The Top 10 Most Popular Hip Hop Singles The Week Of 5/21/2012

Well, Memorial Day Weekend 2012 is upon us. This weekend marks the start of the Summer (not the season, but the state of mind). So people start heading to the beaches, getting vacation plans in order, and most importantly start to determine what will be the songs in their Summertime soundtrack. That being said, artists going into panic mode to fit that Summer rush. This list reflects that wild rush to the top. And what a rush it is. Lots of interesting stuff going on here this week. Take a look.

Lupe Fiasco Causes Controversy

Suffice to say: this week has had its fair share of controversy. To start, Lupe Fiasco drops “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free),” and it made the #1 spot. The song takes the same sample Pete Rock and CL Smooth used on the Hip Hop classic “T.R.O.Y. (They Reminisce Over You).” That sax sampled was recreated from an original by musician Tom Scott and forever remains in most Rap heads’ minds as the “T.R.O.Y.” sax. So of course, people weren’t too pleased with that, including the originator of the song, Pete Rock. All is right in the world now though, so no need to worry. Meanwhile, 50 Cent’s The Lost Tape brought tracks that came in at #4 (“Murder One” with Eminem) and #6 (“All His Love”), along with a Fat Joe super posse cut at #7.

Pusha T Causes Controversy

The second round of controversy came from Pusha T, who dropped the Drake diss track “Exodus (23:1)” that hit at #2. Drake is like a moving target most days of the week, and while it seemed like this beef was definitely brewing, it’s really come to a head. Then, Lil Wayne tweets about Pusha T in Drake’s honor, Kid Cudi tweets about Lil Wayne/Drake in Pusha T’s honor. The whole situation is just so…weird. Alas, it brought some listens in so somebody was paying attention. As for the rest of the list? Kendrick Lamar got the #3 spot with “War Is My Love,” then #5 was the Rick Ross / Meek Mill collab on “So Sophisticated.” Closing the list in order, Ludacris at #8 (“Jingalin”), Nas’ Cocaine 80s collab “Chain Glow” at #9, and 2 Chainz’s Drake-assisted “No Lie” at #10.