.
Best Hip Hop Albums of 2007
2007 was an amazing year for hip hop music. There were so many great albums released that it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. But, we’ve gone ahead and done it anyway. Here are our picks for the best hip hop albums of 2007.
Lupe Fiasco- Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor is one of the best hip hop albums of 2007. It features a variety of different styles, from the conscious rap of “The Cool” to the club banger “Kick, Push” to the beautiful love song “Daydreamin’.” Lupe is a master storyteller, and his lyrics are insightful and thought-provoking. The beats are top-notch, and the production is flawless. If you’re looking for an album that will make you think, dance, and sing along, look no further than Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor.
Jay-Z- American Gangster
American Gangster is the tenth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z. It was released on November 6, 2007, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. The album was recorded as a concept album—inspired by the 2007 film American Gangster. It features production from Diddy, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Adam “Kid Cudi” Wescott, and Tyrone “Ty-Fy” Shelby, among others. Guest appearances include Beanie Sigel, Lil Wayne, Nas and Nas’ cousin Scarface.
Nas- Hip Hop Is Dead
Nas’ tenth studio album, Hip Hop Is Dead, was released in December 2006 on Def Jam Recordings. The title track caused controversy among many hip hop fans due to its claims that the art form was declining in popularity. However, the album was generally well-received by music critics and is often considered one of Nas’ best works. It features guest appearances from Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and Lil Wayne, among others.
Best Hip Hop Songs of 2007
2007 was an amazing year for hip hop music. Some of the best songs of all time were released in this year. If you’re a fan of hip hop, then you definitely need to check out these songs. Here are the best hip hop songs of 2007.
Lupe Fiasco- “Kick, Push”
“Kick, Push” is the second single from American rapper Lupe Fiasco’s debut album Food & Liquor. The song features ahook and production from UNKLE, and tells the story of a young skateboarder’s relationship. Upon its release, “Kick, Push” received acclaim from music critics, who praised the production and lyricism. The single peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the United States. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The song’s concept was inspired by Fiasco’s own experience with skateboarding. He wanted to tell a “true story” about two lovers who were also skateboarders. Fiasco has said that he does not skateboard himself, but he wanted to represent the skating culture accurately in his music. The song features layered instrumentation and vibrant soundscapes that have been likened to hip hop producer J Dilla’s signature style.
Fiasco had originally recorded “Kick, Push” for his shelved first album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1, but decided to include it on his major label debut after realizing that it would be a good lead single. Along with its positive reception from music critics, “Kick, Push” gained popularity among underground hip hop fans after being posted on various blogs and social media websites. In October 2011, Complex magazine included the song in their list of the 50 best songs of the decade (2000–2009), ranking it at number 47.
Jay-Z- “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..”
“Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)” is a song by American rapper Jay-Z, from his tenth studio album American Gangster (2007). The song was written by Dwayne Carter, Curtis Mayfield, and Steven Tyler, and produced by Carter and The Neptunes. The song features a sample of “Give Me Your Love” (1973) by Curtis Mayfield. “Roc Boys” was released to radio on October 30, 2007 as the third single from American Gangster. The song peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Nas- “Can’t Forget About You”
Nas’ “Can’t Forget About You” is one of the best hip hop songs of 2007. The song features a catchy hook and verses from Nas that are both introspective and reflective. The beat is haunting and atmospheric, and the overall effect is a song that is both memorable and moving.
Best Hip Hop Music Videos of 2007
2007 was a great year for hip hop music. There were a lot of great music videos that came out that year. In this article, we will be discussing the best hip hop music videos of 2007.
Lupe Fiasco- “Kick, Push”
Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick, Push” is one of the best hip hop music videos of 2007. The video tells the story of a young boy who falls in love with skateboarding, and features some amazing skateboarding footage.
Jay-Z- “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..”
Directed by Anthony Mandler, “Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)” is a luxurious music video that sees Jay-Z and his Warner Brothers Records labelmates living it up in Harlem’s Lenox Lounge on Malcolm X Boulevard. The track is taken from Jay-Z’s tenth studio album American Gangster and was co-produced by Diddy and The Neptunes. The visual feast of a music video features a bevy of gorgeous women, including models Selita Ebanks, Dioni Tabbers, and Rose Cordero, as well as actress Poppy Montgomery.
Nas- “Can’t Forget About You”
Nas’ video for “Can’t Forget About You” is a love letter to his hometown of Queensbridge, New York. The video features Nas walking around the neighborhood, rapping in front of iconic landmarks, and simply enjoying life in the city. The video is a great representation of Nas’ love for his hometown, and it also showcases the beauty of Queensbridge.
