Warning — this article contains profanity.
This is an updated list from the original 11-part post over at RapReviews.com. It’s our 25th anniversary this year, so please check us out!
I want to show some love for Brownsville’s angriest men, Mash Out Posse (M.O.P.), and remind everyone how unique Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame are. For nearly thirty years they have delivered intense energy, an unrivalled penchant for weaponry and vicious adlibs that evoke memories of the great Run-DMC. Nobody, not even Onyx, does what M.O.P. do. Sure, their rhymes may be full of profanity and ignorance, but much like the late, great Sean Price, it’s packed with humour and creativity. Their voices are closer to instruments than narrative tools, and yet they continue to be overlooked lyrically. Fame has some of the funniest lines in hip-hop history. Billy has one of the most commanding presences on a microphone you’ll ever hear. Their live performances are exceptional, evoking the passion and dirty style they have become “world famous” for, and yet while their vocals often sound loud, they are never shouting. There are years of pain and loss wrapped up in all the raw aggression. Death is very real to Billy and Fame, so while naysayers are quick to judge the profanity and one-dimensional topics, their message is as essential as any.
Interviews show the pair are supremely down-to-earth and their friendship is as strong as it’s ever been. Nobody dares beef with them, because WHY WOULD YOU!?! Remember when M.O.P. released their album “Warriorz” back in 2000? They conducted promo that involved going to Brownsville and filming their crew letting off automatic weaponry into the sky…
That album was huge, particularly in Europe. Singles “Cold As Ice” and “Ante Up” went #4 and #7 in the UK, respectively. Hearing something as vitriolic and vicious as M.O.P. on the radio in 2024 would seem ludicrous, but it happened.
The fight to survive New York’s crack epidemic of the 1980s fueled M.O.P.’s intense energy in the early 1990s. 1992 saw the earliest examples of the grimy New York sound that is still worshipped today by many — Wu-Tang Clan dropped “Protect Ya Neck”, Onyx had “Throw Ya Gunz” and M.O.P. first arrived with Lil’ Fame’s appearance on “The Hill That’s Real”.
Sometimes you’ll need to channel aggression and violence towards other areas of your life — thousands of us have used their music at the gym or before a game of football or basketball. The pain and anguish demonstrated by both Billy and Fame is the perfect example of putting that negative emotion into something positive — I can’t imagine the s*** these guys have been through. Fame explains in the 2002 DVD release “Straight From The Projects” how he lost his father, his brother, and then his mother, too, and revisits the house he grew up in, which is now boarded up. The vocabulary that has woven its way into any M.O.P. project: “first family”, “warriors”, and “firing squad”; all highlight the welcoming arms of a brotherhood, a group that is strong and determined to make it no matter the cost. Any ardent fan can attest to feeling a part of that “brotherhood”, particularly when you learn the street names, the codified language and the rallying calls of “BROWNSVILLE”.
Rap duos are a dying breed. It’s sad that we’ll never get another record from Mobb Deep, Heltah Skeltah, Gang Starr, UGK or Tip and Phife, so embrace and support the duos we have. With Sean Price and Prodigy’s deaths in recent years, the number of great, active rap duos is dwindling.
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Twenty-four years ago, Loud Records released M.O.P.’s most successful album: “Warriorz”. Vulture.com recently (well, when I started writing this!) posted their list of every Jay-Z track, in order of ranking. It was horrendous. Mass Appeal had also co-signed a list of every Kendrick Lamar track, ranked, often with no actual reason why. It’s about time a true, comprehensive list was made on an artist that isn’t talked about every day like Jay or Kendrick are. Lil’ Fame, one of the most underrated emcees of his generation, and Billy Danze, owner of the most distinct, effortlessly rugged vocal tone in all of music. They are the Mash Out Posse — let’s do this!
Criteria
- Any track featuring M.O.P. — both Fame and Billy. This includes guest features from M.O.P., because any time M.O.P. are on a track, it becomes an M.O.P. track.
- Albums, mixtapes, EPs, unreleased tracks… we’re going ALL IN SON!
- We are excluding songs featuring M.O.P. when in reality, they are using an M.O.P. vocal sample. So no John Cena theme, no DJs scratching M.O.P. on to hooks etc.
Exemptions
- M.O.P. & CNN — “Foot Soldiers” (2005)
- M.O.P. — “Welcome Back” (Ghetto Warfare — 2006)
- Memphis Bleek feat. M.O.P. & Freeway — “Same Ol Gs”
- M.O.P. — “God Bless and Good Night”
- G-Unit feat. Mobb Deep & M.O.P. — “300 Shots”
- Teflon — “Gotta Get Ova”
- Domination feat. M.O.P. — “Get Wild”
Billy Danze (L) and Lil’ Fame (R)
286. “Hood News”
Artist: Olivia feat. M.O.P. and Mobb Deep
Album: So Seductive (2005)
Billed as a song, this skit from Olivia’s G-Unit debut “So Seductive” captures that unique sense of humour many of the G-Unit mixtapes of the time had. A reporter attempts to get an interview from M.O.P. and Mobb Deep but is on the receiving end of trademark catchphrases. It’s well done, but it’s not a song so it’s at the bottom of the list.
285. “World Premiere”
Artist: Da Brat feat. Jermaine Dupri, Q Da Kid & M.O.P.
Album: Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz (2003)
“Rumour has it we’re two of the illest spitters to do it…” — Lil’ Fame
A lot of these lower ranked M.O.P. features are placed here because you have to sift through some below-par rhyming or equally forgettable production before Billy and Fame phone-in one of their lesser verses. This is just that, a forgotten track from a forgotten Da Brat album.
284. “Beats by Fizroy”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
Just as much a skit as it is a song, “Beats by Fizroy” jokingly throws jabs at top producers and their pricing structure for beats — “if you got 2 dollars or 4 dollars, we got beats for you”. Fame then freestyles over Sade, which even on the messy record “Marxmen Cinema”, is completely random.
283. “Full Contact Fighter”
Artist: D-One feat. M.O.P.
Album: Grindstone: The Collection (2016)
M.O.P. would spend the latter part of their career offering their talents to underground emcees who dabbled in the more aggressive style of hip hop. This means that unremarkable collaborations such as “Full Contact Fighter” show up in their catalogue, but this one is specifically weak as it is only ninety seconds long (the final minute is just the beat playing as if a verse wasn’t added).
282. “Fight Club”
Artist: Fat Joe feat. M.O.P. & Petey Pablo
Album: Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) (2001)
“Cotton-ass pretty boy, talkin’ about drama
With that nasty-ass Coogi suit, lookin’ like pyjamas” — Lil’ Fame
After the monstrous crowd-pleaser “My Lifestyle” solidified Joe’s status as the go-to artist for intense street anthems, it was inevitable Billy and Fame would guest on his album in 2001. Unfortunately, it disappoints, plodding rather than pounding and the Petey Pablo verse feels shoehorned in by the label.
Yes, this actually was a thing.
281. “It’s That Simple”
Artist: Victoria Beckham feat. M.O.P.
Album: Come Together (2004) [unreleased]
If you ever considered putting two completely opposite artists together, M.O.P. and the worst Spice Girl have to be up there with the strangest decisions in music history. Clearly trying to add some street credibility to Posh Spice’s solo career, “It’s That Simple” was left on the cutting room floor in 2004 after Beckham’s label Telstar went bankrupt before her “R&B and Hip Hop album” was finished. This is actually a fun, if ludicrous record, as M.O.P. spend a potentially valuable moment in the spotlight exchanging vicious gun raps. It’s absolute madness.
280. “Guns Go Bang”
Artist: Young Buck feat. M.O.P.
Album: No Place For Me (2012)
“You’ll be found chopped in a bag and stuffed in a Buick” — Billy Danze
Long after G-Unit’s flame had dwindled, Young Buck continued churning mixtapes out and “Guns Go Bang” is full of gunshot sound effects to hide that terrible hook. If you didn’t know, Fame has lost a lot of weight in recent years and his performance here sounded like his health was affecting his verses — all the more noticeable when Billy’s levels are so consistently intense.
279. “No Shame”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“Because you don’t see tears, don’t mean there’s no pain” — Billy Danze
The Brownsville duo always find a moment on their albums to take stock of more serious psychological issues and “No Shame” is an appeal to women, pleading them not to compare their man to others if they are putting food on the table. It serves a purpose but was one of the less memorable songs on “Street Certified”.
278. “Original Gangstas”
Artist: Young Chris feat. M.O.P., Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Neef Buck, Peedi Crack & Pooda Brown
Album: Hired Gun (2007)
“The highly underrated and deeply underpaid” — Billy Danze
Off the back of their troubled time signed to Roc-A-Fella, this bloated track appeared on a Young Chris record and is largely generic album filler but it’s fun hearing Chris whisper his verse as if he’s daunted by the presence of Billy and Fame before the R.O.C. emcees close out the track. The sound quality of the Brownsville duo’s verses leaves it all feeling a bit disjointed and there are some subliminal jabs if you read into their rhymes.
277. “Giantz of NYC”
Artist: DJ Clue? feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Professional 3 (2006)
“I got ninety-nine problems but this bitch just made it a buck” — Lil’ Fame
As with any mixtape they’ve appeared on, M.O.P.’s presence stands out and thankfully Clue? doesn’t rant all over this call for the throne to New York. With a Heatmakerz instrumental providing the suitable foundation, it’s another reminder of just how good that Roc-A-Fella record could have been.
276. “Dead & Gone”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“You can never be alone, when I’m dead and gone” — Lil’ Fame
In a soulful cut from 1996’s “Firing Squad”, Billy and Fame share a message for their family in case their past catches up with them. The use of church pastors and a choir-like hook give you an idea of the funeral atmosphere they are trying to capture but it sounds decidedly dated compared to much of their catalogue.
275. “Champions”
Artist: MissIll feat. M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2012)
“My kingdom is enormous, get a look at the floorplan” — Billy Danze
After the dubstep phenomenon gave some renewed vigour to the likes of Brand Nubian and Wu-Tang Clan in the late 2000s, even the Mash Out Posse got in on the act with French artist MissIll. What sounds like a match made in heaven reveals Fame and Billy’s vocals clash with the loud style of dubstep — it’s often difficult to make out the rhymes. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting experiment that I’m glad they tried.
274. “Clak Clak”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: The Return of the Warriorz mixtape (2007)
“When you stand up it’s stand-up comedy” — Lil’ Fame
One of their more derivative efforts from a German mixtape that suffers from a lifeless production, it nonetheless sees Billy and Fame displaying their trademark energy. One of, I’m sure many, tracks from the mid-2000s that remain rare and unreleased.
273. “24/7”
Artist: DJ Decks feat. M.O.P. and Killaz Group
Album: Mixtape 7 (2020)
“If you see a different me then that means I saw the real you” — Lil’ Fame
From the DJ Decks mixtape “Mixtape 7” (which has a crazy lineup) this is one of the least-known tracks on this list. This would be in a higher position if I’d spent more time with it, but the language barrier also hinders the enjoyment for many. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Billy and Fame, and aside from losing weight, they sound as sharp as ever.
272. “Crossfire”
Artist: Afu-ra feat. M.O.P.
Album: Life Force Radio (2002)
“You want to be the Jordan of rap?
Watch me rebound and slam dunk two in your back” — Lil’ Fame
Afu-ra is a case of having good rapping ability but never really saying anything of substance, relying on DJ Premier heat rocks to shift records. At least that’s why I bought the first three Afu albums. This is one of the better cuts from his sophomore, but the decision to limit M.O.P. to just verses gives the record a level of restricted, unfulfilled potential.
271. “Stop the Show”
Artist: Alchemist feat. M.O.P. & Stat Quo
Album: 1st Infantry (2004)
“Everyone with a platinum chain is wack as fuck” — Lil’ Fame
From a time when Alchemist laced rap’s finest with “bangers” rather than the more laid-back, coke-fuelled instrumentals he delivers these days, this only ranks so low because it could have been something incredible. Next to Lloyd Banks’ “Bangers”, Prodigy’s “Hold U Down” and B-Real’s “Bang Out”, M.O.P. were left a little short-changed with this one. Sharing the mic with Shady Records’ Stat Quo too was an odd combination.
270. “Fake Ass Gangstas”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
“I’ll be your worst nightmare like I was Freddy” — Billy Danze
Never ones to be politically correct, “F.A.G.” is an attack on fake thugs whilst also questioning their sexuality. It’s one of their least interesting offerings from the early years, redeemed by a strong bassline and hard drums that were the backdrop to much of the music on “To the Death”.
269. “50 This 50 That”
Artist: 50 Cent feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Empire Strikes Back (2006)
Recycled verses over an unremarkable beat are saved by a threatening 50 performance, hailing from a period when 50 Cent mixtapes were a hot commodity. They never got their chance to shine at G-Unit and this song kind of exemplifies that.
268. “Ratta Tatta”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Anger Management (2005)
“I should get rid of everything above your fuckin’ neck” — Billy Danze
This is just a Billy Danze verse from what’s billed as “new M.O.P.” so it’s likely the full song hasn’t seen the light of day. A shame, because while the beat ain’t all that, the Billy verse is mean as fuck!
267. “Punks Jump Up”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Anger Management 3 (2005)
“I rock gold fronts because my teeth are fucked up” — Lil’ Fame
This Clinton Sparks & Eminem mixtape from fifteen years ago is a deep cut, but one worth revisiting. Not only are there some rare tracks from Ludacris, Talib Kweli and Eminem himself but there’s also a radio interview with Donald Trump where 50 Cent agrees to write a song for Mr. MAGA. It was a different time. “Punks Jump Up” is a nod to Brand Nubian but with all the gunshot sound effects Clinton Sparks puts over this, it’s a dark slice of M.O.P. that might just be their best song on G-Unit.
266. “Tho’ It Up”
Artist: Canibus, M.O.P. & Kool G. Rap
Album: The State vs. Doo Wop (2003)
What is it with Canibus and bad beats? This top-tier line-up is as lyrically satisfying as you’d expect, but that beat is just so underwhelming it almost ruins it all. Not many artists can wrestle that coveted third verse from a Canibus or G Rap, but Billy and Fame do, and did their thing. I just can’t get over how weak the beat is, especially when Bis starts rhyming to “The Symphony” and it switches back — it highlights it more.
265. “My Planet”
Artist: Teflon feat. M.O.P.
Album: My Will (1997)
Teflon, much like Blaq Poet, has a solid flow and the necessary roughness needed to give a beat that rugged feel, but he rarely leaves you impressed. 1997’s “My Will” is fine but lacks the killer DJ Premier single many New York emcees needed to get their albums into rap fan’s collections. M.O.P. provide an assist on the hook and I think that’s where Teflon is left exposed — his verses feel barebones because there’s a lack of adlibs and sound effects.
264. “No Uniform”
Artist: Camp Lo & Pete Rock feat. M.O.P.
Album: 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s Part II (2013)
“Middle finger up like Pac on a stretcher” — Lil’ Fame
“Luchini” and “TROY” are two Top 10 hip hop beats, let’s be honest. Yet that iconic reputation was always going to be hard to replicate and this wild effort from Pete Rock and Camp Lo was a bit too repetitive for its own good. M.O.P. delivered one of their better performances, limbering up for their 2014 album, but given Pete Rock is spitting on here (which has never been great) it feels like a missed opportunity to craft something truly menacing.
263. “Revolution”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
What begins as a simple beat with a preacher asking if we are ready for the revolution, turns into M.O.P. chanting “uh” and “yeah”. And that’s it. Repeated three times. It’s over five minutes and acts as a comedown during the “Firing Squad” album, but as a track, it’s probably one to skip.
262. “N**** Whut”
Artist: Teflon feat. M.O.P.
Album: My Will (1997)
M.O.P. show up a few times on Teflon’s debut and he often benefits from being the honorary third member of the posse. Billy and Fame provide the hook which is little more than a bunch of “WHAT!”s, but as far as dope East Coast hip hop to throw on, it does its job admirably.
261. “Another Dead Rapper (Statik Selektah Remix)”
Artist: G Huff & Lena Jackson feat. M.O.P.
Album: n/a
“You a drug dealer? You don’t even own your own drugs” — Lil’ Fame
In a more recent release, unknowns G Huff and Lena Jackson pulled M.O.P. in for a verse on a track all about decapitation. Not one of their best, but you know they’d be first in line to chop a rapper’s head off.
260. “Duckits”
Artist: Brothers of the Stone feat. M.O.P.
Album: Return to Stoney Island (2018)
“Old timers, I’ll put a hole in your toupee” — Lil’ Fame
British emcees Leaf Dog and BVA recruit M.O.P. for a crafted cut that, if you can stomach Leaf’s nasal style, is solid enough. Bolstered by a saxophone loop, the Illinformed instrumental dominates one of their better international collaborations.
259. “City”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Lil Red
Album: Dame Dash presents Dream Team (2002)
“There ain’t no party like a M.O.P. party
A M.O.P. party don’t welcome everybody” — Billy Danze
Another song about New York City. Lil Red is a female vocalist, so this is a standard blend of brash masculine rap and light Aaliyah-like singing that ended up on the second disc of the Paid in Full soundtrack.
258. “Monkey Ish”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes
Album: Return of the Warriorz mixtape (2007)
“Whenever Bus’ and M.O.P. come through — people dead” — Busta Rhymes
M.O.P. and Busta on a track and ain’t nobody heard it? That’s because the production leaves a lot to be desired. A shame, because both artists do their best to carve an identity out for “Monkey Ish” — Busta and M.O.P. still make this worth a listen; I mean, Muttley is sniggering on the hook for God’s sake.
257. “Hood Muzik”
Artist: Memphis Bleek feat.M.O.P.
Album: M.A.D.E. (2003)
“There was never love lost as there was never none there” — Billy Danze
What starts as a generic track with Memphis Bleek posturing morphs into a brutal attack on a certain Tupac clone from Fame, adding some fuel to the 50 Cent vs. Ja Rule feud that was going on in 2003.
256. “Party Like a Rockstar”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: St. Marxmen (2005)
“You’re nothin’ like a pimp — you’re more like a chimp” — Lil’ Fame
This is a strange track that is all over the place lyrically, using a stop-start style and relies on the heavy back-and-forth adlibs to carry a plain instrumental. Fame’s verse is hyper-ignorant whereas Billy ups the intensity to admirable levels — it just lacks that X-factor to elevate it.
255. “No Love”
Artist: DJ Clue? feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Professional (1998)
“Your rap style is paralyzed, I can’t feel ya” — Lil’ Fame
Preceding Jadakiss’ “Why?” by six years, this oddly reflective track asks why M.O.P. are the vicious young thugs they are. It could have been an interesting insight into their daily lives, but they promptly reiterate how they accept their role in society and embrace it with both guns blazing.
