Top 10 Jay-Z Songs

Our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list looks at one of the greatest hip-hop artists. When you think of hip-hop artists, Jay-Z is one of the first people you think of. Greatest rappers’ lists get compiled often, and his name appears on them. Jay-Z has excelled in the rap game since he debuted in the music industry. He has a talent for creating top-grade lyrics and production value. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t know a Jay-Z song. Jay-Z’s iconic songs reach fans of all genres of music. He sold over 140 million records throughout his career, making him one of the best-selling artists. There aren’t too many rappers with record sales like these.

Rappers come and go in the music industry, but Jay-Z maintained staying power. Who else delivers classics such as “Empire State of Mind,” “’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Excuse Me Miss,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” “Show Me What You Got,” “Run This Town,” and countless others? Jay-Z has successful songs on his own as well as with other artists. He worked with Beyonce, Kanye West, Rihanna, Linkin Park, Babyface, Foxy Brown, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, Mya, Scarface, Missy Elliott, Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Drake, Future and others.

Jay-Z joined the billionaire club through his business ventures, making him the first hip-hop artist to achieve this feat. He’s the wealthiest musician in music. Jay-Z owns several businesses. His accolades and accomplishments are limitless. He has the Midas Touch. His music and businesses keep the rapper very wealthy.

Shawn Corey Carter was born on December 4, 1969. He wrote lyrics at a young age. Jay-Z listened to his parents’ albums, which inspired his love of music. Jay-Z uses excerpts from various genres for his music. His fast-rapping technique developed during his early years as a rapper. Jay-Z created his stage name after his mentor, Jaz-O. He started his career appearing in Jaz-O’s songs. In the early 1990s, he had epic rap battles with LL Cool J. He gained attention when he appeared in Big Daddy Kane’s song “Show and Prove.” Jay-Z was his hype man in the 90s. When he didn’t get a record deal with a major label, he created the independent label Roc-A-Fella Records. In June 1996, he released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. It includes the singles “Dead Presidents,” “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” and “Feelin’ It.” This album achieved critical and commercial success. Fresh off the success of his debut album, he released In My Life, Vol. 1. The album dropped in November 1997. It includes the hit singles “(Always Be My) Sunshine,” “The City Is Mine,” and “Wishing on a Star.”

The hits didn’t stop coming for the legend. Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life premiered in September 1998. This album scored big hits. The album includes the singles “Can I Get A…,” “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” and “If I Should Die.” Jay-Z proved he knew how to make hits. Vol. 3…Life and Times of S. Carter dropped in December 1999. It includes the singles “Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up),” “Anything,” and “Big Pimpin’.” In October 2000, he released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. This album features the songs “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me),” “Change the Game,” and “Guilty Until Proven Innocent.” The Blueprint premiered in September 2001. This album spawned the tracks “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Song Cry.” The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse dropped the following year. This album contains the songs “’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Hovi Baby,” and “Excuse Me Miss.”

The Black Album hit the shelves in November 2003. It features the songs “Change Clothes,” “Dirt off Your Shoulder,” and “99 Problems.” Three years later, he released Kingdom Come. The album includes the singles “Show Me What You Got,” “Lost One,” “30 Something,” and “Hollywood.” The Blueprint 3 dropped in September 2009. This album features the singles “Run This Town,” “Empire State of Mind,” “On to the Next One,” “Young Forever,” and “A Star is Born.” Magna Carta Holy Grail premiered in July 2013. The singles “Holy Grail,” “Tom Ford,” and “Part II (On the Run)” appear on the album. 4:44 hit the shelves in June 2017. It includes the singles “4:44,” “Bam,” and “Family Feud.” He released compilation albums throughout his career.

Jay-Z songs are masterpieces. Narrowing it down to 10 songs was challenging when he had various songs to pick. Anything from his catalog works for the list. It includes songs you may or may not expect to see. We picked songs that showcase Jay-Z’s different sides. Our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list shows why he’s one of the greatest rappers in music.

