The history of a posse cut is quite simple. Dating back to the early foundations of rap/hip-hop (the late ’80s), posse cuts became a way for rappers to bring exposure to their friends or their posse. However, towards the early to mid-nineties, posse cuts began to be used as “All-Stars” to bring rappers from all avenues or locations who had respect for each other's skills on a single track. Posse cuts are also organized to bring recognition to well-respected artists or to deliver an important message in response to social issues for listeners.
Today I would like to share with MY top Posse Cuts of all time in no particular order. In this list, we will feature posse cuts from all levels and years of rap and hip-hop. For fairness, this list does not include any tracks from Wu-Tang Clan.
"Oldie"
Odd Future (2012)
Remember when OFWGKTA used to be a thing. I mean Odd Future is still a thing but from 2011 to 2015, Odd Future had a solid, cult-like following. The collective created a safe space for those who classified themselves as misfits, loners, weirdos, or outsiders. In 2012, Odd Future released “The OF Tape Vol. 2” which is their debut album and currently the only studio album by the group. Serving as the sequel to “The Odd Future Tape”, “The OF Tape 2” generally praised the style and artistry of breakout artists Tyler, The Creator, and Frank Ocean.
From this album, we received one of the most classic posse cuts of the early 2000s, “Oldie”. Oldie featured each member from Odd Future including, Jasper The Dolphin spit a 9 or 16 over a looped beat. The song became quite controversial after Frank Oceans' clever wordplay alluded to his sexuality causing fans to raise the question if Ocean admitted that he was straight or bisexual.
“Oldie” serves as a classic posse cut that has to be mentioned when discussing real MC work and creativity.
"Costa Rica"
Dreamville ft. Bas, JID, Mes, Buddy, Jace, LAFLARE, Ski Mask the Slump God, Smokepurpp and Guapdad 400 (2019)
How the hell do you fit nine artists on a song in under 5 minutes? You can ask J.Cole that question. In 2019 Dreamville surprised fans with ROD3 which, highlighted all of the newest talents on Dreamville but also integrated popular rappers that have hit the music scene.
The development of this posse cut wasn't planned the traditional way. According to Dreamville signee Bas, "Costa Rica was the track that included whoever was left in the studio during the sessions in Atlanta." I guess you could say that "Costa Rica" was made with divine timing. With healthy competition and camaraderie, each artist drove the posse cut to new creative levels without attempting to outshine one another. While listening, you can tell that high-quality thought was put into the verses, and partnerships were forged. "Costa Rica" is the heart of "Revenge Of The Dreamers 3".
0:00 Reese La Flare 0:30 Bas 0:48 GuapDad 4000 1:02 Retro Jace 1:19 Mez 1:35 GuapDad 4000 1:51 SmokePurpp 2:06 JID 2:22 GuapDad 4000 2:38 Buddy 2:53 Ski Mask The Slump God 3:18 GuapDad 4000
"Monster"
Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver (2010)
Dear Amber Rose, thank you for ending things with Kanye West and becoming his ultimate inspiration for the beautiful piece of work titled "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Without you, listeners would not have received an untouchable posse cut such as "Monster."
Who would have thought that Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver on a single track would blend so well? "Monster" by Kanye West ft. JayZ, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and, Bon Iver created a new realm of what it means to spit a hot sixteen. Amidst the rap veterans Ye and Jigga, Nicki held her own and was the flagrant standout of the posse. Infiltrating her competitors (Lil Kim) with lines "So let me get this straight wait I'm the rookie, But my features and my shows ten times your pay" we all knew shots were thrown and zero targets were missed.
"Affirmative Action"
Nas, AZ, Cormega, Foxy Brown (1996)
When mentioning real rap, your mind goes to the greatest MC's that come from New York. Of course, when you narrow that down, a Queensbridge artist named Nas may come to mind. In the 90s, it was common for a recognized MC to create an affiliate or group. In this instance, Nas had The Firm. The Firm was a hip-hop supergroup composed of east coast rappers Nas, Foxy Brown (interesting), AZ, Cormega and, Nature.
