Throwback Thursday: "You Came Up" -- Big Pun ft. Noreaga

There's no denying Pun's first LP, Capitol Punishment, was a classic. Just about every beat was on point, and perfectly showcased his smooth-but-rapid flow and effortless lyricism. People forget, though, that Pun's sense of humor was just as big as his talent, and went a long way to him becoming an instant success. And this video—though it doesn't synch up with the song's lyrics (a pet peeve of mine)—brings out a bit more of his charismatic jokester side.

Throwback Thursday: "Break Ups 2 Make Ups" -- Method Man ft. D'Angelo

Raise your hand if you have a crazy ex-girlfriend? Yup. Some of y'all have both hands raised. Let's let Meth and D speak on it for a few minutes...

Throwback Thursday: "The Actual" -- All City

If you're wondering where All City went, don't bother asking me; I don't know either. In fact, I'd completely forgotten about them until TJ suggested this track for a Throwback post.

Throwback Thursday: "Dear Mama" -- 2pac

Those close to me know that my mother has endured some major health issues over the last few weeks. It's been a stressful time, but I'm holding onto a cautiously-optimistic outlook. I want to dedicate this week's throwback to the woman who gave me everything I have in this world, and to remind her that I love her, and that she is appreciated.

Throwback Thursday: "Respiration" -- Blackstar ft. Common

Escuchela...la ciudad respirando...

Throwback Thursday: "The Theme (It's Party Time)" -- Tracey Lee

Just feels appropriate, with Mardi Gras kicking into gear in Nawlins.

Throwback Thursday: "Paparazzi" -- Xzibit

I'm still a little mad that I never got a chance to spit over this instrumental on my crew's mixtape. One of the all-time most slept-on joints right here.

Throwback Thursday: "Ms. Fat Booty" -- Mos Def

"Ass so fat that you can see it from the FRONT"

I'm still looking for this chick. Ironic part about that line above is, about a month before this album was released, my boy E said the very same thing about a girl in the mall. It's like Mos was listening in on our convo. (#ICare)

Throwback Thursday: "All Falls Down" -- Kanye West

Still a great track from Ye's first album, but I'll be honest: my real reason for choosing this video was the chance to put Stacey Dash on the page again. I'd post her up everyday if I could (...yup).

Throwback Thursday: "I Know What You Want" -- Busta Rhymes ft. Flipmode Squad & Mariah Carey

Sound quality on this one ain't so great, but you get what you pay for... This was a lowkey (despite the obvious commercial appeal) track, definitely something good for bumping on the way to the club or bar. Mariah was still looking fierce back then (2003), but she looks plain as hell next to the object of Busta's video-vixen desire (Lashontae Heckard, looking like straight fire).

I've got to give the production team some props for making a video that's cinematic without being overwrought (*cough*Diddy*cough*), even if it doesn't jive completely with the track's subject matter.

Throwback Thursday: "Nuff Respect" -- Big Daddy Kane

'92 was a hell of a year. Juice is still one of my all-time favorite flicks.

Throwback Thursday: "Microphone Fiend" -- Eric B. & Rakim

Fuck yes.

Throwback Thursday: "Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up)" -- Jay-Z ft. Beanie Sigel & Amil

Hope all of you are ready to get it on Saturday night.

Throwback Thursday: "Into You" Fabolous ft. Tamia

"I'll outshine you on tracks, like Tamia did Ashanti..."

I was a fan of this track when I first copped the Street Dreams CD. But then the single dropped, and two things happened: (1.) Tamia did the damn thang and successfully reclaimed the track from Ashanti; and (2.) I fell in love with Tamia all over again. This was definitely a beach track that summer (2003), which makes it fitting that Fab took the video in that direction as well.

Throwback Thursday: "Ready or Not" -- The Fugees

Their first album is still a classic. I don't think any other group has ever burned as bright for as little time (as a combined act) as the Fugees. Lauryn Hill found success with her first solo album (though quickly faded away after that), and Wyclef has had some staying power. Pras... Well, at least Lauren and Clef did their thing (in more ways than one).

Throwback Thursday: "Two Words" -- Kanye West ft. Mos Def, Freeway, & The Harlem Boys Choir

"A-yo, Two words, Chi-Town, South Side/
cuz I, rep that, 'til I, fuckin die"

Throwback Thursday: "Down 4 U" -- Ja Rule ft. Vita, Charli Baltimore, & Ashanti

I know, I know, I know... Ja Rule and his series of R&B-esque hip-hop ballads are an easy target, one I've fired shots at in the past. But I'm going to give this one a pass...at least for now. This was a prime track for several reasons:

(1.) The laid back beat is a nice change-up pitch, and allows the track to waft over you like a cool ocean breeze.
(2.) A beach-themed video filled with video vixens and aspiring models in bikinis is always a #win.
(3.) Vita's entrance kills. And ever since her scene in Belly...well, there's been a special place in my heart for her.
(4.) Charli Baltimore's whole verse kills.
(5.) Ashanti is just ridiculous, from eyes to thighs.

Throwback Thursday: "Nuttin' But Love" -- Heavy D

Got nothin but love for ya, Heavy. RIP.

Throwback Thursday: "I'll Be Around" -- Rappin 4-Tay

A little Bay love on this Thursday afternoon. I still prefer the original Spinners track, but 4-Tay held it down too.

Throwback Thursday: "Loungin (Who Do Ya Luv?)" LL Cool J ft. Total

People tend to forget about this banger, since it was near the end of both LL and Total's runs as consistent producers of hot tracks. But the slick Trackmasters production, coupled with simple but effective vocals from Total and some still-in-his-prime lyrics from LL make this a party track that still holds up 15 years after it was originally released. And you know Hershey's chocolate syrup was flying off the shelves after this video premiered.