harpsichord’s Greatest
countdown of
hip hop soul songs
of all time
Published December 2023
Harpsichord’s official song chart that attempts to guestimate the greatest melodic hip hop-R&B collabs, hip hop soul, electro-hop&B, trap&B, and hip pop soul songs of all time. Factors in: Reported charting data and/or progression from Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes live chart updates; YouTube views; online social media discussion — far as Twitter, Tik Tok; relevancy in the news; chatter amongst fans, as far as social media and in person exchanges; reported digital sales; radio airplay; usage in visual media, as far as TV and movies; playability in public spaces; and artist’s own attention to the song. Songs can include deep cuts as well as singles. This also takes into consideration the longevity of the song since its initial release into the present, and potential future. Some rankings were influenced by Harpsichord’s critic panel.
the all stars of hip hop soul…
This portion of the countdown salutes that All Stars that made the genre into one of the most successful in R&B history. Many of these songs come from the 2000s where it became second nature for hip hop’s greatest to work with R&B pioneers.
Contemporary in their nature, this collection of 20 songs express an array of emotions. While the spirit of partying remains much alive, there are complex layers and vocal deliveries that extend their meanings. In fact all of these songs will instantly transport the most loyal of fans to a place of where they were when they first heard it.
These aren’t just the numbers that are the greatest amongst hip hop soul, and its offspring of subgenres. These are songs that will forever be remembered for being innovative in the canons of R&B and hip hop history. These are the songs that revived the blend of both genres so that they can be commercial forces for individual legacies, as well as the mainstream market in general.
“Drunk In Love”
By Beyoncé ft Jay-Z (2013)
appears
at
No.
Forty-four
44
With this interactive countdown, you can click on the picture frames to watch the music videos, because we miss MTV and BET as much as you do…
harpsichord’s greatest
hip hop soul songs of all time
Published DeCEMBER 2023
60
Cranes In The Sky
By Solange (2016)
While it can be considered more neo soul, this song makes the list for the lyricism. Channeling the sentiments of Black lives during a time of being tried and tested in the new age, Solange resonates for “try[ing] to smoke it away, sex it away” and even “put[ting] her hands up in the air” as if she were at a hip hop concert. Light in its nature, the deep lyrical context sent a message that resonated.
59
The Way You Move
By outkast ft sleepy brown (2003)
OutKast has always been known for offering a sweet combination of R&B singing and soulful vibes with their brand of Southern swag. This specific number recalls the 70s with talk-raps delivered in sly monotones, and horn section that draws upon bands such as The O’Jays and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
58
Put It On Me
By Ja Rule Ft Lil’ Mo & Vita (2000)
“WHAT WOULD I BE WITHOUT MY BABY!” cries Ja Rule in the midst of his reign in pop music. Combining the style of his gangsta love with Lil’ Mo’s church-trained singing, they offer a tune fit for the beaches of Miami for its incorporation of steel drum production.
57
I Know What You Want
By Busta Rhymes Ft Mariah Carey & FlipMode Squad (2003)
Mariah Carey’s overarching presence in blending hip hop with R&B and pop forever changed the music industry. It became her set standard to collab with the hottest of hip hop— whether on an original track or a remix. Busta and his crew take their time laying out the tales of when first falling in love, while MC herself responds back in the crooning chorus with a cooey, coy whisper.
B-Side Alternative selection
Say Somethin’
By Mariah Carey ft Snoop Dogg & Pharrell (2005)
In her comeback era, ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ succeeded because it embraced the new direction hip hop soul was heading during its time period. While there is “It’s Like That,” this smooth number meant for Paree features Snoop Dogg and Pharrell serenading with a sense of suave romanticism.
56
Don’t
By Bryson Tiller (2015)
With an album named ‘Trapsoul,’ this Louisville native burst onto the R&B scene when male superstars were so far and inbetween. Haunting in its nature, Bryson Tiller’s rap-sing verse storytells with dramatic urgency that recaptures a high speed chase for someone’s heart. The most fun in the song comes when he has to say the title at the end of deadweight silence.
55
Let’s Get Married
By Jagged Edge (2000)
The ultimate contemporary wedding songs of all, even though the context from this quartet is more about settling since age can become a factor. The original version models after walking down the aisle and slow dancing, while the Run D.M.C. enhanced remix brings the bump and soul train lines for the reception.
54
Lovers and friends
By Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz ft Usher & Ludacris (2004)
Just when the crowd couldn’t get enough of the high paced “Yeah!,” “Ursher, Jon, and Luda had to do it again” with a slow jam. From the “uh oh oh oh” adlibs given by Usher to the “shawty” recall during the rap bridge, the song became a cult hit that eventually manifested into an annual Vegas festival that celebrates the legends that pioneered hip hop soul.
53
I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By
By Method Man ft Mary J. Blige (1995)
Cleverly interpolating Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's hit, "You're All I Need to Get By," this song features a dual remix that blends the boom bap of beginning hip hop soul with rap’s take on quiet storm. Built for house parties, the song signaled the impending rise of love duets between rappers and R&B singers. It would go on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
52
Marvins Room
By Drake (2011)
“Are you drunk right now” is the pushing moment of this sullen affair. Modeling after a drunk voicemail, the Toronto native cemented his spot with 2010’s SoundCloud R&B where he wallowed through his regrets in a short-lived, downtempo romance. Popular during its time, there were various remixed interpretations including one from JoJo.
