Way back in 2016 I decided to look back at careers of hip-hop’s greatest producers and share my thoughts on their best beats.

But when I got around to DJ Premier, I froze. From his work with Guru as part of Gang Starr, to absolute classics with Nas, The Notorious BIG, KRS-One, Mos Def and more, let alone hidden gems with the likes of Group Home, Royce da 5’9 and others, PLUS scores of artists some of y’all haven’t even heard of, the task seemed too daunting.

But a couple of weeks back, I strapped in and decided to finally finish this project.

What was originally going to be 25 beats ballooned into dozens more. There’s just too much heat out there to ignore and I couldn’t leave them off. So, out of the 100+ tracks I’ve reviewed in recent weeks, here are my picks for the 50 best beats DJ Premier touched. The scratches, the sample, the soul – it’s boom bap at its finest.

Is he the greatest hip-hop producer of all time? With these tracks on his resume, it’s hard to argue against that.

50. Craig David featuring Mos Def, “7 Days” Remix (2000)

Shout out the Soul In Stereo Cypher on Facebook, I totally forgot this existed until it was mentioned there. And it’s worthy of inclusion. Premier’s remix of Craig’s hit single is a completely different vibe from the original – just as smooth but with more street appeal. And Premier’s use of his signature scratches are expertly inserted. It’s proof that Premier is more than a rap titan, his R&B chops are equally refined.

49. Verbal Threat, “Reality Check” (2008)

Premier cooks up a grim, menacing number for Verbal Threat, and it doesn’t take long before they start to wreck shop. The beat creeps through the fog phantom-style, enveloping the track with a dusty, gritty haze. Threat cuts through all of it, with the help of those always razor-sharp scratches. Quintessential Premier here.

48. Ras Kass, “Goldyn Chyld” Remix (2002)

Premier is so good at creating those cinematic experiences. “Goldyn Chyld” nails that aura of elegance and intensity. There are lots of layers here, but the production never feels cluttered, instead it feels clean cut and a bit refreshing. Ras Kass got one with his one, and it’s all thanks to Premier cooking up a track fit for royalty.

47. Evidence, “You” (2011)

This list is filled with underrated MCs, and Evidence is high on that list. DJ Premier goes heavy on the soul and drops in a sample that will constantly command your attention: “Youuuuuuuu … HEYYYYY!” That might sound distracting, but it’s far from the case. Evidence is at his laid back best over the emotion-driven soundscapes. You can feel the precision used to craft this beat. And that sample is expertly utilized. HEYYYYYY!

46. Pitch Black, “It’s All Real” (2003)

One of my favorites from the ’00s, Premier outdid himself with scratch/sample combos. Controlled chaos is the best way to describe this one – raucous energy that will keep your pulse pounding, but things never go off track. Everything is centered and focused. As expected, Pitch Black is appropriately aggressive while the samples remind us that, well, it’s all real.

45. Dr. Dre featuring Anderson Paak, “Animals” (2015)

A forgotten gem from the more recent era of Premier cuts, Preemo puts his best foot forward while working alongside the good doctor. Paak’s commentary on social injustice inspires a different approach, somber yet uplifting, unlike some of the most aggressive offerings on this list. There’s an unease to the atmosphere – again, matching the message of unjust brutality – but there are enough subtle glimmers of life injected throughout. It’s a unique lane for Premier but it works.

44. Blaq Poet, “Ain’t Nuttin Changed” (2009)

Y’all know I’m not the biggest Akon fan (“AKONNNN AND YOUNG JEEEEEEZY” still haunts my nightmares) but the way Premier cuts him into this track gets me so hype. Blaq Poet is blessed with the snappiest snares and most infectious drums you’ll hear. It’s a track that teems with aggressive energy but has just enough soul swag to make it a bop too. And yeah, that Akon sample is great too. “Ain’t Nuttin’ Changed” is a good time.

43. Gang Starr featuring Jeru the Damaja and Lil’ Dap, “I’m the Man” (1992)

Three tracks in one! Premier gives each MC his own beat to ride, and while that could be a recipe for chaos on most tracks, that’s not the case in hands as skilled as Premier’s. Jeru gets the stripped down selection, Lil Dap enjoys some funk Guru gets the Premier special – grime and grit. DJ Premier shows how great he is three times over.

