The 14 Best Jay-Z Songs of All Time

Gritty street classics, chart-conquering anthems and late-career statements that trace the rise of a hip-hop empire. Which one reigns?

1. 1
   Izzo (H.O.V.A.)

   Kanye West-produced Jackson 5-sampling hit that announced a new era for both artists.
   1000pts
2. 2
   99 Problems

   Rick Rubin-produced rock-rap anthem and one of the most recognizable songs in hip-hop.
   960pts
3. 3
   Song Cry

   Emotional Blueprint ballad praised as one of his most heartfelt records.
   731pts
4. 4
   Takeover

   Ferocious diss track from The Blueprint that defined a legendary rap rivalry.
   705pts
5. 5
   Holy Grail

   Magna Carta Holy Grail single featuring Justin Timberlake.
   548pts
6. 6
   The Story of O.J.

   Acclaimed 4:44 single tackling race and wealth, widely praised as late-career brilliance.
   548pts
7. 7
   Big Pimpin'

   Lavish UGK collaboration with a Timbaland beat that became a summer anthem.
   448pts
8. 8
   Public Service Announcement

   Swaggering Black Album interlude with one of his most quoted opening lines.
   448pts
9. 9
   Otis

   Soul-sampling Watch the Throne romp with Kanye West built on Otis Redding.
   329pts
10. 10
    Run This Town

    Grammy-winning powerhouse with Rihanna and Kanye West.
    329pts
11. 11
    Dead Presidents II

    Classic Reasonable Doubt cut frequently named among his very best by fans.
    329pts
12. 12
    Empire State of Mind

    His chart-topping ode to New York featuring Alicia Keys, his first No. 1 as a lead artist.
    0pts
13. 13
    Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

    Breakthrough hit built on an Annie show tune sample that turned Jay-Z into a superstar.
    0pts
14. 14
    03 Bonnie & Clyde

    Hit duet with Beyonce that launched one of music's most famous partnerships.
    0pts

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