When it comes to rap music, sequels have a unique way of capturing the essence of an original track while taking it to new heights. These follow-ups often showcase the growth and evolution of the artist, while also paying homage to their earlier work.
In this list, we’ll delve into the unparalleled genius of Outkast’s “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 2)” and explore the raw intensity of Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind, Pt. II.” We’ll also highlight the collaborative magic of tracks like “Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2” by Busta Rhymes, P. Diddy, and Pharrell, as well as celebrate the iconic influence of Wu-Tang Clan’s “Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber – Part II.” Whether it’s the razor-sharp wordplay of Lloyd Banks on “Warrior, Pt. 2” or the undeniable charisma of Cam’ron and Juelz Santana on “Losing Weight Pt. 2,” these rap songs prove that sequels can often match or surpass the original.
From the confrontational bars of Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II” to the introspective lyricism of Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents II,” here are the top 30 best rap song sequels of all time.
30. Fabolous ft. P. Diddy and Jagged Edge – “Trade it All Pt. 2”
Released: March 4, 2003
Album: Street Dreams
Producer: DJ Clue, DURO
Better than the original: Neither here nor there. There’s no much difference between this version and the original one featured on Fab’s debut album, Ghetto Fabolous , besides having Puffy on here doing his usual shit talk.
29. Nas ft. Capone, Cormega, Marley Marl, MC Shan, Millennium Thug, Mobb Deep, Nature, & Tragedy Khadafi – “Da Bridge 2001”
Released: November 21, 2000
Album: Nas & Ill Will Records Presents QB’s Finest
Producer: Marley Marl, L.E.S.
Better than the original: No way. The original one that MC Shan and Marley Marl made is a golden age boom-bap classic that laid down the foundations for Queensbridge hip hop. Nas’ version is cool, but the “The Bridge” is a top five most important hip hop record of the ’80s .
28. Jay-Z – “Part II (On the Run)”
Released: July 4, 2013
Album: Magna Carta Holy Grail
Producer: Timbaland, J-Roc
Better than the original: The spiritual successor of their 2003 hit single “03′ Bonnie and Clyde”, this Jay-Z and Beyonce collaboration isn’t the certified banger as the first one, but it’s a deeper, more spiritual listen. A continuation of the ride or die theme of the original, the success of “Part II (On the Run)” spawned a $100 million grossing tour. Not bad for a sequel.
27. Big K.R.I.T. – “My Sub (Pt. 2: The Jackin’)”
Released: June 5, 2012
Album: Live from the Underground
Producer: Big K.R.I.T.
Better than the original: Only a rapper who is as good of a writer and has the soulful vibes of Big K.R.I.T. can make a song series about his subwoofer stretch over multiple tracks. On the second instalment to “My Sub,” which features on his excellent 2012 debut album , the Mississippi-born rapper-producer adds in an even catchier hook.
26. Meek Mill – “Tony Story, Pt. 2”
Released: October 30, 2012
Album: Dreams and Nightmares
Producer: Matthew Burnett & Boi-1da
Better than the original: It’s a continuation of the story which started on Meek Mill’s Dreamchasers mixtape so I can’t even talk about whether it’s better or not. You need to listen to both.
25. A$AP Rocky ft. A$AP Nast & SpaceGhostPurrp – “Purple Swag Chapter 2”
Released: October 31, 2011
Album: LIVE.LOVE.A$AP
Producer: A$AP Ty Beats
Better than the original: The first “Purple Swag” has the added distinctiveness of being A$AP Rocky’s breakthrough single, but the sequel has A$AP Nast and SpaceGhostPurrp joining the Harlem rapper for the ride. Edge goes to the sequel.
24. Jay Rock ft. Lance Skiiiwalker – “Money Trees Deuce”
Released: June 3, 2015
Album: 90059
Producer: Flippa & JProof
Better than the original: Sorry Jay Rock, this version is cool and everything but “Money Trees” is like an all-time great Kendrick song.
23. DMX ft. Marilyn Manson – “The Omen – (Damien II)”
Released: December 22, 1998
Album: Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood
Producer: Swizz Beatz
Better than the original: I’m going to go with yes for this one.
