Hi-Tek Presents…Top 10 Songs That Changed Hip-Hop

 •  Bloggers  •  by XXL Staff  •  88 Comments

1) “Rapper’s Delight” Sugar Hill Gang
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/sugarhill32k.mp3]
The first full rap song..need I say more?

2) “Planet Rock” Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/planetrock56k.mp3]
This is what really started it all!!

3) “Hard Times” Run-DMC
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/runhardtimes.mp3]
RIP Jam Master Jay

4) “Eric B. For President” Eric B. & Rakim
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/ericbpresident32k.mp3]
See Marley Marl.

5) “The Bridge is Over” Boogie Down Productions
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/bridgeisover56k.mp3]
The first battle record on wax.

6) “Fuck the Police” N.W.A.
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/fuckthepolice32k.mp3]
This song kicked the door down, on that West Coast Gangsta rap.

7) “Flava in Ya Ear” Craig Mack
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/flavainyaear56k.mp3]
The introduction to Bad Boy.

8) “Bout It, Bout It” TRU feat. Mia X
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/boutitboutit32k.mp3]
Say hello to the Percy Miller era.

9) “The Blast” Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal)
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/theblasttek56k.mp3]
C’mon, do I really need to tell y’all?

10) “Jesus Walks” Kanye West
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/jesuswalks56k.mp3]
Paging Mr. West.

BONUS:

Listen To:
Hi-Tek feat. Busta Rhymes “March”
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/hitekstarted56k.mp3]

Hi-Tek feat. J Dilla, Nas, Common & Busta Rhymes “Music For Life”
[audio:http://www.xxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/music4.mp3]
Both songs from Hi-Teknology 2, in stores October 17th

www.hi-teknology.com
www.babygrande.com

  • Phil

    1st…good music Tek…I will definately cop the album

  • OG Frank

    First
    Nice
    JMJ R.I.P.

  • Layon

    jesus walks?

  • OG Frank

    Maybe I would’ve put the message by grand mster flash also

  • SUPERMAN

    JESUS WALKS? GOOD SONG BUT THAT DIDNT CHANGE HIP HOP! ON PAR WITH FLAVA IN YA EAR THOUGH!

  • GuyEscobar

    dude you’re a helluva producer, but you suck at blogging

  • The DJ Formerly Known as N-CREDIBLE

    Hoiw can you say JESUS WALKS didnt flip the script….Kanye flipped it on the radio stations…how many songs you know that mention Jesus, let alone have it as the hook, get the radio play he got on mainstream radio, as well as, video play…it was bold it was innovative it was a hot song it was real and it all worked togther

  • The DJ Formerly Known as N-CREDIBLE

    P.Miller was the Diddy of the south at one point droppin album after album after album after album…and their camp was full of beast…uuuuuuuuuuunnnnnhhhhhhhhh

    Mia X one of the coldest female rappers to ever touch the mic…check out her old shit it will be worth the search

  • The DJ Formerly Known as N-CREDIBLE

    Flava in ya ear was crazy…a timeless track…i remember memorizing every word on this track…

  • The DJ Formerly Known as N-CREDIBLE

    The Blast was mad ill…its one of those tracks that give you a feelin that much in this world cant…mos definetly one of those tracks that will have me groovin when i here it at the age 50

  • The DJ Formerly Known as N-CREDIBLE

    I know about 1-6 but i wasn’t on it when it came out…Im from New Orleans and if it wasnt a local artist we wasn’t playin it…all bounce it was a wonderful time in my life going to the school dance rollin on chicks booties and shit…but anyway check the old new orleans bounce out it was something that should have definetly went national cuz its killin all this new trendy shit coming out right now(crunk snap going dumb)…nobody could shake there asses like ours can…but we first opened up to the west coast music…by the way why is there no Pac, Snoop, or Dre track in the list…at least something from The Chronic(my first album from a non-new orleans native)

