8. Frontin — Pharrell — Neptunes Presents: The Clones 

Frontin came out at a time when the burgeoning relationship between Jay-Z and Beyonce was still something the two wouldn’t admit too. When this dropped – it killed a lot of the speculation as Jay essentially outlined their relationship in one of his quickest but most potent verses. It was at this point that we all knew what it really was.

“Every time your name was brought up I would act all nonchalant in front of the audience like you were just another shorty I put the naughty on but uh… truth be told, you threw me for a loop…”

7. Upgrade You — Beyonce — B’Day

Speaking of Beyonce and Jay-Z, of all of their many collaborations, Upgrade You is the best. What separates Upgrade you from some of the other Jay-Z/Beyonce collaborations is that it’s a dope song even without Jay. Crazy in Love was dope, but would you really listen to it if not for Jay. Same thing with That’s How You Like It and Deja Vu. Besides that – Jay’s verse kills. Jay’s flow is almost always dope but his ability to ride such a complex beat so effortlessly — while actually saying something — is what separates him from most other rappers. Also love the video for this joint. You may remember that around the time this song was out the rumor was that Jay and Bey were on their way toward a break up. They clearly played on those rumors by having Bey mime the first half of Jay’s verse. Well done.

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Key Quotable:

“I’m talking Spy bags and fly pads and rooms at the Bloomberg and rumors you’re on the verge of a new merge, cuz that rock on your fingers like a tumor, you can’t fit your hand in your new purse…”

6. Pressure — Lupe Fiasco — Food and Liquor

This is one of those verses that you have to listen to a few times to catch all the nuances.

Key Quotable”

“If the war calls for Warhols, hope you have enough space on your halls walls.”

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