"It Was Written" was the groups' first and only debut album. From that album, listeners received the mafioso style track "Affirmative Action". Foxy Brown murders the track with no holds bar against her male counterparts. "It Was Written" as a posse cut encompasses the true from a gritty, hardcore rap.
"Throw Your Hands In The Air"
Cypress Hill, Redman, Mc Eiht, Erick Sermon (1996)
Multi-platinum hip-hop group Cypress Hill teamed up with Mc Eiht, Erick Sermon and Redman to bring us “Throw Your Hands in The Air." Cypress Landing is noted as being a group that brings a cartoonish style approach to violence. By providing distinct vocal rapping styles such as B-Reals’ nasally voice and Sen Dogs’ deep and violent voice, "Throw Your Hands In The Air" was the perfect mesh of dynamic rap.
Erick Sermon, Redman, and even Mc Eiht fit seamlessly in the song. Their flows ride the beat effortlessly. The track was one of many popular singles performed by Cypress Hill including, 'Insane in the Membrane.'
"Scenario"
A Tribe Called Quest ft. Leaders of the New School (1992)
This mention of top posse cuts is self-explanatory. A Tribe Called Quest and Leaders the New School all on one track!? Matt Cibula of Pop Matters called “Scenario” one of hip-hops best posse cuts of all time. The song is also most commonly known for the launch of breakout artist Busta Rhymes music career.
With deep bass and drums that interpolate with the multiple samples included on the track, “Scenario” sets the standard for what real collaboration in hip hop looks like.
"Distance"
Beast Coast (2019)
The song that inspired this write up.
When Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, Nyck Caution, Issa Gold and, Powers Pleasent announced that they were resurging a new east coast, hip-hop collective named "Beast Coast" it further deepened my fandom and appreciation for Flatbush Zombies mission to continue the creation of "real hip-hop".
"Distance" serves as my favorite song off of "Beast Coast" the album but the project in its entirety serves as the best revival of posse cuts since the Odd Future days. Relying on heavy booms, baps, and 808s', "Beast Coast" and "Distance" is the perfect choice of MC's to utilize and perpetuate quality hip hop.
Sidenote: Joey Bada$$ is ahead of his time.
"Touch It"
Busta Rhymes, Lloyd Banks, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, Rah Digga, DMX, Papoose (2005)
I can't remember a time in hip-hop where a song had several remixes until “Touch It” by Busta Rhymes came out in 2005. “Touch It” was a primetime posse cut featuring the heavy hitters of the rap and hip-hop industry. From Mary J. Blige to Papoose, it fit to have nine remixes and two extended plays. Let us not forget the multiple unofficial remixes that featured Neyo, Cassidy, and Eminem, to name a few.
Aside from the plethora of remixes, “Touch It” from Busta Rhymes 2005 album, “The Big Bang” went # 1 on the BET Top 25 countdown. The posse cut also transformed the careers of the featured artist specifically, Papoose.
"4,3,2,1"
LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, Canibus, Lost Boyz, Refugee Camp AllStars, Master P, DMX (1997)
While I was researching and comparing the posse cuts, I noticed that throughout the late ’90s early 2000s it was essential to have Redman and Method Man featured on a posse cut. Including the duo was the sprinkle of Oregano on a sweet dish, the final touch.
“4,3,2,1” was featured on LL Cool J’s 1997 album, “Phenomenon.” This track was a display of the reigning rap stars' respect for the MC’s he believed in and had impeccable flows. From this track, however, created one of Hip-Hops longest withstanding beef; Canibus v.s LL.
Legend has it LL Cool J did not appreciate the lyrics Canibus spit on the cut, interpreting the lyrics as disrespectful. The act and the miscommunication would launch a battle that would last for over 15 years, with Canibus devoting entire album titles to Smith (LL).
Honorable Mentions
Bahamas x ASAP MOB
"Buddy" x Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Moni Love and, Queen Latifah
"Mercy" x Kanye West ft. Big Sean, 2 Chainz
"Christian Dior Denim Flow" x Kanye West ft. Ryan Leslie, Kid Cudi, Lloyd Banks, Pusha T, John Legend
"On Some Other Shit" x Black Hippy
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