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 Power of Churban
Record executive Steve Stoute has referred to the sound of rhythmic pop as “churban,” a portmanteau that blends “crossover urban.” Developed in the ‘90’s, R&B benefitted from this as the sounds of hip hop helped the genre propel towards the fandom of the youth.
This portion of the countdown highlights the songs that would make “churban” culture proud. These are the urban pop bops that soundtracked the sound of Gen X entering and exiting their 20’s, while Millennials started coming of age. But let’s not forget that some tunes from the last 13 years have worked wonders for embodying that soundscape to the fullest.
Powered by consistent radio play, the rotations of televised music countdowns, and social media praise, No. 80 through 61 on this official list mark a period where hip hop embraced its position in crossover pop. Unlike No. 106 to 81, we exit out of cult fanaticism, and start to get to the point where the classics can stand on their own for how historically important they were for embracing the culture.
“OH”
By Ciara Ft Ludacris (2004)
appears
at
No.
SevenTY-Nine
79
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
80
Into You
By Fabolous Ft Tamia or Ashanti (2003)
The mid-aughts were all about crafting crossover hits that are smooth, and this jaunt delivered that to the fullest. Utilizing a sample of Tamia’s 1998 hit “So Into You,” Fabolous raps while either Ashanti or Tamia delivers the hook (depending on which version you like better). This moment showcased how Fabolous held the potential to be a crossover star.
79
Oh
By Ciara ft Ludacris (2004)
When thinking of ATL anthems, “Oh” instantly comes to mind. From the twerking on the hood of a drop top to the actual performance of the bop at the BET Awards, this song has become an instant classic for both urban and pop audiences. The impressive verse from Ludacris features him rapping fast, and representing the southern brand of hip hop. A club banger for sure.
B-Side Alternative selection
Ride
By Ciara ft Ludacris (2010)
They turned around and did it again. One of the hottest videos known to man, it’s ok to hit the floor when imitating the sexy choreography that got banned from BET.
78
Okay
By Nivea ft Lil Jon & Youngbloodz (2004)
The ultimate nail salon song, Nivea made a statement alongside Lil Jon and the rap duo YoungBloodZ. It’s all about the two step, a cup of Bacardi, and looking fly while at the club. Co-written by her then-husband, The-Dream, “Okay” serves club banger like no other.
77
Freak Like Me
By adina Howard (1995)
In the era of hypersexuality, this is the defacto anthem when it comes to R&B. “I need a roughneck … who can satisfy me,” sings Adina Howard with raw confidence. Before the rap ladies could shine in the mainstream with their raunchiness, this g-funk song laid out the blueprint for the hip hop adjacent R&B hunnies who unapologetically wanted to get freaky to the max.
76
Loveeeeeee Song
By Rihanna ft Future (2012)
Even as a deep cut, this song resonated as it played throughout urban radio stations. One of the first of its kind, the jaunt gave listeners a taste of where trap&B was heading. Future– who became one of the hottest rookies of new gen hip hop– sounds slurred out of his mind as he begs for “love and affection,” hoping not to sound “too desperate,” as Rihanna comes in with a rap-singing bridge that represents her maturity.
75
Thong Song
By Sisqó (2000)
The booty anthem of all booty anthems. The leading member of Dru Hill gives a beach tune powered by the backing of a violin. It’s the dramatic urgency that matches the fun and Sisqó’s own silver-dyed hair that makes the visuals just as impactful. When he said he would release the dragon, that’s exactly what took place at the top of Y2K.
B-Side Alternative selection
Tell Me
By Dru Hill (1996)
The dance is what makes this stand the test of time today, simply yell “tell me what you want” while hopping rhythmically on one foot up and down.
74
Wild side
By Normani ft Cardi B (2021)
“Do do do” never sounded so good on wax. In a song that took many by surprise, Normani proved how she could handle being the center of attention despite the odds that worked against her. With an equally stunning visual, “Wild Side” instilled hope in those looking for a bonafide pop star that could still give R&B listeners what they craved for. And let’s not forget the “One In A Million” sample that launched the song into new heights.
73
Last Night
By Diddy ft Keyshia Cole (2006)
Dramatic. Urgent. Soulful. Diddy pleads his case to his lover who seems to be ignoring his calls. Keyshia Cole delivers on her hooks and the ad-libs. Everything comes to a rushing climax during the bridge, where she yells “I need you.” It’s an attempt at reconciliation that had many fans in their feels.