254. “Fax Machine”
Artist: Rock feat. M.O.P.
Album: Rockness A.P. (2017)
“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah I took you way back
It took all this to say that” — Lil’ Fame
A rare M.O.P. appearance where Fame spits a solo verse but both men are on the hook! It’s a shame Heltah Skeltah and M.O.P. didn’t collaborate more because this song shows promise but is let down by an irritating instrumental that’s too repetitive for its own good.
253. “One More Time”
Artist: Machel Montano feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Book of Angels (2007)
Much like the random Victoria Beckham track, this is an odd combination of hardcore rap and soca-pop, courtesy of Trinidadian singer Machel Montano that utilizes bars from some of their other tracks. You get the feeling Busta Rhymes wasn’t available for this party track as he would have suited it more — nonetheless Fame does the best he can.
252. “Pain”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: St. Marxmen (2005)
“You can’t feel my pain, I wouldn’t wish it on anybody” — Lil’ Fame
The Brooklyn gunslingers often disperse pain on others but they aren’t shy of talking about their personal anguish and while that hook is a little weak, the second verse is some of their most honest writing. It just lacks the sheer passion and killer production their more notable efforts offer.
251. “Move Something”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“I’m gon’ make you feel like you got hit by a truck” — Lil’ Fame
You can keep your Jay-Zs and Nas’, Billy Danze in 1998 was unrivalled. He’s a man possessed on “Move Something”, foaming at the mouth with his aggressive approach to a song all about shoving a rocket up these laid-back emcees. “You gotta do something move something, try to make that shit more live for your dogs” — it’s like DMX before DMX truly went down the adlib-heavy riot-music avenue himself.
250. “Gun Boy Interlude”
Artist: Ran Reed feat. M.O.P.
Album: Still Commanding Respect (2016)
“Classic, flow nasty like prison food” — Lil’ Fame
Sometimes rappers disguise interludes as songs but this song is needlessly referred to as an interlude. With underground regular Ran Reed, this moody number is as you’d expect given the clientele: real solid New York rap with an updated approach. It may sound more 2006 than 2016, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing given Ran actually produced it himself.
249. “The Coalition (Murder Boyz)”
Artist: Lil’ Fame feat. Billy Danze, Teflon & iFresh
Album: The Hall of Fame (TBC)
“This generation broke every one of Big’s 10 Crack Commandments” — Lil’ Fame
The Lil’ Fame solo project has been delayed multiple times, but this single was disappointing when it emerged a few years ago. iFresh is fairly ordinary as an emcee, and the verses throughout veer too far into angry old man territory, talking about the good ol’ days. Nonetheless, I’m hyped for Fame’s solo project (“Say Nothin’” was dope).
248. “Who Dat”
Artist: Young Buck feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Empire Strikes Back mixtape (2006)
“My family strong, your moms don’t need this” — Lil Fame
A Lebron James line from a 2006 G-Unit mixtape immediately makes me feel old. Young Buck didn’t really suit this beat and is stomped all over by Billy and Fame but then the volume levels across the three verses deviate wildly. With no real hook or song structure though, it’s a nice little reminder of how good M.O.P. sound in a mixtape environment.
247. “The Hussle”
Artist: Mr. Cheeks feat. M.O.P.
Album: Back Again! (2003)
“I take it one day at a crime” — Billy Danze
Mr. Cheeks had a hit single in 2002 with “Lights, Camera, Action” so this was from his follow-up album “Back Again!”. It wasn’t good, but this Cam’ron-ish record is harmless enough. The energy levels fluctuate wildly by positioning M.O.P. in the middle of the song considering Cheeks is half asleep when he raps.
246. “Brooklyn Military”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
Let down by a quirky instrumental, this collaboration with Teflon and an uncredited emcee is on the bonus disc of the Marxmen Cinema mixtape. As vague as the song title suggests, it’s largely an excuse for a pass-the-mic session.
245. “Ring Ding”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
“Stevie Wonder can see you n****s can’t fuck with me” — Billy Danze
Sometimes music just evokes a place and style and “Ring Ding” is a difficult one to not nod your head to. Billy and Fame prioritised their flows on their debut, utilising chants in their hooks and opting for prominent bass lines. It certainly rattles the speakers, and could well be higher placed.
244. “If I Ever Knew”
Artist: V-Nova feat. M.O.P.
Album: R.A.P. 2: Koch Era (2018)
“I had the same chain as Big Daddy Kane when I was thirteen” — Lil’ Fame
V-Nova sounds eerily like Royce Da 5’9” which is unfortunate, given Royce is one of the greatest emcees, but this is one of the better collaborations between a new artist and the Brownsvillains. Solid production that sounds like an M.O.P. track. Billy Danze, in particular, “does a Bumpy Knuckles” and murders the third verse with some graphic attacks on wack rappers.
243. “New York Giants 2”
Artist: DJ Absolut feat. M.O.P. & Chris Rivers
Album: n/a (2014)
“I hit the car wash, rims gleamin’
Rollin’ with some of the grimiest goons in the town” — Lil’ Fame
Having worked with Big Pun, M.O.P. returned with Pun’s son (Chris Rivers) for a more subdued sequel to their raucous original. Chris’ performance is more calculated than his father’s machine-gun approach to rhyming and is tucked away right at the end of the song, so it’s effectively a M.O.P. track featuring Chris.
242. “Welcome 2 Brooklyn”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“They call me the Great Gats-by
I’ll put your chest where your back be” — Lil’ Fame
The only reason this track is so low on the list is the hook. Maino’s a far better emcee than he is a singer, and after the brutal savagery of 2011’s “Sparta” album, this single for their next record was a disappointment, particularly as there are better tracks about Brooklyn in M.O.P.’s catalogue alone.
241. “Life”
Artist: Guru feat. Stikken Moov & M.O.P.
Album: Guru Presents Illkid Records
“Now I got to put on a suit… and salute!” — Billy Danze
One from Guru’s forgotten Illkid Records compilation, a traditional New York hip-hop record that appeared to counteract his jazz projects in the mid-90s. Little is known about Stikken Moov, but Guru and M.O.P. have always had a unique chemistry. Billy Danze delivers a memorable performance, contemplating his parental responsibilities and how he has to put a brave face on amongst all the funerals he attends.
240. “Facing Off”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“Silly motherfuckers gettin’ carried away
But they fuck around with Fame and get CARRIED AWAY-” — Lil’ Fame
The prequel to the phenomenal back-and-forth “Face Off” that appeared two years later, this album cut from the underrated “First Family 4 Life” is an odd listen. The two beats that were chosen are unremarkable — unconventional even — but are delightfully stripped back to the barebones, which is something M.O.P. do just as well here as on their more bombastic backdrops.
239. “BK 2 LA”
Artist: Xzibit feat. M.O.P.
Album: Man vs. Machine (2002)
“I’ll send you to God with no shoes” — Lil’ Fame
What should be the hardest song ever recorded ends up as a missed opportunity — “BK 2 LA” suffers from an underwhelming instrumental and a hook from X that’s too damn polite. There’s just something lacking, chemistry perhaps? Either way, it disappointed on what was ultimately an underwhelming Xzibit album.
238. “Stomp Rappers”
Artist: Apathy feat. Celph Titled & M.O.P.
Album: The Widow’s Son (2018)
“I’ll squeeze the juice out of a rapper like a Capri Sun” — Lil’ Fame
This is like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” as Apathy flexes his lyrical wizardry, Celph Titled is halfway rhyme animal/half goofball, and M.O.P. do just as the song states — stomp over the beat like Godzilla.
237. “Jealousy”
Artist: Kurupt feat. Roscoe & M.O.P.
Album: Against the Grain (2005)
“It’s about to get hectic, for all races and creeds, foreign or domestic” — Lil’ Fame
A rare glimpse at a Dogg Pound x M.O.P. crossover ultimately let down by a generic production. Billy and Fame breathe life into the record on their trademark third verse, but that weak hook lets down what could have been an interesting combination. Instead, we’re left with a forgettable moment, from a well, forgettable Kurupt album.
236. “Another Time”
Artist: DJ EFN feat. Inspectah Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P. and Bernz
Album: Another Time (2015)
“I got some shit that will knock down an elephant” — Lil’ Fame
DJ EFN; more famous nowadays for his Drink Champs podcast alongside Noreaga, dropped a star-studded compilation in 2015 and M.O.P. were on the song of the same name. Fame reels off some hilarious one-liners (“You’re half donkey, half bird like a unicorn”) that highlight just why the duo work so well together. Billy always playing it straight, but turned up to eleven, is arguably even more enjoyable.
235. “My Way”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: St. Marxmen (2005)
“Got homies that will climb up out of the sewers when we ride” — Billy Danze
This bonus track from “St. Marxmen” is actually really solid despite that dreary adlib technique that’s used. Lacking the scathing one-liners to really distinguish it from other mid-2000s M.O.P., the heavy kicks and crashing snares carry it.
234. “Gangsta Boy”
Artist: Jake One feat. M.O.P.
Album: White Van Music (2008)
“G-Unit has allowed me to be addressed as Bill Gates now” — Billy Danze
Revisiting this Jake One album reveals how starstudded and ultimately overlooked Jake One’s “White Van Music” compilation is. Superior songs from Little Brother, Elzhi/Royce and the immaculate Brother Ali/Freeway collaboration immediately usurp “Gangsta Boy”, which feels outclassed and outdated with references to G-Unit despite having left the label eight months before this record dropped.
233. “Brooklyn 2 Jamski”
Artist: Afu-ra feat. M.O.P.
Album: Body of the Life Force Pt. 2 (2012)
“The big dog from the reservoir
Fame goes hard, you know the repertoire” — Lil’ Fame
Terrible hook aside, this is actually a dope track that puts Fame at the start of the track and Billy at the end (which is surprisingly rare). Afu-ra has a solid history with M.O.P. and this cinematic record is one of the better tracks from Afu-ra’s return — there’s even a nice nod to Guru as the beat rides out.
232. “Get Your Weight Up Remix”
Artist: Gros Dinero feat. M.O.P. & Royal Flush
Album: Grustle 101 (2019)
“(You’re just an old head) I’ll slam a 40 into your forehead!” — Billy Danze
A solid guest appearance that’s let down by feeling very bolted on — the beat and vocals suddenly increase in volume when Fame starts spitting. Usually, that’s expected, but this is clearly an audio issue and it distracts from an otherwise decent remix.
231. “How Ya Livin’”
Artist: Positive K feat. M.O.P.
Album: 12″ (1997)
Released as a 12″ in 1997, this forgotten track from Positive K sounds more like an earlier M.O.P. effort. Despite only being on the hook, it benefitted Billy and Fame more than K, who hadn’t put out an album since his 1992 debut LP — a familiar, respected name that only added to M.O.P.’s upward trajectory at the time.
230. “We Don’t Stop”
Artist: SK Invitational feat. M.O.P.
Album: Golden Crown (2017)
“I write warrior chants — yeah Sparta!
Body the booth, turn that shit into Pearl Harbor” — Lil’ Fame
An interesting collaboration with Austrian artist SK Invitational that strays from the traditional hip hop beats Billy and Fame usually rap to. It’s a little anti-climactic sonically, but both emcees put down solid verses and show how versatile their style is.
229. “Get the Fuck Outta Here” (J-Love mix)
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: St. Marxmen (2005)
“You gon’ have me stab you in both of your faces
You two-faced bitch!” — Lil’ Fame
Fame delivers a truly vicious performance, detailing his “methods” of dealing with enemies. Compared to the rest of their catalog however, the production from J-Love is fairly ordinary and lacks the punch the lyrics deserve. At least it’s better than the metal alternative.
228. “Ain’t Gon’ Do Shit”
Artist: Billy Danze feat. Lil’ Fame and Teflon
Album: 6 Pack (2019)
“You are just a chimpanzee
I’ll light up your grill like Chef Ramsay” — Lil’ Fame
Not technically an M.O.P. track but one that features both emcees together, this was inevitably the best moment on Billy Danze’s solo venture in 2019. It even has that punchy M.O.P. sound you’d hear on “Street Certified” five years earlier. It’s solid hip-hop and a reminder that M.O.P. have never split, separated, or fallen out. It’s First Family 4 Life. Also, the return of Teflon!
227. “You Can’t Hide”
Artist: DJ Jean Maron feat. M.O.P.
Album: True School (2014)
“Gimme the cash I said, unhand that bread
N**** reached so I left his ass half past dead” — Lil’ Fame
French artist DJ Jean Maron, captures the essence of an M.O.P. track much like his European compadres the Snowgoons, throwing their verses over a polished set of drums and scratches. The 50 Cent snippet is slick and the sinister raps combine effectively; Fame’s verse is one of his smoothest with a rare glimpse at his past as a ruthless dealer.
226. “Nightmare Concert”
Artist: White Shadow feat. M.O.P.
Album: Blaze of Glory (2016)
“I’ll leave you bloodier than the UFC” — Lil’ Fame
While there was a heavy metal mashup record called “Mash Out Posse” in 2004, it was a selection of remixed vocals. This “Nightmare Concert” track continues the blend of heavy guitars with that tough vocal style Billy and Fame possess, appearing on Norwegian producer White Shadow’s compilation record “Blaze of Glory” amongst a slew of legends like Kool G. Rap and KRS-One, spitting over similarly sinister production.
225. “Brooklyn”
Artist: Gravy feat. M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2009)
“This ain’t no Making of the Band
This is Making of the BLAM!” — Lil’ Fame
Gravy is evocative of early 50 Cent, as is the piano-pounding backdrop; but “Brooklyn” is largely derivative until M.O.P. arrive. Amongst the gun talk and threats, there are glimpses of their heritage and locale, something Gravy actually overlooks.
224. “Get Down”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“Y’all rappers about as dumb as the dude
In the Alicia Keys video for You Don’t Know My Name” — Lil’ Fame
Using the wildly popular Dramatics sample, this track proves how soulful an M.O.P. record can be. Albeit, that’s because there’s less rhyming; instead “Get Down” is more a celebration of the duo’s musical influences — it does have a killer Lil’ Fame verse at the start however.
223. “Make Moves”
Artist: DJ Honda feat. M.O.P.
Album: N/A (1997)
“Lil’ Fame’s the gun, Billy Danze the trigger” — Lil’ Fame
An unreleased track from DJ Zooted’s ‘1997 mixtape “Zooted After Death Part II” and later found on DJ Honda’s “Best of DJ Honda”, this is a straightforward slice of New York grit. Perfect mixtape fodder and while it’s not a patch on their later albums, it’s a nice nugget for dedicated M.O.P. fans to ride out to.
222. “It’s The Ones”
Artist: PMD feat. M.O.P.
Album: Business is Business (1996)
“If I don’t like you MOTHERFUCKA I DON’T LIKE YOU” — Billy Danze
While PMD struggled to get his solo career off the ground by 1996 (and the next year, reconciled with Erick Sermon to reform EPMD), this is one of the better offerings on “Business is Business”. It’s typical New York rap of its era, but would be a better track if it didn’t have PMD’s dated monotone — it doesn’t really fit with Billy and Fame’s intensity.
221. “I’ll Whip Ya Head Boy (Remix)”
Artist: 50 Cent feat. M.O.P.
Album: Promo single (2006)
“Send a n**** into a semi-back flip” — Billy Danze
Already a standout 50 Cent single, Fame opts for bars over the usual adlib-heavy style which offers mixed results. On the one hand, he’s dissing The Game, on the other, it lacks the full M.O.P. effect as Billy and Fame are kept separate.
220. “Victim of the Ghetto”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“You ain’t promised tomorrow, and yesterday’s not coming back” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. are known to inject nostalgia into their album cuts and this track from the “Marxmen Cinema” record is typically reflective, yet has enough punch to the verses to stand on its own as a tough street record, despite being released censored.
219. “Drop Zone”
Artist: BAM feat. M.O.P.
Album: DJ Brans’ Endless (2016)
“We made hits like the Beatles, and your buzz is about as big as a mosquito’s” — Lil Fame
Seven years after BAM had Fame on his breakthrough “My City” (check that one out!) Billy joins them too for a slick track produced by DJ Brans. The hook is a bit repetitive but as a modern, polished collaboration, it’s one of their better ones.
218. “No Holds Barred”
Artist: TP All Stars feat. M.O.P.
Album: Norske Byggeklosser (1999)
“I’ve done fucked up a substantial amount of men” — Billy Danzee
Produced by Norway’s Tommy Tee and part of the TP All Stars album, Billy and Fame stomp all over a satisfying instrumental, but I’m not sure about that ropey Royal Flush hook.
217. “What’s Good”
Artist: Aspects feat. M.O.P.
Album: Grind Over Matter (2014)
“Feel like you got hit by Foreman, feel like you got hit by four men!” — Lil’ Fame
Fame’s having fun with this one, despite recycling some bars, but “What’s Good” is let down by its weak Aspects hook. It uses the M.O.P. template but feels too try hard, saved by a sharp Billy Danze verse (although, again recycled).
216. “Broad Daylight”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“My life is Fast+and+Furious, Paul Walker til I crash and burn” — Lil’ Fame
Utilising a Jay-Z vocal snippet and a constipated Busta Rhymes verse, “Broad Daylight” is a single from “Street Certified” that works better on its own than it does on the album, sounding as distinct as it does. That Paul Walker line is bound to offend a few too, but it’s so tongue-in-cheek and darkly humorous that you probably shouldn’t be listening to M.O.P. at this point.
215. “Look”
Artist: Blahzay Blahzay feat. M.O.P.
Album: n/a
A selection of classic M.O.P. quotes make up a familiar hook, as Outloud rhymes over PF Cuttin’s oriental-themed instrumental. It’s a decent track but M.O.P. don’t actively contribute — it’s choice rhyme snippets billed as a feature which is a little naughty and shouldn’t really be on this list. But I’ve started now and I’m not rearranging it now!
214. “Pounds Up (Showbiz version)”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Talk (2005)
“Murder International: custom-made caskets” — Billy Danze
Quite a rare one this, that draws much of its verses from other M.O.P. songs of the “Warriorz” era. The original by Amed (D.I.T.C.) is superior to Showbiz’s remix benefitting from a lively mid-90s feel — it certainly sounds different to the work on “Warriorz” so it’s easy to see why there was a vinyl release shortly after in 2001 (the remix was 3 years later according to Discogs).
213. “Top of the Line”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
“Phatter than a fat bitch” — Billy Danze
The Das EFX influence runs throughout this early album cut that boasts a killer bassline (something modern rap often overlooks). It even feels more like a beat off of 1993’s “Straight Up Sewaside” but there’s plenty of M.O.P.’s unique characteristics on display to distinguish it as one of the more solid cuts from their debut album.
212. “First, Last and Only”
Artist: Memphis Bleek feat. M.O.P.
