There are an innumerable number of rappers in the game with songs and discography undervalued as Flavor Flav. But, how many veterans in Hip-Hop hold a drawn-out stable career as Flav has? His name alone instigates buzz on social media exchanges. So I ask again, how many veterans stretched out to various trades and managed to monetize as an entertainer? Public Enemy‘s hypeman’s rise to fame in 1985 became the start of an understated rapper in Hip-Hop. We’ve curated 10 of his best songs and ranked them deservedly.
#10. Michael Jackson
Shortly after Michael Jackson died in 2009, fans and artists were hurt and angry at the news. Some artists went on to rant via radio interviews, and some placed the death blow on songs. When Flavor Flav dropped “Michael Jackson” 4 years or so later. He delivered his own artistic expression by inserting the interview of MJ’s doctor to offset the track. If you’ll recall, Dr. Conrad said in the interview, “I don’t feel guilty, because I didn’t do anything wrong.”
His response to the public accusation escalated the hate enormously, even for the American rapper. This song is one of my favorite songs by Flavor Flav. The high-pitch tone in the beginning, to a calm resonance in his first verse, is swift. Just makes you feel the wrath of his emotions. But also noting Flavor’s ability to rap on behalf of Michael Jackson, and direct blame to the doctor in a double-gaited fashion.
#9. Step Back
Media Creature Music / 12×12 rewarded Hip-Hop listeners with a compilation album Hip Hop Classiks in 2018. And in it, had one of Flavor Flav’s most groovy songs from his discography. The label collected songs from E-40, Ms. Toi, G Luv, and many more elite veterans. ‘Step Back’ is an exemplary sound from the sound in the late 2000s. With instrumentals tugging from Indian dancing style elements, and repetitive tempos every time he drops a bar. The chorus is reminiscent of Lil Jon’s “Get Low” house party sound. It takes me back to an underrated Hip-Hop sound that is missing currently.
#8. Two Wrongs
Now this song was not favorable or popular when it was released. Though I don’t blame them, 2006 listeners weren’t focused on a body of work. Only songs on the charts. It was a year where the 50 Cents, Jay Zs and Lil Waynes were all releasing records that sell faster than takeaway. It was go time season in 06′. Two Wrongs offers a laid-back aura for the listener. His vocals are shining through on this record. And what I love about this track, is it gives the listener a breather from the hardcore songs. The album is Flavor Flav’s only solo studio album, and he delivered it successfully.
#7. I Ain’t Scared
On ‘I Ain’t Scared’, Flavor distanced himself from Public Enemy‘s shadow. The rapper delivers a classic that leeches on his playful energy, and smooth vocals. In this song, he addresses the public on the many things he isn’t afraid to do. Most notably, he addresses the “Flavor of Love” dating show that was released in the same year of his Flavor Flav debut solo project. “I ain’t scared to do another dating show, but I ain’t really trying to,” he explains in the song. “I’m ready to spread my wings and go down other avenues,” and he fulfilled that wish.
#6. Let It Show
The rapper surprised a lot of fans with this intro track. The vulnerability aspect that set the tone of the album shocked me too. ‘Let It Show’ is about embracing life’s moments and going with the flow of one’s feelings. “If you feel like showin some love tonight,” and he continues “Let it show, let it show.” Flavor admits he won’t shy away from showing his loved ones how he feels. “Take it from Flav because,” he sings, “I’m not afraid to let it show.”
#5. Flavor Man
Hypeman Flav popped out on this record. On ‘Flavor Man’ the rapper is his own hype man when he says “back with the hottest track.” The song rose on the charts after being a theme song for his ‘Flavor of Love’ dating show. His frenzied energy and the catchy hook snuck in might overshadow the slick bars he laid on this beat. The complex Bill Gates bar scheme he runs down over in the first half of the second verse is powerful. Just to emphasize the potentness of his secret sauce-the flavor man indeed.
#4. Platnum
Flavor Flav’s solo debut project has countless potential hits. Platnum should have been the rollout lead single, and paired up with a video would’ve lit up. The rawness and hunger from his delivery are commendable. Flav’s beat selection blends with his flow on the hook. But when it quickly picks up as he raps elevates the song to a 10/10. Platnum is one of his most beautifully composed singles ever.
#3. Shake The Room
Years later, Flavour Flav is recruited by Dj Premier and Bumpy Knuckles for the solid commercial-sounding “Shake The Room.” Premier’s production style on this song embedded his place in Hip-Hop for some time. Bumpy’s flow resonates with the rigid beat structure that bites off some old-school elements. On the surface, the trio is an uncanny meeting, but they come together to deliver a hardcore rap song.
#2. UNGA BUNGA BUNGA
Shoutout to the top series Breaking Bad for fusing this song in one of Jesse scenes. In a visual way interpolates cartoon characters and things that the youth of that time had no clue about. You see it with “but I’m chillin with Magilla.” Which references the fictional gorilla character on the cartoon show from the 60s. Or the line “but up in Harlem at the wet shop,” referencing a Barbershop. The rest of the song stays on theme and it’s why the track is his top 2.
#1. Shake Your Booty
Flavor’s best song “Shake Your Booty” is punched with concise lyricism and a gelled chorus. In his first verse, he pays homage to the late PAC and biggie. He says, “Flipped your wig, on top of the world like ‘Pac and Big.”And what’s insane about this line, is how it transitions to the next song on the project. Which in detail, relives the brutal murders of the late legends. Flav ran this song with heavy bars on all the 3 long verses. This is arguably his best work yet.
Do you agree with this arrangement of Flavor Flav’s best songs? Let us know in the comments.