22 Best Hip Hop Songs of 2005: A Throwback to the Classics

2005: A year that redefined hip-hop. From gritty street anthems to smooth radio hits, the soundscape was diverse and undeniably influential. If you're a hip-hop head yearning for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or a curious newcomer eager to discover the gems of a pivotal year, then you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the heart of the matter, exploring the undeniable contenders for the title of best songs of 2005 hip hop. We’ll be examining the tracks that dominated the airwaves, shaped the cultural conversation, and continue to resonate with listeners today. Prepare to rediscover forgotten bangers and solidify your knowledge of a year that cemented itself in hip-hop history. Whether you're reliving the glory days or discovering them for the first time, get ready for a sonic journey through the unforgettable sounds of 2005.

1. Feel Good Inc

Genre-bending Sound: "Feel Good Inc" masterfully blends hip hop rhythms with alternative rock instrumentation, creating a unique sound that was groundbreaking for 2005.

De La Soul's Feature: The iconic guest vocals from De La Soul add a layer of classic hip hop flavor, perfectly complementing Gorillaz's innovative production.

Melancholic Vibe with Upbeat Tempo: Despite its upbeat tempo and catchy hook, the song carries a melancholic undercurrent, creating a captivating juxtaposition that resonated deeply with listeners.

2. Hate It Or Love It (50 Cent ft The Game)

Production: Dr. Dre's masterful production sets a dark, atmospheric tone perfectly complementing the gritty lyrics and boasts a memorable, hard-hitting beat that defined 2005 hip-hop.

Vocals: 50 Cent and The Game's contrasting yet complementary vocal styles create a dynamic and intense listening experience; their delivery is both aggressive and charismatic.

Lyrical Content: The clever wordplay and boasts, combined with the emotionally raw storytelling, showcase the artists' lyrical prowess at the peak of their careers making it a standout track in the 2005 hip-hop landscape.

3. Gold Digger (Kanye West ft Jamie Foxx)

Sampling and Production: Kanye West's masterful sampling of Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" is iconic, instantly recognizable and lays the perfect foundation for the song's infectious beat.

Jamie Foxx's Verse: Foxx's slick, confident contribution provides a crucial counterpoint to West's perspective, adding depth and complexity to the commentary on relationships and materialism.

Lyrical Content: The brutally honest, yet humorous lyrics about relationships and wealth remain incredibly relevant and thought-provoking even today, solidifying its place in hip-hop history.

4. Soul Survivor (Jeezy ft Akon - 2025)

Jeezy's Flow: Jeezy's signature gruff delivery blends perfectly with Akon's smooth vocals, creating a dynamic and compelling contrast that's central to the song's 2005 hip-hop identity.

Akon's Hook: Akon's instantly memorable and catchy hook is a key element in the song's staying power, making it a radio staple and club favorite of the era.

Production: The beat's hard-hitting rhythm and atmospheric textures are perfectly suited to the lyrical content, solidifying its place within the best of 2005 hip-hop.

5. Lose Control

Missy Elliott's Vocals: Missy's signature rapping style, full of rapid-fire delivery and intricate rhymes, is at its peak in "Lose Control" showcasing her unparalleled skill and energy.

Unforgettable Beat: The song's infectious beat, a blend of crunk and R&B, is impossible to resist and instantly recognizable, making it a cornerstone of 2005 hip-hop.

Cultural Impact: "Lose Control" transcended its genre, becoming a ubiquitous club anthem and a defining track of the mid-2000s, solidifying Missy Elliott's place as a hip-hop innovator.

6. Stay Fly (Three 6 Mafia)

Production: Three 6 Mafia's signature crunk sound is in full effect, with booming 808s and a relentless beat that perfectly encapsulates the energy of 2005 hip hop.

Vocals: DJ Paul and Juicy J's distinct vocals, along with the memorable hook, create an instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy anthem.

Cultural Impact: "Stay Fly" wasn't just a hit; it became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion and further cementing Three 6 Mafia's place in the Southern hip hop scene.

7. Feel It In The Air (2005)

Hard-Hitting Lyrics: Beanie Sigel's signature raw and unflinching delivery perfectly captures the gritty realities of street life, making "Feel It In The Air" a standout track for its authenticity.

Atmospheric Production: The song's dark and brooding soundscape, prevalent in much of 2005 hip-hop, adds another layer of depth, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Unforgettable Hook: While lyrically intense, the memorable hook offers a crucial element of catchiness, ensuring "Feel It In The Air" remains etched in the memory of hip-hop heads.

8. Touch The Sky

Uplifting Melody: "Touch the Sky" boasts an infectiously positive melody, perfectly capturing the optimistic spirit prevalent in 2005 hip-hop.

Lupe Fiasco's Feature: The collaboration with Lupe Fiasco adds another layer of lyrical dexterity, showcasing the diverse talent within the genre.

Anthemic Quality: Its powerful beat and Kanye West's confident delivery make it an undeniable anthem of self-belief and ambition, resonating deeply with listeners.

9. Diamonds from Sierra Leone

Sound: Kanye West's masterful sampling and production on "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" created a dark, atmospheric soundscape that perfectly captured the song's somber yet powerful themes, setting a benchmark for 2005 hip-hop production.

Lyrical Content: The unflinching lyrics, addressing the complexities of wealth and the brutal realities of the conflict diamond trade, offered a level of social commentary rarely seen in mainstream hip-hop at the time, adding significant depth and impact.

Cultural Impact: Its haunting melody and impactful message solidified its place not just as a top hip-hop track of 2005, but also as a significant cultural moment, demonstrating hip-hop's ability to tackle complex social issues with artistic finesse.

10. Hustler Musik

Sound: "Hustler Musik" boasts Lil Wayne's signature rapid-fire flow and intricate rhyme schemes, showcasing his lyrical dexterity at its peak in 2005.

Rhythm: The track's relentless beat drives the song forward, creating an undeniable energy perfect for the era's hip-hop landscape.

Cultural Impact: Released during the height of Lil Wayne's mixtape dominance, "Hustler Musik" solidified his status as a leading voice in Southern hip-hop and helped define the sound of the mid-2000s.

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  11

  Put You on The Game

  The Game

  2005

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  12

  Sittin' Sidewayz

  Paul Wall

  2005

• 

  13

  Shooter

  Lil Wayne,Robin Thicke

  2005

• 

  14

  Testify

  Common

  2005

• 

  15

  Go Crazy

  JAY-Z,Jeezy

  2005

  Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101

• 

  16

  Dear Summer

  JAY-Z

  2005

• 

  17

  They Don't Know

  Paul Wall,Bun B

  2005

• 

  18

  Get Throwed

  JAY-Z,Bun B,Pimp C, Young Jeezy, Z-Ro

  2005

• 

  19

  Outta Control

  50 Cent,Mobb Deep

  2005

• 

  20

  Mic Check

  Juelz Santana

  2005

• 

  21

  Slow It Down

  Little Brother

  2005

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  22

  Hiding Place

  Little Brother

  2005