51
Fallen
By Mýa (2003)
Fueled by a sample of the beat from Pharcyde’s “Runnin’,” Mýa effortlessly sings about the feeling of “fallen head over heels.” Enhancing that feeling is the vibes of her native D.C. go-go which gives what would be a ballad, an energetic uptempo run. Hypnotic in its nature, a cult gem has now become an ultimate R&B banger.
B-Side Alternative selection
Best Of Me, Part 2
By Mýa ft Jay-Z (2000)
DJ Clue. The Trackmasters. A Tar Heels jersey dress. “Should I stay? Should I go? I don’t know.” all the ingredients to give one of the rap-R&B collaborations to ever exist. Being released during the starting years of Y2K, this song set the tone for many trends: the hip hop soul collaboration wave of the early aughts, as well as the power of tracks benefitting from a curated mix-tape of random songs that didn’t correspond beyond the producer’s involvement.
50
Promise
By Ciara (2006)
Regarded as one of her most mature singles, Ciara provides an element of grown woman that knows how to tantalize with falsetto and superior mic stand dancing. With an echoey beat that drips like a faucet in the quiet storm, the real enhancer is the vocal box that resembles Blackstreet.
49
Dip It Low
By Christina Milian ft Fabolous (2004)
As a nontraditional sound of the Punjabi diaspora, Bhangra music found its place on Christina Milian’s banger that became an early manual for twerking. “Pop to pop to pop that thang,” became a phrase of both fun and steamy seduction.
B-Side Alternative selection
Say I
By Christina Milian ft jeezy (2006)
Written by Jazmine Sullivan. Produced by Dre & Vidal. Featuring the Thug Motivator himself, Jeezy. A trucking sample of "Clean Up Your Own Yard,” a 1973 song by Jackie Moore. An urban pop bop that is unforgettable.
48
American Boy
By Estelle ft Kanye West (2008)
Disco funk found its way to the “cool down, down” brand of hipster rap that Kanye pushed to the forefront of mainstream sound and imagery. Of course a London gal wanted a taste of that, as she demands to be shown throughout the country across the big pond.
47
cater 2 U
By Destiny’s Child (2004)
Labeled nowadays as the de facto “pick me” song, Beyoncé and Kelly each individually shine with their fast singing verses that makes it feel as though they are simultaneously rapping. Michelle slows the pace by laying out a memorable bridge– marking a special contribution she never lapsed on with their hit singles. Smooth and subtle, the song would soundtrack an infamous lap dance moment at the 2005 BET Awards.
46
I Get Lonely
By Janet Jackson (1997)
Since her 1993 self-titled album, Janet Jackson upped the subject matter she discussed when it came to antics of the bedroom. This had been a departure from her style of pop, emphasizing the sensuality and craving that soul can bring to redefine a veteran’s career. “Break it down” is one of the best parts of the song, aided by a electro-hop&B bounce.
45
Don’t Leave Me
By Blackstreet (1996)
Sampling “A Dream” by DeBarge is a right of passage for hip hop soul music. This song specifically gets its groove from 2Pac’s “I Ain’t Mad At Cha.” While “No Diggity” became this group’s signature smash single, this push and start ballad which features a harmonica breakdown, evokes the sentiments of classic boy band R&B. The use of a vocoder at the hands of member Teddy Riley, gives this song a distinct character that matches that of Roger Troutman and Zapp.
44
Drunk In Love
By Beyoncé ft Jay-Z (2013)
Surfboardt. Drakin’ watermelon. Wet and wavy blonde hair. Just a few of the things that make monogamous sex sound so exhilarating from Hip Hop’s Power Couple. It had been a **surprise** sneak peek into their Andy Warhol decorated boudoir. Ultimately, it’s a convincing performance from Queen Bey over a pulsating trap beat that made this a No. 2 single on the Billboard Hot 100. And let’s not forget the Dubai challenging rift that became viral thanks to a live performance in 2023.
43
Addictive
By Truth Hurts ft Rakim (2002)
Blending Bollywood flavor with the energy of dancehall, this song embodies the spirit of club bangers. Twisted with a “contagious” chorus that takes on the qualities of a vocal snake charmer, the song reaches a fever pitch when Rakim decides to reference himself from his glory days in ‘87.
42
Can’t You See
By Total ft The Notorious B.I.G. (1995)
In the midst of the 1990’s, the trio of Kim, Keisha, and Pam became synonymous with the attitude and sound of hip hop soul. Channeling the spirit of Motown girl groups, but in Matrix attire, one will bop along when hearing the flashy opener from Biggie. While any ballad about enthrallment would make ways on urban radio, the energy of James Brown’s “Payback” drum kick added the noteworthy spark.
41
Right here (Human Nature remix)
By SWV (1993)
A sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” spun at the hands of Teddy Riley made this a signature song for the Sisters With Voices. “Love will be right here,” promises the trio during this earworm. Eventually the remix itself would turn a classic new jack swing song into a template for hip hop soul crusaders to follow after. For a lack of better words, it’s easy and breezy in nature becoming one of the most profound remixes of all time.