Album: M.A.D.E. (2005)
“We crave fire (BRLLUNG BRLLUGN) We trade fire (BRLLUNG BRLLUNG) We blaze fire (FIRST FAMILY IIIAAHHHH)” — Lil’ Fame
A more understated record than the usual M.O.P. fare, this is nonetheless a solid album cut from Memphis Bleek. It doesn’t try too hard to be a stereotypical hardcore rap song, and benefits from just letting each emcee share what’s on their mind.
211. “Heads Off”
Artist: Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz feat. M.O.P.
Album: Put Yo Hood Up (2001)
“What a ridiculous, conspicuous son of a bitch you is” — Lil Fame
On paper, this should be an instant classic. The hook is solid if basic, but when M.O.P. are rapping it shows the potential greatness this Atlanta/New York combination had and could have been explored further. Lil Jon is probably the closest act to capture the energy and pure power on the microphone, of M.O.P..
210. “Pledge Allegiance”
Artist: Jaz-O & The Immobilarie feat. M.O.P.
Album: Kingz Kounty (2002)
“Put the face to the back of your head” — Lil’ Fame
Poor Jaz-O gets completely overshadowed by Billy and Fame here; a string-laden street track with a brief cameo from Ras Kass. A classic case of an M.O.P. track featuring Jaz-O rather than the other way round.
209. “Nine and Two Clips”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“I REFUSE to die young” — Lil’ Fame
A neat tribute to Scarface, utilising the beat from Geto Boys’ “My Minds Playing Tricks On Me”. It lacks the potency of Face’s performance but Billy’s verse is similarly powerfully delivered.
208. “Figadoh Remix”
Artist: Benzino feat. Busta Rhymes & M.O.P.
Album: The Benzino Remix Project (2002)
“I’ll spit eight bars then knock the fuck out the engineer before the song’s done” — Lil’ Fame
Fans may recall Benzino’s high-profile feud with Eminem in 2003 and even his club hit “Rock the Party”, but this remix of single Figadoh is a forgotten part of that era. When Benzino followed Diddy in releasing an album of JUST remixes. Aside from the ridiculous moment Benzino claims he is aiming for “Top 3”, this is a proper pavement stomper with that classic Busta/M.O.P. monster energy.
207. “Dearly Departed”
Artist: DJ Babu feat. M.O.P.
Album: Duck Season Vol. 3 (2008)
“I’m on the top of the deck like the ace of spades is” — Billy Danze
DJ Babu’s Duck Season series of mixtapes continued the lofty standards set by the Beat Junkies, and Volume 3 was no different. It lost some of the grit — anything Dilated in the mid-2000s was always expertly engineered and sounded CRISP — but the only reason this sits at 199 is “Dearly Departed” felt like jabs rather than a knockout blow, given the song title. Hearing Babu cutting up Billy and Fame is always exquisite though.
206. “How the Block Sound”
Artist: Amadeus360 feat. M.O.P., Ras Kass
Album: The MPC Jedi (2023)
Amadeus is a beatmaker out of Arkansas, referring to himself as the MPC Jedi. His album is filled with familiar 90s rappers, and he’s fortunate to have three tracks with M.O.P., but this one (which also features Ras Kass) is let down by speaker-splitting bass on the instrumental and an underwhelming hook. The other two tracks are superior and recommended listening.
205. “Story of My Life”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
Modern M.O.P. beats often have that unique “punch” to them. You don’t necessarily nod your head, but your whole body bounces like you’re riding through a rocky warzone in a Jeep. “Story of My Life” definitely has THAT, but the uncredited hook on this ends up dominating M.O.P.’s brutal verses with wishy-washy, nondistinct singing. A missed opportunity, yet one that inevitably still knocks when you play in the system.
204. “Ride”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Soul in the Hole OST (1997)
“That’s me, voted ‘Most Likely To Squeeze” — Billy Danze
Back when original songs were exclusive to a film soundtrack, or in the case of the Xzibit and Big Pun tracks, timed-exclusives before the album released a year later, “Ride” hits hard enough whilst also feeling like a perfect taster for their subsequent work in 1998. If anything, it fits the Brooklyn basketball documentary better than the rest of the soundtrack.
203. “Hip Hop Cops”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Wyclef Jean
Album: St. Marxmen (2005)
“You’re gonna make me roll up to Dunk’n Donuts with an AR-15
And get extreme!” — Billy Danze
A favour for a favour, Wyclef’s other record with M.O.P. is this loosie from the St. Marxmen compilation that is a real Clarence Boddicker anthem. Taking the war to the cops directly by burning down their precinct, it’s a fiery burst of frustration and anger where Wyclef’s the calm voice of reason echoing the neverending narrative of heavy-handed police interfering and disrupting black communities in inner-city New York. Sometimes you just want to punch a dirty cop and while the beat isn’t the stuff of greatness, it’s still (unfortunately) topically relevant.
202. “Rolling 110 Deep”
Artist: Too many
Album: Accolades (2021)
“Zero to ninety-nine like my Netflix loaded” — Redman
Before he was rolling 200 deep, Kay Slay could only muster up a meagre 110 emcees for a single track. Amateur numbers. In 2021, this was incredibly impressive, but it’s not a song anybody revisits. The whole premise is being excited about who will appear next, and M.O.P.’s verses are oddly forgettable, but it was such a joy to see them again alongside a ton of legendary emcees.
201. “New York Giants”
Artist: Big Pun feat. M.O.P.
Album: Yeeeaaahhh Baby (2000)
“Stand back before I get Big Pun to earth slam you” — Lil’ Fame
Big Pun, rightfully so, takes centre stage with a lyrical onslaught dressed up as another New York warcry. Fat Joe introducing the track over violins is the perfect way to walk you into a verbal massacre — Pun has never sounded so lethal. In fact, this whole track is an assault on the senses that stands out on a Big Pun album that never really lived up to the lofty standards of his debut.
200. “Focus”
Artist: Frankie Cutlass feat. Lost Boyz & M.O.P.
Album: Politics and Bullshit (1997)
If you feel you’ve heard this beat before, it’s because it was used by Foxy Brown and Blackstreet on their single “Get Me Home”, and that’s probably the better iteration of the Eugene Wilde sample. Teflon also appears on this, an odd pairing of laid back, soulful production and hardcore thug rap. It doesn’t really work as well as M.O.P.’s other appearance on the album (“Know Da Game”) which dials up the energy levels, but it’s still worth checking out.
199. “Dusk Til Dawn”
Artist: Connie Price & The Keystones feat. Jovi Rockwell, Blk Shakespeare & M.O.P.
Album: Lucas High (2019)
“I ain’t a trap rapper, I’m a CLAP rapper” — Lil’ Fame
Part of an underrated project released last year that acted as a tribute to jazz-funk pioneer Doug Lucas, M.O.P. joined an impressive array of 90s Hip-Hop artists in recreating that era of New York that relied heavily on great jazz and funk loops. It’s largely recycled bars but it sounds and feels quite different to much of the Brownsville duo’s usual fare.
198. “Larceny”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: [unreleased] (2009)
“I’ll turn you to a Crash Test Dummy” — Lil’ Fame
I heard this on the DJ Deadeye mixtape “True to the Game Pt. 4” but it released back in 2009 according to HipHopDX. The actual verses that are jam-packed with “DO-YA”, “WHO-YA” adlibs are more satisfying than the oddly adlib-less hook so there’s a strange reverse feel to the song. It’s hard, but certainly understand why it wasn’t released on any official projects.
197. “The Marxmen”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“Head up to Hot 97 with a can of gasoline like
BURN bitch BURN — you serve no purpose” — Billy Danze
Savagely attacking the radio stations and industry figures that refuse to support M.O.P., names are named on this angrily delivered track halfway through the “Marxmen Cinema” compilation. The beat continues to fade out but it doesn’t silence Billy or Fame who air out a lot of frustration in the midst of their struggles at Roc-a-Fella, at a time where commercial radio wasn’t supporting hardcore Hip Hop like it was a few years earlier.
196. “Makin’ Clap”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Foxx
Album: Underground Warriorz mixtape (2007)
“Let me bust in your mouth, bitch swallow my pride” — Lil’ Fame
Foxx makes a rare appearance as a rapper on this obscure cut, an imposing record that feels more suited to a mixtape than an album. It might have Fame’s funniest line, where he quotes Jadakiss stating “gangsters don’t die, they get chubby and move to Miami” and simply admits “well, shit, I better move!“. The comedic timing Lil’ Fame has, much like Sean Price, is some of rap’s finest.
195. “Life is Good”
Artist: LFO feat. M.O.P.
Album: Life is Good (2001)
“Don’t talk down on your man unless you’re helping him up” — Lil’ Fame
Sure, it’s a high ranking for an LFO track given it’s light, fluffy pop-punk from an era of Blink 182 and Sum 41, but I’ve always had a soft spot for this kind of stuff. Even moreso than the Victoria Beckham track, this is a clash of styles that is a lot more cohesive as a song on its own. Billy and Fame aren’t just spouting about guns, they actually complement the theme, and come through with some uplifting ‘make the most of your life’ messages.
194. “Still World Famous”
Artist: Amadeus360 feat. M.O.P.
Album: The MPC Jedi (2023)
The cynic in me wonders if M.O.P. still hold worldwide fame considering this track has less than 10k streams on Spotify (and 13k on the YouTube video), but that’s the type of nonsense social media accounts like HipHopbytheNumbers focus on. We know Billy and Fame still tour globally to raucous crowds, something many viral sensations still can’t garner. As for the song, Billy’s verse is chaotic to the point of sounding like he’s experiencing a schizophrenic episode, while Fame takes us back to ’94 with his earlier flow. The beat is pretty solid too, with snares sounding harder than two-day-old shit.
193. “Drama Lord”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
Perhaps the oldest sounding song in their catalogue thanks to how fast Hip-Hop production was moving at the time (this sounds more like a 1992 track than a 1994 one, is what I’m trying to say) — it’s nonetheless a welcome slice of boom bap that benefits from a catchy hook and one of their less familiar catchphrases. Drama Lord is a great term, and summarises their style perfectly.
192. “Blasphemy”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“If you fuck with mine *gun cocks*
I’ll leave you pussies stretched out like the octo-mom’s” — Lil’ Fame
Wordplay isn’t the first thing you associate with M.O.P. but the Big Pun references (“our Species are Endangered because we are Capitally Punished”), the play on ‘blast-for-me’/’blasphemy’ with the hook and the dope “I push a lot of iron, I don’t do it at the gym though” line make this a memorable effort from “Sparta”, which for me, is their most precise work. Billy’s flow particularly is some of his best work; it’s just the Snowgoons beat is pretty underwhelming.
191. “Anticipation”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“Fuck the frame, I’ll blow your ass out the picture” — Lil’ Fame
Nods to their debut album are throughout the start of “Anticipation”, drawing a line under their early work and announcing themselves to the rap world with assistance from a KRS-One vocal snippet.
190. “Men of Business”
Artist: Cuban Link feat. Noreaga, Lord Tariq, Kool G Rap & M.O.P.
Album: 24K (2000) — unreleased
“Blow your ass out like sixteen candles” — Lil’ Fame
Noreaga adds enough goofy charm to this menacing cipher that you can almost forgive the lack of Pun — Cuban Link (and even G Rap) offer Pun-like verses but as is tradition, M.O.P. close proceedings with some much needed energy and some flow switch-ups. Otherwise, it’s a solid enough collaboration from many reliable heavy-hitters.
189. “Raise Your Flag”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes
Album: The King of What I Do mixtape (2003), The Big Game 4 mixtape (2004)
“I’ll take that watered down rap shit and wring it out” — Billy Danze
An unreleased effort from Fame, Billy and Busta that did appear on both J-Love’s 2003 mixtape “The King of What I Do” and DJ Envy’s “The Big Game 4”, this is a solid record with a strong Busta hook, spoiled by the aforementioned DJs ranting over it. I’d love to hear many of these early 2000s mixtape exclusives released in their original form because they increasingly becoming harder to track down.
188. “Take a Minute”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“They wonder why they don’t get enough M.O.P.?
Simple and plain — we don’t kiss ass” — Lil’ Fame
Utilising that trademark Roc-a-Fella style sped-up soul vocal snippet, “Take a Minute” doesn’t really sound like your usual M.O.P. track and it would be weird to imagine a full album of this kind of record. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great combination, just a little jarring, and one that works on “Ghetto Warfare” given it’s a compilation of shelved songs from that early 2000s period. Billy Danze’s verse in particular is very loud and dominates proceedings.
187. “Hard N****z”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“They say jealousy is a hell of a disease
So I’ma send a prayer to you dudes — get well soon!” — Lil’ Fame
Let down by a weak, disparate hook with punched-in recording that’s way too obvious, this is nonetheless an undeniable neck-shredder boasting rabid performances from Billy and Fame. Not really sure about that “hard like erections” line though.
186. “Rude Bastard”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“I’m hostile on a good day” — Billy Danze
The song title isn’t wrong given the hook is simply “Fuck you”, but this is one of the more laid back moments on the “Foundation” album (as laid back as an M.O.P. track can be). Billy Danze stating you need to be rewarded, by being slaughtered errs on the darkly macabric, and while the duo have never really done “horrorcore”, when they calmly wish death on their enemies over some classic Fizzy Womack throwback production, it’s just as disturbing.
185. “What Happened to the Streets?”
Artist: Planit Hank feat. Benny the Butcher & M.O.P.
Album: Night Before Purgatory (2019)
“I’m the realest motherfucker with Lil’ in his name” — Lil’ Fame
Over a stripped back, dread-driven Planit Hank beat, M.O.P. add some energy and purpose to Benny the Butcher’s calm, calculated but distracted verse. It’s fairly standard nostalgic rap questioning the credibility of the streets today, with a strong performance from Lil’ Fame rounding things out nicely.
184. “Murder Rate”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Underground Warriorz mixtape (2007)
“I get it crackin’ like dry ass lips” — Papoose
Another exclusive from DJ Kenny D & DJ Maxxx, Fame is joined by Papoose for a barrage of suitably grim lyrical attacks. The hook is just “increase the murder rate“, almost designed to instil fear and it’s a reminder of how hard New York rap was in the mid-2000s. This beat GOES HARD. But the likes of Saigon and Papoose never really ran with that torch; not that this was going to be a hit for Pap or M.O.P., but with exclusives like this consigned to online mixtapes, it makes you wonder just how much music fans are potentially missing out on.
183. “Mad Hardcore”
Artist: Kaotic Style feat. Heltah Skeltah, M.O.P. & Cella Dwellaz
Album: (1995)
“I bust ’em open and smoke them like cigars” — Lil Fame
One of the earliest Sean Price appearances, this murky, face-slapping boom-bap collaboration is a glorified cypher session between some of the greatest duos in New York.
182. “Grizzlies”
Artist: Mega Trife & Nonsense feat. M.O.P.
Album: Full Circle (2012)
“Bitch don’t watch me, watch them goddamn kids” — Lil’ Fame
Mega Trife has some real bad lines (“I ain’t a Flintstone but I can make your bed rock”) on this underground jam, but I’m a big fan of the production — presumably from Nonsense. Fame’s verse almost feels like a Sean Price one so it’s no surprise the two ended up working together a few years after this.
181. “Rolling 200 Deep”
Artist: Google it
Album: Rolling 200 Deep (2023)
“I’m as hard as hard can get” — Billy Danze
A song so long it had to be released as an album and broken up into segments, this 62-minute epic was an apt final outing from Kay Slay after he died in 2022. The verses vary wildly in quality, both lyrically and audibly (the levels are all over the place), but Brownsville’s Finest represent themselves lovely, two predictably cartoonish 8-bar offerings, as Fame hops off the special needs bus while Billy is shooting up your auntie’s house.
180. “Fire”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“I’m off-balance, mentally challenged, but gifted!” — Billy Danze
Designed to be hollered from rooftops, “Fire” is an energetic trip through Brooklyn that completely ignores the usual “spittin’ fire” metaphor — Billy and Fame will roll through with flamethrowers and machine guns dispersing “FIYAAAAHHHHH”. The beat from DR Period isn’t his best work and the “FIYAAAAHHHH” is more “FIYEEERRRRRRRR” which is automatically less enjoyable to say. Fame’s verse though is wild, like Leatherface after ten double espressos.
179. “The Hardest”
Artist: P-Money feat. M.O.P.
Album: Gratitude (2013)
“I’m from where the blood runs through the streets and it’s up to your knees” — Lil’ Fame
There are two P-Moneys in the rap game: the Grime veteran from London who is one of the genre’s most notable emcees, and the producer from New Zealand who is perhaps best known for his work with Buckshot. Not really surprising, but this is the latter and from an album full of familiar names like Freddie Gibbs and Talib Kweli. M.O.P. put in a shift over a beat tailor-made for them — if it has horns, get Fame on the phone! There’s no real hook to speak of so it lacks a bit of identity, but for one of their more recent offerings, it’s really solid.
178. “Nothin’ 2 Lose”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“Too much pressure will stress ya” — Lil’ Fame
While the sound quality is a little suspect for a ’96 release, “Nothin’ 2 Lose” benefits from two passionate performances and that smooth almost-R&B-like backdrop courtesy of the versatile Ali Dee.
177. “Sparta”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“Go jump your punk ass back inside your fat mother” — Lil’ Fame
Despite cinema sensation 300 dropping in 2007, rappers still maintained a fascination with that brooding warrior-energy years later — and who better than M.O.P. to deliver on that front. Essentially the start to the Snowgoons album of the same name, it’s a perfect taste of things to come on a record that is up there with M.O.P.’s best. The Sparta gimmick feels very much of its era (much like Fat Joe’s “300 Brolic”) but hearing M.O.P. with Snowgoons in 2011 was a rap nerd’s wet dream, as they had almost unmatched chemistry together.
176. “Ill Figures”
Artist: Raekwon, M.O.P. & Kool G Rap
Album: Wu-Tang Chamber Music (2009)
I’ve always thought M.O.P. could fit into the Wu-Tang family of artists. Sure, they might lack the swift swordplay of Inspectah Deck or the precise strategy of GZA, but they would roll through with nunchakus and wield baseball bats instead of katanas. Slotted in between Raekwon and G Rap’s descriptive interpretations of crime-ridden urban landscapes, Billy and Fame actually nail the aesthetic of flailing limbs and flying fists while dropping countless Wu references. When Billy says “WU” it even sounds like the sound of a bat swinging past your head.
175. “Get Ya Steele”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: The Underground Legends Vol. 5 (2007)“
Hearing Billy Danze say “you cock-sucking maggots should chill” is almost ironic to the point of tongue-in-cheek, but this J-Love mixtape exclusive is a solid effort let down by the worst part of mixtapes — the DJ that talks all over the raps. Fair enough if it’s over the beat, but not over the fucking raps. A good track ruined.