42. Fat Joe, “The S*** is Real” (Remix) (1993)

The original track was good, but the remix is where it’s at. Large Joseph was still a relative newcomer at this point, so this was another great introduction to his laid back flow. Premier packs a serious punch with those gritty drums and glimmering keys. The beat is a slow build but makes its presence known – just a few seconds in and you know you’re about to experience something special.

41. Gang Starr, “Just To Get A Rep” (1990)

The Jean-Jacques Perrey sample on “Just To Get A Rep” always gave me the sensation of drowning – it’s like Premier is dragging us into the depths of his sonic creation. And maybe that’s by design – Guru wearily talks about the trappings of street life, and the production matches the feeling of desperation. For some, the street life is an inescapable labyrinth. This is art that imitates life.

40. Freddie Foxxx, “Part Of My Life” (2000)

“I slap you in the mouth, your drinks will be unsippable” – Freddie goes OFF on this rugged beat, perfectly matching his aggression. Premier fires off another emotionally charged selection, thanks to the tight instrumentation and relentless drums. It forces you to stand at attention when Freddie enters the booth.

39. Gang Starr, “The ? Remainz” (1999)

Another great example of less is more, “The ? Remainz” is a woozy, almost dreamlike experience. The echo effects create so much depth, constantly immersing the listener into its realm. On the surface it might not seem like much is going on, but the way Premier slowly pulls the listener into the experience is magical.

38. Gang Starr featuring MOP, “1/2 and 1/2” (1998)

If MOP is in the house, you have to go hard, and Premier wastes no time. “1/2 and 1/2” is the art of aggression. It nicely compliments MOP’s high-octane rhymes and Guru’s more measured approach. The regal strings class up the joint, while MOP gleefully tears it all down. Guru, as always, effortlessly slides into place to drop his wisdom as well.

37. Rakim, “It’s Been A Long Time” (1997)

I’m a big fan of Rakim’s solo debut/comeback record The 18^th Letter, and “It’s Been a Long Time” is one of its biggest standouts. Premier brilliantly scratches in vocals from the Eric B & Rakim days, which just affirms Rakim’s legacy of dominance. The production feels both regal and like a hip-hop history lesson, an incredible manifesto for a living legend.

36. Sauce Money, “Against The Grain” (1997)

Sauce Money is one of many talented rappers from the mid- to late 90s that deserved a bit more fame than he received. Preemo definitely did his part, lacing him with a tough, brooding beat that’s equal parts serene and sinister. It’s soulful, hard-hitting and perfectly crafted for an MC of Sauce’s caliber.

35. Christina Aguilera, “Back in the Day” (2006)

This is a true showcase of Premier’s versatility. True to its name, “Back in the Day” is a showcase of jazzy, vintage R&B. It’s much cleaner and more wholesome than his usual efforts but the grit is still there. Christina has no problem belting over the track and Preemo doesn’t completely lose his trademark touch while serving up these soundscapes. I wish we got more of R&B Preemo.

34. Edo. G, “Fastlane” (2011)

This track starts off with a hard driving edge before transitioning into a grounded, more elegant feel. Soulful strings and dusty drums provide another of those melodic, reflective backdrops that Premier does so well. Edo’s laid back delivery is a perfect fit.

33. Jay Z, “So Ghetto” (1999)

I’m not the biggest fan of Jay’s Vol. 3 but it’s the album cuts like “So Ghetto” that keep me coming back. This track is as catchy as it is aggressive, grabbing you by the throat and threatening to chokeslam you through the concrete. By 1999 Jay was becoming more known for flashy radio fare, so this return to his rugged roots was needed.

32. Gangstarr, “Playtawin” (2003)

Guru is feeling himself on this one, and with a beat this like backing you it’s easy to see why. It’s another boom bap banger, but with a bit more energy than you’d expect. It has all the Premier hallmarks of foreboding atmosphere and heavy drums, but it’s the scratches and the “I Need You Right Now” sample that truly make the production stand out. It’s the spark that lights the flame of this track.

31. Limp Bizkit featuring Method Man, “N 2 Gether Now” (1999)

Remember that time DJ Premier laced Limp Bizkit with one of his greatest beats? Yep, it happened. Back in 99 I said this beat sounded like a Wu-Tang cartoon, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s certainly more lighthearted but still packs a punch. Fred Durst and Method Man over Premier wasn’t on my bingo card in 1999, but they made it work.

