ML Hammer95

Will have no internet until Wednesday, so the countdown is taking a breather. Here's the remaining songs: Amerie - 1 Thing Beyonce feat. Jay Z - Crazy in Love Blu Cantrell feat. Sean Paul - Breathe Cassie - Me & U Coolio feat. L.V - Gangsta's Paradise Eminem - Lose Yourself Estelle feat. Kanye West - American Boy Justin Timberlake - Like I Love You Kanye West - Stronger Kelis - Milkshake Kelis - Trick Me Kevin Lyttle - Turn Me On M.I.A. - Paper Planes Mary J Blige - Family Affair Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On Mis-Teeq - Scandalous Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland - Promiscuous Outkast - Hey Ya Outkast - Ms Jackson Timbaland feat. Keri Wilson & DOE - The Way I Are TLC - No Scrubs Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah! The next section contains a UK #1, a debut single and a late 90s anthem!

25. KANYE WEST FT. JAMIE FOXX - GOLD DIGGER (2005) - 87 PTS 6vwNcNOTVzY Surprised this didn't finish higher, as it's probably the go-to party rap song for people of my age. Definitely stands out amongst Kanye's stacked back catalogue and was so huge it stuck around in the charts for over a year after its release. The interlope of Ray Charles samples manages to elevate the song and of course the song was responsible for introducing the phrase 'gold digger' into popular parlance. Absolute classic. 24. BRANDY & MONICA - THE BOY IS MINE (1998) - 88 PTS Va1Y6uAgNJY The relative absence of 90s songs in the final was a slightly disappointing to me - it is probably a reflection of the Buzzjack demographic rather than deep preference for later tracks. That said, this has stood the test of time as a 90s R&B anthem. Obviously used by 99 Souls for mid-10s dance smash 'The Girl Is Mine', the original more than holds it own with a compelling duet between Brandy and Monica documenting the trials and tribulations of sharing a man. This all before the rise of internet dating too. 23. DIZZEE RASCAL FT. CALVIN HARRIS & CHROME - DANCE WIV ME (2008) - 89 PTS c2MiyZx8MTY Dizzee Rascal pre-2008 was an acclaimed grime artist, credited with the first mainstream wave of the genre spawning UK classics such as 'Fix Up Look Sharp' and 'I Luv U'. This was a departure from that sound, collaborating with then-upcoming producer Calvin Harris to create a four-week #1. Sounds a bit dated now, but must remind lots of people of their childhood explaining its higher than expected placement here. Alongside Wiley's 'Wearing My Rolex' also released that summer, this started a trend of UK rappers releasing pop songs over dance beats.

28. SEAN PAUL - GET BUSY (2003) - 79 PTS (higher individual score) oPQ3o14ksaM This was the song that really saw Sean Paul consolidate in the mainstream - 'Gimme The Light' was a hit a few months but this was a huge success both here and in the US (a #1). I've personally always loved this song, it starts at a high tempo and throws you quickly into that addictive chorus. As an artist, Sean Paul is very marmite but this is pretty undeniable. 27. BLACK EYED PEAS - BOOM BOOM POW (2009) - 81 PTS 4m48GqaOz90 A song that is impeccably produced but leaves me feeling cold. The Black Eyed Peas have never really been cool, but they can be credited with making Guetta-pop unavoidable in 2009 and hearing this again takes me straight back to secondary school. At least it wasn't 'I Gotta Feeling' in this countdown, a song I truly cannot stand. 26. RIHANNA FT. DRAKE - WHAT'S MY NAME (2010) - 82 PTS U0CGsw6h60k My least favourite Drake/Rihanna collaboration, but that says more about the strength of their back catalogue than anything else. The Jamaican influence here is welcome and works well while the chemistry between the two artists is palpable. A #1 both here and America, this takes a deserved place in the countdown.

Love that song. :wub: Shame there isn't more garage music in the charts these days.

So many inspired choices here! My favourites are 'Incredible', 'Inner City Life', 'Brown Paper Bag', 'Gabriel', 'Au Seve' & 'Latch'. 'Gabriel' is one of my all-time favourite summer songs too. :wub:

Is it an Aaliyah sample? Theophilus London. :wub:

Theophilus London. :wub:

31. JAY Z - 99 PROBLEMS (2004) - 73 PTS 6uikJTnmtgw This was meant to be Jay Z's last songs before retirement, but I guess he could hardly retire after this song received widespread acclaim and was one of the most discussed songs of the decade. Produced by Rick Rubin, this song discusses rap critics and more obviously police racism towards black people which I believe was based on Jay Z's experience in 90s New Jersey. A little known fact is that the famous refrain in the chorus ('I got 99 problems but the bitch ain't one') is actually aimed towards a police dog after the second verse. Anyway, this song charted at #12 in 2004, but has since become one of the most recognisable hip-hop songs of the decade. Certainly still packs a punch and is deserving of a place in this countdown. (thank you coi for pointing out the error in the scoring that has bumped this song up a few places!) 30. SHAGGY - IT WASN'T ME (2001) - 76 PTS 2g5Hz17C4is No exaggeration to say this is one of the songs that defined the 00s - huge, huge huge. I can only say its relatively low placing is due to the inevitable overplay that songs like this fall victim too. Shaggy had a string of hits in the 90s, but this was his big pop breakthrough with 'It Wasn't Me' being a more R&B-leaning track than his earlier dancehall efforts. The biggest selling song of 2001, it remains a funky sing-a-long pop gem to this day and I would have thought almost everybody could sing this chorus. 29. NELLY FT. KELLY ROWLAND - DILEMMA (2002) - 79 PTS 8WYHDfJDPDc Another era-defining song lands at #29 - this is actually one of the first songs I remember seeing on TV and hearing on the radio and instantly takes me back to the autumn of 2002. Originally 'Dilemma' was not supposed to be released as a single, but the reaction upon release of the album that year forced his label to bow to public pressure and thus the song quickly became ubiquitous. Important to remember too that this was Kelly Rowland's first feature away from Destiny's Child and the success of 'Dilemma' forced some to speculate that Rowland's solo career could eclipse that of Beyoncé (make of that what you will). I do love this song, bonafide classic and only wish this could have finished higher here.

Capital XTRA Playlist | September 10th 2018 6LACK - Switch A$AP Rocky ft. Skepta - Praise The Lord AJ x Deno ft. EO - London AJ Tracey ft. Not3s - Butterflies Avelino ft. Not3s - Boasy B Young - 079 Me Bugzy Malone - Warning Chance The Rapper - Work Out Crazy Cousinz ft. Yungen & M.O. - Feelings (Wifey) D-Block Europe ft. Yxng Bane - Gucci Mane Dappy ft. Ay Em - Oh My Dizzee Rascal ft. Skepta - Money Right Drake - In My Feelings Drake - Nice For What Drake - Nonstop Ella Mai - Boo'd Up Eminem - Fall Eminem ft. Joyner Lucas - Lucky You Geko ft. NSG - 6:30 Hardy Caprio ft. One Acen - Best Life Juice WRLD - Lucid Dreams Khalid ft. 6LACK & Ty Dolla Sign - OTW Koomz ft. Sneakbo - Mariah (Remix) MoStack - What I Wanna Nicki Minaj ft. Eminem & Labrinth - Majesty Not3s - Just Fine Not3s ft. Maleek Berry - Sit Back Down Shakka ft. AlunaGeorge - Man Down Stay Flee Get Lizzy ft. Fredo, Young T & Bugsey - Ay Caramba Steel Banglez ft. Yxng Bane & MO - Your Lovin' Stefflon Don - Senseless Stefflon Don ft. Tiggs Da Author - Pretty Girl Swae Lee ft. Slim Jxmmi - Guatemala Theophilus London ft. Giggs - Bebey (SN1 Road Mix) Tory Lanez ft. Rich The Kid - Talk To Me Travis Scott - Stargazing Travis Scott ft. Drake - Sicko Mode Tyga ft. Offset - Taste Yungen ft. One Acen - Pricey ZieZie - Fine Girl OUT Afro B ft. Wizkid - Joanna (Remix) Beyoncé & Jay Z - APES**T J Hus - Dark Vader Lady Leshurr - OMW Nicki Minaj ft. Ariana Grande - Bed Swarmz - Lyca Yxng Bane - Vroom

34. CRAIG DAVID - 7 DAYS (2000) - 69 PTS P5lmb5-tnM0 Frequently lampooned, but extremely well-known song so it's no surprise to see '7 Days' make the final. I personally prefer 'Fill Me In' from Craig David's early work but the strength of his debut album 'Born To Do It' and the nostalgia Craig David himself provokes was responsible for his (quite successful) comeback a few years ago. '7 Days' is a UK classic really, something you'll hear on Heart and 1Xtra and it remains an incredibly smooth and catchy ode to meeting someone and sparks flying. It must be said that the lyrics can be extremely cheesy but there is something endearing about '7 Days' and Craig David that enables both to rise above that. 33. EVE FT. GWEN STEFANI - LET ME BLOW YOUR MIND (2001) - 70 PTS Wt88GMJmVk0 I'm actually surprised this didn't finish higher - it's a song that I still hear most nights I go out. Maybe that explains its relatively low placing here, as it arguably veers into overplayed territory. It can't be denied that it has aged extremely well though, the Dr. Dre production complimenting Eve's raps perfectly but the real hook here is Gwen Stefani's chorus which will now be stuck in my head for the rest of the day. I would say this isn't a song that grabs you on first listen. but rather burrows its way into your brain upon repeated exposure (which honestly is the best type of song) and remains a stellar example of early 00s hip hop. 32. CIARA FT. MISSY ELLIOTT - 1,2 STEP (2005) - 71 PTS iBHNgV6_znU Crunk music hasn't aged particularly well in my opinion. As previously discussed, it formed an important link between the traditional hip-hop productions of the early 00s and the electro influences of the latter part of the decade but consequently sounds very of-its-time. This song is a prime example of that, released during Ciara's imperial phase and following her #1 hit 'Goodies'. That said, it is difficult to remain still listening to the funky beat of '1,2 Step' and Ciara's vocals work despite not being the greatest singer here. The presence of Missy Elliott does nothing to harm the song and the number of views on YouTube suggest this song remains extremely popular to this day. A track that is better than I remembered from the time.