174. “The Truth”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: The Underground Legends Vol. 5 (2007)
“Why the fuck are you staring at me partner? You are not ready” — Billy Danze
One of them M.O.P. tracks that sounds like it’s been stomped on then plays on the record player with a bumpy feel, this J-Love exclusive deserves to be heard by the masses. No hooks, just a filthy beat with unrivalled energy. It sounds like there’s a Teflon verse too, but remains unheard.
173. “Push Back”
Artist: Killer Mike feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Killer (2006)
“I’ll have your face lookin’ like the front of one of them Cadillac trucks” — Lil’ Fame
Killer Mike may be more known for his Run the Jewels work, but he was a prominent part of the rise of Southern rap, particularly as an emcee with substance. Saying that, this may as well be a slice of crunk given the mood it evokes. Straight up moshpit music that’s sonically a mix of latter crowd-pleasers “Bang Time” and “Stop Pushin’”.
172. “What the Future Holds”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“Follow your dreams and follow your goals
Because who knows what the future holds” — Lil’ Fame
Credited as an M.O.P. production, there’s no denying early glimpses of the sped-up soul sample style names like Kanye West and Just Blaze would perfect a few years later — did Fizzy start it all? Probably a stretch, but it’s difficult to pinpoint any earlier examples of this kind of beat. Not one of their most memorable offerings, “What the Future Holds” is the second side of their third LP’s chance to get personal, reflecting on a more positive outlook of life on the drug-riddled streets of Brownsville. Billy and Fame are grateful for their upbringing, despite it being hellish because they are still here (and successful at that!).
171. “Rugged Neva Smoove”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
“I’m not going to smoke until I choke, I’m going to smoke until I croak” — Lil’ Fame
I’m doing this a disservice placing such an iconic part of their catalogue this low, but fuck it, I’ll know if you read it when you inevitably come at me in the comments. The bass and snares are ridiculous — has a snare ever slapped as hard as this? The one time a DJ Premier remix wasn’t as good as the original, particularly as the remix on the “Marxmen Cinema” record is censored.
170. “Keepin’ It Gangsta (Remix)”
Artist: Fabolous feat. M.O.P.
Album: Street Dreams (2003)
“As far as heat goes, we keep those, the street knows” — Billy Danze
Fabolous was always an interesting character in the echelon of rap, often marketed at the ladies with his crossover singles despite possessing a lyrical street aesthetic. This overlooked “remix” (it’s the same beat) benefitted hugely from The L.O.X. and M.O.P. — perhaps the two most authentic crews you could throw on this. The best thing about it is that they fully embraced the freedom to just go ham on the beat, clocking in at over five minutes and seeing Fab’ pair with Sheek to lend the track its structure of three duos, instead of a trio; Fabolous; and a duo. M.O.P. absolutely BODY it though — 2002/2003 was a standout period when you consider “U Don’t Know” and “Bad Boys 4 Life” both had an M.O.P. remix (spoiler: they are ranked HIGHLY).
169. “No Doubt”
Artist: Das EFX feat. M.O.P. & Teflon
Album: Generation EFX (1998)
“Get stuck up or get fucked the fuck up” — Lil’ Fame
Das EFX and M.O.P. deliver exactly what fans want — a ton of “iggidy” and brash “NO DOUBT” shouting. Two masters of their craft, and both unique with their brand too. It follows both group’s formulas with a perfect Solid Scheme production that’s classic New York in 1998. Is it a whole lot of nothing? Kind of, but when it sounds and feels this satisfying, who the fuck cares?
168. “NBCFWM”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“I live my life as a movie and this music is the soundtrack” — Lil’ Fame
An inaccurate acronym for Nobody Can Fuck With Me, this raucous effort kicks off the “Handle Ur Bizness EP” so feels like half intro-half actual song. It also includes skits that disrupt the flow, despite being worthwhile jabs at the prevalence of superficial designer labels and jewellery in the rap scene.
167. “Brooklyn”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“I know a lot of my dogs around here got a college education
They ain’t get it from Penn State, they got it from the State pen” — Lil’ Fame
Not the first song about Brooklyn, but certainly one of the most insightful and one highlighting that, much like Redman, Billy and Fame never left their borough or stopped representing its roots. My understanding is Brooklyn is very different now, but it’s songs like this that remind us all how much that tough borough of New York has given Hip-Hop.
166. “All of the Above”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“The next time I see you crossin’ the street and I’m drivin’ a truck
Yo ass is fucked!” — Billy Danze
An exhausting listen for many, “All of the Above” is so close to being one of the duo’s best tracks. The hook is a little messy, the beat is plain nasty but not quite memorable enough, and it’s clear they felt the same as it ended up on the overlooked Marxmen Cinema release.
165. “Y’all Don’t Wanna F***”
Artist: Styles P feat. M.O.P.
Album: Gangster and A Gentleman (2002)
“They thought of me when they invented the gun” — Styles P
I love that they went with the “bucka-bucka-bucka-blaow” FOR THE HOOK. Styles P is a regular partner in rhyme and his calculated, cold-blooded presence is the perfect foil for Billy and Fame’s wild rants. One of the rare times M.O.P. have the second verse, with P returning for the third, it’s a solid addition to one of the best solo debuts of the early 2000s.
164. “Rolling 50 Deep”
Artist: Kay Slay feat. Sheek Louch, Styles P, Benny the Butcher, Bun B, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, AZ, Papoose, Ransom, Memphis Bleek, M.O.P., Dave East, 3D Natee, Joell Ortiz, Saigon, Mistah F.A.B., Chris Rivers, Jon Connor, Twista, E-40, Nino Man, Shoota, Mysonne, Sauce Money, Ice-T, Trick Trick, RJ Payne, E-A-Ski, Fred the Godson, Loaded Lux, Termanology, Young Noble, EDI Mean, Locksmith, Cassidy, Maino, Vado, Rock, DJ Paul, McGruff, Stan Spit, Uncle Murda, Cory Gunz, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Trae tha Truth, Bynoe, Hocus, Royce Da 5’9’’
“I smell Erykah Badu’s incense when y’all n****s in the room (’Cause y’all pussy)” — Lil’ Fame
Kay Slay’s first attempt at the mega-posse cut remains the best iteration, not just because it doesn’t become an endurance test listening to it, but the beat fits the vision. Fame’s verse is particularly tasty, even having the audacity to “squeeze and clap” in front of a police car in the video. And these Kay Slay records excel in video form, replicating the magic of a Royal Rumble as you anticipate which familiar face is up next.
163. “My Way (J-Love Mix)”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Better Your Life (2005)
“Got homies that climb up out the sewer when we ride” — Billy Danze
J-Love must be the hardest working DJ in the world, continuing to pump out mixtapes for what seems like forever. Over that time, he’s had some exclusives that also feature J-Love production, and “My Way” is quintessential NYC kicks and drums backed up with one of my favourite M.O.P. hooks that goes “EM DOT OH DOT PEE DOT PLEASE before you get one of THESE slammed in your FACE” with the constant beatdrops only adding to the wonder.
162. “Rollin’”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“I’m set to Roc more Nations than Jay-Z” — Billy Danze
If anything sounds like West Coast rap in M.O.P.’s catalogue, it’s this. Sat amongst a slew of brooding orchestral pieces, “Rollin’” is a brief breather on their 2011 album “Sparta” that definitely feels more suited to a lowrider cruising through the streets of Compton.
161. “Raise Hell”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Loud Unreleased Pt. 1 (2004)
“The name’s Bill, the game’s real
Me and Fame feel when you blow trial, ain’t no appeal” — Billy Danze
A rarity from what looks like 1995, this appeared on vinyl in 2004. Boasting a wicked Biggie sample that gave Fame some, well, fame, it’s when Billy Danze starts rapping that this simple premise for a track becomes something special. It might even be the earliest we heard the legendary “bucka-bucka-bucka-bucka-blaow” from Bill as he mercilessly mimics the sound and feel of a gunfight.
160. “Thugathon 2010”
Artist: Statik Selektah & Termanology feat. M.O.P.
Album: 1982 (2010)
“And your LP was an upset, should have named it Press Eject” — Lil Fame
Hard to imagine this record is now fourteen years old, but Termanology has long had good chemistry with Lil Fame. Suitably depressive, the Statik beat is just the right side of lowkey, almost feeling like an Alchemist joint. It’s little more than bragging, but Fame stands out with his funny, often random lines, like the jab at P Diddy.
159. “March 9”
Artist: Busta Rhymes feat. Maino, Red Cafe, Uncle Murda, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Lil’ Cease & M.O.P.
Album: The Recession Mixtape (2010)
“You turned gritty to pretty” — Billy Danze
A memorable dedication to Biggie Smalls from a selection of Brooklyn emcees with that pounding Green Lantern style production (it’s unclear who produced this as there’s very little information online for this one). Billy and Fame clearly knew Big on a level the others didn’t, given they were friends BEFORE the music thing popped off and there’s a nice message from Fame at the end of his verse.
158. “Czar”
Artist: Busta Rhymes feat. M.O.P.
Album: Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God
“Oh” — Lil’ Fame
Busta does his best Vinnie Paz impression on his latest collaboration with M.O.P., adding a throaty, gruff menace to his already imposing delivery. He legitimately sounds (and looks) like he ate the 1997 Busta Rhymes. As far as M.O.P. go, it’s a stretch calling this a feature, given it owes a great deal to “Ante Up” by simply pulling a line from that song and a bunch of “Oh” adlibs. Yet it works, and the repetitive Rockwilder production, whilst not his best work, does the job well.
157. “Muddy Waters”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: St. Marxmen (2004), Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“I’m still a good man, as a kid I was dealt a fucked up hand” — Lil’ Fame
Appearing on two official M.O.P. mixtape/compilations, Billy Danze elevates a fairly ordinary beat with his intensity. “Muddy Waters” is the streets, as both emcees relive stories of murder happening in their neighbourhood, highlighting how blood, sweat and tears are the equivalents of love.
156. “Heistmasters”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
A rare storytelling track that’s devoid of the famed adlibs, “Heistmasters” is low-budget battles with the police and the originator of the famous “Ante Up” chant. Boasting heavy snares that were common throughout their debut album, it’s a solid if overlooked part of their early catalogue.
155. “Warfare”
Artist: Afu-ra feat. M.O.P.
Album: Life Force Radio (2002)
“And of course we have emotions inside
That’s just some shit that we’ve been trained to hide” — Billy Danze
Afu-ra, who I like to lovingly refer to as the “King of nonsense raps”, nabs an excellent performance from Billy and Fame, yet lets them down by comparing how he rocks a mic to molesting a child. Proper weird line. M.O.P. are as in-your-face as ever, declaring war on their enemies. But it’s the way Billy delivers his lines like bullets flying past you is where this straightforward warcry becomes something truly artistic. M.O.P. are truly the “Kings of Adlibs”.
154. “Never Give Up”
Artist: DJ Tomekk feat. M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2019)
“Whoever voted for Donald Trump should have voted for Forrest Gump” — Lil’ Fame
Infused with electric guitars, this is an excellent approach to the M.O.P. formula with a surprisingly clean beat. The hook actually shows hope rather than the oppressive energy a M.O.P. track about not giving up would traditionally have. You can’t beat a bit of political commentary either.
153. “Welcome to Brownsville”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I’m from B.R.O.W.N.S.V.I. double L. E
What the fuck you gon’ tell me?” — Lil’ Fame
Kicking off their best album, “Welcome to Brownsville” is the perfect introduction to a new M.O.P. album (after DJ Premier’s “intro”) and feels like a big step up from “First Family 4 Life”. The production is crisp, the adlibs pack more weight and that’s got to be down to the superior engineering from Premier and Eddie Sancho. The fact Teflon kicks off the verses is a nice touch too.
152. “The Money Got Lost”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
A brief yet light-hearted moment where money gets lost and Fame’s attempt at storytelling just ends in a gunfight. Sean Price did something similar with the “Bag of Shit” track that managed to be so stupid, yet never lost that sense of authenticity. Sure, we can laugh about money getting lost NOW, but this is actually serious. That classic dark M.O.P. humour.
151. “A Serious Problem”
Artist: Amadeus360 The Beat King feat. M.O.P. & Teflon
Album: The MPC Jedi (2023)
“Yo I done made it, lost it, came back flipped it
Back at it again the man is that gifted
My team on my shirt
Thinkin’ back when I was broke I rubbed cologne from magazines on my shirt
Fame’s a messiah,
I’m that song you skip, come to find out later it was fire
It ain’t no thang to thang those thangs
Put your ass in the dirt, Kurt Cobain yo brains
The type of shit you bang to when you know it
Consider me a gangster posin’ as a poet
So when a n**** did crime, we used to scream5–0
Nowadays n****s scream 6ix-9ine
I done spent nights and days in the session
365 days of aggression
Live with the riders, n**** we got them
Me and Amadeus this is a serious problem” — Lil’ Fame
Of the three Amadeus tracks, this is easily my favourite because it feels the most cohesive. The Fame verse is precisely why he’s in my Top 5 Emcees and proves he has retained Fame’s jab at SnitchN9ne is worth noting; an emcee never afraid to name names.
150. “Instigator”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: St. Marxmen (2004), Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Fuck the yappin’ and the rappin’ back and forth” — Lil’ Fame
Occasionally Fame and Billy turn it up to eleven when they enter the booth and Fame sounds like he’s foaming at the mouth on “Instigator”. It’s a frank attack on emcees beefing on record and throwing subliminals, with Fame stating it should be settled in the street if that’s how an artist portrays themselves on their records and videos.
149. “That Time”
Artist: Billy Danze feat. Lil’ Fame
Album: We Busy (2021)
“How you got four watches and can’t do time?” — Lil’ Fame
A rare moment when Billy featured Fame on a solo track. This is from the Billy Danze album, and while I’m still to be convinced by their solo output, new music from either is always welcome. The production from TooBusy is excellent and feels different to their previous work (aka. it’s not reliant on horns and pianos). There’s also a remix of this called “Timeless” that would probably be Top 50, as it has that trademark stomp, courtesy of The Construction Team.
148. “Know Our Way Around”
Artist: Teflon feat. M.O.P.
Album: 2 Sides 2 Every Story (2023)
“After you learn, you earn, n**** remove the L” — Lil’ Fame
Quite a subdued offering, despite the horns warning the listener that shit’s about to go down. Fame’s verse is surprisingly technical, littered with internal rhymes and wordplay, and while Billy disrupts his verse with some adlibs and sound effects, it’s a bit stop-start. I just can’t get over how ordinary the production is, exacerbated further by Teflon’s rap.
147. “That’s All We Know”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Underground Legends mixtape (2007)
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“I’ve got a low tolerance level and I’m off-balance” — Billy Danze
This fucking beat!!! J-Love interrupts it with his loud production tag and the quality of the available MP3 is disappointing, but this is a hidden gem as far as M.O.P. mixtape cuts go. Taking money and f***ing bitches is supposedly all they know, but Fame takes ignorance to new levels with his trip through hell.
146. “Off Wit His Head”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: The Return of the Warriorz mixtape (2007)
Not unlike Pun’s song of the same name, this rare mixtape entry is a bullet-ridden showcase for Billy Danze. It’s a typical street track you’d find on a New York mixtape in the early 2000s, but where a Jadakiss or 50 Cent would use charisma and wit to get their superiority over, Billy bulldozes the listener with “BOOM”s and “KRRKRRRAOOOWW”s. Fame is similarly raucous, and when the gunshots go off at the end of the track, it might be the most natural use of the “gunSFX.wav” in music history.
145. “Street Certified”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Mobb Deep
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“Every DJ with a Serato know my motto” — Lil’ Fame
A rare case of a M.O.P. track sounding like the featured artist’s catalogue instead of the other way round. Prodigy is up first and delivers an underwhelming verse that just peters out before it reaches the hook, saved by a fiery Fame performance and the ludicrous moment Billy Danze says he knows the “n**** sat next to Obama”.
144. “To the Death”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
With that haunting synth immediately generating an image of New York housing projects in the early 90s, this title track from M.O.P.’s debut is one of the few times their older work excels. It’s raw, but it’s not an aesthetic here, more a feeling. The snares sound like Havoc ones, in fact there’s a distinct Mobb Deep feel to “To the Death”, from its sonic influences to its grim, constant fear of death.
143. “I Luv”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Bumpy Knuckles
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“It’s a luxury to see me emcee” — Bumpy Knuckles
Freddie Foxxx has great chemistry with Billy and Fame — it’s a shame they haven’t worked together more. While it’s not one of Premier’s stronger offerings, Bumpy highlights just how talented he is with his “rapped hook” approach. Something many overlooked on 2012’s “Kolexxxion” album where he transformed discarded Primo beats into a great full-length. Between 1998 and 2002, Bumpy was on fire and “I Luv” is similar in premise to his classic “Part of My Life”, as the musclebound emcee shares some of the things he loves (clue: it includes beating down emcees).
142. “Torture”
Artist: Screwball feat. M.O.P.
Album: Loyalty (2001)
Blaq Poet’s crew were blessed with excellent production credits on both their albums “Y2K” and “Loyalty”, and M.O.P. briefly appear on this Lee Stone track stating some methods of torture that lack the creativity of the classic Wu-Tang skit. It’s fairly generic, to be honest, but as you’re slapped over the head with a rapid-fire chain of bars and a sinister beat, it’s hard not to nod your head to it.
141. “Down 4 Whateva”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. O.C.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
M.O.P. and OC? OK! You can tell this is 1998 as OC has that flow he had on the Jewelz CD the previous year (one of the tidiest in rap, may I add). As a song, “Down 4 Whateva” is as nonchalant as the title, but benefits from some classy scratches lending it a Primo feel. I just love the way Fame says “rapper duuuude”.
140. “Everyday”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“We’ll shit in the middle of your show like a horse at the circus” — Lil’ Fame
The lone R&B moment on 2000’s “Warriorz” sits at track 3 and can easily be construed as one for the ladies, that Billy and Fame want to get out of the way. Except, it’s not slow and is as romantic as a kick in the teeth. M.O.P. have always included soul in their beats, but rarely collaborate with actual R&B singers, but Product G&B complement the track nicely and even embrace the nastiness of “Warriorz” with their lyrics “Everyday we keep it gangsta, livin’ thug life, so what you motherfuckers want to do?” It’s generic as fuck, but it knocks!
139. “Stress Y’all”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2001)
“Good evening, you contaminated semen” — Billy Danze
A guitar-driven B-side to “Cold as Ice”, this turned up later on the Mash Out Posse album (M.O.P. verses remixed with heavy metal). The irony of Billy and Fame saying “Don’t stress y’all” in between hyped verbal assaults (and threats of physical assaults) is not lost on me, but is part of a long line of ironic tracks in their history (see: “Stop Pushin’” and “Calm Down”).