# 10 – Why I Love You ft. Kanye West and Mr. Hudson

The 10th song on our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list is “Why I Love You.” It appears on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s compilation album, Watch the Throne. The single dropped in September 2011. It deals with love and betrayal. He questions why he loves someone in his life when they betrayed him. Why do people turn against him when he’s loyal? Jay-Z and Kanye West express being betrayed by people they considered their brothers. They consider themselves leaders and teach others how to get the job done. Despite their efforts, people are disloyal. Jay-Z and Kanye West are loyal and supportive but get mistreated.

“Why I Love You” isn’t what you think. It’s about betrayal among friends. Jay-Z and Kanye West discuss getting betrayed. They looked out for people, but they got burned. This subject happens often. People understand how it feels to get hurt by people who claim to love you. We give them credit for writing a subject most people understand. The honest lyrics hit home when you get betrayed by people you love.“Why I Love You” is universal because the lyrics can apply to family and lovers. Jay-Z proves why he’s one of the greatest rappers. He sounds passionate as he tells his story. Jay-Z went through this pain, and you hear it through his rhymes. He slows down his rhymes, allowing listeners to focus on the subject. Kanye West’s role in the song is minimal but memorable. He shines through his production. Kanye West’s production in this song is remarkable. He fuses rock and hip-hop music effortlessly. We picked this track because the subject resonates with listeners. It features an infectious chorus that stays in your head.

# 9 – (Always Be My) Sunshine ft. Babyface and Foxy Brown

“(Always Be My) Sunshine” takes the ninth spot on our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list. It appears on the album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. The single premiered in October 1997. It’s about love and devotion. He expresses his undying love for the woman in his life. They support each other unconditionally. Their love story overcame obstacles. Through thick and thin, she remains by his side.

This song reminds listeners about cherishing memories. It creates the idea that the right person brings happiness into your life. The heartfelt lyrics paint a picture of love withstanding the test of time. These lyrics talk about romance. Jay-Z explores a different avenue with this song. His previous songs focused on hustling. We applaud Jay-Z for showing his romantic side instead of his hustler side. It’s a track for the ladies. The song celebrates falling for someone. Jay-Z and Foxy Brown worked together in the past, so it’s no surprise they worked well together again. Jay-Z and Babyface are an unlikely team. They don’t run in the same circles musically, but they made it work. Babyface’s smooth vocals blend well with Jay-Z’s charismatic rhymes. If the chorus sounds familiar, it samples Alexander O’Neal’s song, “Sunshine.” The sample works for the song. He used a perfect song to support the track. We chose this song because listeners see Jay-Z’s romantic side. Listeners get a chance to hear Jay-Z and Babyface on the same track.

# 8 – 4:44 ft. Hannah Williams and Kim Burrell

“4:44” occupies the eighth spot on our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list. This song appears on the album of the same name. “4:44” premiered in July 2017. The dramatic song is an apology to his wife and children for committing adultery. He regrets cheating on his wife and fears his children’s judgment. Jay-Z opens the song by apologizing for his past mistakes. He reveals he cheated in the past. The rapper admits it took the birth of his child to see things through a woman’s eyes. His first child made him realize the pain he caused his family. He changed when his twins were born. His love for his wife still existed. Kim Burrell takes on the role of his wife. She responds to Jay-Z’s confessions.

This song is a response to Beyonce’s Lemonade album. The track explores infidelity and how it affects families. Beyonce’s fans know she wrote a concept album about her troublesome marriage. Jay-Z decided he wanted to respond to her album. He recorded this single for her. The legendary rapper puts all his cards on the table. He confesses to his betrayal. Jay-Z reveals private moments that occurred in his marriage. This song gives listeners an inside look into the lives of one of the most private couples in music. He gets the chance to show his vulnerable side. We admire Jay-Z for admitting his mistakes. People rarely admit to infidelity. He proved that he’s human and makes mistakes. We appreciate him taking responsibility for his actions. It’s a testament to his strength that he wants to right the wrongs he made. His poetic lyrics resonate with listeners who understand what he’s talking about. Everyone needs a song like this, especially if they are dealing with infidelity. We need it because it lets you know what happens when you betray someone you love. The haunting music complements the verses. Jay-Z takes his time telling the emotional story. This track means more when you suffer painful betrayal.

