Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is a Grammy Award-winning rapper, songwriter, and record executive. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as one of the most influential and successful hip-hop artists of all time. From his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996 to his latest release “4:44” in 2017, Jay-Z has consistently delivered chart-topping hits, collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, and influenced a generation of aspiring artists.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 best Jay-Z songs of all time. From the iconic “99 Problems” to the introspective “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z’s catalog is filled with classics that have stood the test of time. We’ll explore the stories behind each track, including the inspiration behind the lyrics, the production process, and the impact they had on Jay-Z’s career and the hip-hop industry as a whole. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Jay-Z’s music, this list is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the best of his artistry.
1. 99 Problems
“99 Problems” is a classic Jay-Z song that was released in 2004 as part of his album “The Black Album”. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a strong beat, coupled with Jay-Z’s confident and rhythmic flow. The lyrics tell the story of a driver who is pulled over by a police officer for no reason and is harassed by the cop. The chorus, “I got 99 problems but a b**** ain’t one”, has become one of the most recognizable lines in hip-hop history. The song was a massive commercial and critical success, receiving multiple Grammy nominations and earning Jay-Z his first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “99 Problems” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Jay-Z’s live performances, showcasing his undeniable talent as a rapper and his ability to tell a compelling story through his music.
2. Empire State of Mind
“Empire State of Mind” is a Jay-Z song that features vocals from Alicia Keys, and was released in 2009 as part of his album “The Blueprint 3”. The song is an ode to New York City, with lyrics that celebrate the city’s energy, diversity, and resilience. The chorus, sung by Keys, is instantly recognizable and has become an anthem for the city: “New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do.” Jay-Z’s verses touch on everything from the city’s iconic landmarks to its challenges and struggles, while Keys’ soaring vocals provide a powerful and emotional backdrop. “Empire State of Mind” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning multiple Grammy nominations. The song remains a beloved classic and a testament to Jay-Z’s talent as a songwriter and storyteller.
3. Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” is a Jay-Z song that was released in 2001 as part of his album “The Blueprint”. The song features a sample from the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and a catchy beat that is instantly recognizable. The lyrics are a celebration of Jay-Z’s success and his rise to fame, with “H.O.V.A.” serving as a reference to both his nickname and a play on the word “Jehovah”. The chorus is an upbeat and infectious repetition of “H to the Izzo, V to the Izzay”, which has become a signature phrase for Jay-Z fans. “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple award nominations. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jay-Z’s talent for crafting infectious and memorable tracks.
4. Dead Presidents II
“Dead Presidents II” is a Jay-Z song that was released in 1996 as part of his debut album “Reasonable Doubt”. The song features a sample from Lonnie Liston Smith’s “A Garden of Peace” and a laid-back, jazzy beat that complements Jay-Z’s smooth flow. The lyrics are a reflection on Jay-Z’s life growing up in Brooklyn and his aspirations for wealth and success. The title is a reference to the faces of former U.S. presidents that appear on dollar bills, with Jay-Z rapping about the pursuit of money and power. “Dead Presidents II” is widely considered a hip-hop classic and a landmark in Jay-Z’s career, showcasing his lyrical prowess and his ability to craft a compelling narrative. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jay-Z’s talent as a storyteller and lyricist.
5. Renegade
“Renegade” is a Jay-Z song that features Eminem and was released in 2001 as part of his album “The Blueprint”. The song features a haunting beat and introspective lyrics that touch on everything from fame and success to race and politics. The chorus is a sample from Royce da 5’9″s “Renegade”, with Jay-Z and Eminem trading verses that showcase their lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. The song is a testament to the power of collaboration, with Jay-Z and Eminem pushing each other to new heights and creating a track that is both thought-provoking and memorable. “Renegade” is widely considered one of the best collaborations in hip-hop history and a landmark in Jay-Z’s career, showcasing his ability to collaborate with other artists and create timeless tracks.
6. D’evils
“D’evils” is a Jay-Z song that was released in 1996 as part of his debut album “Reasonable Doubt”. The song features a sample from Syl Johnson’s “Different Strokes” and a haunting beat that sets the tone for Jay-Z’s introspective lyrics. The song explores the theme of corruption and the lure of wealth and power, with Jay-Z reflecting on his own experiences with crime and the consequences of his actions. The chorus is a repetition of the phrase “D’evils”, which serves as a reference to the devil and the temptations that can lead people astray. “D’evils” is widely considered one of the standout tracks from “Reasonable Doubt” and a testament to Jay-Z’s ability to craft compelling and thought-provoking lyrics. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jay-Z’s early talent as a rapper and storyteller.
7. Dirt Off Your Shoulder
“Dirt Off Your Shoulder” is a Jay-Z song that was released in 2003 as part of his album “The Black Album”. The song features a catchy beat and a memorable chorus, with Jay-Z encouraging his listeners to brush off their problems and keep moving forward. The title is a reference to the gesture of brushing dirt off one’s shoulder, which serves as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and staying focused on one’s goals. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple award nominations. “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jay-Z’s ability to craft catchy and memorable tracks that resonate with his audience. The song has become a cultural touchstone, with the phrase “brush your shoulders off” being used in everyday conversation and pop culture references.
8. Hard Knock Life
“Hard Knock Life” is a Jay-Z song that was released in 1998 as part of his album “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life”. The song features a sample from the musical “Annie” and a catchy beat that showcases Jay-Z’s signature flow. The lyrics touch on everything from poverty and struggle to fame and success, with Jay-Z reflecting on his own journey from humble beginnings to international superstardom. The chorus, “It’s a hard knock life for us, it’s a hard knock life for us”, has become one of the most iconic lines in hip-hop history, with Jay-Z reimagining the classic tune for a new generation. “Hard Knock Life” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple award nominations. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Jay-Z’s ability to blend pop culture references with social commentary in his music.
9. N***** In Paris
“N***** In Paris” is a Jay-Z song that features Kanye West and was released in 2011 as part of their collaborative album “Watch the Throne”. The song features a thumping beat and a catchy chorus that celebrates the duo’s lavish lifestyle and international success. The title is a reference to the duo’s concert tour, which included multiple stops in Paris, France. The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple award nominations. “N***** In Paris” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the power of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s collaboration, with the duo pushing each other to new heights and creating a track that is both infectious and memorable. The song is a celebration of wealth, success, and living life to the fullest.
10. Run This Town
“Run This Town” is a Jay-Z song that features Rihanna and Kanye West and was released in 2009 as part of Jay-Z’s album “The Blueprint 3”. The song features a driving beat and powerful vocals from Rihanna, with Jay-Z and Kanye West trading verses that showcase their lyrical prowess. The lyrics touch on everything from fame and success to societal issues and the struggles of everyday life. The chorus, sung by Rihanna, is a powerful call to action: “We gon’ run this town tonight”. “Run This Town” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple award nominations. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the power of collaboration, with Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West creating a track that is both empowering and thought-provoking.