138. “One in the Chamba”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Return of the Warriorz mixtape (2007)
“I feel like getting ill with steel like Mr Larry Davis” — Billy Danze
A revision of Almighty RSO’s classic ’92 single “One in the Chamber”, this features a cleaner beat and both Cocoa Brovaz (formerly Smif-N-Wessun) and M.O.P. — two duos on an upward trajectory. It’s quintessential east coast hip hop of its time, with Billy and Fame “pulling a Tupac” and name dropping the song title at the end of their verse. Well worth digging out.
137. “Operation Lockdown”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I’ve suffered a lot of setbacks and I accept that” — Billy Danze
A song you’d expect to see in 2020, this might be the only record to use the Morse code in a beat. Similar to Bumpy Knuckles’ “Industry Shakedown” in theme, a fairly ordinary melody comes alive thanks to a rip-roaring hook that simply states M.O.P. are going to “burn this motherfucker down”.
136. “Doin’ This For Years”
Artist: Smooth B & DJ Oshow feat. M.O.P.
Album: 12″ (2003)
The one song I haven’t heard, I’m slotting this in the middle here based on NOTHING. It looks like a Japanese vinyl exclusive, and features on DJ Oshow’s “Vinyl Puzzle” compilation a few years later, which considering he’s a Japanese DJ, means it probably is only available in Japan. If anyone does have a rip of this, please send it my way!
135. “Born 2 Kill”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
Even by 1996, “Firing Squad” felt like a record from the early 1990s. The stripped-back production and rallying cries that formed much of “To the Death” are more refined here and add potency to their sophomore, which includes two versions of “Born 2 Kill”. The original is morbid enough but a “Jazz Mix” adds some haunting vocal effects and a bloke saying “homiciiiiide, homiciiiide”. Hardly jazz, but also not enough to differentiate it from the original.
134. “Transition of Power”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Decalogue (2009)
Jedi Mind Tricks had the underground on lock in the 2000s but the star of the show was always Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. His production continues to be overlooked, given he’s been quiet lately and the JMT brand isn’t the juggernaut it once was (it was more of a large van anyway), yet his solo album “Decalogue” showcased that he could deliver with other artists too. “Transition of Power” is a strange song, because it’s SUCH a Jedi Mind Tricks beat that it almost overshadows the verses. Billy sounds better than Fame as his voice has more punch, but the Stoupe beat manages to steal the shine.
133. “Extended Family”
Artist: Journalist feat. M.O.P.
Album: Scribes of Life (2002)
Remember Journalist? He released the excellent “Scribes of Life” album and had some buzz back in the early 2000s. The song title is completely irrelevant, as it’s all about each emcee making a name, as Billy Danze states he’ll “burn this bitch down” on the hook. Another case of a M.O.P. track featuring on another artist’s project, highlighting just how much adulation emcees have for the M.O.P. style. If you’re getting Billy and Fame on a track, then it needs to sound like a M.O.P. song, essentially. And yes, it is produced by Fame, but it’s still a huge compliment to the duo.
132. “Break ’em”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“They’ll study my faeces” — Lil’ Fame
From the moment a jet flies over dropping off Billy and Fame, it’s on! You’re more likely to hear the boys getting busy over horns rather than pianos, so there’s an inherent West Coast feel to this Snowgoons track but it genuinely works. Violence ensues but Fame keeps it interesting with references to Waka Flocka, Manny Pacquiao and Count Basey. An eclectic fella is Fame.
131. “G Boy Stance”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“You know better…
Than to try that ol’ bullshit from Def Jam Vendetta” — Lil’ Fame
A play on the B-Boy stance breakdancers do, this is an intense slice of brash attitude with a bunch of throwback references, loosely tying together the old school influences M.O.P. regularly pay respect to. The verses are largely superior to the hook, so it feels less like a fully-fledged song, hence why it appeared on the Marxmen Cinema CD.
130. “Brooklyn/Jersey Get Wild”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Treach
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
Rarely do M.O.P. represent another area of the United States, but they join Treach for a joint effort that blends the style of Naughty by Nature’s friendlier approach to crafting anthems. Granted, this never lit the world on fire, but as an album cut from 1998 it’s held up well and reminds us all why Treach is so highly regarded by peers and fans alike.
129. “Masquerade”
Artist: Wyclef Jean feat. M.O.P., Bumpy Knuckles & Miri Ben-Ari
Album: Masquerade (2002)
“You don’t want to ride with us, we’ve got road rage!” — Lil’ Fame
While Wyclef rapping angrily should feel forced, this is a strong collaboration that sounds great in 2020. Wyclef’s albums have aged really well, and the decision to drop a single with Billy, Fame and Bumpy lends Clef some respect with rap fans and manages to sound completely natural too. The first minute is just the beat though, which is odd. Maybe Teflon missed his studio slot.
128. “Annihilation”
Artist: Black Moon feat. M.O.P.
Album: War Zone (1998)
No doubt following in “4 Alarm Blaze”‘s mould, this ominous cipher with Teflon, Buckshot and 5 FT does feel like annihilation is taking place, but it lacks the identity of either M.O.P. or Black Moon’s best work. Still, two of the great NY crews throwing down some bars is always a treat.
127. “Got To Go”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“So I might bow out gracefully, let them keep this wack rap cos this wack rap just ain’t for me” — Billy Danze
The duo cut frustrated figures, attacking Loud Records and the label situation they were in during the early 2000s. This beat has that recognizable M.O.P. bounce few other artists manage to pull off and pairs the soulful backing with ferocious raps and get this — SCRATCHING. It’s a rare treat to hear a DJ cutting it up and I always enjoy how M.O.P. know how dope their own vocals sound scratched up.
126. “Nig-gotiate”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I’ll drink that six-pack with ya, so I can say I was under the influence when I hit ya” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. embody their influences and heritage, having grown up in New York during the birth of hip hop through to its emergence from the soul and funk era, and it shows on each and every record they release. This saxophone-driven back-and-forth is laid back, but throw some kicks over it and then suddenly turns into a bruising breather between two of their best songs: “On the Front Line” and “Follow Instructions”.
125. “Handle Ur Bizness (DJ Premier Remix)”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“Walk through your toughest pack of goons with my chain out” — Lil’ Fame
I always found this Premier remix an oddity in his discography, boasting a beat that almost sounds goofy. It remains enjoyable but compared to the original, lacks the cutting edge that makes it a classic single evocative of its war-filled depiction of the near-future.
124. “Shootin’”
Artist: Duo Live feat. Billionz, Joell Ortiz, Red Cafe & M.O.P.
Album: N/A (2008)
“I come up off the bench with intention to shine
Trained to come up off of the hip with two at a time” — Billy Danze
A posse cut with M.O.P. stealing the show (as usual) at the end. Essentially a song full of basketball puns and wordplay, Billy has a few lines that lean that way before Fame ignores the concept entirely, instead intent on gunning you down. The video is a fun reminder of the creativity a big collaboration can bring and has a standout Joell Ortiz verse pre-Slaughterhouse.
123. “No Mercy”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“Line these motherfuckers up in alphabetical order
YEAH, fuck around and get your whole team slaughtered” — Billy Danze
The throwaway hook lets down a fucking monster of a record that is typically imposing, as Snowgoons beats usually are. It might be one of a few songs where the beat manages to out-shoulder-barge Billy and Fame to steal the spotlight, as they deride Twitter and fellow Brownsvillain Spike Lee. Savage.
122. “Money Don’t Make the World Stop (Remix)”
Artist: Pudgee feat. D-Nice, Royal Flush & M.O.P.
Album: N/A (1997)
“On the frontline with Pudgee, M.O.P. so a n**** can’t budge me” — Billy Danze
Proper 90s NY hip hop from Nick Wiz, with Billy and Fame kicking off proceedings for this sparring session. Pudgee was underrated and has some great tracks in the vault, but this is a bunch of unrelated verses thrown over a dope boom-bap instrumental. Billy shouting out Pudgee is the most cohesive part, but considering it’s impossible not to nod your head to, it’s an easy pick for #122.
121. “Hilltop Flava”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“Hi motherfucker! BUCKA BUCKA BUCKA Bye motherfucker!” — Billy Danze
A chaotic, stop-start loosie with some deft scratching, this is proper mixtape material that doesn’t waste a second of airtime despite not really being about anything in particular. It just has that dope Hilltop flavor.
120. “Live from Ground Zero”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Handle your issues, let’s make this official
Before I put my fist on my pistol and it’s forced to lift you” — Lil’ Fame
Fame’s flow! This is a refreshing barrage of rhymes as the duo gift us one of their most effortlessly delivered back-and-forth tracks. The beat and hook are less memorable than the actual verses which is rare given their talent for crafting anthems, yet “Live From Ground Zero” feels like an experiment that worked, yet didn’t quite reach its potential.
119. “Hustle”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“I push guns to the stomach of the n****s that floss” — Lil’ Fame
I’m a big fan of the piano-pounding beats from “Street Certified” and “Hustle” is a successful mix of hood nostalgia and smooth, California-swagger. Just don’t tell Fame, as the word swag isn’t in his vocabulary.
118. “Wannabe Gs”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Foxx
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Give it up to Biggie Smalls, the last king of New York
They want your crown but they’re all drag queens of New York” — Lil’ Fame
Also found on the Bad Boys 2 OST, this vehicle for familiar voice Foxx (usually heard hyping up M.O.P. on their albums) is a rare chance for her to shine. Foxx (billed on the OST as Sheritha Lynch) even admits rapping isn’t her thing but with Billy and Fame assisting with the adlibs, it’s hard to tell.
117. “Background Niggaz”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I’ll leave your inner body out of place” — Billy Danze
Sinister and ready to inspire a genocide, this warm-up to “Cold as Ice” is a well-placed album cut that is about as subtle as a dry slap. The irony of this assault on the senses is it’s a distraction, as M.O.P. claim to be operating as killers in the background.
116. “Big Guns vs. Lil Guns”
Artist: Sean Price feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Price of Fame (2019)
“I’m major but I’m minor to Ebro, touring all the time what the fuck do he know?” — Sean Price
Lil’ Fame and Sean Price have a lot in common as far as ignorant rap laced with humor goes, so “Price of Fame” was a predictably excellent one-two punch to the gut. “Big Guns vs. Lil Guns” sees Billy Danze join the two for a blunt attack on Hot 97, white boys, Snapchat and everything else in between. Fame really nailed the Sean Price sound on the beat too.
115. “My Kinda Nigga II”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“I’m calling y’all to see if you’re ready to Rock, I’m warning y’all,
I’m Bill and I’m ready to Pop” — Billy Danze
Heather B returns the favor for this sequel, with a Beatminerz production that’s funkier than the grimy original. It continues the theme of loyalty and brotherhood but feels more like a remix than a full-blown new song. Memorable spin on a New York classic.
114. “Know Da Game”
Artist: Frankie Cutlass feat. M.O.P., Kool G Rap & Mobb Deep
Album: Politics and Bullshit (1997)
“We sort of like vultures, eating your insides like ulcers” — Prodigy
From Frankie Cutlass’ compilation, this rare collab between Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap and M.O.P. is an overlooked gem. G Rap stands out as expected, but to hear him followed by prime Prodigy is a real treat. Billy and Fame are reduced to hook duty but that’s the only real disappointing facet of a solid trip through the minds of Queensbridge’s dark and dangerous street poets.
113. “You Know You Love This”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: PieceMaker 3: Return of the 50 Emcees (2013)
“I go hard like Caterpillar boots” — Lil’ Fame
Billy and Fame join Tony Touch for another of his vaunted “50 MC” mixtapes and Fame immediately warns the other 48 he’s lined up coffins for them. It’s just brilliantly audacious and further proof M.O.P. can hang with any emcee.
112. “The Bottom”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Being broke keeps you loyal to fam’” — Lil’ Fame
What could easily pass for some snappy R&B is actually just a friendlier M.O.P. song. Less a rags-to-riches story but a rags-to-comfortable one, nonetheless a dope single that, unfortunately, fell victim of record label wranglings.
111. “Rawness”
Artist: Teflon feat. M.O.P.
Album: My Will (1997)
“Hardcore is what we know, it’s our life into the music,
We put it on wax and the mainstream refused it” — Billy Danze
Of all the tracks to sound formulaic, this forgotten collab with Teflon tries to recapture the success of 1994’s “How About Some Hardcore?” but instead of asking if fans want to hear hardcore, it’s “rawness”. They are pretty similar, but this is a solid track from Teflon’s rare debut LP that few remember.
110. “Illside of Town”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“Caught up in some shit that your moms warned you from” — Lil’ Fame
As the Brownsville duo adopted the DJ Premier-assisted production and DR Period upped his game, “Illside of Town” feels like a throwback to their debut more back-and-forth style. Billy Danze gives a fiery performance that feels difficult to capture in a studio — somebody must have robbed Billy and thrown him in a booth to record because he’s pissed.
109. “Guns and Roses”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To the Death (1994)
“Just the other day I put my man in the ground” — Lil’ Fame
Originally part of their debut album, this track also features on 2004’s “Marxmen Cinema” for some reason. It’s aged better than some of their other early work, and the use of “motherfucking” in their bars shows an influence from Scarface and the Geto Boys, which makes sense considering Fame cites Big Mike‘s work as influential (and underrated).
108. “Nigggaaahhh”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“You get a brand new 2003 hearse courtesy of Jamal
CHROME WHEELS AND ALL” — Lil’ Fame
This direct attack on anyone coming for Billy and Fame is, aside from the song title, one of their more creative efforts. Listening back to these old CDs, Fame’s flow continues to impress but it’s Billy’s implementation of a bullet per bar, essentially declaring who each bullet/bar is for and why, that makes this forgotten track from the “Marxmen Cinema” compilation, of particular interest.
107. “Return of the Warriorz”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Return of the Warriorz (2007)
“Violence is a universal language” — Lil’ Fame
This raucous number is tucked away on J-Love’s “Return of the Warriorz” mixtape and is probably not part of any official M.O.P. project because of the muffled vocals. It’s a shame because Fame delivers one of his angriest verses of his career (which is saying something) — a whole 16 dedicated to how he’s going to dismember and stab any two-faced bitch in BOTH of their faces.
106. “Power”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“When we were just little boys (we seen the big picture)
Stuck down in the bottom (so we wrote our own scripture)” — Billy Danze (Lil’ Fame)
If any rappers personified the term power, it’s M.O.P. and with a warcry of “We roll through with tremendous force” you’re getting exactly what you expect. Amongst all the tough rhymes is a poignant moment where the guys reveal their bad behaviour as youngsters was a cry for help, a reaction to being born in society’s mess. Rarely do M.O.P. look at their environment from a wider view but this glimpse into their purpose, and their ability to capture their experiences in Brownsville and mould it into special, powerful music cannot be understated.
105. “Symphony”
Artist: EPMD feat. M.O.P.
Album: Out of Business (1999)
“I ain’t no motherfuckin’ role model, kids don’t follow” — Lil’ Fame
There were a few Symphony tracks at the end of the millennium. Truck Turner’s “Symphony 2000” which featured Big Pun and KRS-One was solid, as was EPMD’s song of the same name, a single from their album “Out of Business”. M.O.P. also appear on this album, with a track simply titled “Symphony” that has the same beat as the single (“Symphony 2000”) — I’m guessing they wanted to capitalize on Red and Meth’s fame in 1999 and put them on the single instead.
104. “Black Out”
Artist: Ghostface Killah feat. Pharoahe Monch & M.O.P.
Album: The Man With Iron Fists OST (2012)
“N****s fuckin’ with my nerves like multiple sclerosis” — Lil’ Fame
RZA’s film The Man With the Iron Fists is a predictably visceral take on the martial arts movies that influenced the Wu-Tang Clan. “Black Out” brings the concrete-tough pugilism of M.O.P. in for a haunting collaboration with Ghostface Killah and Pharoahe Monch, two emcees who rarely disappoint. Again, it feels like an M.O.P. track that features the others, but hearing Pharoahe’s tongue-twisting description of destroying opponents is as visually acerbic as the film it's scoring.
103. “The Slayers Club”
Artist: RA The Rugged Man feat. Vinnie Paz, Chris Rivers, Chino XL, Brand Nubian, Onyx, Ice-T & M.O.P.
Album: All My Heroes Are Dead (2020)
“M.O.P.! We put ’em in a hole for ya” — both
An insane posse cut from RA the Rugged Man’s best album yet, M.O.P. are on hook duty and tie the onslaught of iconic rappers verses together nicely. They finish the track with a few bars too because despite Ice-T having the final verse, it wouldn’t be right without Billy and Fame putting the full stop on a bold statement of a song.
102. “American Muscle”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“I’ll chop your top five in half, leave them paraplegic” — Billy Danze
Muscle cars are the thinly-veiled topic tying together this heavy hitter, which is a missed opportunity given M.O.P. are big, loud and will run you down in the street. It’s potentially ripe for smart metaphors, yet on the contrary, I love hearing them completely ignore song themes and just rap how they will kill you for the slightest thing.
101. “Street Life”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. DeMarco
Album: Foundation (2009)
“There’s a difference in taking a stand to man up
As opposed to being a man and standing up” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. + Autotune = Surprisingly good results. Who’d have thought? DeMarco’s vocals may be divisive to some but the light sprinkling of piano pairs well with the gruff presence of both emcees. Further proof, if any was needed, that the duo can deliver a softer style without compromise.
100. “On The Run”
Artist: Mark Ronson feat. Mos Def & M.O.P.
Album: Here Comes The Fuzz (2003)
“We’ll fuck up a whole city like Rudy Giuliani” — Lil’ Fame
Mark Ronson’s debut album had a heavy Hip Hop influence, and this short, largely forgotten ode to Brooklyn benefits from a snappy beat and the fact it sounds like M.O.P. hijacked the song. Mos repeatedly states “Mark Ronson and Mos Def” with Billy and Fame spouting their adlibs in the background. This was from a period where M.O.P. were working with numerous British names, from Adam F to Victoria Beckham, whilst their own records were in limbo.
99. “Back At It”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“I don’t plan to resign
Keep my money on my mind and my hand on my nine” — Lil’ Fame
M.O.P. and Snowgoons was a match made in heaven if your vision of heaven includes brutal heavy hardcore rap. Which mine does. This was the duo’s reminder to the fans that “Sparta” was on the way, confirming what both emcees felt was them returning to their best. They both state they’re focused and feel revitalised, touching on how some artists from similar backgrounds have changed thanks to money, yet they remain as hungry as ever.
