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Where will Pete Rock rate in MusicRadar's Top 10 beats?

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3. Nas - NY State Of Mind

Producer: DJ Premier
Album: Illmatic (1994)

While Snoop and Dre were running things with there funky worm-driven beats, Nas and Premier were in the lab crafting this dark piano-plonking headnodder. Featuring a Preemo-trademark scratched chorus containing bars from Eric B & Rakim's Mahogany and Main Source's Live At The BBQ, this was the track that woke the world to nasty Nas. A picture of New York so vivid you can close your eyes and taste the Big Apple.

2. Outkast - BOB (Bombs Over Baghdad)

Producer: Earthtone III
Album: Stankonia (2000)

Outkast bombs over baghdad

Fooling you with a slow-starting child-like intro, production unit Earthtone III (compromising of Mr DJ and the two dope Outkast boys) unleash a sonic assault on your eardrums. This was Andre 3000 & Big Boi's first single off the eclectic Stankonia, featuring a 155bpm track of chanting chorus, electric guitars and crazy scratches - you've no choice but get up off your seat and wild out. A reminder of the brilliant music Outkast used to make, before Andre went pop.

1. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (TROY)

Producer: Pete Rock
Album: Mecca And The Soul Brother (1992)

Pete rock and cl smooth they reminisce over you

As soon as those horns kick after the funky intro sampled from When She Made Me Promise (by The Beginning Of The End) you know your in for something special. Pete Rock's banging drums and trademark horns samples (from Tom Scott's Today, here) keep your head nodding while CL Smooth reminisces about lost friends. Now, where's that rewind button?

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