Top 50 - Best JAY-Z Songs (2025)

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, he was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. Known for his complex lyrical ability—which often uses double entendres and word play—and braggadocio, his music is built upon a rags to riches narrative. He served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007, and founded the entertainment company Roc Nation the following year.

Although we would take the $500,000 in a heartbeat, JAY was one of the first emcees we listened to, and he is forever considered to be one of the kings of hip hop in our eyes…despite him copyright blocking all of our videos

Due to the strict copyright issues involving JAY’s songs, some of the snippets used in this video will either be alternate versions of songs, live performance audio, or instrumentals. We apologize for any inconvenience, but there was nothing else we could do

This list ranks his 50 best tracks, More than just his hits—focusing on deep cuts, storytelling, political commentary, and introspective material

Rules:

-JAY must be the primary artist. Tracks like ‘The Originators’ and ‘Can I Get Open?’ are excluded
-Soundtrack songs are only eligible if JAY is credited as the main artist
-Songs by curators/producers (e.g. DJ Clue, DJ Khaled) are also excluded
-Songs must be on downloadable streaming platforms—ruling out ‘Super Ugly’
-Unreleased material such as ‘Understand Me’ are not considered

The ranking focused on lyrical depth, songwriting, production quality, JAY’s performances, emotional resonance, and impact on his career

We reviewed many online rankings and fan discussions to inform the list. Influence, popularity, streams, and sales were not considered.

Spoil the list for yourself!

01 - Dead Presidents [1996]
02 - Never Change [2001]
03 - December 4th [2003]
04 - 22 Two’s [1996]
05 - Heart Of The City (Ain’t No Love) [2001]
06 - D’evils [1996]
07 - Takeover [2001]
08 - Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) [1998]
09 - The Story of O.J. [2017]
10 - 99 Problems [2003]
11 - Big Pimpin’ [2000]
12 - Dirt Off Your Shoulder [2003]
13 - Izzo (H.O.V.A.) [2001]
14 - Renegade [2001]
15 - Brooklyn’s Finest [1996]
16 - Lucifer [2003]
17 - Friend Or Foe ’98 [1997]
18 - Where I’m From [1998]
19 - Moment of Clarity [2003]
20 - 4:44 [2017]
21 - Song Cry [2001]
22 - This Can’t Be Life [2000]
23 - Family Feud [2017]
24 - Can’t Knock The Hustle [1996]
25 - K*II Jay Z [2017]
26 - Blueprint 2 [2002]
27 - Ain’t No {Respectable Gentleman} [1996]
28 - Change Clothes [2003]
29 - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is…) [2007]
30 - So Ghetto [1999]
31 - Smile [2017]
32 - Coming of Age [1996]
33 - {Respectable Gentleman} What, {Respectable Gentleman} Who (Originator 99) [1998]
34 - ’03 Bonnie & Clyde [2002]
35 - Money, Cash, Hoes [1998]
36 - Cashmere Thoughts [1996]
37 - My 1st Song [2003]
38 - The City is Mine [1997]
39 - Feelin’ It [1996]
40 - {Respectable Gentlemen} In Paris [2011]
41 - Jigga That {Respectable Gentleman} [2001]
42 - Can I Live [1996]
43 - Public Service Announcement [2003]
44 - Politics As Usual [1996]
45 - Empire State of Mind [2009]
46 - I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) [2000]
47 - Marcy Me [2017]
48 - Run This Town [2009]
49 - Poppin’ Tags [2002]
50 - Intro (A Million One Questions / Rhyme No More) [1997]

Entries Per Album & Decade:

Reasonable Doubt: 11In My Lifetime, Vol. 1: 3
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life: 4
Vol. 3: The Life & Times of S. Carter: 2
The Dynasty: 2
The Blueprint: 7
The Blueprint 2: 3
The Black Album: 8
American Gangster: 1
Blueprint 3: 2
Watch The Throne: 1
4;44: 6

1990s: 20
2000s: 23
2010s: 7

Other JAY-Z videos:

“DISCOGRAPHY RANKED: JAY-Z - Worst To Best (2021)”:    • DISCOGRAPHY RANKED: JAY-Z - WORST To BEST ...  

Official JAY-Z Website: https://www.rocnation.com/music/jay-z/

As always, this is a fan-made list. Comment your favorite JAY-Z songs. Would love to hear them

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