98. “War Time”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. 50 Cent
Album: Bulletproof 3 mixtape (2006)
“My pistol’s got bronchitis — that motherfucker stays smokin’!” — Lil’ Fame
Another of the ill-fated G-Unit collaborations, this mixtape track from 2006 is a little rough and ready yet benefits from a snappy 50 Cent hook. Seriously, despite destroying Ja Rule for all his singing, it’s one of 50’s best assets and lifts one of M.O.P.’s more pedestrian performances.
97. “Roc La Familia”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel & Jay-Z
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“The toughest shit in your ruggedest song is the beat” — Billy Danze
Released when State Property was a thing (2002), Jay-Z introduces M.O.P. as the latest signings to Roc-a-Fella Records. Memphis Bleek shines while Beanie spells out the words ‘State’ and ‘Property’ just because ‘R.O.C.’ and M.O.P. are repeatedly namedropped. To be fair, Beanie has the best line though — “I’ll wring your neck like Spongebob“. What an image.
96. “Ready For War”
Artist: Busta Rhymes feat. M.O.P.
Album: Anarchy (2000)
“Split your ass up like The Temptations” — Lil’ Fame
While Busta Rhymes’ “Anarchy” album isn’t really talked about two decades later, it did have some potent songs tucked amongst its epic 78-minute tracklist. It’s predictably chest-puffing and surprisingly, produced by Busta himself, feeling a bit like a slowed-down “Ante Up”. A favour for a favour and solid payback for that “Ante Up” verse.
95. “Bang Strong”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Underground Legends mixtape (2007)
“It’s murder murder murder murder murder!” — Lil’ Fame
J-Love released four M.O.P. mixtapes (available to stream on DatPiff) and there is a smattering of exclusives spread across each one. “Bang Strong” is a solid record designed to incite a riot, but I like it more for how it sounds like their late 90s material. This wouldn’t sound out of place on “Firing Squad” or “First Family 4 Life”.
94. “Ride With Us”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“I came up with them thugs, I grew up in that mud
Got my hands covered in blood to stay above” — Billy Danze
There’s a haunting quality to “Ride With Us” that is dripping in dread, but the star here is undoubtedly Billy Danze’s insane, almost out-of-body performance. God only knows what state the microphone was left in after this session, as M.O.P. outline their cut-throat attitude to any friendship they build with others — rooted in their gang mentality where life and death decisions are made every day on the streets.
93. “Pounds Up (Amed Original)”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2001)
“Allow me to wig out, dumb out, pull my gun out
Run out in the street like BUM….BUH-BUUM!!” — Billy Danze
Quite a rare one this, that draws much of its content from other M.O.P. songs of the “Warriorz” era. The original by Amed (D.I.T.C.) is superior to Showbiz’s remix benefitting from a lively mid-90s feel — it certainly sounds different to the work on “Warriorz” so it’s easy to see why there was a vinyl release shortly after in 2001 (the remix was 3 years later according to Discogs).
92. “Mopee Party”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Return of the Warriorz Mixtape (2007)
“You make a knock-off Louis Vuitton bag look good” — Lil’ Fame
Sure, it’s a knock-off Scott Storch beat, but it works! Anybody brave enough to attend an M.O.P. party should be commended for their bravery, as judging by this track, furniture would be upended, faces would be smacked and there’d be just as much blood on the floor as spilt drinks. You can see why a party track wasn’t released as a single as it doesn’t really suit the duo, no matter how much I’d love to have heard this playing in a nightclub.
91. “Hardbody”
Artist: Big Shug feat. Fat Joe & M.O.P.
Album: I.M. 4-EVA (2012)
“I got a dead arm like the Ying Yang Twin”
Fat Joe and M.O.P. reunite after 2003’s “Who Got Gunz” for Big Shug’s DJ Premier track, a tough yet derivative production that nevertheless, lets the emcees flourish. If there was a Primo-o-Matic machine that spat out Preem beats, this would be one AND THAT’S NOT A BAD THING. Shug’s verse is surprisingly dope, but it’s Billy and Fame who stand out (again going third) despite their verses being nothing special.
90. “Handle Ur Bizness”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“Is this hip-hop? HELL NO THIS IS WAR!” — Billy Danze
Superior to the DJ Premier remix (how often does that happen?), “Handle Ur Bizness” is the M.O.P. approach to a warcry, magnified to obscene levels. In an era where rappers were cruising the streets in lowriders and flossing expensive jewellery, Billy and Fame tear up the concrete in a fucking tank. It’s the perfect visual representation of their music and the song itself backs up that hardened, urban soldier message perfectly.
89. “Detonate”
Artist: Apollo Brown feat. M.O.P.
Album: Grandeur (2015)
“I’ma lay you down like ceramics” — Lil’ Fame
If Snowgoons were a perfect foil for M.O.P. in 2009, Apollo Brown is this generation’s answer. There’s a distinct lack of hook — the beat is just allowed to play out, so it’s not the most memorable record, but considering how heavy M.O.P.’s style is, it’s surprising they haven’t worked more with the thumping chopped-up soul style you’d get from an Ayatollah, early 9th Wonder or Just Blaze. This sounds like an experiment that shows promise; I’d love to hear more collaborations between both parties.
88. “Foundation”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“We keep arms, fuck a bodyguard” — Lil’ Fame
M.O.P. have a few tracks in their catalog that share song titles, and this slow number, whilst memorable isn’t quite as good as the track from “Warriorz”. It cracks the Top 100 because the Lil’ Fame verse is one of the best on the “Foundation” album, namedropping Kid Cudi and the swine flu before Roundhouse kicking your mother. Lovely.
87. “Anybody Can Get It”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“We changed the pace (SAY SOMETHING!) I’ll rearrange your face” — Lil’ Fame
Less orchestral than normal, this is a solid Snowgoons record that was released as a warm-up to the “Sparta” album in 2010. It’s a shame it’s not on the album as it fits in, but maybe lacks some of the intensity that “Sparta” excelled in.
86. “The Thoro Side”
Artist: Teflon feat. M.O.P.
Album: 2 Sides to Every Story (2023)
“And I’ll pop the top of these tupperware fuckers” — Lil’ Fame
Featured on Teflon’s long-awaited sophomore LP, “The Thoro Side” is likely a loosie from two decades prior considering the outdated references from Lil’ Fame (106 & Park, SARS). Nonetheless, it remains an immensely satisfying return to Premier’s formula — I can imagine this featuring on Blaq Poet’s “Blaqprint” album with its cold drums and ominous strings.
85. “I’m A Brownsvillain”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“It’s Common Sense dawg, we Do+It+For+The+People” — Lil’ Fame
A speaker-splitting beat from Nottz lifts a by-the-numbers effort to another level. Billy Danze really suits the suitably crunchy kicks and horns but it’s the hook that sticks out most, representing Brownsville in that familiar, ferocious manner we know and love.
84. “Blue Steel”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To The Death (1994)
“It don’t cost nothin’ to send your ass to the paramedics” — Lil’ Fame
The influence of Run-DMC runs throughout M.O.P.’s work, but the back-and-forth rhyming is perhaps most prevalent on their debut album. “Blue Steel” is very much of its era but has aged remarkably well, avoiding the dreaded Das-EFX-isms many of their contemporaries played around with. Little more than an anthem about packing a weapon, it nevertheless sounds great at a loud volume.
83. “Heistmasters”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“Why the fuck is Pharrell is so happy?” — Lil’ Fame
It’s difficult to gauge whether M.O.P. could be considered masters of heists when you hear the way they conduct them. They had a song of the same name in 1994, but this 20th-anniversary follow-up is far superior, boasting a crisp DJ Skizz instrumental.
82. “W.O.L.V.E.S.”
Artist: Krumbsnatcha feat. M.O.P.
Album: Training Day OST (2001)
“All disrespect intended” — Billy Danze
2001 was rife with rabid dogs courtesy of DMX, but Krumbsnatcha and M.O.P. ask you to let the fucking wolves out, going against everything the Baha Men instructed. Horror-like choirs and a young boy chanting give this mean collaboration a nice Jungle Book twist — but M.O.P. weren’t raised by wolves, they were raising the wolves! And this underground single was a hit with many fans.
81. “Legendary Weapons”
Artist: Ghostface Killah, AZ, M.O.P.
Album: Wu-Tang Clan’s Legendary Weapons (2011)
“You’re fuckin’ with a sick puppy” — Lil’ Fame
On a track with Ghostface and AZ, M.O.P. still go third — that’s how respected and dominant they are. Mostly braggadocio referring to their legendary status, each emcee touts how they brought something different to the table, interspersed with classic Wu-Tang Clan quotes. Celebratory and a reminder why AZ is one of the best pure-flowing emcees.
80. “Crazy”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Termanology
Album: Foundation (2009)
“It only takes me 1.2 seconds to lose it” — Lil’ Fame
A combination of 1982 and M.O.P., “Crazy” is another reminder of M.O.P’s status during a period where they had been written off by labels. “These motherfuckers are crazy — damn shit’s changed since back in the day” — this one line almost sums up the M.O.P. experience during the latter part of their career, and while this track is a good one, it could have been crazier. In fact Termanology claiming to be a young Rakim may be the craziest part of the whole song.
79. “Woodstock Hood Hop”
Artist: Slaughterhouse feat. M.O.P.
Album: Mr Pig Face Weapon Waist (2009)
“It’s time for change like Obama in a laundromat” — Crooked I
Slaughterhouse often put out better mixtapes than albums, and while I remember this appearing on an unofficial Slaughterhouse mixtape at the time, its official release was on a Crooked I EP. M.O.P. supply the hook, which is fair considering there are four of the best lyricists dropping verses, and they just shout out the cities Joell, Crook, Budden and Royce hail from. It’s one of my favourite Slaughterhouse tracks because like all of their best work — it’s made by fans for fans. Are Eminem fans clocking that Father MC reference? Probably not.
78. “My Kinda N****”
Artist: Heather B feat. M.O.P.
Album: Takin’ Mine (1996)
“I’m the reflection of my deceased brother” — Lil’ Fame
That Heather B album! So good, and it’s difficult to think of such a grimy record from a woman OR a man. The video, much like the song, is dominated by Billy and Fame’s presence and is about the character traits they like to see in the people they hang with. It’s a shame Heather B didn’t record more music, particularly with M.O.P.. The two reunited in 1998 for a sequel, on M.O.P.’s “First Family 4 Life”.
77. “Forever And Always”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“In the ‘hood is where you’ll find me
Hangin’ on like a kid on his mommy in a tsunami” — Lil’ Fame
Statik Selektah always provided heat for M.O.P. and this album cut from 2009 is fairly straightforward. The duo reminisces on how far they have come, from pissy hallways to having fans in Japan discussing their music. It lacks a hook, so in turn, loses some identity when compared to other tracks, but the sample is so strong on its own that hearing Billy and Fame share their story, is sometimes all that’s needed.
76. “Shake Em Up”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“It’s the Industry Shakedown, n****s are in trouble
I’m the younger version of Bumpy Knuckles without the muscles” — Lil Fame
M.O.P. know they are respected artists because unless you’re The Game, you’re not namedropping Diddy, Nas, Wayne, Jay and Drake IN THE FREAKIN’ HOOK. They also confirm that they are aware of their role in the wider industry — when you want a grimy anthem to shake it up, you call on Billy and Fame. Not that Drake and M.O.P. have worked together, but it needs to happen at some point.
75. “Way Of The World”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“Nobody gives a fuck if your mother cry
Or if your brother die — that’s the way of the world!” — Billy Danze
Tucked away on the 1998 EP “Handle Ur Bizness”, musically this track feels like their earlier work so makes sense why it wasn’t part of “First Family 4 Life”. But lyrically, it benefits from the growth of both Billy and Fame — their music was much more emotional by their third album and “Way of the World” is a depressing acceptance of how disposable life is, particularly as an African American in the USA. With their music being pirated, bootlegged and subsequently stolen, Fame shares his feelings towards those capitalizing on their success too.
74. “Lifestyles Ov A Ghetto Child”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“N**** they right behind us, I ain’t tryna get caught by the Law
[Oh shit they’re comin’ in the building!] Open up the door!” — Lil Fame & Billy Danze
Rough and ready, this album cut has aged remarkably well thanks to a classic beat that screams mid-90s New York. Produced by Jaz-O, it captures that murky Bucktown aura of Heltah Skeltah, yet the constant back-and-forth between Billy and Fame as they go through a police chase is one of the few times they narrate a story in that unique M.O.P. style.
73. “Fuck M.O.P.”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“And I’ma sell out, and bail out from hardcore tactics
And celebrate with hatin’ ass, thong-wearin’ bastards!
Don’t fuck with my integrity…” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. are fully aware that their style isn’t loved by everybody and this track is purely aimed at haters, asking them to scream “Fuck M.O.P.”. Ironically, fans will too, as it’s god-damn catchy! There’s a lot of vitriol directed at those in the industry “sucking each other off” — with a delightful sound effect accompanying it. Makes a change from guns I suppose.
72. “Salute Pt. 2”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Gang Starr
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“I won’t stress the blazin’
But I will think about what slug’s best for the occasion” — Billy Danze
Considering DJ Premier has gone on record stating M.O.P. are his favourite group to work with, it’s not surprising to see they have collaborated on the last three Gang Starr albums. Somehow, Guru’s monotone never gets drowned out which is a testament to how versatile Primo’s beats are — they work with whoever’s rapping. Theoretically, a sequel to 1996’s “Salute”, Part II isn’t quite as in-your-face as the first track, sounding more like a Gang Starr album cut which of course, is not a bad thing at all.
71. “Blow The Horns”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“N****s wonder how me and Fame remain strong
Five albums, six deals and we’re still on” — Billy Danze
Not since Pete Rock has an artist embraced horns in the way M.O.P. do, and it’s clear this single would have done well in the charts a few years earlier. Unfortunately, if a M.O.P. track was to chart in 2009 then it would have needed to be an R&B hook or a Lil Wayne feature. Neither of those are genuine options, thankfully, but “Blow the Horns” is one of M.O.P.’s most popular tracks from the latter part of the career, setting off live shows just right.
70. “BKNY”
Artist: M.O.P. feat.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Eat a dick, with onions” — Lil’ Fame
Heatmakerz (of Dipset fame) laced M.O.P. with this pounding attack on the senses, only easing up for the children assisting with their “This is BKNY” chant. A remnant of the Roc-a-Fella run and sounding more like a mixtape song, it’s got a stellar Lil’ Fame verse that’s wildly off-kilter.
69. “Home Sweet Home”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“If you know a n**** as wild as me,
You better bring a motherfuckin’ cavalry” — Billy Danze
The jazzy horns and plinking of piano keys are a great aesthetic for M.O.P.’s trip down memory lane. It may be citing the 1970s/1980s but captures the 1920s/1930s instead, which is to its benefit considering there is also “Old Timerz” on the “Warriorz” album. You can almost envision the video in black and white of Billy and Fame strolling through their neighbourhood with their pal Lord Have Mercy (of Flipmode Squad).
68. “What I Wanna Be”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“Same n****s that’ll piss on you and tell you that it’s raining!
(He’ll be aight though)” — Lil’ Fame
It always irked me how the song is called “What I Wanna Be” despite it actually being “What I’m Gonna Be” if you go by the words being sung. Few artists can pull off something that’s technically soft, and make it feel tough, but M.O.P. manage to squeeze a ton of nice wordplay into what’s largely a generic tale of aspiration. The DJ Premier beat doesn’t hurt either.
67. “Legendary Street Team”
Artist: M.O.P. & Kool G Rap
Album: Lyricist Lounge Vol. 2 (2000)
“Catch you at a payphone, kickin’ it to moms
I’ll lift your Face-Off like Nicholas and John” — Lil’ Fame
The second Lyricist Lounge compilation largely consisted of familiar artists rapping to production from Hi-Tek, Rockwilder, The Alchemist and Erick Sermon (there’s even Premier, Dilla and Madlib on there!) but G Rap and M.O.P. were handed a DJ Mighty Mi (of High & Mighty “fame”) production that feels tailor-made for both artists. It’s largely straightforward but has some fun imagery: Billy Danze entering a nightclub with a M.O.P. banner whilst Fame’s gifts you a wheelchair chauffeur. They genuinely outdo G Rap on this one.
66. “Body On The Iron”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“He’ll put a hole in your head like a dolphin” — Lil’ Fame
Fame doesn’t give two shits that his gun has “a body on it” — if anything it makes him more deadly because you know it kills. He doesn’t know who put the body on it, but Billy’s verse reveals how a harmless trip to the mall ends up with him putting a “body on the iron”. It’s not exactly Shakespeare levels of intricate storytelling, but on an album of heavy Snowgoons production, you’re after no-nonsense brutality and on that level, “Body on the Iron” more than delivers.
65. “The Life”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“I hate to fuck up the mood
But who’s the man thinkin’ they can stand in Danze’s shoes?” — Billy Danze
Further proof that DJ Premier works so well with Brownsville’s Finest, this lost gem from the “Marxmen Cinema” mixtape plays out like a remixed “Firing Squad”, but can see why it’s not sitting on any of their official albums. It’s an announcement, with the hook proudly stating “M.O.P….Back up in this motherfucker!” but sounds fresher than some of their more familiar songs simply because it’s one of their rarely heard moments.
64. “Riding Through”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Redman
Album: Foundation (2009)
“You got all flossy and glossy
That’s where you lost me” — Billy Danze
Redman is the dream guest emcee — has he ever disappointed? This isn’t no cut-and-paste email verse, mind you, this feels like a classic Redman track that just happens to have M.O.P. on it. There’s even a neat backstory at the end on how Redman knew Lil’ Fame before their music careers took off, which this song effectively builds upon.
63. “Salute”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“Fuck a memory! You’ll remember me for bustin’ my thang!” — Billy Danze
Now a familiar catchphrase for the duo, “Salute” is a relentless yet brief onslaught that doesn’t require a hook or scratches to ease listeners in. Appearing at the start of the second half of “Firing Squad”, it’s basically a mini-intro that throws the listener back in full force. One of Premier’s overlooked beats.
62. “Sam the Sleezbag Freestyle”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sam The Sleezbag & DJ Mekalek’s #SleezbagMekalekTape (2016)
“It’s a new me y’all, back feelin’ new brand
I lost a hundreds pounds, feeling’ like a new man” — Lil’ Fame
One of the more modern entries on the list, the “#SleezbagMekalekTape” is a brilliant selection of underground talent putting their music in the shop window. Countless legends are also present, and M.O.P.’s appearance is a fun, if brief, glimpse of Billy and Fame over what can only be described as Marco Polo-like production. Much of their current guest appearances suffer from mediocre beats but this one knocks nicely with nods to modern life like Grand Theft Auto and P90X.
61. “The Mastas”
Artist: Freddie Foxxx feat. M.O.P.
