I had a lot of fun creating this list, which is best illustrated by the fact that it was only supposed to be "The top 5". I kept having moments saying "but wait... i cant leave this song off".. so here we are... *15. The Dove Shack . Summertime In The LBC . The Show*It's like this song has been completely forgotten in the last 14 years by the general public, but it was pretty big in California upon it's release. The west coast hip hop scene still had plenty of momentum at the time (and didn't die out until 2pac passed on). This track reminds me of sun and innocence, and I'm sure that has NOTHING to do with the fact that I was about 11 or 12 when it came out.*14. Jay-Z, Ja Rule & Amil . Can I Get A... . Rush Hour*I never personally liked this too much, but it was a huge song.*13. 50 Cent - Wanksta - 8 Mile Soundtrack*The general public got their first glimpse of 50 Cent when he dropped "In Da Club" and it crossed over into soccer mom status, but "Wanksta" was his first big video. This song also turned his feud with Ja Rule into a huge public affair (which was the beginning of the end of Ja Rules career).*12. Three 6 Mafia - It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp - Hustle & Flow*There was no official video for this song, but it embodied the movie so well I had to include it. I'm not sure why Terrence Howard never gets any credit for performing the song, because I don't think it's nearly as good when Three 6 Mafia performs it themselves.*11. Jay-Z Friend Or Foe - The Streets Is Watching*The video is super low budget (just like the movie), but Friend Or Foe is one of Jay-Z's best performances. He's ultra calm but extremely cocky, and it really sold the scene..."You draw, better be Picasso... you know the bestCause if this is not so....ehhh.. god bless"*10. Aaliyah & Timbaland - Are You That Somebody - The Nutty Professor*Technically this could be classified as R&B instead of hip hop, but I let it slide due to the Timbaland verse. These two had such great chemistry, Aaliyah had lots of great songs but this is a personal favorite.*9. Ice - T - New Jack Hustler - New Jack City*This is old school west coast gangsta rap at it's finest. Despite Ice-T being more known for "Law & Order" these days, he was pretty damned good in the late 80s/early 90s. New Jack City was also a great film... if you haven't peeped it I suggest you do.*8. Ice Cube & Dr. Dre - Natural Born Killaz - Murder Was The Case*Many people make the mistake of thinking this was on the soundtrack for Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers" movie, but they technically had no association. This song appeared on the "Murder was The Case" soundtrack instead. This song also marked the first time Dr. Dre and Ice Cube worked together since NWA broke up. If I were to let my personal biases determine the order of this list..... this song would definitely be in the top 3.*7. Bone Thugs In Harmony - Dayz Of Our Lives - Set It Off*I don't know why Bone Thugs In Harmony are so good at making depressing music, but considering how the movie "Set It Off' ended, they were a perfect choice. Bizzy Bone doesn't appear in the video because it was filmed during one of the times he had left the group (or disappeared on an alcohol binge).*6. Jay-Z & Foxy Brown - Aint No Nigga - The Nutty Professor*This was one of the songs that launched Jay-Z's career, and it appeared on both the Nutty Professor sdtrk. and Jay's classic "Reasonable Doubt" album. He looks so young..... and poor in the video. It's funny how much things can change in 12 years.*5. Snoop Dogg - Murder Was The Case - Murder Was The Case*Snoop Dogg was fresh off of a monster album with "Doggystyle" and faced a very real murder charge. His legal problems led to this song (and a wonderful live performance of it at the MTV awards, look it up!) The video has a slightly cheesy quality, but I'm willing to dismiss it considering he actually *was* on trial for murder.*4. Erykah Badu & Common - Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop) - Brown Sugar*This video was GREAT.... with Erykah traveling through each phase/stage of the evolution of hip hop music. Also, Brown Sugar is great because it's one of the few hip hop movies that doesn't have the "traditional" storylines of guns/drugs/violence.*3. Regulate - Warren G & Nate Dogg - Above The Rim*Classic song.... Warren G and Nate are so smooth together. This song is the very definition of westcoast G-funk hip hop. I think most people liked this track better than the actual film.*2. MC Eiht - Streiht Up Menace - Menace II Society*A really powerful song to accompany a powerful movie. I've always liked how Eiht sounds helpless when he talks about the experiences of the character (Caine) instead of glamorizing it. Menace II Society always ran neck and neck with Boyz In The Hood as the best "hip hop" movies on my faves list.*1. Eminem - Lose Yourself - 8 Mile*I can't say enough good things about this track, it's inspirational and embodies the feel and urgency of the movie perfectly. I think Eminem said he wrote this song as he filmed the movie, but my memory is kinda fuzzy on that.