22. Kanye West – “Pt. 2”
Released: February 14, 2016
Album: The Life of Pablo
Producer: Caroline Shaw, Plain Pat, Menace, Kanye West & Rick Rubin
Better than the original: Oh tough choice. The first one might have one of the greatest intros on a Kanye song ever, but this one incorporates “Panda” incredibly. “Pt. 2” bangs harder, but I don’t think it tops the original.
21. Jay-Z – “Who You Wit II”
Released: November 4, 1997
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Producer: Ski Beatz
Better than the original: Casual hip hop heads have probably never heard of the original “Who You Wit” which featured on the soundtrack of the 1997 comedy film Sprung. The sequel isn’t too different, it’s the same gorgeous Ski Beatz production and same slick Jay-Z talk, only with a different verse at the end.
20. Schoolboy Q ft. Ab-Soul – “Druggies Wit Hoes Again”
Released: January 14, 2012
Album: Habits & Contradictions
Producer: Nez & Rio
Better than the original: Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul link back up for the sequel to their Setbacks collaboration. Both versions are hard, but this Nez & Rio beat goes hard. I’m going to go with the sequel.
19. Eminem ft. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, & Nate Dogg – “Bitch Please II”
Released: May 23, 2000
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Producer: Dr. Dre & Mel-Man
Better than the original: No, the original is superior. Everything about “Bitch Please II” sounds like a laid-back West Coast party record, which feels so out of place on The Marshall Mathers LP .
18. Odd Future – “Analog 2”
Released: March 20, 2012
Album: The OF Tape Vol. 2
Producer: Tyler, the Creator
Better than the original: Yes, Syd and Frank Ocean jump on the sequel to “Analog” which featured on Goblin .
17. Mobb Deep – “More Trife Life”
Released: November 19, 1996
Album: Hell On Earth
Producer: Havoc
Better than the original: Nah. This version is hard but nothing will top the beat drop on the original. Listening to Prodigy talk about jetting through Marcy projects ( a few years before his beef with Jay-Z started ) is peak Mobb Deep.
16. Busta Rhymes ft. P. Diddy & Pharrell – “Pass the Courvoisier Pt. 2”
Released: February 12, 2002
Album: Genesis
Producer: The Neptunes
Better than the original: Definitely. Released in 2002, this infectious party anthem had everyone on their feet, thanks to The Neptunes’ futuristic synths and heavy percussion, as well as Pharrell’s appearance on here. Not only did it make Courvoisier cognac a hip-hop staple, but it also showcased the magnetic chemistry between these rap heavyweights.
15. Kendrick Lamar ft. Dash Snow – “The Heart Pt. 2”
Released: September 14, 2010
Album: O(verly) D(edicated)
Producer: The Roots
Better than the original: Yes. Holding a special place among rap song sequels is Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Pt. 2,” featuring Dash Snow. Released in 2010 as part of Kendrick’s mixtape O(verly) D(edicated) , this introspective track showcases the Compton rapper’s lyrical prowess and undeniable storytelling ability. With a haunting sample from The Roots’ “A Piece of Light,” K.Dot takes listeners on an emotional journey, proving he’s got the heart to challenge the rap game.
14. Lloyd Banks – “Warrior Pt. 2”
Released: June 29, 2004
Album: The Hunger For More
Producer: Eminem
Better than the original: Featured on Banks’ debut album The Hunger for More , this high-energy track is tailored made for fight music. Superior to the original due to the fact that Em, 50 and the late Nate Dogg pop up on here, “Warrior, Pt. 2” is adrenaline-pumping music at its finest.
13. Jay-Z ft. Dr. Dre, Rakim, & Truth Hurts – “The Watcher 2”
Released: November 12, 2002
Album: The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Producer: Dr. Dre, Scott Storch
Better than the original: Tough one. “The Watcher” was hard, but this sequel features an epic Hov verse and razor-sharp lyricism from the God MC. The Watcher 2″ proves that when legends come together under the right circumstances, hip hop magic happens.
12. Jay-Z – “Girls, Girls, Girls (Part 2)”
Released: September 11, 2001
Album: The Blueprint
Producer: Kanye West
Better than the original: “Girls, Girls, Girls (Part 2),” a hidden gem featuring scorching production from Kanye. This playful sequel keeps the original’s theme, but with a more laid-back vibe and a mesmerizing Tom Brock sample.
