There are some posse cuts that are undeniable.
We all know "The Symphony" and "Buddy;" and who doesn't love the star-making turn Nas gave us on "Live At the BBQ" or Busta's scene-stealing verse from "Scenario?" But there are posse cuts that deserve way more love that don't get discussed as much as those go-to tracks. So here are eleven songs that we think you might wanna check out, if you love hearing emcees bringing out the best in each other on a dope track.
"Stranded On Death Row"
Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt, Lady of Rage, RBX
It may seem contradictory to act like any track on one of the most famous rap albums of all time is something you might've slept on, but seriously-- why don't we talk more about how great the album closing Death Row call-to-arms is here? And there' a Bushwick Bill cameo!
"24 Hrs To Live"
Ma$e, DMX, The LOX, Black Rob
Ma$e became one of the biggest rap stars of the late 1990s on the strength of slick pop hits, but this classic was one of the grimier moments on the multiplatinum-selling Harlem World and features a star-making appearance from Dark Man X.
"Doin' Our Own Dang"
Jungle Brothers, Q-Tip, Monie Love, Queen Latifah, De La Soul
Yes, "Buddy" is the classic. But never, ever sleep on the feel-good bop that is "Doin' Our Own Dang." It might not be as iconic as it's predecessor, but it's no less infectious and another great showcase for when the Native Tongues were at their most unified.
"Symphony 2000"
EPMD, Redman, Method Man, Lady Luck
We could not talk about great posse cuts that deserve more love and not mention this heat rock from the Def Squad/Hit Squad crew. Everybody snaps the fuck out on this track. And it'll make you wish we heard way more from Lady Luck.
"Da Ladies In the House"
Big Kap, U-Neek, Precise, Lauryn Hill, Bahamadia
Speaking of da ladies, this track from Big Kap may have had quite the on-the-nose title (and very 90s spelling: "Da?"), but it's one of the most underrated posse cuts of all time. Shout-out to Precise and Uneek, Bahamadia and the one they call "L," who shows up and shows out in this early (Pre-The Score, that is) appearance.
"I Got 5 On It" (remix)
The Luniz, Dru Down, E-40, Shock G, Richie Rich, Spice-1
Some shit you just have to do. Whether this is an widely hailed classic or woefully slept on masterpiece might depend on where you grew up, but we weren't going to do this list and just not mention this Bay Area roll call. It's just all NoCal love, and it's just as cool today as it was 25 years ago.
"I Shot Ya"
LL COOL J, Keith Murray, Fat Joe, Prodigy, Foxy Brown
It may suffer in the shadow of a hit single like "4,3,2,1," but we can't front on LL's grimy, gritty group shot from 1995. Featuring one of his most bombastic verses, a straight up classic by Prodigy, and a star turn from Foxy Brown, it reminded everyone (once again) that LL can go hardcore with the best of 'em.
"Don't Curse"
Heavy D & The Boyz, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Q-Tip, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane
Heavy D knew that he was every grandmother's favorite rapper and decided to poke fun with that image (and with the idea of censorship) while recruiting some fellow legends to do it. It's a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek moment that showcases real camaraderie, over a sick Booker T. & The M.G.'s flip.
"The Basement"
Pete Rock, CL Smooth, Heavy D, Grap Luva, Rob O, Deda
And while we're discussing Heavy -- he shows up here on this crazy slept on posse cut from Pete Rock & CL Smooth's epic Mecca and The Soul Brother. With everybody going for theirs round robin style, it feels like sitting in the basement, freestyling with the homies over what just happens to be a smoking beat from the Chocolate Boy Wonder.
"Watch For the Hook"
Cool Breeze, OutKast, Witchdoctor, Goodie Mob
The Dungeon Family was at the peak of its powers when Witchdoctor, the members of Goodie Mob and OutKast teamed up with Cool Breeze for this anthem. Highlighting a handful of the greatest emcees in Atlanta rap history, it helped solidify the talent throughout the crew and still has one of the coolest videos of the 1990s.
"Rumble In the Jungle"
The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest, John Forte, Busta Rhymes
Over one of Clef's best productions, these legendary crews repped from Native Tongues and the Refugee Camp while singing the praises of none other than Muhammad Ali. It's the Blackest, dopest shit you've ever heard. Is it the most underrated posse cut of all time? We think so.