10 Best 2009 Rap Songs

In a triumphant year for progressive hip hop, the 10 best 2009 rap songs cover a diverse spectrum. There were the usual suspects that tend to be Grammy-bound every year, but there were also a refreshing group of new as well as boundary-pushing rappers that took the world's attention as well. This list of rap songs consists of strictly artists and songs that were Grammy Award nominees, as a way of showcasing the creative content that was surfacing into the mainstream in 2009. 

1. Jay-Z—"D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" A rap song about what is wrong with current rap songs takes a formidable lyricist to make the masses pay attention. When your name is Jay-Z, you can single-handedly end a trend, like the auto-tune synthesized singing that was getting out of hand at the time. 
2. Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent—"Crack A Bottle" The three kings of Interscope Records combine forces to grab a Grammy with this hit from Eminem's double platinum-selling "Relapse" album. The sheer star power, plus the differing personas—50 Cent's aggression, Eminem's quirky humor and Dr. Dre's elder insight—gel together for this upbeat party starter. 
3. Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West—"Run This Town" Jay-Z wins another Grammy award with this monster jam featuring superstars Kanye West and Rihanna. Rhianna, doing what she does best, belts out the intense chorus. Kanye West and Jay-Z flourish with performances that balance bravado with insight into their success. 
4. Kid Cudi—"Day 'n' Nite" Kid Cudi's name was instantly thrust into the minds of millions with this rap song's infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about feeling like an outsider. "Day 'n' Nite" has that rare, unexplainable "it" factor that makes it contagious across multiple demographics of listeners. 
5. Q-Tip and Norah Jones—"Life Is Better" This is another rap song about hip-hop itself that excels in its feel-good homage to the pioneers of the genre. Even if you have no clue who the legendary artists are that Q-Tip lists, you will feel compelled to get familiar and Norah Jone's voice can erase all doubts that life can force upon you. 
6. Mos Def—"Casa Bey" Mos Def turns a rap song into an exploration of the endless potential that music has but many are too afraid to attempt. Mos Def's fearless self-expression is timeless with this song. 
7. Kanye West and Young Jeezy—"Amazing" Kanye West has a knack for producing rap songs that become bona fide anthems and "Amazing" is no exception. It is no surprise that it was widely used by the NBA for the 2009 Playoffs. 
8. Drake—"Best I Ever Had" This rap song is a dominating declaration of female appreciation ran laps around the radio, internet and iPods at an insane rate in 2009. Having a hot song of this magnitude certainly assisted in the current success he is enjoying. 
9. Beastie Boys and Nas—"Too Many Rappers" This is one seriously unique collaboration. On paper it may sound like Nas and the Beastie Boys are polar opposites, but combined, they sound perfectly united against fraudulent, talentless rappers plaguing the art form. 
10.  Eminem—"Beautiful" Eminem's introspective reflection sounds like he is literally reading his diary to a beat with motivational emphasis for anyone who can relate to depression. Eminem urges us to find something beautiful within ourselves, even when no one else may notice it.