Album: Industry Shakedown (2000)
“I’ll still split a n**** head like a cantaloupe
(BITCH!) And I’m dope” — Lil’ Fame
A live audience, sirens and DJ Premier kick off a dream collaboration for many, and it’s actually produced by Bumpy Knuckles himself. Bumpy, much like Inspectah Deck, is better behind the boards than many give him credit for, and this record slaps you over the head, only letting up with the “hookless hook”, if you will. It’s a vicious performance, particularly from Lil’ Fame, that manages to match Freddie Foxxx for flow. Don’t sleep on Fame’s flow is what I’m saying!
60. “Lights Out”
Artist: Gang Starr feat. M.O.P.
Album: One of the Best Yet (2019)
“A wise old man once said
FUCK WHAT A WISE MAN ONCE SAID” — Lil’ Fame
For me, this is the best track from Gang Starr’s 2019 album which saw Preem build tracks from old Guru verses. Gifted Unlimited always had chemistry with Billy and Fame and this pounding reunion is a perfect celebration of that. Lil’ Fame drops one of the hardest verses of his career that completely caught me off-guard (“I don’t trust my own shadow”, “I got two thoughts in my brain: Fuck your life — on my right ain’t nothin’ left — on my left ain’t nothin’ right”). There’s endless creativity in M.O.P.’s ability to craft a hundred different ways of saying they’ll knock you unconscious — and it’s admirable.
59. “Firing Squad”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“I’ll put one in your wig and bounce
Leave the rest for the autopsy to figure out” — Lil’ Fame
The deflated piano loop is a key part of many classic M.O.P. tracks and this title track from 1996 is no different. Even the cries of “Firiiiing Squaaaad” are sucked of energy. Effectively the start of their breakthrough record, “Firing Squad” benefits from an outstanding (and rabid) performance from Billy Danze, a surprisingly strong Teflon verse (which name-drops Shogun Assassin), and Fame shamelessly creating quotables for many future rap songs.
58. “Call the Ambulance (Remix)”
Artist: Busta Rhymes feat. Rah Digga & M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2002)
“BROWNS….Ville muhfucka REAL muhfucka
It’s Dub Womack and his fucked up habits” — Lil’ Fame
The combination of Busta and M.O.P. is guaranteed to be special and this remix to one of Busta’s overlooked singles is a bit of a hidden gem. Adlib-heavy, it’s a fun alternative to the original that has Billy and Fame providing the assist for Rah Digga and Busta Rhymes with their energy levels the perfect addition to a song all about being rowdy and putting people on a stretcher. They don’t technically have verses — which itself makes this remix unique and well worth revisiting.
57. “Warriorz”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I hope your insurance is (PAID UP!)
I’ll leave you lying on your back chillin’ (LAID UP!) — Billy Danze
“WARRIOR!!” This is that alarm clock music that’ll have you marching through your bedroom ready to fuck up a Monday morning. An early example of the sped-up “chipmunk” production (here utilised by Mahogany) it’s got a more confrontational, fist-fight feel than other gun-blazing entries in their catalogue. It’s the perfect name for a song that captures everything M.O.P. are about, particularly in 2000 when they were in their prime.
56. “B.I. vs. Friendship”
Artist: Gang Starr feat. M.O.P.
Album: Moment of Truth (1998)
“I don’t have what you call friends
Cause when it’s on then they gone in the end!” — Lil’ Fame
A track highlighting how close Gang Starr and M.O.P. have been over the years, that also touches on their business relationship. The song highlights the perfect escalation of energy, starting with Guru’s more economical verse, Fame firing off words and ending with Billy’s standout intensity. You know if you’re going into business with Billy, you’ll want to strike up some sort of friendship as loyalty is everything.
55. “When Death Becomes You”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. 50 Cent
Album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ OST (2005)
“Slugs ain’t never out of season
All you’ve gotta do is give a motherfucker one reason” — Lil’ Fame
50’s hooks were often excellent and this is no different. The cinematic production, much like the Rocafella years, is perfect for M.O.P. as their style is so versatile, although the verses lack the back-and-forth of their best work. What this track does highlight, perhaps more than anything else in their catalogue, is the cold-hearted nature of both Billy and Fame where their life is made up of death. Note: don’t listen to the censored version as it’s largely muted.
54. “Sit ’Em Back Slow”
Artist: AZ feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Format (2006)
“This ain’t a demo, you know my M.O.?
SIT ’EM BACK SLOW” — Lil’ Fame
AZ essentially put an M.O.P. track at the start of his album, because it’s a freakin’ monster. Fame produced a couple of tracks on “The Format” but this confrontational collaboration somehow works with AZ’s more laid-back, precise flow. Thematically it’s all about potential business partners being put in their place, although Billy’s verse is more or less off-topic.
53. “Old Timerz”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“This is for the cats from way, way back
When every pair of sneakers had to have a hat to match” — Billy Danze
Brownsville’s finest reflect on their youth and the simpler times of the mid-1980s, experiencing the rise of hip hop firsthand from block parties to stadiums in a matter of years. They are nostalgic, with a suitable boom-bap beat that slaps and it’s jam-packed with brands from that era. The fact that the two viewed themselves as “Old Timerz” in 2000, when they couldn’t have been much past thirty shows both just how much rap focused on being young, but also just how much changed in those fifteen years (1985–2000).
52. “Bucktown USA (Remix)”
Artist: Smif-N-Wessun feat. M.O.P.
Album: 12″ (1998)
“Any day may be the end
See the Grim Reaper be creepin’ these streets in Timz” — Billy Danze
Three years after their classic album “Dah Shinin’”, Smif-N-Wessun returned under the guise of Cocoa Brovaz and this remix was almost a reminder to fans, with both groups having new albums out in 1998. More than simply adding a verse onto the original, M.O.P. overhauled the track and like most remixes, they made it an M.O.P. track. It packs more punch than the original “Bucktown”, possesses a cleaner beat and not knowing who’s about to jump in with a verse is refreshing in an era where every single was getting a hastily hashed together “remix”.
51. “Here Today Gone Tomorrow (Flatline)”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: The Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“Damn, I was just with him
(Here today and gone tomorrow) Look how them coppertops did him” — M.O.P.
After years of mimicking the sound a gun makes, it seemed a natural progression to have a gun-cock form part of the beat. Billy and Fame reflect on a shootout that put a comrade in hospital, but it’s the flatlining sound effect that’s the icing on the cake and perfectly apt, given you’ll be elbowing anybody in the vicinity right into a coma.
50. “Blood Sweat & Tears”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“I figured it out from the start…
and since I laid my mother to rest, I’ve been blessed with this cold heart” — Billy Danze
Rarely do Brownsville’s finest lay it bare on wax and discuss their emotions, but ‘98’s “Blood Sweat & Tears” does just that. Not afraid to cry for the loss of loved ones, Danze and particularly Fame touch upon the family they’ve lost. This is also mentioned in the Straight From the Projects DVD where Fame shares how he is the only one in his family remaining, due to the effects of gun violence and depression.
49. “Who Got Gunz”
Artist: Gang Starr feat. Fat Joe & M.O.P.
Album: The Ownerz (2003)
“You deserve a hole in the back of your motherfucking head
THE DOCTOR CAN’T FIX!” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. over DJ Premier has always reaped rewards, and there have not been enough collaborations in recent times. When Gang Starr delivered their final (at the time) album in 2003 before Guru and Preem went their separate ways, M.O.P. was essential for at least one track. “Who Got Gunz” is in-your-face bravado, highlighting the duo’s infatuation with weaponry not seen since Onyx’s “Throw Ya Gunz”. Fat Joe comparing his relationship with his Glock to the one Tom Hank’s character had with Wilson in Castaway is eye-opening, but M.O.P. inevitably steal the show, even backing up Guru with some hefty adlibs.
48. “For The City”
Artist: Statik Selektah feat. Jadakiss & M.O.P.
Album: Stick 2 The Script (2008)
“Too many killers in the house, take a day off
Everybody’s a baller, what the fuck is this, the play-offs?” — Lil’ Fame
The third track is hugely important on any album, acting as the key proponent for listeners deciding whether to continue onwards. Statik Selektah’s decision to pair M.O.P. with Jadakiss with a stop-start beat-flip was inspired, taking fans back to street anthems like Styles P and Noreaga’s “Come Thru”. A deceptively soft hook acts as the breather between vicious rhymes, here with Jadakiss confirming that while he’s certainly not “Top 5 Dead or Alive“, at his peak, he’s a true force to be reckoned with.
47. “4 My Peeps”
Artist: Red Hot Lover Tone feat. Notorious B.I.G., Organized Konfusion & M.O.P.
Album: #1 Player (1995)
“I’m breakin’ n****s up like referees” — Lil’ Fame
This oft-neglected collaboration with Trackmasters’ Tone from 1995 benefitted from a couple of filthy remixes so this is placed highly based on all versions. While it may lack Pharoahe Monch, Prince Po holds his own amongst Billy and Fame’s raucous posturing, but of course, Biggie Smalls dominates with a stellar performance.
46. “Foundation”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“You ain’t never seen the Danze cry, but that day that man died
My world came crumbling down like a landslide” — Billy Danze
For any sceptics claiming M.O.P. ain’t nothing but violence and cursing, throw this track on. Much like 1998’s “Blood, Sweat & Tears” (which the hook references), Billy Danze is in scintillating form as he documents his father’s final moments on his deathbed. Both Billy and Fame accept this was their environment and it made them the men that they are today — while some glorify death and gangs as part of their image, this was just an everyday occurrence.
45. “Whoa”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Wendy Williams Brings the Heat Vol. 1 (2005)
“Fucks V.I.P., I’m in the crowd screamin’ BROOKLYN” — Lil’ Fame
Wendy Williams may be a surgically enhanced talk show host airing out celebrities’ personal lives, but she put her name on a hip-hop compilation in 2005 which had some solid selections. I’m sure Fame’s line “I’m lookin’ at your titties ’cause their bouncin’ all out of your bra” may even be a nod to Wendy. This song sticks out with its catchy hook but don’t sleep on that classic M.O.P. flow — particularly Fame’s verse which bounces even harder than Wendy’s shoulder boulders.
44. “New York Salute”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“We welcome y’all with open arms, and
Firearms, and, terrorists with bombs!” — Lil’ Fame
There’s not a rap crew that’s represented their neighbourhood more than Billy and Fame, with “Sparta” being the only album that hasn’t included a song about Brownsville, Brooklyn, or New York. And that’s only because they repped Sparta, comparing themselves to ruthless Spartan warriors going into battle. Closing out their 1998 album “First Family 4 Life”, it’s less celebratory than their other work, delivered like the narrative behind a warped tourist pamphlet. Billy even gives full satellite navigation on how to get to New York.
43. “Sharks In The Water”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“I be around, find me where the dogs be at
With more motherfuckin’ machines than a laundromat” — Lil’ Fame
Conway may have used the Jaws-like shark artwork on his EP with Alchemist, but this track sounds like how that record looked. It’s one of the most vicious pieces of music you’ll ever hear, with a gun-cocking forming part of the beat paired off against a haunting vocal moan. It wouldn’t mean much if the duo didn’t flow to it, and well, they murder it. The way Fame rides the beat at the end of the first verse is brilliant, but Billy Danze is inspired, chomping up the hook and his verses like a possessed Great White.
42. “StompDaShitOutYou”
Artist: Capone-N-Noreaga feat. M.O.P.
Album: Def Jam Vendetta OST (2002) / Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“[Billy Danze] C.N.N
[Noreaga] WHAT WHAT? [Capone] Stompdashitoutu!”
It’s a shame M.O.P. weren’t signed to Def Jam in 2002 as their addition to videogame brawler Def Jam Vendetta would have been welcome, and arguably the most fitting. Nonetheless, they assisted CNN with the most memorable track from the game, combining Noreaga’s “WHAT WHAT” with Billy and Fame chanting “M.O.P.!” is just what the doctor ordered. If your doctor is a maniacal street fighter, that is. Tony Pizarro captures the classic M.O.P. style with the electric guitar sample, and while this track has very little in the sense of lyrics, it’s distilled aggression perfectly refined for the Fight Club atmosphere the videogame it’s designed for.
41. “Ante Up (Robbin’ Hoodz Theory)”
Artist: M.O.P. feat Funkmaster Flex
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“From the streets cousin, you know the drill
I’m nine hundred and ninety-nine thou’ short of a mill’” — Billy Danze
If M.O.P. knew this record would be as huge as it was, I’m sure they wouldn’t have Funkmaster Flex ranting for the first 35 seconds of “Ante Up (Robbin’ Hoodz Theory)”. And that’s the main complaint with this iconic anthem — the remix refined the best bits and threw Busta Rhymes into the mix. The original is still excellent and ironically, the one that you’ll still hear today in their live shows, packed with all the iconic lines and unmatched energy we know and love M.O.P. for.
40. “It’s Different”
Artist: Statik Selektah feat. Cormega & M.O.P.
Album: Round Trip (2023)
“I was valid and certified way before Instagram” — Lil’ Fame
I had to slip this sombre moment in from the Statik Selektah album he dropped a year ago, because it’s not just the best song on there, but it’s one of the best M.O.P. songs in years. Marrying Cormega’s matter-of-fact street tales with a haunting, forlorn instrumental, and then seeing Billy and Fame come along with insight and wordplay rather than wielding their weapons, ensures this is open to endless replays. Such a great track, and it gave us a brief glimpse into what the duo are up to.
39. “Downtown Swinga ’96”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“It’s Lil’ Fame, Danze and Tef
So when I die make sure you bury me with a cassette of “To the Death”” — Lil’ Fame
When the snares let off like an Uzi 9mm, you know it’s about to go down. Now one of their best-known DJ Premier collaborations, it started a long relationship with Premier after he declared a fondness for their ’94 single “How About Some Hardcore” (and in-turn dropping a remix of this song’s predecessor “Downtown Swinga ’94”). The theme of the song is intent — all about taking over not just New York, or the U.S., but the world. Given M.O.P. now tours Europe annually and spend as much time there as they do Brooklyn, it shows they more than made good on their claim to be international.
38. “Let It Bang”
Artist: X-Ecutioners feat. M.O.P.
Album: Built From Scratch (2001)
“Critically acclaimed, criminals to blame
Put them in critical condition fuckin’ with Lil’ Fame” — Lil’ Fame
Other than maybe Prodigy or Inspectah Deck, M.O.P. have had their vocals scratched onto more rap tracks than most. Their voices are immediately identifiable and now iconic, so letting turntablists Rob Swift, Total Eclipse, Roc Raida and Mista Sinista (The X-Ecutioners line-up in 2002) cut them up over a savage blend of rock and boom-bap is a welcome return to the days of Run-DMC. Fame yelling “bang your head against the wall”, with Billy pushing “pieces of your dome out” — you know it’s another wild slice of hip hop that only M.O.P. can deliver.
37. “Breakin’ The Rules”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“The name’s Bill…WADDUP BILL!
I’m a semi-automatic addict, for real” — Billy Danze
What Premier did with a 2-second sample of Michel Legrand’s “Sweet Gingerbread Man” is a testament to his genius. It becomes a menacing opener to their third album, with Billy admitting he’s addicted to guns and finds them sexy. It’s all delivered in that over-the-top manner where you can’t help but take him seriously, as Fame references John Woo and Titanic, confirming this is a record created in 1998.
36. “We Run NY”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: n/a (2001)
“I’m the motherfuckin’ reason that Ma$e found God” — Lil’ Fame
When Da Beatminerz took part in Rhythm Roulette they threw M.O.P. over their creation. And for good reason; the moody style of Bucktown’s finest is the perfect foil for M.O.P.’s in-your-face delivery and “We Run NY” confirms this. The sinister strings, rabid recklessness of Teflon’s verse and Billy’s cold mentality of having a casual Sunday, but then he’s back after you on Monday — it’s all seamless and one of their best collaborations with Teflon. Da Beatminerz and M.O.P. should have worked together more.
35. “187”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Street Certified (2014)
“Y’ALL SWAG, the whole place emotional,
Wake up and find somebody Frank Ocean’ed you” — Fame
Easily the best thing on 2014’s EP “Street Certified”, “187” is the M.O.P. formula tweaked to perfection. Outlandish humour? Check. Intense testosterone? Check. Outbursts of excessive violence on the level of Tom & Jerry? You’re damn right. The only downer is no sucker is getting dragged by their “red bottoms” from the back of a car in the video.
34. “Stop Pushin’”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“Y’all n****s rap like you rap for Nickelodeon
With a mouth full of cubic zirconias” — Lil Fame
The horns on this! It’s like Pete Rock’s MPC was on its last legs and spit out some stuttering heat. Produced by Fame, much like “Calm Down”, the song directs the listener to do exactly what they shouldn’t be doing — an ironic statement to try and control what your body wants to do, which is push anyone close to you. Billy’s verse is largely straightforward but Fame throws some much-needed humour in there to complement his hook, which is purely instructions.
33. “Stick To Ya Gunz”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Kool G. Rap & Teflon
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“We’ll bust your head open like avocados” — Lil Fame
A classic amongst rap connoisseurs, this is simply an onslaught on the senses. DJ Premier and Kool G Rap were both in their prime in 1996 but M.O.P. demonstrated why they deserved to stand alongside such New York stalwarts. G Rap’s verse is stupid, naturally, but both Fame and Billy hold their own. Billy in particular with the “stiff as a board” back and forth is a highlight.
32. “Roll Call”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“Holla if ya hear me…
I’ll turn your head into a skeleton’s skull and leave it hollow if you’re near me” — Lil Fame
Not many artists could start a song with “Fuck the East Coast” without facing the wrath of a wealth of New York, Boston and Philly emcees. Okay, so the statement is tongue-in-cheek and nobody is going to mess with Brownsville’s finest anyway, but the sheer audacity of it all only adds to “Roll Call”’s attitude. A stripped-back DJ Premier production accompanied by Teflon’s pissed-off call to the troops is full of neat nuances like Fame’s two bars of just gun noises being offset by Billy throwing in a poignant statement of “it’s hard to eat so we hardly sleep“.
31. “Gun Hold”
Artist: DJ Honda feat. M.O.P.
Album: hIII (2001)
“You can’t miss Fame, I’m in the hood like a Malcolm X poster” — Lil’ Fame
An overlooked gem from the Japanese DJ Honda, “Gun Hold” is initially a by-the-numbers head-nodder with violent posturing, but I rank it highly because it’s one of Lil Fame’s hardest verses. Not many rap fans hold Fame up as one of the best emcees, but when he’s in the pocket of a beat like he is here, there’s nobody I’d rather hear in full flow.
