The 10 Best Hip-Hop Songs VH1 Forgot

VH1 just announced the “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Ever!!!” and the list isn’t terrible. It’s actually pretty good. They have Public Enemy's “Fight The Power” in the right place (# 1), they identified the best Notorious B.I.G. song (“Juicy”) and, apart from the egregious inclusion of Coolio (at #38 with the horrendous “Gangsta’s Paradise”), they don’t have a lot of embarrassing inclusions.

But they did forget some amazing tracks.

Here, in 10 words or less, we make the case for the 10 best hip-hop songs VH1 forgot. They may not trump “Fight They Power,” but they’re all better than anything Coolio could ever dream of.

1. The Pharcyde—“Passin’ Me By” - A classic song from a classic album. An unforgivable exclusion.

2. Jay-Z—“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” - A tireless Jackson 5 sample underpins this swaggering Jigga anthem.

3. OutKast—“ATLiens” - After this, the Southern rap revolution was officially on.

4. Eric B. & Rakim—“Juice (Know the Ledge)” - A streetwise cautionary tale.

5. Lil Wayne—“A Milli” - It'll definitely stand the test of time.

6. Eminem—“Lose Yourself” - Exhibit A in his case as the best MC ever.

7. Missy Elliott—“Sock It 2 Me” - Pure fun from her debut album.

8. LL Cool J—“Going Back to Cali” - His whispery delivery was a weapon.

9. Beastie Boys—“So What’cha Want” - A transitional moment, a great crunchy beat.

10. Young Jeezy feat. Akon—“Soul Survivor” - A breakthrough hit for two key players.

What songs would you add to the list?