Anita Baker’s 7 Biggest Hits

As far as ballads and love songs go, not many artists have a chokehold over the world quite like Anita Baker. A legend in the quiet storm subgenre, Baker’s music is classified by slow-burning songs that often hit a mind-blowing climax. With her piercing vocals, she arrested generations of R&B and Soul listeners including artists like Lil Wayne. What’s more impressive is that Anita Baker continues to perform her hits to this day.

Speaking of performances though, Anita Baker seemed to have pissed off some aunties. The icon was scheduled to perform at a pre-Mother’s Day Concert at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Sunday, May 11. Unfortunately, about six minutes before she was supposed to come on, the show was canceled. As one can expect, the mothers weren’t having any of it. However, since Baker has yet to acknowledge the ordeal, fans have rallied around her, especially since we don’t know what’s wrong. After all, Anita Baker has blessed us with several hits over the course of her career, including the following seven.

Read More: BET Awards To Honor Anita Baker As Lifetime Achievement Recipient

7. “Just Because”

While Rapture set Anita Baker on a pedestal, Giving You the Best That I Got made her untouchable. “Just Because” is a beautiful song that brilliantly shows off her impressive vocal ability. It also stamps her name into the books of the best vocalists of all time. It’s no surprise that “Just Because” has become a wedding staple for couples all around the world. 

6. “You Bring Me Joy”

Interestingly, “You Bring Me Joy” was never released as a single. Nonetheless, in any discussion of Anita Baker’s hits, this honorable mention is always met with praise. Despite not charting, “You Bring Me Joy” has continued to melt hearts well into the 2020s. It’s the true definition of a timeless classic, especially as the material speaks for itself. Baker still performs this song religiously, and any attendee at her shows knows that this ballad is sure to bring the house down every single time. After all, who wouldn’t want to hear her sing, “You’re the finest thing I’ve seen in all my life”?

Read More: Anita Baker Thanks Chance The Rapper For Helping Acquire Her Masters

5.  “Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)”

Building on Rapture’s success in 1986, Anita Baker released “Same Ole Love” in 1987. It’s one of the more uptempo songs in her discography, but the emotional components of her career are still present. “Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)” is simply a confessional song, aimed at one’s lover. With the ever-changing world, Baker sings about retaining the wonderful from her partner no matter what. Better yet, she desires this love everyday of the year. What could be more romantic?

4. “No One In The World”

Another one of many hits on Anita Baker’s Rapture is “No One In The World.” The final single off the album is a percussion-assisted love song. It’s haunting, mesmerizing, and Baker’s yearning is felt in her voice. The track was previously released by Dionne Warwick, but Baker’s version was a fuller, more intimate one. It features what is arguably Baker’s most captivating climax, as she makes her claim known over and over again. 

3. “Caught Up In The Rapture”

Easily one of Anita Baker’s hits, “Caught Up In The Rapture” is a timeless classic. Starting off with the haunting melody, the quiet storm is like a warm hug on a cold day. Baker’s voice is sultry and smooth, and you can hear every word she’s saying. The second single off her lauded album Rapture, this track is Baker at her finest. It may not have topped the charts, but it’s arguably her most recognizable song. 

2. “Giving You The Best That I Got”

If it’s one thing Anita Baker’s hits do, it’s make you feel like the only person in the room. With a deep understanding of musicality, Baker’s voice and lyricism leave any listener feeling warm inside. “Giving You the Best That I Got” was released in 1988 to widespread acclaim. Like most of Anita Baker’s hits, this Grammy-winning song has stood the test of time. Notably, Michael Jordan used to taunt his opponents by singing this song. With assuring lyrics like “I bet everything on my wedding ring,” you really felt as if Baker was deeply in love with you. 

1.  “Sweet Love”

Anita Baker’s first of many major hits was “Sweet Love.” Honestly, it doesn’t get better than this song for fans of the icon. Baker’s voice is perfection, and the climactic bridge is spellbinding. The track won the Grammy for Best R&B Song in 1987, and remains one of the most memorable songs of the 80s. It’s not an Anita Baker performance is “Sweet Love” isn’t performed, and you can bet the crowd is bopping along with her.

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Remembering Young Dolph: His Seven Biggest Hits

It has been two years since the fast-rising Young Dolph was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Memphis, Tennessee. His passing was a huge blow to the Hip Hop community, and he’s been sorely missed since. However, the indelible mark that Dolph has left on Memphis, as well as the Hip Hop scene is still largely evident. Besides his undeniable talent, the rapper was also adored for his philanthropic acts

The rapper had a healthy number of hits in his catalog. As a result, the late Memphis rapper continues to rake in tons of streams across multiple platforms. As we remember the raw and authentic Young Dolph, these seven hits are always worth revisiting.