30. Jay Z featuring Jaz-O and Sauce Money, “Bring It On” (1996)

Preemo is a master at setting atmosphere. The first time I heard “Bring it On,” it immediately felt like a smoky back room convo at a high-end nightclub. Classy, but menacing. That D&D All-Stars sample is so brazen and a perfect way to assert Jay-Z, Sauce Money, and Jaz-O’s dominance. It’s a head-nodder for sure, but it’s so aggressive and domineering – it forces your respect.

29. Afu-Ra, “Defeat” (2000)

We don’t talk enough about Afu-Ra enough around here. Let’s change that. “Defeat” is yet another harrowing, almost mystical production experience, which fits perfectly with Afu-Ra’s Mortal Kombat-esque aesthetic. The ever-present scratches carve their way through the track, adding that extra bit of spice for Ra’s reflective tales.

28. Bahamadia featuring K-Swift & Mecca Starr, “3 The Hard Way” (1996)

Don’t talk to me about the best female MCs of all time if Bahamadia isn’t on your list. I’m talking to you, Billboard. Premier laced her and her girls with HEAT. “3 the Hard Way” is sheer aggression, a war-ready track made for the cyphers. True to its name, these ladies aren’t here for show, they’re here to go hard, and Premier leads the way.

27. Crooklyn Dodgers, “Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers” (1995)

The Crooklyn Dodgers have a pretty interesting history that we won’t get into here. All you need to know is that there are several incarnations, but the one we’re highlighting here is the Chubb Rock, Jeru the Damaja and O.C. trio from 1995, with this song from the Clockers soundtrack. I love a good posse track and this is a love letter to Brooklyn, seeping with New York nostalgia. It’s dreamy but, as per usual for a Premier track, still hits hard.

26. AZ, “The Come Up” (2005)

AZ is SO underrated, and Premier really gave him some heat in the later stages of his career. “The Come Up” is a fiery street anthem, with crisp drums that seem to flutter across the beat. Of course, those trademark scratches always come in at the best time while AZ seems to be having a ball spitting nonstop street wisdom. Another vastly underrated song, from one of the game’s most underrated artists.

25. Jay Z, “Intro/A Million and One Questions/Rhyme No More” (1997)

Admittedly, I don’t love this track quite as much as others seem to but I can’t front, there’s lots of greatness to be found. The easygoing atmosphere of “A Million and One Questions,” combined with the Aaliyah sample, allow Jay to drop a few rhetorical questions on our ear and it’s cool – but things really pick up with “Rhyme No More,” a harder hitting affair. Combined, they’re a great one-two punch.

24. MOP, “Downtown Swinga” (1996)

This is just FUNKY. Premier’s sample of Hubert Laws’ I Had a Dream reminds me of the Family Guy gag with the guy with the giant tuba – just a big, nasty horn that the Mash Out Posse bully their way through. It’s very different than most of the entries on this list, but that distinctness makes it memorable.

23. Big L featuring Fat Joe, “The Enemy” (2000)

Sadly, the paranoia L showcased on this track became eerily prophetic, but let’s dwell on brighter days, shall we? As often is the case for the best Premier tracks, “The Enemy” feels like it could be the score for a high-stakes crime flick. The hard hitting drums and scathing scratches mirror L and Fat Joe’s aggressive tones, while the ominous atmosphere adds to the tension. Another win for a producer who is so adept at setting a mood.

22. Group Home, “Livin’ Proof” (1995)

We HAD to get this one on the list. Premier’s fingerprints are all over Group Home’s debut album, blessing them with some of his best work to date. “Livin’ Proof” is probably the most well known, and for good reason. Premier provides a pensive, almost reflective vibe as Group Home reflects on the their realities. The emotion is palatable and the realness is necessary. A forgotten classic from an era filled with them.

21. Big L featuring Big Daddy Kane, “Platinum Plus” (2000)

Big L is one of the biggest “what if’s” in hip-hop history, but the way he commands this track, alongside a legend like Big Daddy Kane, no less, proves that we missed out a special talent. L and Kane do their thing over a menacing piano loop, and those signature scratches provide that needed Preemo edge. If you love boom bap, you’ll love this.