Me too. Found so many hip hop, garage and R&B gems from the 90s over the last few months that I haven't been paying attention to new music.

Never been that into chart music beyond seeing how my favourite songs get on. However, my habits for finding new music have shifted recently... rather than actively seek out new music (via radio, playlists, new releases etc.) I have now started to let new music find me. This is coupled with much greater interest in older songs from my favourite genres and therefore new music doesn't have quite the same appeal it once did, especially given the stagnation of the UK urban scene over the past few months.

37. MISSY ELLIOTT - WORK IT (2002) - 65 PTS cjIvu7e6Wq8 I've always thought of this as a brilliant song, but not one of my favourites - a stance seemingly shared by many of you judging by it's place in this countdown. While Timbaland provides a signature eccentric beat, the main point of interest is how the lyric "I put my thing down, flip it, and reverse it" is repeated backwards in the chorus which I thought for many years was gibberish but is more accurately a sign of genius. The video pays tribute to the recently deceased Aaliyah and Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes and both video and song garnered widespread critical acclaim. The lowest of three Missy Elliott entries here, this is still a indisputable classic of early 00s hip hop. 36. JA RULE FT. ASHANTI - ALWAYS ON TIME (2002) - 67 PTS 0tcDXJfAFVw Murder Inc. songs were everywhere in 2002. Tracks such as 'Foolish', 'What's Luv' & 'Livin' It Up' all sound essentially 2002 while remaining widely loved to this day, but I believe 'Always On Time' has become the definitive Murder Inc. song in the eyes of many. The debut of Ashanti, the song became a worldwide hit at the start of the year and listening now it is easy to hear its charms. Ashanti's smooth chorus contrasts well with Ja Rule's more rugged raps to create a song that still works in a variety of settings to this day. 35. MISSY ELLIOTT FT. CIARA & FATMAN SCOOP - LOSE CONTROL (2005) - 68 PTS na7lIb09898 I fear my commentary will not do this song justice. It is clearly brilliant - unique, endearingly bonkers (evidenced by the appearance of Fatman Scoop) and clearly popular to this day. However, I have never been able to fully get into this song for unidentifiable reasons. I will admit that this sounded incredibly fresh in 2005, a time where commercial urban music was becoming stagnant which can easily be said about the state of urban music in 2018 too. Ciara was the hot feature in 2005 and it is to Missy Elliott's credit that she could create such an endearing hit that sounds so unconventional. The electro-R&B sound wasn't fully popularised until the release of 'SexyBack' the following year, but it is possible to hear its influence here alongside the popular crunk sound of the time.

40. KANYE WEST - POWER (2010) - 60 PTS L53gjP-TtGE The fact this has come last in no way reflects the strength of this song - I would go so far as to say this is probably one of Kanye West's best remembered songs. Critically acclaimed, 'Power' was Kanye's comeback single after the experimental '808s & Heartbreak album' and the controversial incident with Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards. Despite only charting at #36 in the UK upon release, 'Power' re-entered the chart the following year and was voted by many publications (including Pitchfork and Rolling Stone) as one of the best songs released in 2010. Perfect workout music and a song that has aged very well - a strong start to this countdown! 39. DESTINY'S CHILD - BOOTYLICIOUS (2001) - 61 PTS IyYnnUcgeMc Long before I knew what this song was called I was familiar with the refrain 'I don't think you're ready for this jelly' - a sure sign of this song's crossover into popular culture! Released in the summer of 2001 during a period of sustained commercial success for Destiny's Child, this song charted at #2 in the UK and the term 'bootylicious' became so ingrained culturally that the term entered the Oxford English dictionary in 2004! Destiny's Child have a rich catalogue of R&B/Pop classics and this is a song that still goes off in the right setting. 38. NINA SKY FT. JABBA - MOVE YA BODY (2004) - 64 PTS lYbMvAB66KM There is something about one-hit wonders that effortlessly transport you back in time, arguably more effectively than artists with multiple hits. Listening back now, 'Move Ya Body' is so very mid 00s with the dancehall inspired beat and monotone female vocals that it could only have been a hit during this period - dancehall had enjoyed a commercial renaissance the previous year and DJs continue to mix this song alongside similar efforts by Lumidee and Rihanna ('Pon De Replay'). However, this doesn't make this song any less enjoyable and is very effective record that has stood the test of time sufficiently to be included in this countdown. Until researching the song for this countdown I didn't know that Nina Sky are actually twin sisters, which was interesting to note.