Read More: Rick Ross Likens The Loss Of Nipsey Hussle & Young Dolph To Tupac & Biggie

7. “1 Hell Of A Life” – Young Dolph & Key Glock

“1 Hell Of A Life” is one of many collaborations by Young Dolph and Key Glock. The song explores themes of sacrifice, as well as the struggles of becoming something from nothing. Here, Young Dolph and Key Glock take turns dropping bars and narrating personal experiences. “1 Hell of a Life” comes off the pair’s collaborative album, Dum And Dummer. The 2019 project eventually led to a sequel, titled Dum And Dummer 2. With just over 40 million streams on Spotify, “1 Hell of a Life” is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs by Young Dolph. 

Read More: Key Glock Reflects On Signing With Young Dolph

6. “No Sense” Ft. Key Glock

“No Sense” is another collaboration with Key Glock on this list. The song brings them back to their stomping ground with references to Memphis, Tennessee scattered across the record. “No Sense” is also marked by a pulsating beat and sharp production, fostering an infectious energy that lasts throughout the track. Young Dolph and Key Glock take turns to deliver verses that effortlessly blend braggadocio with authenticity. Currently, the track’s music video has close to 10 million YouTube views. 

5. “To Be Honest”

“To Be Honest” comes with one of Dolph’s most popular projects, Rich Slave. As the song’s title implies, this track features the Chicago-born rapper simply putting his thoughts out there. He narrates his experiences, coming from living in the “’jects” to being a famous, rich rapper. Over a captivating beat with heavy drums, “To Be Honest” touches on various aspects of life. The rapper also discusses his relationships and journey in the music industry, inviting listeners to engage with him on a deeper level. 

4. “On The River” Ft. Wiz Khalifa

“On The River” is a vibrant, energetic track featuring Dolph’s signature gritty delivery. His bars are accompanied by a catchy beat that seamlessly fuses classic Hip Hop beats and trap. The song’s theme suggests a date where the Memphis rapper takes a girl out on a date, and they end up going out to the river. Moreover, Wiz Khalifa also brings his unique swag to the track, and he and Young Dolph spew out cannabis-related lyrics with style.  

Read More: Wiz Khalifa Talks Young Dolph Being “Super Solid” & Says He May Experiment Outside Of Hip Hop

3. “100 Shots”

“100 Shots” is a track aimed at Dolph’s enemies. The chorus that ends with, “how the f*ck you miss a hunnid shots?” is directed at the people who the Memphis native thought had it out for him. On this track, Young Dolph once again employs braggadocio. Lyrically, he explains that his enemies always miss, but his longevity is proof of his prowess. Released in 2017, “100 Shots” turned out to be a hit in no time. The track has earned millions of streams across platforms, including more than 100 million streams on Spotify. 

2. “1 Scale” Ft. G Herbo

With over 111 million streams on Spotify, “1 Scale” is Young Dolph’s most streamed song on the platform. It features heavy trap beats and a lot of references to the streets. The title itself, “1 Scale,” hints at Young Dolph’s and G Herbo’s familiarity with the drug trade; a scale is an important tool for measuring illicit substances. In braggadocious style, familiar with many rap stars, the artists move around the track with great synergy, exchanging tales of their experiences, as well as triumphs in the game. There are also references to expensive clothes, cars, and clothing accessories. All in all, “1 Scale” is a testament to both artists’ growth in their craft and is arguably Young Dolph’s most popular song. 

1. “Major” Ft. Key Glock

“Major,” featuring Key Glock is a riveting Young Dolph collaboration that showcases his Memphis style. The song references the drug trade, with both rappers spitting about how much the trade can bring in. Furthermore, the track’s title, “Major,” hints at Dolph’s and Glock’s commitment to making a significant impact in the rap game, and the track’s robust beat does this theme justice. Overall, Key Glock and Young Dolph do well to show off not only their wealth but also their lyrical prowess. “Major” has since been certified Platinum, and peaked atop the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

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7 Of Too Short’s Best Party Hits

Too Short rose to prominence in the late ‘80s and went on to have a very successful career throughout the ‘90s. After releasing Born to Mack in 1987, the only way was up for the rapper. He is now widely regarded as one of the pioneers of dirty rap and a pivotal West Coast artist who popularized the subgenre in his rise. While the lewd content of most of his discography may be unpalatable for some, a good number of his songs are certified jams. Even into the mid-2000s, the rapper has released some particularly huge party hits throughout his career. Too Short has a discography loaded with classics, but these seven are undeniable party-starters.

Read More: Too Short Breaks Down His Album Covers From The Last 30 Years

“Money In The Ghetto” (1993)

This song was the second single released from Too Short’s 1993 album, Get In Where You Fit In. In the song, he addresses stereotypes about living in the ghetto and insists there’s actually “Money In The Ghetto.” The song contains a sample from “Hollywood Swinging” by Kool And The Gang that significantly adds to its groove. Not only is “Money in the Ghetto” a thought-provoking song, but it is also an undeniable party record. It’s certainly one of the best party hits from Too Short. 

