As hip-hop turns 50 this summer, we pick the songs that define a music genre that changed the world. Our expert panel includes Romesh Ranganathan, comedian; Nick Grimshaw, radio presenter; rapper Stefflon Don; Kenny Allstar, host of the Radio 1 Rap Show; M1llionz, Birmingham rapper; Big Narstie, British MC and more.
Drake (2011)
We weren’t to know it at the time but this track essentially mapped out Drake’s career: mumbled vocals, a nagging hook and lyrics dealing with the drawbacks of fame. It seemed fresh.
Little Simz at Glastonbury, 2022
JIM DYSON/GETTY IMAGES
Little Simz (2015)
Early Simz adopters knew that the Londoner was exceptional: this stunner from her debut album pairs jazz-lounge guitar and piano with unvarnished lyrics and urgent delivery, at once imploring and cajoling.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh
