We’d be lying if we told you that the soundtrack to The Great Gatsby isn’t subpar. Though it has an all-star cast, much like the movie it’s tied to, there’s something  overwhelmingly lame about it. Nevertheless, it did remind us of other times when hip-hop and movies collided. For your listening pleasure, we’ve compiled these special moments below.

4. Bad Boys 2 

Though this is the soundtrack to a Michael Bay movie,  it’s genuinely not as scatter-brained as that connection would imply. While some of the songs were not originally recorded for the record, the true beauty of the album is how well it flows. Also, this is probably the last project where Bad Boy artists were collectively visible.

Highlight: Notorious B.I.G. ft. 50 Cent – Realest Niggas

3. Blade 2

In the cultural landscape of 2013, it’s a little difficult to imagine a movie with swords and vampires as anything other than a clusterfuck, but we implore you not only to watch this movie, but to listen to this soundtrack. The blurring of the lines between EDM and hip-hop are the talk of the town these days, but this phenomenon is far from recent. This soundtrack is living proof. Some of the hottest electronic producers paired with the some of the hottest emcees and the result was of course, pure fire.

Highlight: Massive Attack & Mos Def – I Against I*
*(Make sure your bass is turned up)

2. The Man With the Iron Fists

The quality of RZA’s directorial debut is divisive, but no one can disagree on the quality of the music. With the exception of that strange song with Ghostface and Wiz that comes at the tail-end, its a cohesive project throughout, particularly on the production side (Shouts to Frank Dukes). In fact, even Corrine Bailey Rae did some work on the boards.

HIGHLIGHTS: Wu-Tang Clan – “Six Directions of Boxing
Kanye West – “White Dress”

1. Space Jam

Even among other children’s movies, Space Jam is a bizarre creature. Featuring Looney Tunes, aliens, Michael Jordan and even Bill Murray, it might be the single most “90’s: cultural artifact ever spawned. Nevertheless, the soundtrack is purely extraordinary. Beginning with Seal’s enrapturing cover of “Fly Like an Eagle,” it lifts you immediately and doesn’t let you touchdown for even a moment. Much like the plot for Space Jam, this soundtrack is a pure singularity.

Highlight: EVERYTHING.

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