Michael Omoruan
A trending Twitter topic was recounting the best original songs made for a movie. SOHH, here are our favorites! These five classic songs are the best original tracks ever made for a motion picture.
A recent topic that went viral on Twitter was looking back at some of the best songs made specifically for movies. SOHH, here are the top five tunes from the squad that can also give you a burst of nostalgia:
DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It To Ya”
The late DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It To Ya,” was the lead single off the soundtrack for the 2003 action/thriller Cradle 2 The Grave. The bombastic and kinetic track is one of the late Mount Vernon native’s signature hits that captivates attention.
The song has been played in films long after Cradle 2 The Grave, including the 2016 meta-superhero movie Deadpool.
B2K’s “Badaboom”
B2K’s hit song, “Badaboom,” for the 2004 dance film You Got Served starring two of B2K’s members: Omarion and Marques Houston is another classic to remember. It doesn’t get more early 2000s than this; the boy band rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with this subtle, sweet bop.
The track featured Grammy-nominated Brooklynite Fabolous and remained on the Billboard list for four consecutive weeks.
Aaliyah’s “Try Again”
Aaliyah’s hit single for the 2000 action/thriller Romeo Must Die proves she was on the verge of a successful musical career. The late lyricist’s catchy lyrics match perfectly with Timbaland’s early use of electronic beats.
The track was ranked 14 on Billboard’s 100 Greatest Songs of 2000 and picked up two MTV Video Music Awards: “Best Female Video” and “Best Video From a Film.”
Beyoncé’s “He Still Loves Me”
Penned and sung by both Beyoncé and Walter Williams Sr. of the O’Jays, the
spiritual song was made for the 2003 musical comedy The Fighting Temptations. The stirring music accompanying the track and Queen Bey’s angelic vocals elevate the film beyond belief.
As it plays towards the film’s climax, it imbues the film with a sense of intimacy and purpose by reflecting the internal dialogue of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character Darrin.
Three 6 Mafia “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp”
Last but not least, in honor of the late Memphis rapper Gangsta Boo, Three 6 Mafia’s “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” was the sizzling hot theme song for the 2005 drama Hustle & Flow starring future Empire co-stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. The film is a modern-day underdog story of Howard’s DJay, a pimp who struggles to make ends meet and longs for a better life.
A chance encounter with an old friend who works in the music industry motivates him to pursue a similar path. The signature hit reflects DJay’s state of mind, much like Fighting Temptations’ “He Still Loves Me” reflects Darrin’s.
The song won Three 6 Mafia the Academy Award for “Best Original Song.” This makes them the second to have won the accolade after Eminem, who won for 8-Mile’s “Lose Yourself.”
Five Artists Who Can Go Rounds in Verzuz Battle
Since the start of the pandemic, Verzuz battles between artists have been gaining popularity. It fills fans with a warm nostalgia but also makes people think about who will be next to go head to head.
Read on to see our top five picks of artists who we believe can go a few rounds in a Verzuz Battle.
