The Top 5 “R.I.P. Dead Homies” Songs On My iPod
So this site is supposed to focus on civic engagement and political issues, but let’s keep it real, music has always been our soundtrack for change. After all, where would the world be without the music of artists like Nina Simone, Bob Marley or even Michael Jackson. Music sort of helps us get through the day, ya know what I mean?
Speaking of soundtracks, a funny thing happened yesterday when I was listening to T.I.’s album King. By the time TIP got to the second verse of “Live in the Sky” I realized that the song was my favorite on the album. After thinking about it for a couple of minutes, I decided that most times my favorite jam on every album is the proverbial “R.I.P. Dead Homies” song ( you know, the song where rappers pay respect to their fallen loved ones). Unlike when MCs talk about their expanding bank accounts or sexual conquests, rappers just can’t fake emotion when they talk about the pain of death. I guess it’s sort of like the blues.
So this morning I decided to put together a list of the Top 5 “R.I.P Dead Homies” songs currently on my iPod. More after the jump.
1. “Cross Roads” Bone Thugs and Harmony
Has there ever been a more emotional rap song?
I know that it’s sort of hard to understand all the words, but Bone’s street consciousness combined with their sing songy style hits my heart strings every time I hear it.
2. “I’ll Be Missing You” Puff Daddy and the Family
This ode to the Nortorious B.I.G. still takes me back to 1997. Remember when Puffy brought Sting on stage to perform the song on the MTV Music Awards? That song is still a classic.
3. “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” Tupac
I’m sure that some purists would argue that this song shouldn’t really be on this list. After all, the lyrics aren’t really about a fallen loved one. But the video, which featured a slain Tupac rapping in heaven, will always remind me of how influential Pac was on me and my friends.
4. “Gangster Lean” D.R.S.
Ok, this song isn’t really a rap song, but it sure is gangsta. I am sure that a lot of liquor was poured out to this one back in day. Who says singers can’t have street cred?
5. “Live in the Sky” T.I. ft Jamiee Foxx
Overall I think this album is pretty boring. Anytime a great writer like T.I. freestyles their way through a record you know that it’s gonna be half ass. But on this song T.I. really brings it, you can tell that he had something on his heart when he wrote this one.
So there it is. This list wasn’t supposed to be a best of list, after all, there a lot of songs that aren’t on my iPod. And I’m sure the fact that I like these types of songs prolly says something about me, but whatever, I’m from Milwaukee what do you expect?
You are forgetting Tupac’s “Changes” and Pete Rock’s “T.R.O.Y.”
Noreaga had a song called “Sometimes” that could’ve been on the list. And Pac’s/Thug Life “Pour out a little liquor” as well, but good choices overall minus the TI “Live in the Sky”.
With out T.R.O.Y. no list like this is even relevant.
yeah, this was just the stuff on my iPod. I think T.R.O.Y. is prolly the best pour out a little liquor song.
I’m a bit surprised no one mentioned wu tangs tears. I’d throw rjd2/blueprint – June and immortal technique/Jean grae – you never know on that list, though both are a strech, cause of whose death they are talking about. Good call on the DRS though, I almost forgot about them.
wtf where is master p i miss my homies