50 Best Rap Songs of 2009

I had a hard time coming up with 10 hip-hop albums I really enjoyed this year. But when it comes to songs, I had to stop myself at 50. Yep, songs (and mixtapes) murdered albums in 2009.

50. Dolla - "Georgia Nights"
© Frazer Harrison/Getty
ATLien Dolla recorded this slow cooker just days before he was murdered in L.A.

49. Grouch & Eligh - "All In"
© Legendary Music
Once in a while, alt-rap specialists like Blackalicious and various members of the Hiero clan pop up to remind us that the west coast isn't all hyphy and big basslines. Case in point: this slice of slaphappy hip-hop anthem courtesy of The Grouch & Eligh (both members of Living Legends).
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48. LEGACY - "T.K.O." (Ft. Phonte)
© Traffic Entertainment Group
Hip-hop posse cuts have become a way to demonstrate clout and drum up publicity for an album, as opposed to a lyrical showcase. This jawn by L.E.G.A.C.Y. doesn't conform to that standard. It finds like-minded MCs Sean Price and Phonte pummeling a rather tough beat into submission.
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47. Pac Div - "Mayor"
© Universal Motown
Mibbs & crew are having an Ice Cube-style good day. In fact, they're bubbling with so much excitement that a run for mayor suddenly seems feasible. Or is that Grey Goose in action? The group expects to drop its first official full-length via Universal Motown Records in 2010.
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46. Slim Thug - "I Run"
© Koch
Brassy, slap-happy southern rap encouraging all personages in the streets of H-Town to please recognize his royal Thuggness.
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