20. Nas, “I Gave You Power” (1996)

This is my favorite Nas song of all time (my No. 2 favorite is still to come…) so it’s only right that I show some love here. Nas’ brilliant personification of a gun is gripping (no pun intended) so Preemo goes with a no-frills approach to tell the story. The atmosphere is haunting and foreboding but never distracting. Nas’ story is the star of the show, Preemo is just here to amp up the intensity. The scratches are minimal but noticeable, the drums thump but don’t overwhelm – it’s the perfect score for one of the greatest tales told in rap.

19. O.C. “My World” (1997)

A sort of forgotten one here, but a banger nonetheless. “My World” has a breezy, reflective tone (sorta reminding me of the Shadow “whistle” theme from Final Fantasy 6 – my gamer nerds will feel me). It’s lush and gentle, easing OC’s bars into your brain as you settle in for the journey.

18. Capone-N-Noreaga, “Invincible” (2000)

No shock that two war-ready MCs like Capone and NORE would have a track that feels like it was lifted from the battlefield. Both are at their defiant best over another thumping, yet soulful offering. That YEAHHHHHHH cutting through the tension is perfectly placed. I miss aggressive tracks like this in hip-hop, and Premier has a ton on his resume.

17. Mos Def, “Mathematics” (1999)

“Mathematics” is yet another beatmaking masterclass. First, there’s the slowed down sample of “Top Billin,” layered over that impressive bassline. Then you’ve got the head-nodding energy mixed with those always-impressive scratches (Erykah Badu’s “do your maaaaaath” always makes me smile). It all makes way for Mos Def’s lyrical excellence, who gives one of the best performances on his Black on Both Sides project. If you’re an aspiring producer, study this track.

16. Gang Starr, “Code Of The Streets” (1994)

Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn album is just filled with classic production. “Code of the Streets” is yet another song that tells a story through its soundscapes. You can feel the tension mounting with each passing minute as Guru narrates our journey. It’s a reflective yet foreboding experience that gets your blood racing.

15. Gang Starr featuring Nice & Smooth, “DWYCK” (1994)

Another all-timer. Premier isn’t known for “party beats” but “DWYCK” proves he can keep the function moving. The beat is a lot more energetic and vibrant than many of the other entries here, unapologetically street but full of vigor. The funk influences are evident and proves that Preemo isn’t a one-dimensional producer. He can move the crowd with the best of them.

14. Group Home, “Supa Star” (1995)

I love the intro to this track, it feels like the subtle beginnings of a blaxploitation flick. Then the beat drops and the intensity ramps up – but not too much. The beat is kinda repetitive, but in a good way, lulling the listener into a head-nodding experience. That’s the genius of this track – less is truly more.

13. Show and A.G., “Next Level (Nyte Time Mix)” (1995)

The original was good, but the DJ Premier remix was something special. Preemo uses heavy horns and pounding drums but distributes them sparsely to allow our MCs to breathe. It’s yet another track that’s brilliantly simplistic. There’s not a lot going on at once, but Premier makes every second count.

12. Jay Z, “D’Evils” (1996)

Believe me when I tell you, I wore Reasonable Doubt OUT in my high school days, and “D’Evils” was one of those songs on constant repeat. Premier’s use of vocal samples was masterful, selecting the most foreboding quotes to set a sinister tone. Jay sounded like he was fighting his demons in real time, haunted by the ghosts of his past. Hip-hop is at its strongest when it’s used as a storytelling device, and Premier felt like Wes Craven on this one.

11. Jeru the Damaja, “Come Clean” (1994)

Yeah you knew this would be here. “Come Clean” is one of the most recognizable beats of its era, instantly making Jeru into a main player. The track feels so raw and unpolished, but that doesn’t hurt its quality, it only adds to the rugged, off-kilter feel. ”Come Clean” is minimalistic yet brilliant, and Jeru uses it to create a star-making performance.

10. Royce da 5’9, “Boom” (2001)

Sure, we talk about Guru, Nas, Group Home and others, but Royce has to be high on the list of top Premier collaborators. I could have chosen a billion tracks to feature on this list, but few pack the punch of “Boom.” That drum pattern will shake your speakers, and that ticking countdown adds so much character to the track. Royce’s aggressive flow just feels right over these kicks and snares – it sounds like he’s racing the clock before he truly unleashes doomsday. Lyrical demolition at its finest.  