# 7 – 99 Problems

The seventh song on our list is “99 Problems.” It’s a hit single from The Black Album. This song debuted in April 2004. Jay-Z talks about racial profiling. He discusses systemic racism that occurs today. Jay-Z has several problems. He paints a picture of the injustices African Americans face. The rapper describes how the police pulled him over because of the color of his skin. Police officers drew their guns on him and searched him based on his skin color.

The social song talks about police brutality against African Americans. This moving message remains relevant years later. Racial profiling is a problem African Americans continue to face. Jay-Z puts the spotlight on a serious topic. He wants people to work together to make society equal. Jay-Z’s lyrics inspire listeners to fight for a better future. The catchy music has an old-school vibe. Legendary producer Rick Rubin’s production shines on this track. He mixed rap and rock music, which pleased fans of the genres. It’s reminiscent of classic hip-hop music. The energetic beat invites you to the dance floor. “99 Problems” is more than just a single for radio airplay. It’s something that affects minorities across the nation. The powerful track touches your soul, even if you aren’t the target audience. It teaches everyone to work for a better future. Jay-Z is at the top of his game lyrically. His signature speed-racing rhyming skills sparkle like diamonds. We give him a standing ovation for bringing a personal situation to light.

# 6 – Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” appears on the album Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life. The hit song premiered in October 1998. It’s about growing up in poverty. It talks about the hardships people faced living in the ghetto. People wanted equal treatment but didn’t get it. He talks about his struggles in the ghetto. Jay-Z’s resilience helped him survive his “hard knock life.” Despite living a hard life, it’s vital to work hard to make it.

The poignant single speaks about struggling to grow up in poverty. Jay-Z doesn’t sugarcoat what happens in the ghetto. He’s honest about the hardships people face. The rapper gives an inside look at things people did to survive in an urban area. Jay-Z’s realistic portrayal brings social awareness to light. Jay-Z had people talking when this hit the airwaves. Hip-hop artists talk about urban life often because the subject is essential and needs attention. We appreciate Jay-Z for talking about this subject. People need to know what’s going on in the world. Overlooking the situation is a grave injustice. Jay-Z shocked listeners by including the theme of Annie in his song. He slows down the pacing of his rhyming so everyone hears the message. This single received a Grammy nomination. It’s a classic song that fans remember today. The message still resonates with fans. This track deserves attention, even if you don’t live in an urban area.

# 5 – I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) ft. Pharrell Williams

We reached the halfway point of our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list. “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)” appears on the Dynasty: Roc La Familia album. The single hit the shelves in October 2000. This track is about a man who desires to love someone. He is a hustler who has money and power. His lifestyle enables him to give his girlfriend the life she wants. He wants to make the rules in their relationship. Jay-Z wants things his way, but she wants a ring. He isn’t ready for marriage even though he loves her.

People couldn’t sit still when this song premiered. The club-banger contains a sample of Rick James’ hit song “Give It to Me Baby.” It also features a sample of Carl Thomas’ song, “I Wish.” There’s no mistaking this is a Neptunes’ track once you hear it. The guitar and drums are synonymous with the Neptunes’ style. They think outside the box, which helps them creatively. This track helped introduce the world to Pharrell Williams. Pharrell Williams’ vocals and production skills helped create the classic chorus. It helped propel Jay-Z into mainstream status. This song still gets played on radio stations years later. It gets the party started when you feel like dancing.

# 4 – Excuse Me Miss ft. Pharrell Williams

“Excuse Me Miss” appears on the album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse. The single dropped in February 2003. It is about love at first sight. He wants to charm her. Women throw themselves at him, but he’s not interested in them. Jay-Z wants a woman who stands out from the rest. The hitmaker yearns to get to know her better.

