“It Was a Good Day” — Ice Cube
This is Ice Cube, pre-“Are We There Yet?” All things considered, one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. The beat bumps, and Ice Cube’s lyrics (“Today I didn’t even have to use my AK”) are appropriately hood. Sophmore year, I listened to this song every night before I went to bed.

“The Essence” — AZ ft. Nas
Nas, the best rapper alive, and AZ, the most underrated rapper ever, team up and basically place themselves firmly on the other’s jock. The homoeroticism in this song is palpable as they trade compliments (“you James Bond!” “I love your style babe bro!”) like pre-Prop. 8 Californian newlyweds.

“The Sky is the Limit” — Notorious B.I.G.
This song can’t be truly appreciated without the video. Biggie employs his characteristically masterful flow about going “from ashy to classy.” In the video a chubby 12-year-old role-plays young Biggie, complete with flashy suits, chains and attractive females. Best day of his life.

“Black on Black Crime” — Stanley Clarke
I jock songs from movies. That said, this is an incredible instrumental from one of the best scenes in one of the best movies, “Boyz ‘n the Hood.” you know the part after Ricky gets killed, and Doughboy and his posse are looking for the guys that did it? This song is in the background.

“Angeles” — Elliott Smith
Another song from the cinema. This one is from my favorite movie, Good Will Hunting. If you haven’t heard the song before, don’t listen to it without first seeing the movie — you’ll be doing yourself a disservice.

Everything by Shankbone
…Just kidding.

“Da Graveyard” — Big L
Big L’s verse in this song is legendary. He consistently has the best punches of any rapper, ever. Jay-Z and others make an appearance, but the spotlight here is on L. Furthermore, in a fight Big L could annihilate T-Pain, Kid Cudi, Soulja Boy, Weezy — all at the same time.

“Home” — Jake One
Normally, I despise Seattle hip-hop and its ultra-prachy political messages. Fortunately, these guys understand that 206 hip-hop doesn’t have to be lame. Listen for Garfield references, and watch the video and see Broadway, Ezell’s Parnell’s, Quick Pack, and other spots around the CD.