3 Hit Songs Written but Not Originally Performed by Jay-Z

The Brooklyn, New York City-born rapper Jay-Z is one of the most prolific songwriters of his genre and his era. Not only has he written hit after hit for himself, making himself one of the most popular and wealthy artists in the world, but he’s also composed a number of tracks for other big-name artists that have gone on to earn the acclaim and attention of millions.

Here below, we wanted to explore three such offerings. A trio of tracks written by Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z) that have gone on to garner adoration for others. Indeed, these are three hit songs written by not originally performed by Jay-Z.

[RELATED: The Top 15 Jay Z Songs]

“Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg from 2001 (1999)

All 100% of the lyrics for this song from Dr. Dre’s iconic 1999 LP 2001 were written by Jay-Z. When Dre was creating the album, which was the follow-up to his 1992 LP The Chronic, he sought out the best of the best. And that meant Jay-Z to help write some classic raps. Jay-Z took the approach of reminding audiences about Dre’s prowess and importance in the world of rap music. Indeed, today, both Dre and Jay are billionaires thanks to their impact on the music. On it, Dre raps,

Since the last time you heard from me, I lost some friends
Well, hell, me and Snoop, we dippin’ again
Kept my ear to the streets, signed Eminem
He’s triple platinum, doing 50 a week
Still, I stay close to the heat
And even when I was close to defeat, I rose to my feet
My life’s like a soundtrack I wrote to the beat

“Lemme Get That” by Rihanna from Good Girl Gone Bad (2007)

This song from music, fashion, and pinup icon Rihanna’s 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad was co-written by Jay-Z and Terius “The-Dream” Nash. It also includes boom-bap production by Timbaland. On the song, Rihanna sings about how powerful and desirable she is. Sound familiar? Such are often the subjects of Jay-Z songs. The young and beautiful Rihanna has the world in the palm of her hands and she knows it on this track, which boasts Jay’z influence every which way. On it, she sings,

I got a house but I need new furniture
Why spend mine when I could spend yours?
The truth is, I will love you the same
But why complain, you buying Gucci, babe?

You might see me in the spot, ya boy think I’m hot
So I came up in here to get what you got
I’m hot like the block, uh huh, you like that
Know you wanna bite that, uh huh, yeah, right there

“Break My Soul” by Beyoncé from Renaissance (2022)

This hit dance song from Beyoncé launched her latest career chapter. While she has since traversed in country music, Queen B was at the time making music like this with the help of her husband Jay-Z. He is credited as one of the co-writers for this eternally catchy track from Beyoncé’s 2022 LP Renaissance. And on it, Queen B sings,

Now, I just fell in love
And I just quit my job
I’m gonna find new drive
Damn, they work me so damn hard
Work by nine, then off past five
And they work my nerves
That’s why I cannot sleep at night

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images