72
Heard It All Before
By Sunshine Anderson (2001)
From the very first verse, “Come home late it seems you barely beat the sun,” this song provides A1 storytelling. It happens after an argument skit that plays out at the beginning. As Sunshine Anderson’s debut single, it made an impact due to an assertive, feed up performance over horns.
71
Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)
By Jazmine Sullivan (2010)
With her second run around the block, Jazmine Sullivan embodied the essence of hip hop soul. This song contains many samples including “La Di Da Di” by Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, and even the call and response from “Let Me Clear My Throat.” It channels the revitalization of hip hop infused production that can be heard on Elle Varner’s “Only Wanna Give It To You”— even starting that trend first in the 2010’s.
70
Boo’d Up
By Ella Mai (2017)
When people thought commercial R&B had died out, a British native by the name of Ella Mai had something up her sleeve. Produced by DJ Mustard, this effort is one of the more memorable slow jams of the 2010’s. More than a year after its official release, the crooning of “feelings” helped the song go Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
B-Side Alternative selection
Trip
By Ella Mai (2018)
Following up “Boo’d Up,” this tune proved to be a more uptempo bop that even had Jacquees remixing the song much to the chagrin of the singer and producer.
69
Jenny From The Block
By Jennifer Lopez ft The Lox (Jadakiss & Styles P) (2002)
In the midst of her highly public relationship with Ben Affleck (the first time around), J Lo takes aim at the “rumors” that had her “laughing, kid.” She’s boastful and in her best form over the sample of “South Bronx,” representing where she came from and her humble attitude.
68
Love Galore
By SZA FT Travis Scott (2017)
As her breakout mainstream single, SZA introduced her brand of cursive singing to a larger global audience. Fueled by trap&B, she calls out the back and forth one goes through with someone that plays their worth. “Why you botha me,” she asks Travis Scott who gives his own melodic response.
67
Please
By Toni Braxton (2005)
With the discography of Toni Braxton, she always lends a surprise. Whether that’s the electro dance of “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” or in this case, the orchestral strings of “Please.” This ‘Libra’ moment had R&B audiences buzzing, as it continued the line of sophisticated sass that the contralto provides best.
66
Nothing In This World
By Keke wyatt ft Avant (2001)
With “My First Love” KeKe Wyatt and Avant became a notable collab duo. With “Nothing In This World,” they contrasted the slow jam vibes with a more uptempo bop that was punctuated by a handclap.
65
Slow Down
By Bobby Valentino (2005)
Released on Valentine’s Day, Bobby V broke away from his group Mista, to go solo. This debut single is light, breezy, and catchy in order to represent the sentiment of catching up to a potential conquest. It literally slows down as Bobby V showcases his singing prowess.
64
Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)
By Erykah Badu ft common (2002)
This is one of the most feel good songs about the personified love of the genre. It implements DJ scratches and a rap verse from Common. Produced solely by Raphael Saadiq, the song went No. 1 on the R&B charts, top 10 on the Hot 100, and won a Grammy. With a convincing performance from the Soulquarian, it became one of her signature songs.
63
My Way
By Fetty Wap Ft Monty & Drake (2015)
Rapping and singing over trap beats had long been the norm by the time Fetty Wap burst onto the scene. “Baby won’t you come my way,” echoed the attitude of K.P. & Envyi’s “Swing My Way” but in a more modernized way. Somehow it was cool to croon in the trap as a means to woah a potential suitor. The Drake remix propelled it even further.
62
Official Girl
By Cassie Ft Lil Wayne (2008)
While the aerodynamic beat can be considered hyper, the coolness of Cassie made it noteworthy. She’s tired of playing second fiddle, because “today makes it a year.” In retrospect, the song received praise for being a moment in the MySpace era, having audiences respect her for channeling Aaliyah vibes in the late aughts as R&B was progressing even more electro. Then there is one of Weezy F Baby’s best guest features– adding to the heroic vibes of the bop.
61
The Things That You Do
By Gina Thompson Ft Missy Elliott (1996)
A ringing bell to enhance the beat. A climatic bridge that could go down as one of hip hop soul’s best. And a breakout rap verse from Missy Elliott that had people going “he he he he ha” for years to come. As hip hop soul was leaving its first phase, this will remain a relic of those times.