  • WA

    JJ

  • WAKEUPPEOPLE

    911 WAS AN INSIDE JOB. YOUR GOVERNMENT WANTS YOU DEAD. JESUS IS OUR ONLY HOPE. GOOGLE 911 MYSTERIES.

  • e

    Where is “Gin & Juice”, “Nigga You Love To Hate”, “How I Could Just Kill A Man”? These are songs people think of when they think hip hop

  • LANDIGGY

    man dude you trippin what about beef str8 ballin and new york state of mind

  • content

    east coast bias

  • john cochran

    I agree with you man. You know what, I like your posts. I dont think Jesus Walks really changerd hip hop though. Kanye wasnt the first one to do that kind of thing, but he just got the most exposure for it.

  • DocZeus

    C’mon now. Jesus Walk??! Please. And where the fuck is “The Message?” The progenitor of both concious rap and hardcore rap. There’s no more important record.

  • http://nahright.com eskay

    >>east coast bias

    smh

  • Incilin

    Flava in ya ear??? Are u serious?

  • http://www.myspace.com/southpeezy Maurice Garland

    Um, can we get some Dungeon Family representation please?

    And while we are at it…how ’bout some Luke?

    Jesus Walks was great, but it kinda lost luster when the same radio programmers that Kanye condemned turned around and played that shit at least 25 times a day…I guess thats a good thing, but it didnt really change much because unfortunately we get more copy cat snap and trap records than Jesus Walks records….

    But muchos props on showing love to P and No Limit….

  • GuyEscobar

    let’s be serious, the Blast didn’t change it, the best arguement would be the reflection eternal album…or what about juicy, with the meolidc sample and gangsta rhymes.

  • omni831

    If you wanted to pick a Rawkus-era track for the list, id argue that Definition had more of a changing effect on hip-hop than the blast. If for no other reason than it came 3 years earlier.

  • 1 Mic

    ^^^^^^
    Yea, he serious

    where is “juicy” or “brenda got a baby”

    how about street dreams, one mic

  • Enlightened

    Good look for including Master P. He was definitely the shit back then
    BUT
    How the fuck can not one post-NWA Dr. Dre track make your list? Nothing off the Chronic? Doggystyle?

  • http://aramhiphopetc.blogspot.com/ I Fux

    Yo I dont want to say too much but I used to watch this spanish novela with my ex (nhjic) and this broad named Jery Sandoval caught my eye like whoa… I have been crushing on her ever since….. Click on my name and I promise no disappointment on everything

  • gees dat dude

    fucks you talkin about stupid mafucka!

  • Harlem G

    i disagree, nuff said

  • http://myspace.com/legacyhiphop Belize

    cant hear “march”..bad link

    that cut with nas is crack..im sold! im buyin ur fukin album

  • che

    um…march? busta? that ain’t right…busta wasn’t on there..it sounded like jadakiss..

  • che

    then the next dude is papoose as he states..

  • che

    and thats definately talib kweli, and then raekwon. damn, i’m good.

  • nag

    how could you leave out pete rock and cl smooth – t.r.o.y

  • nag

    how could you leave out pete rock and cl smooth – t.r.o.y

  • nag

    how could you leave out pete rock and cl smooth – t.r.o.y

  • http://xxxmag.com blackheartT2

    nas is the truth when it comes to microphone skills

  • http://www.myspace.com/poisonousdarthfc Poisonous Dart

    10 More Songs That Changed Hip Hop That Hi Tek Failed To Mention:

    1. The Message- Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
    The first “conscious” song in hip hop history

    2. The Breaks- Kurtis Blow
    The hit that created Hip Hop’s first superstar. Rush Management was able to get all the shows, tour and stars because they had Kurtis Blow under their umbrella.

    3. Rock Box- Run DMC
    This was the first rap video ever aired on MTV. Suburban kids everywhere began rockin Adidas with no laces.

