Wired 25: The 25 Greatest Unreleased Jay-Z Songs [LISTEN]

25. “Sittin Sideways (Remix)” ft. Lupe Fiasco

Originally on Lupe Fiasco’s Lupe The Jedi mixtape, Hova took Paul Wall’s “Sittin Sideways” cut and made it his own.

24. “Drop It Like It’s Hot (Remix)” with Snoop Dogg & Pharrell

Hov originally let this go as a freestyle on BET’s 106 & Park in a memorable visit on the countdown show. Eventually, this found its way on to Pharrell’s official remix of one of Snoop’s biggest songs, but nowhere near anyone’s album.

23. “Jockin Jay-Z”

While Yeezy was wrapping up his Glow In The Dark tour, he debuted this song at Madison Square Garden. It never made The Blueprint III, but it only showed that Mr. West was ahead of his time production-wise.

22. “If I Can’t (Freestyle)”

On the S. Carter Collection mixtape, Mr. Carter took 50 Cent’s smash single and toyed with it like he does most instrumentals. Everybody still wants to rhyme like Hov.

21. “A Billie”

The song that spawned “A Millie” and one remixes was capped off by a billion dollar verse from Blue Ivy’s pops.

20. “Glory” ft. Blue Ivy Carter

Speaking of Blue Ivy, she made her big debut fresh out of the womb in this Pharrell-produced ode to Beyonce and Jay-Z’s pride and joy.

19. “Don’t You Know”

“International Hov” made his return to the states over a Just Blaze beat. This featured a few verses that ended up on the Nas diss, “People Talkin.”

18. “Party People” with Twista, Timbaland & Magoo

This record sounded like a part 2 to “Jigga What, Jigga Who,” which was probably why this didn’t end up on an album.

17. “Murda Marcyville” ft. Memphis Bleek & Geda K

The God MC’s ode to his rough and tumble neighborhood is one of his more memorable tracks featuring a hungry and promising Memphis Bleek. He’s still currently one hit away.

16. “People Talkin” (Nas Diss)

Technically, this did end up as a hidden track on Jay-Z’s MTV Unplugged album. This warning shot to all of his enemies including Nas, Mobb Deep and more were all put on notice.

15. “I Aint Heard Of That” w/ Slim Thug

This version is arguably more recognizable than the version that ended up on Thugga’s debut, Already Platinum. However, Hov’s hook coupled with vintage Neptunes production make this one a crowd favorite in more places than Houston.

14. “PSA pt. 2”

The genius of Just Blaze took another stab at his classic “PSA” for this sequel.

13. “Dead Or Alive (Pt. 1)” With Sauce Money

Allegedly a diss aimed at Tupac Shakur, S. Carter got busy over some jazzy production. Ready to step up to the plate for his boy The Notorious B.I.G., Hov clearly backed off after the passing of the legendary MC.

12. “Early This Morning”

The Blueprint-era of Hov which featured sped up samples courtesy of Kanye West included this gem that landed on a few mixtapes but no albums. We also assume Hov ain’t putting on the clothes from last night anymore.

11. “Beware Of The Boys (Remix)” With Panjabi MC

Sampling the Knight Rider theme song, “International Hov” was in full effect in this classic record with Panjabi MC.

10. “Young, Gifted & Black (Freestyle)”

Jigga paid homage to his rap idol, Big Daddy Kane, in this freestyle that was on the S. Carter Collection. Rough and rugged, indeed.

9. “This Life Forever”

A song which sounds like it could have lived on In My Lifetime Vol.1, Hov talks about his rough upbringing, but not wanting to trade it for anything in the world.

8. “Reach The Top”

Jay-Z is as versatile as they come, but we love to hear Brooklyn’s own over some good ole’ fashioned soul samples. Safe to say, he reached the top eventually.

7. “H.O.V.A.”

Superhero music? You bet. Who else you know is on probation leave the country and go on vacation? You already know.

6. “44 Fours”

What do you do after you drop “22 Twos?” Simple, drop “44 Fours.” This is one of those songs that would break your rewind button.

5. “Maybach Music 2” Freestyle

For some unexplained reason, Rick Ross left the original “Maybach Music” guest on a new version of the sequel. Nothing against Kanye and Lil Wayne, but Big Homie bodied this one.

4. “Murdergram Freestyle” feat. DMX & Ja Rule

DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule put Def Jam on their backs and carried the label to prominence in the late 90s and early 00s. It was records like this that put the entire rap world on notice.

3. “Dead Presidents 3”

Shawn Carter is hit or miss when it comes to crafting sequels to his masterpieces. When it came to “DP3,” we only which it was longer.

2. “Blow The Whistle (Remix)”

Too $hort’s legendary club record was given new life on the east coast when Jigga came to LeBron James’ aid and dissed DeShawn Stevenson.

1. “Corporate Takeover/Funkmaster Flex Freestyle”

Quotables on top of quotables. President Hov blacked out on a trip to Funkmaster Flex’s show and let the world know he is the absolute best at what he does.