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09 Oct 2019 2:17 PM
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The BBC unveiled the full list yesterday, which was made by more than 100 critics, experts and artist, including Common and Slick Rick. Along with topping the list, it was announced that there will be a new documentary to honour The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready To Die” album, which will be released with the LP’s 25th anniversary.

The song ‘Juicy’ came out in 1994 and appeared on the legendary album ‘Ready To Die’ and was placed at number one on the list followed by “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy. Third place was “Shook Ones (Part II)” by Mobb Deep.

Speaking on ‘Juicy’ landing at number 1 on the list, rapper Common said:

“This song defines the American dream from any kid’s perspective. But Biggie is one of the greatest MCs to ever live.”

Other songs appearing on the list include Nas ‘N.Y. State of Mind’, ‘Runaway’ by Kanye West, Dr.Dres ‘Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang’, Grandmaster Flash's ‘The Message’ and ‘C.R.E.A.M.’ by Wu-Tang Clan. Simon Frantz, Managing Editor of BBC Music, said:

“Hip hop is a uniquely American art form that has become a global mainstream phenomenon. Forty years after ‘Rapper’s Delight’ broke into the charts, hip-hop has become the voice for otherwise underrepresented groups in America and beyond. I think the tracks topping the poll show rap’s role in speaking truths. They’re also examples of deeply personal poetry, and an amazing playlist.”

There were 280 songs in total, amongst the final top 20 chosen… 12 of the songs were released between 1992 and 1995. Kanye West’s “Runaway” is the most recently released track to appear on the Top 20 list.

Check out the complete list below:

1. Juicy; Notorious B.I.G., 1994
2. Fight the Power; Public Enemy, 1989
3. Shook Ones (Part II); Mobb Deep, 1995
4. The Message; Grandmaster Flash, 1982
5. Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang; Dr. Dre, 1992
6. C.R.E.A.M.; Wu-Tang Clan, 1993
7. 93 ‘Til Infinity; Souls of Mischief, 1993 
8. Passin’ Me By; The Pharcyde, 1992
9. N.Y. State of Mind; Nas, 1994
10. Dear Mama; Tupac Shakur, 1995 
11. Electric Relaxation; The Roots, 1993
12. Runaway; Kanye West, 2010
13. Paid in Full; Eric B & Rakim, 1987
14. Rapper’s Delight; Sugar Hill Gang, 1980
15. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.); Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, 1992
16. B.O.B.; Outkast, 2000
17. It Was a Good Day; Ice Cube, 1992
18. Fuck Tha’ Police; NWA, 1988
19. U.N.I.T.Y.; Queen Latifah, 1993
20. International Players Anthem; Underground Kings, 2007

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times

Author: Mira Ketterl

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