“Excuse Me Miss” showcases Jay-Z’s charm towards women. He longs for the woman he wants to notice him. His storytelling skills shine like a diamond. He creates vivid pictures of a man trying to pursue the woman of his dreams. “Excuse Me Miss” shows Jay-Z’s smooth side. The legendary rapper took a different approach to the song. He wants a genuine relationship instead of feeling used by groupies. We want the same thing. People crave deep relationships and not casual flings. The song features samples of Prince’s “Walk Don’t Walk,” Luther Vandross’ “Take You Out,” and the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa.” These samples create an infectious beat. It inspires people to dance. The bouncy beat remains a crowd-pleaser decades later. Jay-Z re-teamed with the Neptunes for this song. They proved lightning strikes twice. This classic never gets old.

# 3 – Dirt off Your Shoulder

The third song on our list is “Dirt off Your Shoulder.” Jay-Z recorded it for The Black Album. The sizzling single premiered in March 2004. It’s about success and perseverance. He tells listeners to brush off haters and anything standing in their way. Jay-Z talks about his achievements and how he rose from the bottom to the top. Brushing dirt off his shoulder is a symbol of his resilience. He wants listeners to do the same. Getting rid of negativity is the key to living a successful life.

“Dirt off Your Shoulder” is a celebratory song about achieving success and overcoming obstacles. It teaches listeners that success is possible if you stay focused. Never let negativity stand in the way of your goals. We love the encouraging message of letting go of negativity. This message resonates with anyone needing a boost of confidence. It’s an uplifting song that inspires you not to give up on your dreams. With everything going on in the world, this message remains relevant. The bouncy beat has Timbaland written all over it. Timbaland produces tracks that get the party started. The platinum-selling song stays in your head long after you hear it. We chose this song for its positive message towards life. Jay-Z’s rhymes also make the song what it is today.

# 2 – ’03 Bonnie & Clyde ft. Beyonce

The second song on our list is “’03 Bonnie & Clyde.” They recorded the song for the album Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse. It debuted in October 2002. This track is about a couple whose relationship shares similarities to Bonnie and Clyde. The couple pledged their loyalty and commitment to each other. Jay-Z and Beyonce would do anything for each other. They unite when things get rough. He realizes her dedication to their relationship. She trusts him with her life. Beyonce pledges her loyalty to him.

“’03 Bonnie & Clyde” is a modern-day version of the notorious criminals of the same name. The writers get an “A+” for creativity for this single. People don’t record songs based on criminals every day. The track allowed them to do what they do best. Jay-Z and Beyonce create magic when they collaborate on music. His fiery verses blend well with her silky vocals. They gave each other room to shine. Jay-Z and Beyonce’s relationship fascinated fans. The track allowed listeners the opportunity to hear them work on the same song. It features a sexy Latin and hip-hop beat. It’s perfect for working out and dancing. The sound caters to the artists’ voices beautifully.

# 1 – Empire State of Mind ft. Alicia Keys

“Empire State of Mind” is the number one song on our Top 10 Jay-Z Songs list. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys recorded this song for The Blueprint 3 album. The hit premiered in October 2009. It pays homage to New York City. They were born and raised in New York City. Jay-Z achieved his dreams in New York City. It’s the land of the American dream. Jay-Z describes the city as a place where dreams come true. You start from nothing and become something great.

The celebratory single is the unofficial anthem for New York City. “Empire State of Mind” gets played at different sporting events in New York. The lyrics resonate with everyone, regardless of their location. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys make you wish you lived in New York City. They make you feel proud to live in the city. Jay-Z delivers with his red-hot verses. Alicia Keys adds class to the song. Her soulful vocals set the song on fire. Alicia Keys belts the chorus and begs you to sing with her. His dynamic rapping style and her elegant vocals make this collaboration a perfect match. The music samples the Moments’ hit “Love on a Two-Way Street.” This sample gives the song an orchestral rap sound. It gives it something extra. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys need to record together again.

This article has been completely updated into a 100% brand new article on November 12, 2023

Jay-Z Songs Ranked (Top 10 List) article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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