Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne isn't just an album; it's a cultural landmark. A powerhouse collaboration between two hip-hop titans, it redefined the genre upon its release and continues to resonate with listeners today. But with such a stellar tracklist, picking the best songs in Watch the Throne can feel like choosing a favorite child. This deep dive isn't about definitive rankings, but a celebration of the album's undeniable brilliance, exploring the tracks that solidified its legacy and continue to fuel countless playlists. Whether you're a seasoned hip-hop head revisiting a classic or a newcomer eager to understand the hype, discovering the stand-out tracks on this groundbreaking album is an essential experience. From the swaggering anthems to the introspective moments, we'll unpack what makes Watch the Throne so enduring and uncover the songs that truly define its impact. Get ready to revisit—or perhaps discover for the first time—some of the greatest hip-hop collaborations ever recorded.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Otis |
Otis Redding JAY-Z Kanye West | Watch The Throne | 243M+ |
| 2. No Church In The Wild |
JAY-Z Kanye West Frank Ocean The-Dream | Watch The Throne | 117M+ |
| 3. Niggas in Paris |
JAY-Z Kanye West | 16M+ | |
| 4. H•A•M |
JAY-Z Kanye West | 10M+ | |
| 5. New Day |
JAY-Z Kanye West | 2M+ | |
| 6. Why I Love You |
JAY-Z Kanye West Mr Hudson | Watch The Throne | 1M+ |
| 7. Who Gon Stop Me |
JAY-Z Kanye West | 1M+ |
1. Otis
A Standout Track: Otis, a collaboration between Otis Redding, JAY-Z, and Kanye West, seamlessly blends soulful vocals with a modern hip-hop beat, creating a unique and unforgettable listening experience.
Redding's Enduring Legacy: The sample of Otis Redding's powerful vocals adds a layer of emotional depth and historical resonance, perfectly complementing the rappers' verses.
Unexpected Harmony: This unexpected pairing of artists showcases the surprising synergy between classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, making it a high point of *Watch the Throne*.
2. No Church In The Wild (Watch The Throne - 2025)
A Watch the Throne Classic: "No Church in the Wild" masterfully blends JAY-Z's seasoned flow with Kanye West's innovative production, creating an undeniable anthem.
Frank Ocean's haunting vocals: Ocean's contribution adds a layer of melancholic beauty, perfectly contrasting the song's powerful beat.
Unforgettable Sample: The unforgettable sample further elevates the track, solidifying its place among the album's highlights.
3. Niggas in Paris (JAY-Z ft Kanye West)
Unmatched Energy: "Niggas in Paris" is a relentless barrage of beats and boasts, perfectly encapsulating the raw power of *Watch the Throne*. The track's repetitive hook becomes infectious, making it impossible to resist.
Collaborative Chemistry: JAY-Z and Kanye West's synergy is undeniable; their contrasting styles complement each other, creating a dynamic and captivating listening experience.
Iconic Status: Its legendary live performances and cultural impact cemented its place as a *Watch the Throne* highlight, a true anthem of ambition and swagger.
4. H•A•M (JAY-Z ft Kanye West - 2025)
A Heavyweight Hit: H•A•M boasts a relentless beat and powerhouse verses from both JAY-Z and Kanye West, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of *Watch the Throne*.
Unmatched Chemistry: The track showcases the undeniable synergy between the two rap titans, their flows complementing each other perfectly.
Pure Hip-Hop Power: This isn't just a song; it's a statement, a testament to their lyrical prowess and production mastery, making it a true standout on the album.
5. New Day (2011)
A Watch the Throne Masterpiece: "New Day" showcases JAY-Z and Kanye West's undeniable chemistry, seamlessly blending their distinct styles for a truly unforgettable collaboration.
Unforgettable Production: The track's layered production, rich with soulful samples and booming 808s, is instantly captivating and contributes significantly to the album's overall impact.
Lyricism and Impact: The lyrics explore themes of ambition and success, solidifying their status as hip-hop titans, a perfect blend of braggadocio and vulnerability.
6. Why I Love You (Watch The Throne - 2025)
A Watch the Throne Highlight: "Why I Love You" showcases the potent chemistry between JAY-Z and Kanye West, with Mr. Hudson's vocals adding a soulful layer.
Unforgettable Hook: The song's memorable chorus is instantly catchy and perfectly encapsulates the themes of love and devotion within the context of the album.
Production Prowess: The production is flawlessly smooth, a testament to the collaborative genius behind *Watch the Throne*, ensuring the track remains a standout even amongst such a strong collection.
7. Who Gon Stop Me - 2025
Unmatched Chemistry: JAY-Z and Kanye West's effortless synergy shines through on "Who Gon Stop Me" a track where their distinct styles blend seamlessly to create a powerful and unforgettable anthem.
Anthemic Production: The beat is a force of nature, driving and relentless, perfectly complementing the confident and boastful lyrics.
Pure Bravado: This track embodies the unyielding confidence and ambition at the heart of *Watch the Throne*, making it a quintessential example of their collaborative dominance.
8. Murder to Excellence (JAY-Z ft Kanye West)
A Pinnacle of *Watch the Throne*: "Murder to Excellence" showcases JAY-Z and Kanye West at their collaborative peak, seamlessly blending their distinct styles into a potent and unforgettable track.
Unmatched Vocal Chemistry: The interplay between JAY-Z's sharp delivery and Kanye's melodic flow creates a dynamic and captivating listening experience, highlighting the strength of their partnership.
Production Prowess: The song's intricate production, a masterful blend of soulful samples and hard-hitting beats, elevates it beyond a simple rap track and solidifies its place among *Watch the Throne*'s best.
9. Gotta Have It (JAY-Z ft Kanye West - 2025)
A Top-Tier *Watch the Throne* Track: "Gotta Have It" showcases JAY-Z and Kanye West's undeniable chemistry, boasting a beat that's both hard-hitting and undeniably catchy.
Unforgettable Vocal Performance: Both artists deliver sharp, memorable verses, solidifying their positions as rap titans.
Production Prowess: The song's production is a masterclass, seamlessly blending hard-hitting 808s with intricate sonic textures, perfectly complementing the lyrical content and making it a standout on the album.
10. Primetime (JAY-Z ft Kanye West - 2025)
A Top-Tier *Watch the Throne* Track: Primetime showcases JAY-Z and Kanye West's undeniable chemistry, with each artist's distinct flow complementing the other perfectly.
Unforgettable Beat: The song's beat is both hard-hitting and subtly nuanced, providing a powerful backdrop for their lyrical prowess.
Lyrical Masterclass: Primetime boasts clever wordplay and boasts memorable lines that cemented its place as a *Watch the Throne* highlight.
11Lift Off
Beyoncé,JAY-Z,Kanye West
2011
12Welcome to the Jungle
JAY-Z,Kanye West
2011
13The Joy
JAY-Z,Kanye West,Curtis Mayfield
2011
14Made in America
JAY-Z,Kanye West,Frank Ocean
2011