The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time: Marley Marl, 'The Symphony'

The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time

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Marley Marl, 'The Symphony'

David Corio/Redferns

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In Control, Volume 1, 1988

Wizardly producer Marley Marl dials up a beat for the ages – a ferocious drum break and Otis Redding piano loop – and summons the cream of his Juice Crew affiliates. The result is the first truly great posse cut. Sharpest couplet: Kool G Rap ("Making veterans run for medicine/'Cause I put out more lights in a fight than Con Edison"). MVP: Marley Marl.