    4. I Need Love- LL Cool J
    The first hit rap love song. All of a sudden dudes realize that could make the ladies love ‘em AND make the crowd say ho.

    5. The Batteram- Toddy Tee
    The first song about LA for Californians. Callers bombarded KDAY with requests for it until they finally played it and put it into rotation. It paved the way for Ice T’s “Six N Tha Mornin’ and N.W.A’s career.

    6. P.S.K./What Does It Mean?- Schooly D
    The East Coast father of gangsta rap is also one of the most important emcees of all time. This is one of the most influental tracks in hip hop history, that beat will get heads open in any era…ask Biggie.

    7. Ego Trippin’- Ultramagnetic MC’s
    This song changed the game in one respect. It completely broke all of the rules lyrically and introduced a new style of production beatwise…if it wasn’t for Ultramagnetic…the Bomb Squad wouldn’t have been the Bomb Squad.

    8. Six N’ Tha Morning- Ice T
    Quintessential West Coast hardcore hip hop from one of the greatest emcees of all time

    9. I Ain’t No Joke- Eric B. & Rakim
    If Eric B. For President or the B side My Melody didn’t change the game completely and I Know You Got Soul didn’t do it, then THIS one definitely did.

    10. The Symphony- Marley Marl f/The Juice Crew
    The first super lyrical posse jam in hip hop history. It set the standard for the posse jam in the future.

    Go cop “Hiteknology 2: The Chip” and support that real hip hop music. One.

  • Trae Bizzo

    This list is the reason why hip hop is dead he must mean changed Hip Hop for him. You never heard of mc light, Illmatic, tribe called quest Public Enemy fck outta here

  • Trae Bizzo

    Yo poisonous dart Just -Ice was the first east coast thugg on wax-everybody on the eastern shore know that ask philly.

  • http://www.myspace.com/thestalkermusic The Italian Stallion

    NO WU TANG??????!!!!
    Stupid fuck.

  • OG Frank

    No ‘Pac / B.I.G.?
    I Disagree Wit Jesus Walks

  • B.O.B.

    “Proteck Ya Neck”….”Aint Nuthin But a G thang”…Senario…Senario (remix)…T.R.O.Y….Deep Cover…La Di Da Di….My Minds Playin Tricks On Me… Hail Mary…Takeover…Either…Grindin………………

  • joan

    Niggaz, don’t forget Nothin but a g Thang. N what ’bout Notorious Big? What about Pac?

  • Three4

    WHERE IS TUPAC???…but I understand though…

  • BIGNAT

    MAN THE SONGS YOU PUT UP FOR YOUR ALBUM MADE IT A MUST BUY. YOUR BLOG IS LACKING HOMIE NOTHING FROM BIG,PAC,DRE,SNOOP,T.I.,JAY,WU-TANG,OUTKAST THOSE PEOPLE RIGHT THERE ARE SOME MAJOR FORCES BEHIND CHANGING THE GAME IN RAP AND OH YEAH EVEN THOUGH I HATE THEM FUGEES NEED TO BE ON THE LIST.

  • http://www.myspace.com/deensekou sATaLyte

    Good looks on your appearance at MJQ friday night, turned around saw you in the booth and thought about your blog for some goddamn reason, but anyway, do you EVER take that hat off?

  • http://JE JE

    ASK THE SAME QUESTION IN ABOUT 5 YEARS AND YOU WONT BE ABLE TO NOT PUT LUPE FIASCO ON THIS LIST… HE IS REVOLUTIONIZING HIP-HOP ONE VERSE AT A TIME… I LISTENED TO FOOD & LIQUOR AND IT WAS MESMERIZING… HE IS FOR REAL AND WILL BECOME HIP-HOP

  • Doc Flav

    This is Hi Tek’s top ten, it doesnt have to be yours.

