Hip Hop Icon Friday - Jay Z

Many faces have helped shape hip hop over the year's, but only few have helped it cross over to the mainstream audience while still keeping their integrity. Jay Z has come up in a true rags to riches story, surpassing all that challenged him and sat himself right at the top of the business.

Everyone may not like him, but they all know him. Below is a video retrospective of some of the best songs in his career. Chronologically of course.

Reasonable Doubt - Feelin' It


In My Lifetime Vol 1 - The City is Mine

Are you trying to get a rise out of me agent rappenport?

Two-fer from this album, the next song had to make the list:

In My Lifetime Vol 1 - Who You Wit



Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life - Money Aint a Thang



Vol. 3...Life and Times of S. Carter - Big Pimpin


One of his worse albums, unfortunately this is the best song I could pull from it, but to each his own.

The Dynasty: Roc La Familia - This Can't Be Life


The Blueprint - Song Cry


I would call this album the redeemer. His albums took an unfortunate poppy turn in the late 90's (hence Big Pimpin) but this was a glorious return to his true talent. Showcasing some of his best work, he slows it down in Song Cry, gets militaristic in Heart of the City, and makes one of his best songs with Eminem in Renegade.

The Blueprint: The Gift - Excuse Me Miss

Jay-Z - New Music - More Music Videos

The Black Album - Change Clothes


This might be the pinnacle, with numerous must haves on this one. Also began the Brush Your Shoulders Off movement.

The Black Album - Numb/Encore

Linkin Park - New Music - More Music Videos

The Black Album - 99 Problems


Can't help but get pumped listening to this one.

Some Miscellaneous Loving
Brooklyn We Go Hard - Jay Z and Santogold


Random but one of his many remixes that have been great.

Kingdom Come - Beach Chair


A couple other good ones on this album, but the very end was capped off with Beach Chair. It was different enough to catch my attention, but gotta mention the more popular Show Me What You Got.

This rounds out the count down. I know there has been a bunch left out, but it was only a song per album (with some minor exceptions). He's also had countless cameos in songs and plenty that were left off the list. Upset a favorite didn't make the post? Think something that was featured shouldn't have been (ahem Big Pimpin). Let me know, comment below.