Jay Rock, born Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr., is an American rapper and songwriter from Watts, California. He first gained recognition in the music industry as a member of the hip-hop group Black Hippy, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. In 2008, Jay Rock signed with independent record label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), and released his debut mixtape, “From Hood Tales to the Cover of XXL,” the following year. Since then, Jay Rock has become one of the most respected and influential rappers in the game, known for his gritty storytelling and introspective lyricism.
In this article, we will be showcasing the top 10 best Jay Rock songs of all time. From his early mixtape cuts to his most recent studio album, we will be highlighting the tracks that showcase Jay Rock’s versatility and skill as a rapper. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So sit back, grab your headphones, and join us as we count down the best of the best from Jay Rock.
10. Shit Real
“Shit Real” is a hard-hitting track from Jay Rock’s 2015 album “90059.” The song features fellow TDE member, Tee Grizzley, and is produced by Mike WiLL Made-It. “Shit Real” is a gritty and raw depiction of street life, with both Jay Rock and Tee Grizzley delivering intense and honest verses about their experiences in the hood. The beat is dark and menacing, with heavy bass and eerie synths that perfectly match the song’s somber mood. “Shit Real” is a standout track on “90059,” and one of the best examples of Jay Rock’s ability to craft vivid and authentic stories through his music. If you’re a fan of hard-hitting hip-hop with a message, “Shit Real” is definitely a track you won’t want to miss.
9. All My Life
“All My Life” is a classic track from Jay Rock’s debut album, “Follow Me Home.” Released in 2011, the song features fellow TDE member, Lil Wayne, and is produced by Boi-1da. “All My Life” is a high-energy banger, with a catchy hook and hard-hitting verses from both Jay Rock and Lil Wayne. The beat is driven by a bouncing synth melody and booming drums, which make for a perfect backdrop to the rappers’ braggadocious bars. “All My Life” was a breakout hit for Jay Rock, and helped establish him as one of the most promising young rappers in the game. If you’re looking for a feel-good anthem with plenty of swagger, “All My Life” is a track that’s sure to get you hyped.
8. Win
“Win” is a triumphant anthem from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features an explosive beat produced by Vinylz and Boi-1da, and a catchy hook that’s impossible not to sing along to. “Win” finds Jay Rock embracing his success and celebrating his come-up from humble beginnings. The lyrics are filled with motivational messages and boastful bars, making it the perfect track to get you hyped up for any challenge. The music video is equally impressive, featuring Jay Rock on top of a moving semi-truck surrounded by a massive crowd. “Win” was a massive hit for Jay Rock, and became one of the most popular songs of 2018. If you’re looking for a high-energy track to get you pumped up, “Win” is a must-listen.
7. Hood Gone Love It
“Hood Gone Love It” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s debut album “Follow Me Home.” Released in 2011, the song features fellow TDE member Kendrick Lamar and is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. “Hood Gone Love It” is a powerful and introspective track that explores the struggles of growing up in the hood and the pursuit of a better life. The beat is driven by a haunting piano melody and thumping drums, which perfectly match the song’s moody atmosphere. Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar both deliver incredible verses, showcasing their unique perspectives on the topic of overcoming adversity. “Hood Gone Love It” was a breakthrough hit for Jay Rock, and helped establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and emotionally resonant track, “Hood Gone Love It” is definitely worth a listen.
6. Rotation 112th
“Rotation 112th” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features a hypnotic beat produced by Cardo and DJ Khalil, and a memorable hook sung by Jay Rock himself. “Rotation 112th” is a moody and introspective track that finds Jay Rock reflecting on his struggles and triumphs in life. The lyrics are filled with poignant imagery and introspective lines, making it one of the most emotionally resonant songs in Jay Rock’s discography. The beat is built around a melancholic piano loop and dreamy synths, which perfectly match the song’s introspective mood. “Rotation 112th” is a highlight of “Redemption,” and a prime example of Jay Rock’s ability to craft vivid and emotional stories through his music. If you’re a fan of introspective hip-hop, “Rotation 112th” is a track that’s definitely worth a listen.
5. The Bloodiest
“The Bloodiest” is the opening track from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features an explosive beat produced by Boi-1da and Allen Ritter, and showcases Jay Rock’s trademark aggressive flow. “The Bloodiest” is a hard-hitting track that sets the tone for the rest of the album, with Jay Rock delivering fiery verses about his come-up and the struggles he’s faced along the way. The beat is built around a menacing piano melody and booming drums, which perfectly match the song’s aggressive mood. “The Bloodiest” is a standout track on “Redemption,” and one of the best examples of Jay Rock’s ability to craft high-energy bangers that still have plenty of substance. If you’re a fan of hard-hitting hip-hop with a message, “The Bloodiest” is a track that’s sure to get you pumped up.
4. Wow Freestyle
“Wow Freestyle” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features fellow TDE member Kendrick Lamar, and is produced by Hit-Boy. “Wow Freestyle” is a high-energy banger, with both Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar delivering impressive flows and memorable bars. The beat is built around a catchy flute melody and booming drums, which perfectly match the song’s upbeat and playful mood. “Wow Freestyle” finds both rappers flexing their lyrical skills, with clever wordplay and witty punchlines that are sure to make you rewind and listen again. The chemistry between Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar is undeniable, and “Wow Freestyle” is a prime example of why the two rappers make such a great team. If you’re a fan of dynamic and fun hip-hop collaborations, “Wow Freestyle” is definitely a track that’s worth checking out.
3. Vice City
“Vice City” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s 2015 album “90059.” The song features fellow TDE members Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul, and is produced by Cardo. “Vice City” is a posse cut that showcases each rapper’s unique style and flow, with hard-hitting verses and a catchy hook that’s impossible not to sing along to. The beat is built around a soulful sample and booming drums, which perfectly match the song’s anthemic mood. “Vice City” is a fan favorite and has become a staple in Jay Rock’s live shows, with its infectious energy and memorable lyrics making it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of classic hip-hop posse cuts, “Vice City” is a track that’s definitely worth a listen.
2. OSOM
“OSOM” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features fellow TDE member J. Cole, and is produced by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Boi-1da, and Allen Ritter. “OSOM” is a moody and introspective track that finds Jay Rock and J. Cole reflecting on their struggles and the paranoia that comes with success. The beat is built around a haunting piano melody and atmospheric synths, which perfectly match the song’s brooding mood. Jay Rock and J. Cole both deliver incredible verses, showcasing their unique perspectives on the topic of paranoia and anxiety. “OSOM” is a standout track on “Redemption,” and one of the best examples of Jay Rock’s ability to craft emotionally resonant tracks that still pack a punch. If you’re a fan of introspective hip-hop with a message, “OSOM” is a track that’s definitely worth a listen.
1. King’s Dead
“King’s Dead” is a standout track from Jay Rock’s 2018 album “Redemption.” The song features fellow TDE members Kendrick Lamar and Future, and is produced by Mike WiLL Made-It. “King’s Dead” is a high-energy banger, with each rapper delivering memorable verses over a beat that’s equal parts chaotic and catchy. The beat is built around a pounding bassline and a wild assortment of synths and samples, making it a perfect backdrop for the rappers’ explosive flows. “King’s Dead” was a massive hit for Jay Rock, and became one of the most popular songs of 2018. The song was also featured on the “Black Panther” soundtrack, which helped introduce Jay Rock to an even wider audience. If you’re looking for a high-energy hip-hop anthem, “King’s Dead” is a track that’s sure to get you pumped up.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