  • triplesixninja

    c.r.e.a.m Wu Tang

  • triplesixninja

    and death row type shit

  • http://myspace.com Will

    its Tek’s personal opinion i agree with a few but w/e thats his opinon i feel some songs need 2 be taken off and changed though

  • http://yahoo.com Monte

    Ery body has there own opinions I guess except fa the first 6 tracs….

  • haha

    Some of those tracks are way outdated.they sound wack.jesus walks—timeless.

  • JLY

    i think eminem, pac and biggie were pretty important, dont u?

  • bk banga

    Where’s NY State of mind(NAS),G Thang(Dre & Snoop),The Symphony(Big Daddy Kane G Rap etc) & The Grand Finale(NWA & The D.O.C)

  • Million$MotivatedMailiciousMonarchMoneyMakin’Marc. O!

    No Nelly song huh? No Nas song huh?
    No Jay-Z song huh?
    No Snoop song huh?
    No LL huh?
    No 50 huh?
    No B.I.G. huh?
    No D.O.C. huh?
    No Eazy-E huh?
    I could go on 4ever dawg. I mean it has 2 b a million records that changed Hip Hop more than “Ther Blast”. Another shameless plug…

  • DJ

    wheres pac FUCK WHERE IS MY NAME IS OR THE WAY IAM LIKE EMINEM SHOULD BE ON THERE FOR SURE

  • Crazy J

    @ Morons

    It’s Hi-Tek’s List. If you don’t like it post your own list and shut the fuck up. It’s not that hard to do.

  • Tommy_s

    Fuck da police!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Playa=50=

    yeaahh :) good choice
    cool song “March”

  • http://10-free-i730-nextel-ringtone.derf9.info/ qwer

    Best site in bleep! My thnx to webmasters.
    Thanks for nice and actual info’ Be the Best!

  • Focis

    damn that’s way too much hate for one mans opinion…coppin the album

    focis

  • MISFIT

    Yo, wat happened wit ma man freddie fox,O.C Jewelz, Big L,Wu Syndicate….these cats waz on point u fag!!!!!

  • Dade305

    My Top 10 songs would be (no order)

    The Message-GRANDMASTER FLASH & THE FURIOUS FIVE
    If I Ruled the World-NAS
    Guilty Consience-EMINIEM & DRE
    Nuttin But a G Thang- DRE & SNOOP
    Keep Your Head Up-2PAC
    Today was a Good Day-ICE CUBE
    Juicy-BIGGIE
    Rosa Parks-OUTKAST
    C.r.e.a.m.-WU TANG CLAN
    Big Pimpin’- JAY-Z & UGK

  • Dade305

    honorable mention

    NEW YORK NEW YORK- DPG
    THUG HOLIDAY- TRICK DADDY
    SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY- LUDACRIS
    SMILE- SCARFACE & 2PAC
    COP KILLER- ICE T
    BE EASY- T.I.
    ONE MIC- NAS
    TEAR DA CLUB UP-THREE 6 MAFIA
    STILL D.R.E- DRE & SNOOP

  • Mr.Me

    You can tell this niggas on NY’s dick just from his list but judging from his westcoast influenced beats you know that his list is bullshit. I thought conscience “brothers” like this would be more open minded. Sad.

  • http://www.myspace.com/theeastflatbushproject spencer4hire

    here are my top 10 in no particular order
    1.rapper’s delight- sugarhill gang
    2.the message- flash the furious five( a song with a meaning)
    3.king of rock (run dmc)- this broke down doors for hip hop
    4.rebel without a pause(public enemy)-this revolutionized hip hop not only by culture but by raising awareness to black people
    5.eric b for president(eric b& rakim)
    6.the bridge is over (BDP)ultimate battle song)
    7.straight out of compton(nwa)- i will never forget this record.my uncle introduced me to them.he came in my room threw the tape at me and walked out..hooked ever since..this put cali on the map..and it brought out the most important people who are still relevent to hip hop to this day..dre,ice cube and eazy e…this of what they brought to the game outside of their own projects…
    8.dear mama -tupac
    9.nuthing but a g-thang-dre
    10.one love-whodini
    bonus: tried by 12 -the east flatbush project

