With the New Year beginning, it’s time for a summation of 2007 in the world of rap. Nas began the year suggesting Hip-hop was dead, but his album alone denotes that notion to be erroneous. Some of the top artists in the industry created masterful LPs indicating there are more than a handful of rappers clutching to the roots of non-commercial hip-hop. However, casual fans of the genre are appeased with songs like, “A Bay Bay” and “Crank Dat Soulja Boy.” But those that love hip-hop for the culture, the life, and the struggle it represents find cheesy rhymes (using rhyme very loosely) like this to be a slap in the face. Not to “hate” on these artists making money in an industry they have no respect for, or knowledge of its history, but I haven’t listened to local radio in three years, because of the shit contaminating radio waves. Searching for a radio station with meaningful hip-hop is like trying to see the wind.

So, I have composed a list of the top 5 rap songs that dodged the public relations department of major radio stations that are dominated by money, politics, and an identity crisis, and successfully held true to the roots of hip-hop.

#5 Dreams – (Little Brother) From their July released album, “Get Back,” Little Brother rhymes about their dreams of rapping. They give credit to rap for saving them from hustling, and acknowledge where they may be without their musical success. Their vision alone does not pay any bills, as mentioned in the song, but they have reached a level of success to meet their “Dreams.” Typically considered an underground group, Little Brother has found enough success while continuing to rhyme the way they want without influence from mainstream pressure.

#4 Country Cousins – (Talib Kweli featuring UGK) This throwback to the roots of rap is refreshing. The Brooklyn Rapper, Kweli, teams up with the Southern duo, UGK. They are best known for their contributions on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin”. The concept for “Country Cousins” is each rapper reminiscing over their influences leading to their place in the rap industry. They pay homage to artists that inspired them from all over the map. In an industry where everyone represents his hood, giving respect to others without regard of location shows these three know what’s up. Unfortunately, Pimp C of UGK passed away in Los Angeles in early December.

#3 Letyourselfgo – (Evidence featuring Phonte) This is the classic west/east combination of rappers bringing the two sides together to produce musical aptness. In addition, legendary DJ, Alchemist, laid the beat these lyricists dance their flow over. Evidence, one third of the underground Los Angeles group, Dilated Peoples, and Phonte of Little Brother (North Carolina), fuse equal flows about the grind in hip-hop, and the importance of letting go when blending the art of poetry and beats.

#2 Southside – (Common featuring Kanye West) Produced by West, Chicago’s finest lyrically shadow box during this verse trading composition on the sixth song on “Finding Forever”. Common begins each rhyme with impeccable flow, and West finishes with creative metaphors delivered with his unusual flow. During the hook, they share the title by splitting “South” and “Side.”

#1 Black Republican – (Nas Featuring Jay-Z) This cut can easily be considered the example of what rap personifies. The two giants of the industry have resolved their past issues, and created a timeless song on “Hip-Hop is Dead” that should be locked into the iPod without the suggestion of ever being replaced. The two rap icons talk about the struggle of juggling the money and the fame, while still maintaining the “street” that molded them into the people they have become.

With 2008 on the horizon, the upcoming releases from Nas and Dr. Dre, and the recently released Lupe Fiasco should help the continued resurrection of hip-hop. Hopefully, producers will remember what separates rap from other genres of music, and make an effort to restore the value it once had by eliminating bogus attempts of supercilious lyrics from unaccomplished rappers that fortuitously found their voice on wax from knowing the right person.

By Trent Hensley