HIP-HOP AT 50: SPOTIFY DROPS THE BEAT

As the hip-hop-at-50 celebrations continue, Spotify has rolled out its list of the 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time. Topping the inevitably divisive collection is Dr. Dre's 1999 single "Still Dre" f/Snoop Dogg. Taken from Dre's second solo album, 2001, the track employs an unforgettable staccato keyboard vamp, among other distinguishing characteristics

In the second slot is Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones, Pt. II," the lead single from the Queensbridge duo's 1995 album, The Infamous. Ominous in tone, the track samples Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and the Daly-Wilson Big Band, with Prodigy and Havoc rhyming from the perspective of inner-city youths struggling with street life.

Sitting at #3 is "Grindin'" by The Clipse. "Who Shot Ya?" by The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Wayne's "A Milli" round out the Top 5.

Other entries include "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" by Pete Rock & CL Smooth, "93 Til Infinity" by Souls of Mischief, "I Got 5 on It" by Luniz f/Michael Marshall and "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest.

Driven by data and curated by Spotify’s editorial team, the Spot's hip-hop lists highlight the best and most-streamed songs, albums, artists and producers. For this one, editors considered production value, replay value, originality, innovation, influence and overall impact.

Peep the full 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Beats of All Time below while we pick a fight on Twitter about why in the world Beastie Boys' "Paul Revere" was omitted.

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