“Down with the King” – Run DMC
I respect, but don’t like most old school hip-hop. To put it simply, this song has a fat beat.

“The Writz” – Gift of Gab
Gift of Gab has some of the most creative and smooth verses I’ve ever heard. This song has an edgy bass riff and some of the most fluid vocals in hip-hop. Featured on Gift’s only solo album, The Writz is easily my favorite song.

“Shadow on the Sun” – Audioslave
Lead singer Chris Cornell’s captivating intro bashes into instrumentals from the guys previously in Rage Against the Machine. I can purely enjoy this song, and it pumps me up at the same time.

“Road to Zion” – Damian Marley & Nas
This song blends reggae and hip-hop in a leisurely aura. Damian Marley, son of the legend, gives off original raspy vocals. This song is super chill and as usual, Nas brings in an excellent verse.

“Public Service Announcements” – Jay-Z
One of the best rappers alive, Jay-Z exhibits near perfection in this track. It’s a bumper to say the least.

“Every Morning” – Sugar Ray
This song is catchy, ‘nuff said.

“Something You Should Know” – Mac Dre
Currently my ringtone, you already know I had to feature Mac Dre. Bay Area’s Mac Dre started one of the most booming hip-hop movements today. He exemplifies his unique style and jingle in this cut. I have confidence that I’ll still have 89% of the vocals memorized at 50 years old.

“Free Bird” – Lynrd Skynyrd
I can’t help it. I gotta sing along to this one. A great chorus flows with clattering guitars. I often skip 5 minutes into the song to soak-in possibly the best classic rock guitar solo.

“I’m A King” – Shankbone
I’m not tryna be pompous but this song just makes me happy. Basically this is just a cheap way to drop some advice on anyone who is actually reading this, buy our new album, Shankbone 4: Pumpernickel.

“Don’t You Trust Me” – 2Pac
This tune is an electronic romp through the world of Black Bear as he stalks and seduces his lady love, Flicker Wings. Bears and birds? This actually contradicts one of the messages of the song (“birds of the same feather f*** with each other”)…what?