STYLES P FEAT. PHAROAHE MONCH: THE LIFE (2002)

The amount of truly slamming hip-hop classics that have emerged since 2000 can be counted on one hand. But wow, this is one of them! Former Lox member Styles P gets philosophical over a mournful and spiritual vocal sample, with the sung hook contributed by Pharoahe Monch. I remember hearing this for the first time while driving to see 'Training Day' in London alongside my former colleague Kid Fury. We were so blown away we had to rewind it at least eight times and re-absorb. Pure goosebumps business all the way.