11. Wu-Tang Clan – “Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber – Part II”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Producer: RZA
Better than the original: No, the original one with its ominous piano loop is superior.
10. Redman – “Sooperman Luva II”
Released: November 22, 1994
Album: Dare Iz a Darkside
Producer: Redman
Better than the original: This follow-up to the original “Sooperman Luva” further showcases Redman’s wit, wordplay, and creativity. With its memorable narrative and head-nodding beat, “Sooperman Luva II” not only highlights Reggie’s storytelling prowess but also solidifies his position as a distinctive voice in the rap game.
9. A Tribe Called Quest – “The Chase Part II”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Midnight Marauders
Producer: A Tribe Called Quest
Better than the original: Featured on their classic 1993 album “Midnight Marauders,” this track delivers the unmistakable Tribe vibe with smooth, jazzy beats and Tip and Phife effortlessly trading bars. Essential listening for any Tribe fan, this sequel is a prime example of the group’s mastery in creating unforgettable tracks.
8. Cam’ron ft. Juelz Santana – “Losing Weight Pt. 2”
Released: May 14, 2002
Album: Come Home with Me
Producer: Just Blaze
Better than the original: This gritty street anthem from Come Home with Me sees the Harlem rapper and his fellow Diplomat cohort Juelz Santana delivering introspective verses about the harsh realities of the drug game. The raw storytelling and vivid imagery are enhanced by a soulful, haunting beat, making “Losing Weight Pt. 2” an enduring example of Cam’s ability to balance hard-hitting drug-talk with memorable hooks.
7. Jay-Z – “Friend or Foe ’98”
Released: November 4, 1997
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Producer: DJ Premier
Better than the original: A follow-up to the original “Friend or Foe” off Reasonable Doubt , this 1997 sequel sees Hov returning with his razor-sharp wordplay and distinctive flow over another vintage Premo beat.
6. Nas – “N.Y. State of Mind, Pt. II”
Released: April 6, 1999
Album: I Am…
Producer: DJ Premier
Better than the original: “N.Y. State of Mind, Pt. II” by Nas is a prime example of a rap song sequel that lives up to the original. From his 1999 album I Am… , Nas continues painting a vivid picture of New York City’s gritty streets, reaffirming his status as one of hip hop’s most skilled lyricists . This sequel encapsulates the raw energy and poetic prowess that made the first “N.Y. State of Mind” a classic.
5. EPMD – “Jane II”
Released: August 1, 1989
Album: Unfinished Business
Producer: EPMD
Better than the original: EPMD’s “Jane II,” the follow-up to the duo’s story of a femme fatale, showcases their ability to craft memorable and engaging narratives. Featured on their 1989 album Unfinished Business , this sequel delivers more of EPMD’s funky beats and smooth flows, proving that their chemistry was truly something special in the golden age of hip-hop.
4. ScHoolboy Q ft. Traffic (Rap) & T.F – “Tookie Knows II”
Released: July 8, 2016
Album: Blank Face LP
Producer: Nez & Rio
Better than the original: One of the hardest rap songs of all time , “Tookie Knows II” is a worthy sequel that captures the essence of its predecessor. From the 2016 album Blank Face LP , ScHoolboy Q and his collaborators deliver raw, unfiltered verses about the gang-infested streets of Los Angeles.
3. Outkast – “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 2)”
Released: September 29, 1998
Album: Aquemini
Producer: Mr. DJ
Better than the original: “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 2)” sees the iconic ATL duo once again delivering their unique brand of Southern-fried storytelling. On this sequel, Andre 3000 and Big Boi continue to weave intricate tales, blending their distinct styles and cementing their status as two of the storytellers in the game.
2. Jay-Z – “Dead Presidents II”
Released: February 20, 1996
Album: Reasonable Doubt
Producer: Ski Beatz
Better than the original: Tough one. Both songs are 10/10 classics but I think the last verse on the original is the greatest Hov verse ever.
1. Mobb Deep – “Shook Ones Pt. II”
Released: February 7, 1995
Album: The Infamous
Producer: Havoc
Better than the original: Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II” is not only the greatest rap song sequel but also one of the most iconic tracks in hip hop history . Period.
