Best Hip Hop Record (Mainstream) of 2009
Reader's Pick
Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Over more than two decades in the game, Jay-Z has grown into one of the most powerful artists in the industry, but never managed to net a number-one hit on Billboard's Hot 100. With Blueprint 3 single “Empire State of Mind,” Hova passed that milestone in a fittingly spectacular fashion, enlisting R&B songstress Alicia Keys for a soaring ode to his home city. Our condolences to the Sinatra estate – the Big Apple's found a new anthem.
Staff Pick
Drake – Best I Ever Had
Ok, so Jay-Z cleaned up on the top two spots, and rightfully so, but as big as Hova's year was, 2009 was ultimately the year of Drake. In 2009 the charismatic young rapper rose from a relative unknown to unquestionably the hottest rapper in the game, and "Best I Ever Had" was the hip-hop rocket that he rode to the top. Mark our words, this will go down in history as the track that launched an enormously successful career.
Best Hip Hop Record (Unsigned/Independent) of 2009 |
Best DJ Booth Freestyle of 2009 |
Submit a Comment
Member Reviews and Ratings
|
DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 7974 |
Again, just as with the other award, Empire state was done for me after hearing it two times. Best I ever had is an instant classic that can always be enjoyed....
|
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 904 |
Best I Ever Had 100%
|
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 613 |
After I heard that infamous line on Empire State of Mind I was disgusted so u know whick track gets my vote here...
|
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker |
i thought for sure Drake had this one. i cant believe ppl thought Jay-Z was better. im w/the booth more than i am w/my peers on these awards. gotta be the worst winner so far.
|
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Crew |
Empire State of Mind won in two different categories...wow. Sure brings something to talk about for next year...
Good staff pick though for "Best I Ever Had". (it got my vote) |
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 475 |
I guess I'm in the minority here. "Empire State of Mind" is a radio smash that deserves every bit of success it has had. While the rhyme scheme is somewhat elementary, the production and hook are more than enough to solidify it as one of the most complete tracks Jay has ever put down.
|
| Posted on Jan 06, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 544 |
For sure Jay diserved this one!
@Blaze31-what line? If you mean that reglious line "god can't save you" or something like that, ppl are just overreacting. Dope, whatever Hov said. |
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 908 |
Phantastic said it best.
|
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 736 |
haha i guess most of the booth is reppin NYC, im with Phantastic here, the hook made the song
|
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1189 |
I voted for All The Above - Maino, I thought that was one of the best tracks ive heard in a long time.
Best I Ever Had is a good track, though I still dont get how people love Empire State Of Mind the amount that they do. |
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 213 |
I agree with the staff on this one. i really liked Empire State of Mind, but i agree that 2009 was all Drake. Best i ever had is a great song that i have always loved, and well its what really got me into listening to Drake.
|
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Ya jay's is the right man for the award that song wanna make feel migrating to Ny city
|
| Posted on Jan 07, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker Total Ratings: 613 |
"Life starts when the Church ends"??? Drew a red flag (at least for me)... Call it overreacting if you want, but ppl come from all walks of life and I gotta say that really shocked me...
|
| Posted on Jan 09, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker Total Ratings: 613 |
Btw, last comment was @Hoamboy...
|
| Posted on Jan 09, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
No surprise here and I agree with both 'Reader's & Staff Pick'. But I personally voted for the 2nd version of "Ridin' Dirty", I don't know why that never got very popular as its a better lyrical version of "Ridin' Dirty" with a Classic verse from Ludacris, in my opinion. Would've loved to see it claiming the 'Runner Up' spot.
Track is just under-appreciated and its really sad that no one recognized Creepin' (Solo) for Radio. |
| Posted on Jan 10, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 86 |
I agree 100% with the staff pick. Def on point
|
| Posted on Jan 12, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
I couldn't agree more with the results for this one
|
| Posted on Jan 08, 2011 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
yo how the hell can DOA be a runner up, that song came out in 2009
|
| Posted on Jan 08, 2011 |
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ALBUM
TOP 20 MUSIC CHARTS
The top rated new Hip Hop & R&B songs on DJBooth, updated every Sunday.
