Just wanted to take a quick to tell you about my the songs that have inspired me the most as a musician, and undoubtedly had some sort of direct or subconscious effect on my writing. In no particular order, here goes:

1): Bob Marley – Redemption Song

Timeless track, one of the best songs ever written in my opinion. Powerful emotionally delivered words with a universal meaning, sends shivers up my spine.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

2: Dream Team – Good Rhymes

This is where the journey all began for me! No exaggeration I was 100% addicted to this track and it was the first tune I heard that made me wanna rap. I knew every lyric word for word, and soon became obsessed with UK Garage.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

3: Notorious B.I.G – Juicy

It’s a cliche but undoubtedly Biggie Smalls aka Notorious BIG was one of the biggest influenced for me and thousands of other rappers all over the world. I love everything about this track, the beat, the chorus, and his nostalgic words.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

4: Bob Dylan – Changing of the guards

This track was real eye (or ear) opener for me in terms of lyrics. The powerful metaphors, the imagery, I’d never heard anything like it before.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

5: Nas – The Message

‘I never sleep cos sleep is the cousin of death’ This track samples one of Sting’s guitar loops, and Nas’ gritty story telling of shoot outs, robbery’s and get away’s take you to another place and make you feel like you’re actually there. The Message is one of my all-time favorite hip hop tunes

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

6: Eminem – Stan

Eminem at his best, this track is in it’s own league.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

7: Busta Rhymes – Gimme Some More

Buster Rhymes the original master of ‘double-time’ rap. The rapid delivery and sharp syllable patterns really stuck in my brain. The video was pretty nuts as well!

8: immortal Technique – You Never Know

I actually posted the video of this track on my blog a few weeks ago. One of the most moving stories I’ve ever heard on track

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

9: Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under The Bridge

Simple yet effective lyrics, amazing and memorable melodies. This tune is an all time classic

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

10: Sage Francis – Makeshift Patriot

I was introduced to Sage Francis by my brother, the guy is a lyrical genius and this is one of his earliest tracks about 9/11.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

These are not necessarily my top 10 favorite track of all time, but the ones that had the most influence on my music. What are your top 10 favorite or most influential tracks?