Method Man, Joey Bada$$ and More Talk New York City Get Up Anthems

Walaa Elsiddig
·7 min read

Few songs withstand time, distinguished by their infectious beats, experimental sounds, poignant lyrics or enduring appeal, rendering them as classics. In partnership with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we’re on an exploration to roundup the top Get Up Anthems over this next year from these six cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Guided by curated panels, we delve deep into each city’s sonic history, spotlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation and celebrate the power music has to inspire listeners to get up and chase their passions, in the spirit of perseverance.

The Get Up Anthems from New York were crafted through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analytics, social impact and personal sentiment, to create a stimulating conversation of the songs which inspired, captivated, and energized the city. In a historical dive from 1973 to present day, the city’s playlist [click HERE to play] features hometown hits that are synonymous with the city’s rich history and culture. 

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Amidst the lively whirl of 5th Avenue, where the city’s heartbeat pulses through its bustling streets and perpetual traffic, a hidden enclave of artistic fervor thrives. In a secluded studio nestled in the heart of New York City, Method Man and Joey Bada$$ converged with Billboard editor, Carl Lamarre to celebrate the city’s unmatched musical heritage. As the conversation unfolded over Tres Generaciones Tequila’s signature serve for New York City: The Trespresso Martini, Rocsi Diaz expertly navigated the fervent conversation over some of the city’s most iconic anthems.

Take a look some of the discussed Get Up Anthems for New York City:

“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” – Busta Rhymes (1997)

Produced by Shamello and Buddah, the beat is characterized by its sparse, hypnotic production, using subtle basslines and percussion rather than the bombastic sound typical of Busta’s earlier work. It was a stylistic departure, drawing inspiration from African rhythms and early funk influences, which complemented Busta’s smooth, almost whisper-like delivery. This shift in sound helped the track stand out on When Disaster Strikes and became a signature song in New York’s late ’90s club scene.

“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” – Jay-Z (1998)

Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” is a brilliant fusion of Broadway and hip-hop that transformed the genre in 1998. Featured on the rapper’s third studio album, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, and produced by The 45 King, the song ingeniously samples “It’s the Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie. Jay-Z’s sharp lyricism, detailing the trials and tribulations of street life, struck a chord with a wide audience, propelling the track to No. 15 on the Hot 100. This song not only expanded Jay-Z’s reach but also showcased his knack for innovative sampling and storytelling.

“I’ll Be There For You/ You’re All I Need to Get By” – Method Man feat. Mary J. Blige (1995)

“I’ll Be There For You/ You’re All I Need to Get By” is a timeless collaboration between Method Man and Mary J. Blige, released in 1995. Featured on Method Man’s debut album, Tical, this track, produced by RZA, Puffy, and Trackmasters, seamlessly blends hip-hop and R&B, sampling the classic Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet. The chemistry between Method Man’s gritty verses and Mary J. Blige’s soulful chorus created a magic that earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, making it a beloved 90s classic.

“N.Y. State of Mind” – Nas (1994)

Nas’s “N.Y. State of Mind” from his landmark debut album, Illmatic, released in 1994, is a gritty, cinematic portrayal of life in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, the track features a haunting piano loop and Nas’s razor-sharp lyricism, painting vivid pictures of urban struggle and resilience. Although not released as a single, “N.Y. State of Mind” is hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, showcasing Nas’s storytelling prowess and the raw, unfiltered essence of the streets.

“Quiet Storm (Remix) – Mobb Deep feat. Lil Kim (1999)

The original “Quiet Storm” was produced by Havoc, one half of Mobb Deep, known for crafting dark, brooding beats with atmospheric tension, a hallmark of East Coast hardcore rap. The remix, featuring Lil’ Kim, brought new life to the song, adding her fierce delivery and solidifying her as a key figure in New York’s rap scene. The production, with its haunting loop, matched the raw street narratives that defined Mobb Deep’s Murda Muzik album, becoming a favorite in NYC radio and clubs.

“Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” – Cardi B (2017)

Produced by J. White Did It, the beat of “Bodak Yellow” was built around heavy 808s and a menacing piano riff, providing a hard-hitting, bass-heavy sound that matched Cardi B’s aggressive flow. The track was created while Cardi was still an emerging artist in the Bronx, and its minimalist, trap-style production echoed the sound of Southern hip-hop, which was dominating the charts at the time. “Bodak Yellow” became a historic hit, catapulting her from local fame to global stardom, marking a major moment in the city’s rap comeback.

“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” – DMX (1998)

“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” is an adrenaline-fueled rallying cry from DMX’s 1998 debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot. Produced by Swizz Beatz, the track’s aggressive beat and DMX’s ferocious delivery captured the raw energy of the streets, making it an instant hit. Landing at No. 94 during its original rollout, the anthem re-entered the Hot 100 in 2021 following DMX’s untimely passing, reaching No. 16. This track remains a testament to DMX’s explosive talent and enduring influence in the genre.

“C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)” – Wu-Tang Clan (1993)

A cornerstone of hip-hop, “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)” by Wu-Tang Clan is an indelible part of their groundbreaking 1993 album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Produced by the genius of RZA, this track’s minimalist yet haunting piano riff underscores Raekwon and Inspectah Deck’s penetrating verses. The song’s exploration of economic struggle and ambition resonated with countless listeners, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered ethos of Wu-Tang Clan and the reality of street life.

“Still Not a Player” – Big Pun feat. Joe (1998)

Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” featuring Joe, is a quintessential late 90s hip-hop hit that radiates smooth charisma and undeniable swagger. Released in 1998 as part of his debut album, Capital Punishment, this track, produced by Knobody and Dahoud Darien, is a masterful blend of hardcore rap and R&B. Sampling Brenda Russell’s “A Little Bit of Love,” the song’s irresistible groove and Pun’s clever wordplay captivated audiences, propelling it to No. 24 on the Hot 100. This track is a testament to Big Pun’s larger-than-life persona and his extraordinary lyrical talent.

“Dior” – Pop Smoke (2019)

Features a signature dark, foreboding drill beat with pulsating 808s and a minimalist piano loop, the 2019 record, produced byUK drill producer 808Melo, set the tone for Pop Smoke’s deep, gruff vocals. This production style was instrumental in introducing the Brooklyn drill sound, heavily influenced by UK drill music, to a wider American audience. The track’s success played a pivotal role in popularizing drill music beyond New York and was a key track on Meet the Woo and Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon.

“Paid In Full” – Eric B. & Rakim (1987)

The title track from Paid in Full revolutionized hip-hop production by pioneering the use of sampling. Eric B. sampled “Ashley’s Roachclip” by The Soul Searchers, adding a prominent bassline and minimalist percussion. Rakim’s smooth, complex lyricism was groundbreaking, moving away from the simpler rhymes of early rap and influencing a new generation of New York MCs. The song’s innovative production and lyrical sophistication helped establish the duo as legends in NYC’s golden age of hip-hop.

“Hot Boy” – Bobby Shmurda (2014)

Exploding onto the scene in 2014, Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot Boy” (often stylized as “Hot N—a”) was a nuclear hit in the hip-hop world, and throughout Brooklyn’s streets. Featured on his debut EP, Shmurda She Wrote, the track, produced by Jahlil Beats, showcases Bobby’s electrifying delivery over a beat that’s both infectious and relentless. The song’s virality was propelled by the iconic “Shmoney Dance,” which took social media by storm. Peaking at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Hot Boy” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural phenomenon that marked Bobby Shmurda entry into the rap game.

“Lean Back” – Terror Squad feat. Fat Joe & Remy Ma (2004)

Produced by Scott Storch, the beat for “Lean Back” was built around a prominent Middle Eastern-inspired string melody and a heavy, slow-rolling bassline that made it instantly recognizable. Storch was known for blending hip-hop with cinematic, orchestral elements, and this track was no exception. The production’s simplicity and infectiousness helped it become a club anthem. Released on Terror Squad’s True Story album, the song’s success was pivotal in keeping New York on the hip-hop map during a time when Southern rap was dominating the charts.

Watch the full discussion HERE and recreate the cocktails that powered the conversation at home! And be sure to follow along on all content for the Get Up Anthems series HERE

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