Top 10 R&B & Hip Hop Soundtracks

Soundtracks today are almost unheard of, unless the corresponding movie is a musical.  But growing up, my family's CD collection was stacked full of original soundtracks that sold millions of records and could be played all the way through.  Here is my personal Top 10 11 list of R&B and Hip Hop Soundtracks:

Honorable Mention:  Don't Be a Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996):




"My name is Dashiki. That's Swahili for "doggy-style."

With a movie as silly this one, I loved that I could vibe to songs like "Renee" by the Lost Boyz on the soundtrack. R.I.P. Freaky Tah...

10. The Rugrats Movie (1998):




When this song came out, I used to think I was doing something--from trying to do dance routines on the stairs while no one was watching to trying to teach myself how to play the song on a xylophone.  Surprisingly, this soundtrack features songs from Busta Rhymes and Rakim as well to keep it well rounded.

9. Belly (1998):





With a film starring Nas and DMX, there's no way that the music isn't on point...

Hit the jump for the remaining 8...

8. Men In Black (1997):




Before you laugh at me for this choice, think about it. Will Smith was lame, but didn't you attempt to learn this dance at least once?  This soundtrack also marks the debuts of Alicia Keys and Destiny's Child.

7.  New Jack City (1991):



The New Jack swing movement was serious back in the day led by artists like Guy, Color Me Badd, Al B Sure. Thankfully, 2/3 made the soundtrack for a notorious movie that captures the life of gangster Nino Brown.

6. Nutty Professor 2 (2000):

Across the hall, my older sister had Case's "Missing You" on repeat so many times I tried to steal the CD from her room. When I did, I discovered that it had more repeatable songs by Sisqo, Jay-Z, Musiq and my idol Janet Jackson.

5. Bad Boys II (2003):




For me, this marked the end of the Soundtrack era. It was the last soundtrack, in my opinion, that contained original songs that seemed to flow effortlessly and go along with the film.  Executive produced by Diddy, the song contains hits like Jay-Z's "La La La," Freeway's "Flipside" and 50 Cent & The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Realest Ni**as."

4. Romeo Must Die (2000):



I used to play this CD nonstop. With Timbaland behind most of the beats and original songs by Aaliyah, Destiny's Child, and Ginuwine, you can't go wrong. Whenever I miss Baby Girl I pop this in.  Gone but never forgotten.  :'(

3. Soul Food (1997):

Soul Food and its soundtrack go hand in hand. It captures the sentimental loss of Big Mama and the pain of betrayal while remaining generally upbeat. My favorite tracks were Dru Hill's "We're Not Making Love No More," Total's "What About Us" and the Usher x Monica duet "Slow Jam."

2. Space Jam (1996):

"I Believe I Can Fly" was so much of a success that it could have represented the soundtrack alone, but with help from Monica, The Quad City DJs, Seal, and more, this soundtrack is an often forgotten hit.

1. Waiting To Exhale (1995):



At the age of 6, I found myself belting out these Babyface penned classics like I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Thank the Lord I didn't get the urge to light up anyone's clothing.  Songs like Toni Braxton's "Let It Flow," Brandy's "Sitting Up In My Room," and Whitney Houston's "Exhale" are the reasons why the Waiting To Exhale Soundtrack is my ultimate soundtrack.

What soundtracks do you think should have made the top 10?