9. Common featuring Bilal, “The 6th Sense” (2000)

We just looked back at Common’s Like Water For Chocolate a few weeks ago, yet it’s just now hitting me that Preemo’s contribution is the only non-Soulquarians beat. No offense to that incredible collective, but I think he outshined them all on this one. The production is rich, intimidating, but with an air of hopefulness. It shatters the myth of conscious rap being “soft.” It doesn’t get much harder than this.

8. The Notorious BIG, “Kick in the Door” (1997)

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” is a pretty recognizable sample, but Premier was able to make it feel extra spooky on “Kick it the Door.” The track literally feels like the walls are throbbing and closing in, but Preemo drops in a few piano stabs just to keep things classy. BIG ain’t about subtlety though, he’s on a rampage, and this is just the beat to help him cut loose.

7. The LOX, “Recognize” (2000)

Yeah, Kiss, we couldn’t wait to hear you and the LOX over DJ Premier in 2000. “Recognize” is the type of beat made for lyricists as rugged as the LOX. It hits HARD, but there’s plenty of room for the trio to spit recklessly. The vocal snippets featuring fellow Ruff Ryders members was a great touch too. I love this track, and I love that the LOX were able to go full throttle on it.

6. KRS-One, “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know” (1995)

CLAP YO HAND’S EVERYBODY … PREMIER’S ON THE BREAKS! “MC’s Act like They Don’t Know” has one of my favorite beat drops ever, with that chopped sample from Clifford Brow’s “Yesterdays” creating an atmosphere that’s as smooth as it is razor sharp. Yeah it’s raw, but it has a warmness that makes it very approachable – even your grandma n’ dem can appreciate this one. The beat is so impressive that my R&Boo Mona Lisa flipped it a few years later for “Can’t Be Wasting My Time,” and it works just as well in an R&B setting. Talk about multifaceted.

5. The Notorious BIG, “Ten Crack Commandments” (1997)

Man I really wish we got more BIG and Preemo. Premier’s production feels like ice water in your veins – or ears – as the numbers count down on wax. The scratch work really plays a vital role, adding extra gravitas to Biggie’s foreboding advice column. Every rule BIG spits feels as weighty and dire as the beat it rides on – another example of the production helping the artist to tell an even more meaningful story.

4. The Notorious BIG, “Unbelievable” (1995)

The tale of BIG convincing Premier to chop up “Your Body’s Callin’” for this track is one of my favorite Biggie stories – it proved he was more than just a rapper, he had an ear for production. BIG may have had the imagination, but it was Preemo who made the magic happen, creating one of the most memorable loops of all time.

3. Nas, “Nas Is Like” (1999)

Y’all know I tuck away my biases when I write these lists but I have to keep it a buck – “Nas is Like” is my personal favorite Premier beat of all time, and it’s the reason I’ve been DYING for a full length Nas/Premier album since 1999. Maybe my wish will finally come true this year … maybe. “Nas is Like” is constructed around an obscure sample from “What Child Is This?” by John Rydgren and Bob R. Way, which sets the stage for Nas’ ultimate manifesto. Nas’ delivery, combined with the track’s gritty soul, is one of the greatest examples of boom-bap excellence we’ve ever heard.

2. Nas, “NY State of Mind” (1994)

Pure cinema. Preemo captured the grit, the intimidating nature and the haunting beauty of Queensbridge all in one track. The scratches are downplayed but they still make a statement, adding a touch of character to an already atmospheric experience. Premier bathes the track in shadows, with Nas’ voice as our lone narrator. It’s another unforgettable moment from a duo that seems made for each other.

1. Gang Starr, “Mass Appeal” (1994)

Let’s be real, this list could have just been a collection of Gang Starr’s greatest hits. And even if that was the case, “Mass Appeal” would still rise to the top. That smooth jazz loop from Vic Juris’ “Horizon Drive” provides the foundation for one of the most iconic beats of all time. Combined with Preemo’s vintage vinyl crackle and Guru’s smooth delivery, “Mass Appeal” lived up to its name. It’s a hip-hop milestone and Preemo’s best work.

This list is massive but I know I left off some faves. Share yours below.