Read More: Snoop Dogg & Too Short Turn Into Some Dogs In New Video “Toss It”

“Burn Rubber” (2003)

Off his 15th studio album Married To The Game, “Burn Rubber” is one of the standout tracks. With a runtime of just a little over three minutes, Too Short lets loose on this underrated dirty rap track. The song is also featured on Too Short’s greatest hits album, The Mack Of The Century, released in 2006, even though it’s not one of his most commercially successful records. “Burn Rubber” appears on that compilation album for good reason: it’s sure to keep a party going. 

“Freaky Tales” (1987)

“Freaky Tales” is one of Too Short’s most memorable songs that appears on his breakout album, Born to Mack. The track showcases Too Short’s narrative skills, and his ability to create explicit yet engaging stories with his music. In the song, the rapper addresses adult themes in a straightforward manner, recounting various explicit and humorous sexual encounters. As one would expect, “Freaky Tales” gained significant attention for its provocative lyrics. However, it also received attention for its catchy beat and eventually, became a staple in clubs and parties. 

Read More: E-40, Too Short, & Sway Calloway Visit White House With Warriors

“The Ghetto” (1990)

This gangsta funk song is an exemplary display of Too Short’s ability to provide social commentary without compromising his upbeat energy. “The Ghetto” paints a vivid picture of life in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Too Short uses his storytelling prowess to depict the harsh realities faced by residents, including crime, poverty, and the constant struggle for survival. Surprisingly, despite the serious issues highlighted in the song, it became a party hit and the bounce can not be denied.

“Short But Funky” (1990)

Featured on his sixth studio album Short Dog’s In The House, “Short But Funky” is yet another classic anthem in the rapper’s vast catalog. In “Short But Funky,” he unapologetically declares that he won’t change his style, and remains an integral figure in the culture. The song was released as the lead single from Short Dog’s in the House and is notable for being free of explicit lyrics — a rarity for Too Short. Additionally, it contains a sample from the 1980 song “High” by the funk band Skyy.

Read More: Flo Milli Thanks Too Short & Snoop Dogg After Hip-Hop 50 Performance

“Blow The Whistle” (2006)

Blow The Whistle” is the title track and lead single from Too Short’s 16th studio album. The song is undoubtedly one of his biggest party hits, as well as his most successful song to date. Surprisingly, “Blow the Whistle” did not appear on the Hot 100 chart, only managing to peak at the very top of the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. However, it is widely considered to be one of the rapper’s best songs, and its contribution to pop culture can’t be overemphasized. The catchy refrain and infectious beat of the song have also made it a staple in Hip Hop playlists, as well as a go-to party track.

“Shake That Monkey” Ft. Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz (2003)

“Shake That Monkey” is a high-energy Hip Hop song characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy production, and provocative lyrics. It was released as the second single from Too Short’s 2003 album Married To The Game. Subsequently, the song quickly became a club anthem. Evidently, its beat made it a reliable option to get just about any party going. “Shake That Monkey” peaked at number 84 on the Hot 100 chart after it was released. Its popularity has also endured, as the song has remained a certified party starter even until now, two decades later.

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Sexyy Red Performs Her Biggest Hits At The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards

If you have been paying attention to the hip-hop landscape you would know that Sexxy Red is becoming a viral sensation. Her rapid growth in her fan base has been something incredible to see. It will continue to expand from here, especially after last night. The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards went down in the heart of trap rap, Atlanta, Georgia. Sexyy Red was one of the many performers at the award show and she might have had the crowd at its rowdiest. But, before we get to that, let us quickly recap how she got to this point. It really all started with her catchy ratchet hit song, “SkeeYee.”

The chorus is truly infectious in its own way. It set up the foundation for Red’s sound going forward and it continues to carry throughout the rest of her music. Of course, you cannot forget about “Pound Town 2” and “Hellcats SRTs” either. Now, she hopping on bigger artists’ songs like the “Peaches & Eggplants” remix. All of these tracks and more put her up for the Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist. Unfortunately, that went to Ice Spice, but there is no shame in that. Red is here to stay.

Read More: Drake’s “For All The Dogs” Is His Worst Album, Or Least That’s What Metacritic Says

Sexyy Red Rocks The Crowd

She proved that onstage as she played the songs that started it all. “Pound Town” was up first and “SkeeYee” wrapped things up. Sexyy Red also gave the crowd a taste of what one of her more recent songs sounds like live. The high-octane “Shake Yo Dreads” saw her joined by men shaking their dreads. What was also a great moment for the Missouri rapper was having the opening performance. According to XXL, she joined DaBaby for their remix of “Shake Sumn.” Continue to keep your ears and eyes on Sexyy Red, she is the “Female Gucci Mane.”

