BATTLE OF THE JAMS: Super-Rap Tracks

I have a new idea that has been sitting in my head for a long time. It is called BATTLE OF THE JAMS and it is rather simple. Take a series of songs that have some common factor and place them against each other. For what you ask? Nothing. Just sheer pride and the fun of the contest. I'm going to put this week up to a reader "vote" to see whether or not people actually read this blog/care enough to comment. So let's begin.

BATTLE OF THE JAMS #1: Super-Rap Tracks

In rap it seems as though guest verses are common. Many rap albums of today contain more songs with featured guests than without. That is a subject that can be talked about for hours and hours, but the bottom line is that the over use of guest spots takes away from the artist that made the song. However, there are a few tracks over the past few years that tout all star lineups. They feature grand gatherings of some of the greatest rappers alive. And even within this super sub-genre there are differences, and this my friends is where the battle begins.

TRACK ONE:
"Crack a Bottle" Eminem featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent

Hook/V1: Eminem
V2: Dr. Dre
V3: 50 Cent

The Pros: This was our first taste of Relapse era Eminem, and this song doesn't have that obnoxious brogue that he takes on for the rest of the album. Dre is a refreshing guest, while he's old, he's still somewhat relevant. 50 brings fun delivery with little depth to what he says, but then again the song doesn't ask for great depth.
The Cons: This is a party track, but the beat isn't that great of a party beat. I love the song, it just seems to work on the wrong level. It's a good song, it just doesn't bounce like the better party tracks.

TRACK TWO:
"Swagga Like Us" Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, T.I.

Hook: M.I.A. (sampled)
V1: Kanye West
V2: Jay-Z
V3: Lil' Wayne
V4: T.I.

The Pros: This song is epic and blew up the idea of this super-track, spawning so many remixes and tweaks like Diddy's "Swagga Like Puff", but what this track does perfectly is allow all 4 rappers to just tell the world they are the best. When they performed this at the Grammy's they were referred to as The Rap Pack, and this foursome is definitely among the best 4 rappers to get radio play.
The Cons: The hook is so repetitive it's not funny. It's one line over and over with 4 great rappers seemingly sitting in the wings waiting for it to end. Kanye and Wayne having autotune on also takes away from their words, which is a tad disappointing.

TRACK THREE:
"Classic" Kanye West, Rakim, KRS One, NaS

V1: Rakim
V2: Kanye West
V3: NaS
V4: KRS One

The Pros: This is the thinking mans super track. At the time this song came out Kanye's ego was still in check to a certain degree, NaS was still relevant and KRS One and Rakim were where they are now, respected veterans. This is not a party track, but it has a catchier beat than the prior 2 songs. Lyrically it's solid, good verses all around.
The Cons: KRS One's verse urks me. While it's sound lyrically, its subject matter is just kind of boring. The other 3 rap well, but KRS comes in to close the track and has that like "The radio should play more local emcees!" like we haven't heard that a million times before. Also the fact that this track was done for Nike kind of makes it a tad more of a sellout track.

TRACK FOUR:
"Get Buck In Here" DJ Felli Fell, Akon, Diddy, Ludacris, Lil' Jon

Hook: Akon
V1/V3: Diddy
V2: Ludacris
End(?): Lil' Jon

The Pros: This song is a party song. The rappers on this aren't among the greats (aside from Ludacris in some peoples minds) and the subject matter is rather simple. It's incredibly catchy thanks to Akon on the hook, and Luda's verse is nicely put together. The breakdown thing at the end is awesome too, Lil' Jon just comes in and tears it down. Which is awesome.
The Cons: Diddy having two verses. Akon could've taken a verse or someone else more deserving could've followed Ludacris. No need for that much Diddy on the microphone anymore.

TRACK FIVE:
"Forever" Drake, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, Eminem

Hook/V1: Drake
V2: Kanye West
V3: Lil' Wayne
V4: Eminem

The Pros: This song is intense. It takes what "Swagga Like Us" did and twisted it, making it more of a game of eager emcees rather than a sheer track of basting. Even though three of the four rappers on this track were hugely successful before it came out, they all bring fourth fresh verses that are supremely entertaining. The highlight comes at the final verse when Eminem comes in and just destroys everyone else following the weak Relapse. It showed us he still has what it takes behind the mic.
The Cons: Wayne seems to be coasting to a degree. Aside from that not too much to complain about.

VOTE: Let me know via twitter (@DH_Winchell) or comment on this blog what you think is the best of the five. I'll do the breakdown right now!

Crack A Bottle:
Swagga Like Us: 1
Classic:
Get Buck In Here:
Forever: