Chicago DJ and producer Jeff Da illest is known as a hip hop historian. On the eve of his new single, Wake Up, he sat down with us to discuss his list of the 10 illest beats of all time.

10. Jeff da Illest ft. Samin the Emcee & Vice Verse, “Amazing Part II,” produced by Jeff da Illest & CDEFX
It started with ILLISOUL “Amazing Girl,” also produced by CDEFX from ILLISOUL Live Series. The beat was made out of competitiveness; who could make the best beat from a 30 second snippet. This is soundtrack to who I am, Jeff Da Illest.

9. Dred Scott – “They Don’t Know”
The Breakin Combs came out in 1994 in the midst of the Dre & Snoop era. It is the very essence of 90’s hip hop with the hard drums.

8. AMG – “Vertical Joy Ride”
They sampled Ohio Players’ “Funky Worm”. What may seem like something so simple to many beat makers was actually sampled at the hardest part and put into a groove. “Vertical Joy Ride was definitely a party banger.

7. Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang,” produced by Dr. Dre
This song came out of nowhere! It solidified Dre as a producer and the power behind NWA aside from Cube. This was the song of 90s.

6. Total ft. The Notorious B.I.G., “Can’t You See,” produced by Diddy
This record is the most infectious record ever made. You’re gonna move immediately!

5. Three Times Dope, “Mr. Sandman,” produced by Chuck Nice
Many people do not know about this record. The placement was done with perfection and it’s move-able.

4. Diamond D & The Psychotic Neurotics, “I Went for Mine,” produced by Jazzy Jay & Diamond D
Sampling from “Faded Lady” by S.S.O. Orchestra this record embodies that “in the pocket flow”. People frown over the basic pocket but this is move-able.

3. Phil G, “Progressive,” Produced by PHIL G. Original beat made by CDFX & “Own,” produced by Tye Hill
I was heavily involved in both records. Progressive is where Phil G. was in his pocket as a rapper; one of the best records we ever made. “Own” is special because it struck a chord of nostalgia in the 90s its timeless, tough and simple.

2. Public Enemy, “Rebel Without a Cause,” Produced by Chuck D, Hank Shocklee & Bill Stephney
With Chuck D’s voice of seriousness and Flava Flava jokester persona, this created the balance – the noise (sound) behind the record. In the 80’s, hip hop was at the stage where we demanded to be heard, this was the calling card record… Everything about it was rebellious! Shout out to my cousin Marvin
Hardman for putting me on to this one.

1. Puff Daddy and the Family, “All About the Benjamins,” produced by Deric & D-Dot & Angelettie
The beat of 1997, changed the game. If you could not rap on Benjamins you couldn’t rap about shit.