  • LANDIGGY

    go vote in nov

  • AJTHROWBACK

    I’m not gonna front, I was starting to feel like a lot of people on this site whereas Hi-Tek left off quite a few songs that most people would feel changed hip-hop. To co-sign with a few people on here, two songs that he missed more than anything that changed hip-hop music were “The Message” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang”. The former has been referred to more times than your average elementary school dictionary, and the latter ushered in West Coast dominance over a series of years and introduced a profound sound in hip-hop. However, when it comes down to it, this is Hi-Tek’s opinion about what he feels are the Top 10 songs that changed hip-hop music. We don’t have to agree with him, but that’s HIS list. Y’all people take things too seriously…SERIOUSLY LOL!!

  • Phil

    EVERY ONE HAS THEIR OWN OPINION!!! REMEMBER???

  • MrScarface

    didnt you forgot 2pac 2 put in youre list??? hes the 1 who changed hip hop and gangsta rap

  • MrScarface

    how about hit’m up the greatest diss ever there still is no better diss THUG LIFE baby!!!

  • GAFinest706

    i agree with jesus walks on the list it was controvesial and really gave mr west a grasp on the industry for a min…

    where the pac pun and big tho?

  • http://www.xxlmag.com Ra

    see i was wit it until u said JESUS WALKS……you really threw me off on dat 1.

  • K.O.T.S

    man…Jesus Walk did change hip-hop…think about it in the last 3 years what song has change hip-hop like that…hmm…NONE…I do think Jesus Walk should be in Tek’s Top 10…but he also should have 2pac, Ice Cube, Outkast, Scarface, Dre, and Snoop…

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  • Quita p

    Like most of the songs but these should’ve made it:
    1)Get up get out-Outkast and goodie mobb
    2)Cell therapy-goodie mobb
    3)changes-2pac
    4)thug holiday-trickdaddy
    5)2day was a good day-Ice Cube
    and other i can’t think of

  • It was all a DREAM

    Yeah all u niggas for da record Jesus Walks revolutionized radio and in general hip hop, no other rapper dedicated a song to jesus and made it popular but Kanye!!!

  • HEX

    The problem with the list is that there was only ten, there’s more like 100+ songs and if you were born in a different region then u heard different shit.

    simple as that.

  • http://www.paradistc.org/sardinia sardinia

    luogo grande:) nessun osservazioni!

  • http://www.jlondde3.org/tette tette

    Interessieren. SEHR interessant! ;)

  • NASTY-NATI

    cop the album

  • http://www.marshawj.org/dame dame

    pagine piuttosto informative, piacevoli =)

  • BinnyB

    Yea yea.. there are many he’s not mentioned, but thats aight.. its just HIS top 10. Rakim, Nas, Tupac, Biggie, Common, Eminem etc.. If u makin ur own list, ur gonna miss out some pretty important names urself n ur gonna get flak for it too.. To each, his own..

  • Iron Spire

    1. Afrikka Bambaataa “Planet Rock”
    2. Melle Mel “The Message”
    3. Run DMC “Walk This Way” (Though it was wack)
    4. Eric B. and Rakim “Follow the Leader” and
    5. “Microphone Fiend”
    6. Dre and Snoop “Nothin’ But A G-Thang”
    7. Nas “One Mic”
    8. 2 Pac and Snoop “AMW”
    9. NWA “Straight Outta Compton”
    10.Big “Hypnotize”

  • grapes

    Thank you….respects for that Jesus track. Definitely a high point for rap today…THE REALEST song of this time…
    Iron Spire nice list, but you NEED that sugar hill gang in there. They MADE rap…lol. One Mic wasn’t that important….AMW? IDK…Fuck the Police.

  • evilgrimmace

    Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “la-di-da-di” has got to be in the top 10! that track moved the whole genre

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