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to interpretation that it is widely believed to be the most sought after instrumental of all time. It was not uncommon to hear the beat being used in emcee battles (including one of the battles in the movie 8 Mile) as well as the intro for local college hip hop radio shows. That, combined with the no-apologies theme of life and death on the streets makes this single tough to beat in the realm of hardcore hip hop.

OUTKAST - MS. JACKSON

When the story of a track runs through the real lives of the urban community, wins a Grammy and spends weeks on the top of the Billboard Charts, it's hard not to include it on the list of most popular songs - both from heads and industry veterans alike. The song is actually about the mother of songstress Erika Badu, Andre 3000's ex-girlfriend and mother of his son Seven. The powerful chorus of apology hits home while the message of the song is more than relatable to men and women who have had the pitfalls of a broken relationship combined with a meddling parent. This track was a worldwide smash and prompted audiences to take a second look at one of hip hop's most unique duos.

All of these tracks have a place in hip hop's rich history, and all of them set standards either through content, popularity or both. Impossible to ignore is the impact these songs had on the industry and the guarantee they will be heard for decades to come.

Learn more about this author, James Di Fiore.
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