Nate Dogg is the G.O.A.T. at writing hooks, right? Right. But still, there are a few other artists worth mentioning. Given that, here’s an ode to hip-hop’s best hook writers…
1. NATE DOGG
Nate Dogg (RIH) is the hook-writing god. His silky smooth vocals have become a thing of legend in Hip-Hop and for good reason. When you’re responsible for classic hooks on song’s like Regulate, or Xxplosive it would be disrespectful of any true rap fan to not place Nate at the top of their list. Case in point, if there were a hall of fame specifically for hook-writers, Nate would be first ballad, no debate!
Best Hook(s):
Warren G feat. Nate Dogg: Regulate
Eminem: Til I Collapse
Fabolous: Can’t Deny It
Ludacris: Area Codes
50 Cent: 21 Questions
Underrated Gem: Snoop Dogg — Boss Life
2. T-PAIN
We should all be glad that this Rappa Turnt Sanga (see what I did there?) — Because, ever since Teddy Pain’s debut in 2005 the hip-hop community has been blessed with a bevy of hits including Bartender, Buy You a Drank, N Luv Wit A Stripper etc. And, for better or worse, because of T-Pain, every rapper now uses auto-tune for their vocal performances.
Moreover, not only did T-pain scorch every hook he was featured on for the next 4–5 years, he literally changed the landscape of pop music; So much so that without T-Pain hip-hop as it exists in 2017 might not be the same; For better or for worse, T-Pain and his collection of auto-tuned classics get him the #2 spot on the list.
Best Hook(s):
T-Pain: Buy U A Drank
Plies: Shawty
Chris Brown: Kiss Kiss
Underrated Gem: I’m A Flirt (Really a verse — but it was flames)
3. PHARRELL
Pharrell is easily one of the best to ever do it; that much has been known already. But what’s truly incredible is his track record once you take a very close look at it. And while most of Skateboard P’s work gets attributed to his work with chad, he’s been on an incredible 2o year streak capped by his chart smashing single Happy which he did the hook for too!
Essentially, P is the perfect go to for a great hook no matter what the genre is. And while he isn’t necessarily the G.O.A.T. according to our list, he is certainly one of the greats.
Pharrell: Happy
Snoop Dogg: Beautiful
Ludacris: Money Maker
JAY-Z: Give It 2 Me
4. DRAKE
Drake has over 100 Billboard appearances and has even shattered records previously held by greats like Michael Jackson. Within the last 5 years Drake has quietly turned himself into one of the greatest hook-men of this generation. Whether it’s an R&B record, or a hip-hop record Drake’s versatility gives him an edge over his competitors in a way that transcends the boundaries of genre.
Aubrey’s a fool with the hooks man. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Think before you come for great one!
DJ Khaled: I’m On One
Timbaland: Say Something
Drake: Hotline Bling
Big Sean: Blessings
2 Chainz: No Lie
5. FUTURE
You can say what you want about Future’s lyrical ability, that’s debatable at times. But what’s not debatable is that he writes some damn good hooks! When Future first jumped onto the hip-hop scene he captivated audience’s with his unique cadences and the interesting texture of his voice. Between his ability to write incredible hooks & his engineer’s ability to succinctly communicate his creative vision there’s no debate as to Future Hendrix is talented. In fact, he’s one of the best rap’s ever seen.
Future: March Madness
Rocko: UOENO
Rihanna: Loveeeeee Song
Lil Wayne: Bitches Love Me
6. 50 CENT
Fans who aren’t well-versed in 50 Cent’s discography may be shocked by this choice, but let it be known that 50 has some very incredible hook’s in his catalogue. Lest we forget, a good amount of 50 Cent’s biggest records aren’t in need of outside forces to convey the songs most important part — Curtis does it by himself.
Between 50’s bravado, unique voice, and penchant for picking great beats he’s been able to craft a lane that few rappers can occupy; A hook man who can’t quite sing but makes no qualms about it. Instead 50 uses it to his advantage and outshines the competition in the process.
50 Cent: In Da Club
G-Unit: Teach You How To Stunt
The Game: Hate It or Love It
Lil Kim: Magic Stick
7. QUAVO
It’s usually not hard to single out a member from a group as the standout; However, this isn’t true with a group like the Migos where each member is actually an equal contributor to their overall greatness. Where one member has the hottest verse, another has the hot hook (sometimes unexpectedly). And the bond the Migos share musically becomes even more present given that they are literally family!
With that said, it’s not hard to notice that Quavo is a hook-writing prodigy. And, while Quavo handles the bulk of the hook-writing duties for the Migos he’s often the reason their music get stuck in your head (or at least in mine).
Migos: Versace, Handsome & Wealthy, Fight Night, T-Shirt, Slippery etc.
2 Chainz: Good Drank
THE HONORABLE MENTIONS
8. THE DREAM
Enough can’t be said about The Dream; He’s one of the most prolific, if THE most prolific songwriter of the 2000’s. Where does one begin with the list of hits he’s penned? And while Mr. Nash’s hit-list includes artists like JAY-Z & Beyonce’ it’s even more noteworthy to mention that Dream was able to parlay his behind the scenes work into a solo career with hit records featuring him as the lead artist.
One should cringe at the thought of what the music world would be like without the dream — After all, he’s penned some of really great records in the past and he exhibits no signs of slowing down.
The Dream: Falsetto, Shawty is a Ten, Walkin’ on The moon etc.
Underrated Gem: Pusha T: Exodus
9. AKON
Listen y’all… Akon makes the honorable mention list off of the strength of Soul Survivor. Honestly, that might be one of the greatest hooks in rap history & for as captivating as Jeezy’s raps were Akon stole the show — something he routinely does on tracks.
Jeezy: Soul Survivor
Akon: I Wanna Love You
DJ Khaled: Out Here Grindin’
That’s our list guys, hope you enjoyed! Let us know if you have any to add, and we can debate! Peace y’all.
— SnobHop