Top 10 Hip Hop Songs 2010

The top 10 hip-hop songs of 2010 are a indicator that 2010 should go down as the year that lyricism became mandatory in hip-hop again. There seemed to a plethora of potent poetry pouring out of recording studios. These hip-hop songs of 2010 won't easily be forgotten by lovers of clever lyrics.

1. "Runaway" Kanye West (feat. Pusha T) The chorus alone ("Let's make a toast to the douche bags.") made this the biggest song of 2010.  Kanye West uses a clever combination of apologizing for reckless behavior while accepting it at the same time. Pusha T also brings his own brash "boyfriend gone wild" tales, so keep that champagne flowing for an additional douche bag toast.
2. "Who Dat" J. Cole How many rappers can launch into the next stratosphere off one song? If that song is "Who Dat," it isn't a question you have to ask any longer. J Cole's brand of hip-hop packs the perfect mix of Nas, Kanye West and LL Cool J in a 2010 young man's body.
3. "Yeah But I Can Rhyme Though" Homeboy Sandman This song is absolutely awesome lyrically, sonically and conceptually. Homeboy pledges to be himself instead of succumbing to the often-ignorant stereotypes that stunt hip-hop's growth. In 2010, Homeboy Sandman is not going for the brainwash, but he has a sense of humor about it all.
4. "Looking For Ya" Big Boi (feat. Andre 3000) Any excuse for bringing Big Boi and Andre 3000 together for a song is a good idea. Their modern 2010 funk/hip-hop/soul seeps through. No wonder they made Outkast a worldwide phenomenon with catchy love letters like this.
5. "We Beamin' [Remix]" Lupe Fiasco (feat. All City Chess Club) This is a superhero for the younger generation. Lupe's All City Chess Club collective includes Asher Roth, Charles Hamilton, The Cool Kids, Blu, Diggy Simmons, Dosage and B.O.B. They surf over this 2010 hip-hop song with superior lyrics.
6. "Monster" Mark Ronson (feat. Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver) Kanye West gathers the 2010 hip-hop super powers together for a "Monster" of a jam. This 2010 hip-hop version of "Thriller" features gothic grit from Kanye, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj who practically steals the show. Don't get scared of these monsters that go bump in your stereo.
7. "Lose It (In The End)" Mark Ronson (feat. Ghostface Killah) Mark Ronson drops the beat and the hook, and Wu-Tang master Ghostface spits out Incredible Hulk energy. This song is what happens when a 1960s pop song spends the night in the studio with 1980s hip-hop. A 2010 baby is born, but don't "Lose It," play it.
8. "Deadly Medley" Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9" and Elzhi) For this Detroit trio to be any better, you would have to insert Eminem. Each man steps beyond the limits of witty punch lines. This 2010 hip-hop medley is so deadly that there needs to be a album on the way. Hint, hint.
9. "Deep" Elzhi Elzhi is so underrated that we need an entirely new rating system. With his aggressive hip-hop stress release, Elzhi makes words rhyme that no one in 2010 saw coming. His is a confident voice that means business.
10. "Don't Stop Rappin'" Del the Funkee Homosapien A dramatic beat that sounds like watching three horrors movies at the same time is the score to Del's cinematic wordplay. If you are still reading at a third grade level, leave this one alone. Better yet, search for the words that are outside of your vocabulary and let this one rock.