What are your initial thoughts on Sexyy Red’s performances at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards? Which song did she play the best live? Do you think she should have won Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Sexyy Red, as well as the rest of the music world.

Read More: Gillie Da Kid Reacts To Birdman’s Clubhouse Comments: “I’m Bigger Than That Ni**a Right Now”

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Jazze Pha’s 7 Biggest Hits

People often forget about Jazze Pha when it comes to the greatest producers. At one point, he was the arguably hottest producer in the South. Through the 2000s, Jazze’s signature style of production fueled many of the biggest hits from that era. The Memphis producer created a few memorable moments in Hip Hop that makes his catalog stand out from all the other producers.

The South was on its way to taking the Hip Hop crown as rappers like T.I. popularized Trap Music. Meanwhile, Ludacris’s animated delivery felt like a breath of fresh air. Jazze Pha was able to create hits with both artists on more than one occasion. However, his reach extended beyond Atlanta and throughout the South, which was made evident by his first production deal with Cash Money Records.

With the emergence of talent in Memphis, what would a Jazze Pha production sound like in 2023? Hopefully, we’ll find out soon. With nearly 30 years of hits under his belt, his catalog speaks volumes. Let’s take a look at some of Jazze Pha’s hits.

7. “Sick Of Being Lonely”- Field Mob

“Sick of Being Lonely” is one of the songs Field Mob is known for. The record explores both Smoke and Shawn Jay’s relationship with the same women. In the first verse, Shawn Jay wonders if his woman is cheating because she isn’t contacting him like any other night. In Smoke’s verse, he is letting the woman know her man’s a fool for not staying at home with her. It looks like the woman isn’t picking up because she might be with Smoke. 

Jazze Pha helped the Georgia duo achieve their first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #18 on the Hot 100. Jazze’s slow-burning production delivers a sultry feel but the drums uplift the mood. The Memphis producer’s presence is felt all across “Sick of Being Lonely,” especially with his ad-libs at the end.

6. “Let’s Get Down”- Bow Wow ft. Birdman

Jermaine Dupri was, at one point, Bow Wow’s go-to-producer but as he got older, things changed. On his third album, Unleashed, he teamed up with Jazze Pha on “Let’s Get Down” ft. Birdman as his hype man. “Let’s Get Down” landed at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the charts for four months. Jazze Pha helped Shad Moss’ transformation from the child-friendly Lil Bow Wow to just Bow Wow. Jazze Pha’s contributions to Unleashed helped give Bow Wow a sound that appealed well beyond the teenage demographic. Surely, Jazze Pha deserves credit for shifting the So So Def’s artist career.

5. “Let’s Get Away”- T.I. ft. Jazze Pha

On “Let’s Get Away,” Jazze Pha’s talents extend from the board to the booth. He sings part of the hook on T.I.’s feel-good anthem for the ladies. Jazze Pha’s paradise-like production helped T.I. create an anthem that showcased his versatility beyond being a voice for the trap. The combined success of T.I. and Jazze Pha’s talents were further affirmed when “Let’s Get Away” reached the number 35 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

4. “So What”- Field Mob ft. Ciara

“So What” is a relatable song for many people in relationships. In this one, the duo detail their partners’ friends spreading rumors in hopes to ruin their relationship. Jazze Pha makes another Field Mob song that you can bounce to and Ciara’s inclusion elevates it further. “So What” might be Field Mob’s biggest hit, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.


3. “Nasty Girl”- The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Avery Storm, & Jazze Pha 

Jazze Pha takes a verse from the Notorious B.I.G. and turns it into a modern hit. It’s a fun song that serves as a type of celebration or tribute to the late great Christopher Wallace and entered the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jazze Pha flexed his producer skills by revamping “Nasty Boy” and undoubtedly did justice by turning it into an iconic hit.

2. “1,2 Step”- Ciara ft. Missy Elliott

Ciara and Missy Elliot had a hit with “1, 2 Step” but that’s also due to Jazze Pha’s production. The producer’s ad-libs bring high energy to the song. While his production undoubtedly shakes up the dancefloor, it’s his ability to bring amazing artists together that made the record a hit. Jazze Pha created a feel-good song that everyone can enjoy while Ciara came up with the signature moves. Just like in the music video, senior citizens, adults, teenagers, and kids can all join in on the “1, 2 Step”.

1. “Area Codes”- Ludacris ft. Nate Dogg

Jazze Pha made the perfect beat for Ludacris and Nate Dogg on “Area Codes.” As the two introduce us to different women in different cities, Jazze Pha lays down smooth and funky production. Ludacris made “Area Codes” for the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack, but it was the lead single off his album, Word of Mouf. The song reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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