Roc-A-Fella
When most rappers make songs with the same redundant themes, the smart ones create their own original concepts. They don’t have to be overdone either, as Jay Z let us know via his Reasonable Doubt classic, “22 Twos.”
The song’s gimmick isn’t rocket science, as Jigga simply uses 22 versions of the same word multiple times in one verse. But, the concept is unique and one of the reasons his champagne-soaked debut still holds up to this day.
As an homage to the song, originality and power in numbers, here are 22 songs that include the word ‘two’ in the title. Roll a few up and enjoy.
Too Short – “2 B*tches”
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Aside from Lou Williams, Too $hort’s one of the few people who could get away with repping two chicks at the same time and not get in trouble at home, which he did on this You Nasty banger.
Cassidy – “My Drink N’ My Two Step”
Back when he actually made songs, Cassidy staggered through radio waves with “My Drank N’ My Two Step,” a Swizz Beatz-produced party that showed the Philly rhymer’s moves in the booth and on the dance floor.
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock – “It Takes Two”
Yeah! Woo! Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s crossover dance jam from the early 90s is maybe the most known song on this list, as well as the most sampled. Hit it!
Kevin Gates – “2 Phones”
Most people with “2 Phones” have something to hide. Yet, Kevin Gates is quite an open book and on this single from his upcoming Islah album, the Baton Rouge rapper explains why someone would put up with multiple phone bills each month.
Pete Rock Feat. CL Smooth – “Da Two”
One of the illest duos from the 90’s was Pete Rock and CL Smooth. While Mecca & The Soul Brother dropped a few sought after projects, this collaboration from Pete’s Soul Survivor solo debut still found time to highlight their collective prowess.
Tech N9ne Feat. Krizz Kaliko, Big Scoob, and Joe Vertigo – “Two Piece”
When you roll with a crew that looks like Strange Music, it’s no surprise Tech N9ne has no problem settling for an old-fashioned “Two Piece” when clapping back at adversaries.
De La Soul – “Ego Trippin (Part Two)”
Despite being a solid second single from their Buhloone Mindstate album, this De La Soul track earned more noise for openly mocking gangsta rap, which both Tupac and Ice Cube took offense to. Tupac would later confront them about this and eventually squash any ill will.
J Dilla – “Two Can Win”
While there aren’t actual bars, there’s no argument this inclusion from Jay Dee’s Donuts is a Hip-Hop gem deserving mention. The Detroit legend successfully freaked The Sylvers “Only One Can Win” into a jam that leaves everyone feeling like a champion.
Kool G. Rap and DJ Polo Feat. Ice Cube, Scarface and Bushwick Bill – “Two To The Head”
There aren’t many ’90s rap collaborations that have more credibility than “Two To The Head.” By combining some of the most cutthroat rappers from the East, West and South, this barrel-smoking blast from G Rap and Polo’s final album together is a reminder that these lyrical beasts were far from studio thugs.
Tupac Feat. Snoop Doggy Dogg – “2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted”
When Tupac dropped this All Eyez On Me single, he and Snoop were legitimately two of the most sought after artists on the planet. Plus, they were both fresh of high-profile court cases. So, it’s safe to say, this song was appropriately titled.
Will Smith – “Just The Two Of Us”
If there’s anyone who can get away with remaking a Bill Withers classic like “Just The Two Of Us,” it’s Will Smith. In the late ’90s, he was on an unprecedented babyface run that allowed him to get away with anything he pleased, including this tear-jerking dedication to his son from Big Willy Style.
OutKast – “Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)”
After the success of their Southernplayalistic debut in 1994, anyone wondering whether OutKast could keep their innovative southern raps full steam ahead got their answer when they heard “Two Dope Boyz” kick off the ATLiens’ sophomore album.
Gucci Mane – “Gucci 2 Times”
Gucci Mane has many nicknames, but on this lead track from his 2011 mixtape Gucci 2 Times mixtape, the ATL urban legend donned an alias made famous from Goodfellas. Sounds appropriate.
Atmosphere – “My Lady Got Two Men”
Men get a bad rep for being unfaithful, but females can be low down too. On this this bluesy inclusion from Slug and Ant’s 2014 album Southsiders, we hear the tale of how one female uses two men simultaneously to accomplish her never-ending needs. Trifling, to say the least.
Common Sense – “Two Scoops Of Raisins”
Before he lost his Sense, Common combined a Raisin Bran catchphrase and popular Bob James bass groove for this highlight from his 1992 debut Can I Borrow A Dollar?
J Cole – “A Tale Of 2 Citiez”
One of the toughest tracks from J Cole’s super successful Forest Hills Drive 2014 project was “A Tale Of 2 Citiez,” a curious tale of a young man wondering what life is like beyond his box.
Kanye West Feat. Mos Def and Freeway – “Two Words”
There are a lot of people who argue Freeway never really rhymed, but even those naysayers have love for his fiery verse off this fan favorite from College Dropout.
Lil Wayne – “Two Shots”
Despite having twisted production from Diplo and a concept that works for the weekend, Weezy’s “Two Shots” didn’t make the final cut for Carter IV and only ended up being a deluxe edition bonus track.
Puff Daddy Feat. Ginuine, Loon and Mario Winans – “I Need A Girl (Part Two)”
Once Puffy lost Jennifer Lopez, everyone in the world heard about it for at least a year afterward. One song was not enough and thus we got “I Need A Girl (Part Two),” an infectious radio killer that earned Diddy every girl in the world, except the one he so badly wanted.
Ab-Soul – “Track Two”
Although each song on Ab-Soul’s Control System album has a title, the second one was simply called “Track Two.” While there is no definitive rationale for that, we can assume it’s because this explosive mood is exactly how the second track on every rap album should sound and Ab’s simply trying to set the precedent.
OB OBrien Feat. Drake – “2 On / Thotful”
When Tinashe dropped her first breakout hit “2 On,” no one was really surprised Drake came through and made it his own. However, instead of simply adding a verse to her original version, he took her off completely and gave the alley-oop to his brother OB OBrien. I’m sure the hijack still managed to work out for everyone.
Jay Z – “22 Twos”
The inspiration.