Shawn Carter, otherwise known as Jay-Z, has unquestionably influenced hip-hop and has consistently ranked among the best rappers of the past two decades.
An impressive combination of lyrical skill and masterful production, his work is complex and ever-evolving. Plus, Jay-Z has a knack for identifying up-and-coming artists and introducing them to a wider audience.
Picking Jay-Z’s best songs isn’t easy, but in this article, we’re giving you the full story of his legendary career.
Only songs with Jay-Z’s name on them were taken into account when making the list, disqualifying cameos like Kanye West’s appearance on the legendary “Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)” from the list.
This list also aims to showcase the diversity of his discography, featuring at least one song from each of his 13 studio albums.
Which song tops this list? Readers will have to check it out for themselves to see which of Jay-Z’s many hits hit.
Jay-Z List of Songs
“N—-s in Paris”
“N***as in Paris” is a hit single by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West, released in 2011 as part of their collaborative album, “Watch the Throne.” The song is a high-energy, up-tempo track that is broadly regarded as one of the standout moments on the album and has become a fan favorite and a classic in its own right.
The song’s production, which was handled by West, is built around a looping sample of the main melody from the 2010 hit song “Baptême du feu” by French electronic music artist Gesaffelstein.
The sample is chopped and manipulated to create a driving beat that propels the song forward, while various synth and percussion elements are added to give the track an energetic and futuristic feel.
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“99 Problems”
“99 Problems” is a 2004 hit single by Jay-Z, released as part of his album “The Black Album.” The song is widely considered as one of his signature tracks and has become an enduring classic in the hip hop genre.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of his encounters with the police and his struggles with the criminal justice system.
The song’s title and chorus refer to the various problems that the rapper has encountered, including legal issues, drug addiction, and the pressures of the music industry. The song’s lyrics also touch on themes of racial profiling, police brutality, and the broader social and political issues facing Black Americans.
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” is a classic hip hop single by Jay-Z, released in 1998 as part of his album “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life.” The song is popularly regarded as one of his most iconic tracks and has become a staple of hip hop culture.
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song’s catchy chorus, infectious beat, and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences and helped to establish the musician as one of the most important voices in hip hop.
“Big Pimpin'”
“Big Pimpin'” is a hit single by Jay-Z, released in 2000 as part of his album “Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter.” The song is dubbed as one of his most commercially successful and popular tracks and has become an enduring classic in the hip hop genre.
The song’s production, which was handled by Timbaland, is built around a sample from the song “Khosara” by Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi. The sample provides the song’s infectious melody, while Timbaland’s trademark percussion and sound effects give the track a modern, urban edge.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of his lavish lifestyle and his love for the finer things in life. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “Big pimpin’, spendin’ G’s,” reflects his status as a wealthy and successful rap artist who is able to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
“Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)”
“Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” is a classic hip hop track by Jay-Z, released in 2001 as part of his album “The Blueprint.” The song is dubbed as one of his most iconic and enduring tracks, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics and catchy, memorable hooks.
The song hit a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song’s emotional depth, thoughtful lyrics, and soulful production helped to establish him as a truly unique voice in hip hop.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance and artistic merit. The song has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years, and its chorus and lyrics have become a cultural touchstone in the hip hop genre.
“4:44”
“4:44” is a critically acclaimed album by the rapper, released in 2017. The album contains 10 tracks, with a total running time of just over 36 minutes. It is notable for its introspective and personal lyrics, which touch on themes of infidelity, family, and black entrepreneurship.
The title track “4:44” is a deeply personal song in which Jay-Z reflects on his relationship with his wife Beyoncé and apologizes for his past infidelity. He also addresses issues of generational wealth and black entrepreneurship, urging his listeners to build and invest in their communities.
“Dead Presidents II”
“Dead Presidents II” is a standout track from Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” released in 1996. The song features a sample from Lonnie Liston Smith’s “A Garden of Peace” and showcases Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.
The title “Dead Presidents II” refers to the American currency, and the song’s lyrics reflect his ambition to accumulate wealth and power. He raps about his desire for success and his will to do whatever it takes to achieve it, including engaging in criminal activity.
The song’s opening lines, “Presidents to represent me / I’m out for presidents to represent me / I’m out for dead presidents to represent me,” are often cited as some of his most iconic lyrics. They set the tone for the song and illustrate his unapologetic pursuit of wealth and success.
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“Empire State of Mind”
“Empire State of Mind” is a chart-topping single from Jay-Z’s 2009 album, “The Blueprint 3.” The song features guest vocals from Alicia Keys and is an ode to New York City, where both artists are from.
The track’s lyrics celebrate the city’s resilience, diversity, and cultural impact, and it has become a staple of New York City’s cultural identity. The artist raps about his humble beginnings in the Brooklyn projects and his rise to fame and success, while Alicia Keys adds a soaring chorus that captures the city’s energy and spirit.
“Never Change”
“Never Change” is a standout track from Jay-Z’s 2001 album, “The Blueprint.” The song features a sample from David Ruffin’s “Common Man” and showcases Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess and his ability to reflect on his journey to success.
The track’s lyrics reflect on his humble beginnings and his rise to fame and success. He raps about his experiences in the streets of Brooklyn, his early struggles as a rapper, and his eventual ascent to the top of the music industry.
The chorus, which features a sample from Ruffin’s “Common Man,” emphasizes the theme of perseverance and determination, with the refrain “I’ll never change, this is Jay every day.”
“Takeover”
“Takeover” is a standout track from Jay Z’s 2001 album, “The Blueprint.” The song is a diss track targeted at Jay Z’s rivals, including Nas and Mobb Deep, and is considered one of the most legendary diss tracks in hip hop history.
The song’s lyrics feature numerous references to his rivals and their perceived shortcomings. He takes aim at Nas, who he accuses of biting his style and being irrelevant, and Mobb Deep, who he derides as weak and cowardly.
The track also features a verse that takes shots at Prodigy’s alleged battle with sickle cell anemia, which was widely criticized as being in poor taste.
Photo: Variety