30. “Brownsville”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“Livin’ these crazy ways unprotected
Everyday is a chance, so expect the unexpected” — Lil’ Fame
A harp? Don’t ever tell me M.O.P. aren’t cultured! After Jeru’s water dripping and before J-Live’s panpipes, there was M.O.P. rapping to what can only be described as bleeps and bloops. It’s like Fame and Billy just threw your face through an arcade machine and then started dropping bars whilst you bled out. The tour of Brownsville continues as a bleak landscape is painted in a hail of bullets and black Timbs with drums slapping as hard as the concrete streets of Brownsville.
29. “Put It In The Air”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Jay-Z
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“I’m sick with the pen — call me Iceberg Chubby” — Lil’ Fame
Part of the swathe of forgotten Roc-a-Fella tracks that emerged from 2002/2003, this is a classic throwback track that is perfect in a live environment. Essentially a sequel to “Ante Up”, it’s similarly a raucous anthem about a stick-up that marries the whole “put your hands in the air” vibe of a concert but can easily be used in more sinister terms.
28. “Downtown Swinga 98”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“Hot slugs be twisting you — it’s traditional” — Lil’ Fame
The third instalment of the trilogy, 1998’s offering may have the same hook from 96 but I prefer the beat here. There’s that classic dramatic Premier production and an M.O.P. track with their own vocals scratched in is proof that nobody sounds better in the hands of a DJ. Alert listeners will recognize Fame’s line (“fuck them cassettes I don’t plan on dying no time soon“) referencing the first Downtown Swinga where he said he wished to be buried with a cassette of “Paid in Full”.
27. “4 Alarm Blaze”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Teflon & Jay-Z
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“With all intentions of droppin’ a body
I’m usually nervous so I’m flinchin’ when I enter the party” — Billy Danze
Utilizing the instantly recognizable “Eye of the Tiger” sample, M.O.P. were joined by Brooklyn comrades Teflon and Jay-Z, the latter just a few months away from the huge “Hard Knock Life” single that made Jay a household name ever since. “4 Alarm Blaze” is the perfect fit for Billy and Fame, considering the 1982 original is already synonymous with boxing arenas worldwide, and the filthy video only added to the riotous feel.
26. “Big Boy Game”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. 50 Cent
Mixtape: J-Love’s Underground Legends Vol. 5 (2007)
“JESUS! Here come them god-damn dudes STILL!
Grimy STILL! Gutter STILL! Ghetto and STILL! RUDE!” — Billy Danze
50 Cent may have built his career around beef, hit club singles and his unmatched street reputation (having been shot 9 times), but his greatest asset was often his knack for writing a killer hook. Nottz dropped a monster with foot-stomping horns that define many of the Posse’s best tracks. Billy’s stop-start adlib work here is some of the best you’ll hear, while Fame mentions there are no hard feelings between him, Jay and Damon Dash. There’s also a remix version of “Big Boy Game” that includes a Busta Rhymes verse, which is difficult to find.
25. “Bang Time”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Styles P
Album: Foundation (2009)
“We’ll shoot this bitch up like cowboys and Indians”
DJ Green Lantern was on some shit when he laced “Bang Time”. Their most literal record in a sense, M.O.P. are joined by The LOX’s Styles P for the audio equivalent of a machine-gun letting off a bunch of clips. An album cut from 2009’s “Foundation”, it now features as one of the highlights in their live show thanks to Billy’s relentless hook that just cries out for a moshpit.
24. “World Famous”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“It’s the World Famous, Firing Squad
Is Home Team in the motherfuckin’ house? NO QUESTION” — Billy Danze & Lil Fame
While the Roberta Black/Donny Hathaway sample was also used six years later on Scarface’s “My Block”, this iconic moment from 1996’s “Firing Squad” is special in its own way. After their breakthrough single “How About Some Hardcore?” put them on the map, “World Famous” ensured you knew Billy and Fame weren’t going anywhere. Jaz-O injected lethal doses of bass into an instant anthem and it has all the familiar synonyms (Firing Squad, Downtown Swingas, Home Team etc.) you need to understand what M.O.P. stand for.
23. “Let It Go”
Artist: Cormega feat. M.O.P.
Album: Legal Hustle (2004)
“You’re the type of n**** to talk about how gully you are
And then put on a seatbelt when you hop inside of your car” — Lil Fame
Cormega’s conversational style could easily be overwhelmed by M.O.P. but they somehow combine effectively on this oddity from 2004’s “Legal Hustle” CD. This isn’t the type of beat ‘Mega would usually rap to, so you know it was custom-made for First Family. The video possesses cel-shaded animation that captures the feel of the swinging head nod that Emile’s beat evokes but it once again demonstrates how the Brooklyn duo dominates and makes it their track, featuring Cormega.
22. “G Building”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I figured it out [WHAT’S THAT?!] they don’t want us to shine
You lost your mind if you think I tossed my iron” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. always had a goofy sense of humour and the hummable beat on “G Building” sets off the aural onslaught that is their fourth album “Warriorz” in a darkly comical manner. But whilst Fame delivers cartoonish rhymes about writing his name on your belly with bullets before scraping your cantaloupe off of the pavement, Billy plays it straight so you’re never sure if they truly mean each and every word.
21. “Face Off”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“I’m a mess with stress, though I present it with finesse
Sometimes I feel as if my heart is coming out of my chest” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. aren’t exactly two different sides of the same coin, but “Face Off” demonstrates how to get the best of out Billy’s passionate delivery and Fame’s overlooked ability to ride a beat. Effectively two songs in one, DJ Premier lures you in with the sluggish starter as Billy opens up on how his life has taken a toll on his body. It’s the internal struggles, neatly complemented by Fame’s braggadocious (external) front that have helped him survive. But when that second beat drops? Good Lord. It’s further proof why Premier is the greatest of all time.
20. “Fly N**** Hill Figga”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: First Family 4 Life (1998)
“I’m not a gangster and I won’t lie
I’ve always been afraid to die” — Billy Danze
Not even the most ardent Trump supporter hurls N-bombs as passionately as Billy Danze does on this vicious assault on the senses. It’s the best track on their third LP and you can hear the growth from their work on “Firing Squad” to their 2000 classic “Warriorz”. We’ve moved from head-nodding to head-banging hip hop. The song itself is nothing spectacular but the energy expressed on this track marks it as one of M.O.P.’s best performances.
19. “Salute a G”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Foundation (2009)
“Cross me? COME ON, follow through with your schemes,
I’ll open you motherfuckers up at the seams FIYAAAAAHHHH” — Billy Danze
Not many artists craft hip hop these days that’s made for the live show. This underrated gem from 2009’s (also underrated) album “Foundation” does just that by channelling the likes of the “Macarena”, instructing fans to manoeuvre their hands into a salute signal. Atop a fun, unconventional beat the duo do what they do best and create a song you’ll be tapping your toe to and chanting “Salute a G when you see one!” by the time the three minutes are up.
18. “No Mercy”
Artist: Pharoahe Monch feat. M.O.P.
Album: Internal Affairs (1999)
“What you wan’ cry fo’?
You know that my hammer is heavy and it’s got kick like Taekwondo?” — Lil’ Fame
If “Ante Up” was 2000’s heaviest club anthem, then Pharoahe Monch’s “Simon Says” was easily 1999’s. It would take something special to approach the energy of that song, and M.O.P. join Pharoahe fucking Monch on “No Mercy” for a track possessing tension, a perfect hook, and most notably, a faster BPM than M.O.P. are usually accustomed to. And you know what? They absolutely smash it. It’s pure adrenaline blessed with plenty of memorable lines, whether it’s Pharoahe’s obscene mastery of the English language or Billy Danze admitting to having a homicide fetish and you need to DEAL WITH IT MOTHERFUCKER. It’s chaotic brilliance.
17. “Bad Boy 4 Life (Remix)”
Artist: P. Diddy feat. M.O.P. & Busta Rhymes
Album: We Invented the Remix (2002)
“AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH! Sound the alarm
It’s the First Family and we came to drop bombs BOOM NAPALM!” — Billy Danze
M.O.P. and Busta Rhymes on the remix to ANYTHING is going to be a problem. This savage revision of Diddy’s hit single “Bad Boy 4 Life” is remixed in a way that feels like the beat has been bent out of shape by the emcees involved, which is what a remix should be. The star of the show is Busta with one of the best verses he’s ever recorded — just the line “I’m like a pickup truck with broken concrete in the back” is the perfect analogy for a track with M.O.P.. Tucked away on an album that included R&B remixes meant this track was overlooked at the time but by God, it’s aged wonderfully and the influence of M.O.P. runs throughout.
16. “New Jack City”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Firing Squad (1996)
“I’m a basket-case, don’t make me bash ya face
[You’re shittin’!] I’m Sittin’ on Chrome like Masta Ace” — Lil’ Fame
Taking its name from the Wesley Snipes movie, “New Jack City” is a similarly ominous look at New York’s underworld. DJ Premier crafts the perfect backdrop for Billy and Fame to throw down morbid reality rap in the darkest alleys of Brownsville. The vitriol in Billy Danze’s voice and pain coming through his rhymes are something else, capturing the desperation of a family that robs just to put food on the table. It’s now a classic hip hop single but when listened to properly, there are some hard-hitting statements here.
15. “Opium”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“I don’t give a fuck, I got the money and the power
See you ain’t like me Money, you a coward” — Lil Fame
Good Lord! Hard drums often define the best beats and The Snowgoons blessed us with “Opium”, a beat so good that the hook is just Billy Danze stating the word ‘opium’. 2011’s “Sparta” is an intense record, drenched in cinematic violence, and “Opium” is one of the more precise cuts with a foot-stomp/hand-clap vibe all the best mood-changing tracks are blessed with. If M.O.P.’s music is a drug, it’s more likely to be cocaine than opium, but I wouldn’t be surprised if opium was necessary after this recording session.
14. “Cold As Ice”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“Niggas thought M.O.P. stand for mop and shit…” — Fame
As if manners mattered, Fame starts his first 8 bars with “Pardon me…”. Censored to the point that the radio edit is missing half of the lyrics, “Cold As Ice” capped off a period in New York where an obvious sample ensured mainstream appeal. Jay-Z did gangbusters with “Hard Knock Life” so it wasn’t long before sped-up samples became the norm, yet Foreigner’s “Cold As Ice” was transformed from a dramatic 80s pop anthem into a brash call to prospective murderers. This song was huge and their most popular single in the UK.
13. “Bloody Murdah”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Marxmen Cinema (2004)
“I’ll throw a cocktail in your house while you’re playing karaoke” — Lil Fame
Not one of Premier’s finest beats, in fact, some may feel it’s one of his worst. Yet, the sheer talent of M.O.P. turns sparse drums and the most basic of melodies into a brooding, shamelessly ignorant way of increasing your heart rate. These guys could rhyme to a metronome and the energy would still be fantastic. The best version is probably the mixed one on DJ Premier’s “Rare Play Vol. 1”.
12. “How About Some Hardcore?”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: To The Death (1994)
“Go get your motherfucking hammer!
And act like you want drama, I’ll send a message to yo’ mama” — Billy Danze
Released back in 1993, the rallying call of “How About Some Hardcore?” was perfectly timed. Wu-Tang Clan found success with their debut LP “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”, as did the Jam Master Jay-backed Onyx with “Bacdafucup”. New York was about to get grimier, and the debut of M.O.P. came at the perfect time. While their first album, “To the Death”, may not have aged as well as some of its contemporaries (or the duo’s later work), “How About Some Hardcore?” sold the very idea of M.O.P. to many and kicked their legendary career off in the best way possible.
11. “Cold World”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Handle Ur Bizness EP (1998)
“We’re gon’ put this bullshit to a cease, hollering about peace?
You’re in the belly of the FUCKING BEAST” — Billy Danze
Billy Danze regularly raps in a hyper-aggressive manner, so when he turns it up to ULTRA PISSED OFF levels, you know you’re in for something special. Yet this isn’t superficial aggression, it’s full of pain and anguish. “Cold World” is a bleak track, and boasts a classic performance from Billy Danze as he drops impassioned gems like “Ever since I laid my mother to rest, I’ve been blessed with this cold ass heart”. Amongst all the testosterone, this is a rare glimpse into their more vulnerable side and it’s powerful stuff.
10. “Ante Up (Remix)”
Artist: M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes, Remy Martin, Teflon
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“It’s the perfect timing, you see the man shining?
Go and get them God-damn diamonds! — Billy Danze
The only thing stopping this being perfect is knowing Prodigy did a verse but Billy didn’t want to get involved in the Nas vs. Jay-Z beef that was happening at the time. Instead we’re treated to the perfectly serviceable Teflon and an ear-splitting verse from Remy Martin. The highlight is inevitably Busta Rhymes’ memorable performance, not just in the song itself, but the video too. Any remix Busta appeared on at the turn of the millennium ignited fire in his belly and “Ante Up (Remix)” stands out as one of the examples where the wordier, less accessible version blows up on the radio instead of the original. A bonified hip hop classic.
9. “Get Yours”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Sparta (2011)
“The pallbearers of hip-hop
We carry y’all wack ass off and bury y’all
This is real heavy y’all!” — Lil Fame
That live performance on Sway in the Morning ensures “Get Yours” sticks long in the memory. Plodding, sinister instrumental and one of their best back-and-forth hooks lends this overlooked track a timeless feel. As far as Snowgoons beats go, this is barebones, yet that’s often where Billy and Fame work best. The fact the hook flirts with drinking in the club is wild itself, something only M.O.P. could pull off whilst spending their verses punching out teeth and murdering anyone in their way.
8. “U Don’t Know (Remix)”
Artist: Jay-Z feat. M.O.P.
Album: The Blueprint 2 (2002)
“I’m still runnin’ with cats that rob
From the era of XL80s and hatchback Saabs” — Lil Fame
The original “U Don’t Know” elevated Just Blaze and provided Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” album with one of its best tracks, stacked with quotable lines. This remix was released at the peak of Roc-A-Fella’s reign, hyping fans for an M.O.P. record potentially produced by heavyweight names like The Heatmakerz, Kanye West and Just Blaze himself. Unfortunately, this never quite materialized, but the best thing about “The Blueprint 2” (aside from Rakim on “The Watcher 2”) is this monstrous revision that is a little bit higher pitched and the bass is slightly heavier. The energy leaves the room as soon as Jay starts rapping, showing once again just how dominant an M.O.P. appearance can be, for better or worse.
7. “Follow Instructions”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“It’s the firing squad! YO! YO! YO!
First FamiLAAAYYY for the TWO OH OH OHHHHH” — Lil Fame
M.O.P. have had brilliant hooks throughout their career, yet few feel as perfectly formed as the “MOVE, BOUNCE” demands of “Follow Instructions”. The DJ Premier instrumental would plod in the wrong hands, but Billy and Fame grab it by the throat and squeeze every ounce of bounce from it, demonstrating further how their music often works best in a live environment. If “Ante Up” is their frenzied mosh pit at the end of the night, this is the rowdy prelude that gets the fists warmed up nicely.
6. “What the F***”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Ghetto Warfare (2006)
“Why the fuck are you fucking with me?
Don’t you know I’m suffering from a disease
Called LeaveMeTheFuckAlone
The only way to cure it is to LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE” — Lil Fame
It’s no secret that cursing is a key part of M.O.P.’s arsenal but the MoPee boys make it an art form on this wild Premier collaboration. The beat is an oddity; stuttering and minimal; yet “What the Fuck” ends up becoming one of Billy and Fame’s best performances. The verses are simply ridiculous as if multiple lines of cocaine were ingested before they quite literally jumped into the recording booth. It’s fucking majestic.
5. “Downtown Swinga ’94”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: N/A
“When I die, make sure you bury me with a cassette of Paid In Full” — Lil Fame
Of all their early work, the original “Downtown Swinga” stands out the most. Their first collaboration with DJ Premier isn’t too far removed from Black Moon’s classic “Shit Iz Real” and sees Billy and Fame showing how Das EFX influenced every emcee by 1994. But this was a B-side from a DJ Premier remix of 1994’s “Rugged Neva Smoove” and showed that no matter where the Brownsvillains popped up, they turned in a memorable performance.
4. “Stand Clear”
Artist: Adam F. feat. M.O.P.
Album: Kaos (2001)
“I bring the hardcore for the suckers that got war
And the thugs in the street screaming YEAH WE LIKE IT RAW” — Lil Fame
Adam F’s foray into hip hop was an interesting time. The drum and bass producer knew how to hype crowds so his “Kaos” project in 2001 mostly succeeded, thanks to superstar rappers being handed cinematic, blockbusting production. The single “Stand Clear” remains one of M.O.P.’s best songs as it had every ingredient spot-on: the stomping horns, crashing snares and piano stabs all aided by an unusually long build-up (harking to Adam’s roots). As soon as it drops though, it’s carnage throughout.
3. “1/2 & 1/2”
Artist: Gang Starr feat. M.O.P.
Album: Blade OST (1999)
“I’ma take the competition with me, Lord forgive me
But a whole bunch, of blood-sucking punks, is out to get me” — Guru
While associated with the Wesley Snipes action-horror vehicle “Blade”, “1/2 & 1/2” is not just one of the best M.O.P. tracks but also one of the best Gang Starr ones. It’s Premier coming off of ‘98’s classic “Moment of Truth” — 1999 was also the year we were blessed with “Nas Is Like”, “Full Clip” and “So Ghetto”. And Billy and Fame take the military theme to the extreme as Prodigy cites “there’s a war going on outside” — it’s destructive in a beautiful way and at least the frequent references to “blood-suckers” is in line with the movie it’s promoted with.
2. “Calm Down”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz LP (2000)
“You’re f***ing with the original Backstreet Boys” — Billy Danze
One of the more unconventional songs in their repertoire, “Calm Down” is an example of the incredible chemistry the duo possesses that I don’t think any other in hip-hop history can demonstrate. Their adlibs are infamous, their lyrics unexpectedly poignant (“Stuck on the streets like car tyres”) and the hilarious imagery of Fame ripping the Cross off of John Paul III. I mean, the fact that the track is called “Calm Down” is rich, given both emcees are in full-on Super Saiyan mode on top of a smooth-ass beat made by Fame himself. It’s predictably raucous in a way only M.O.P. can deliver.
1. “On The Front Line”
Artist: M.O.P.
Album: Warriorz (2000)
“Didn’t them n****s warn ya BAM (BUKA BUKA) BAM
(BUKA BUKA BUKA BUKA) Get the fuck up off the corner!” — Lil’ Fame
The quintessential DJ Premier collaboration and a primary reason why many are eagerly anticipating any news on the long-awaited full-length. Concise, and sinister, and both emcees are at their peak, fitting in the beat's pocket perfectly. While many of M.O.P.’s more vicious crowd-pleasers may stick out on a playlist or DJ mix, “On the Front Line” caters to the hardcore, the old heads, and would push you further in any gym session. It’s the high point of their best album and for me, their best track.
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