You've probably heard by now that VH1 recently named its 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time. I can't really debate their list.

VH1 picked a lot of the songs based on social impact and musical influence, and I'm merely a creature of the physical. I like what sounds good and the lyrics that resonate with me. I'm putting together my Top 5 hip-hop songs of all time and need a little more time to research.

However, I ran across a song that underscores why I am and always have been a fan of O'Shea Jackson, better known as Ice Cube. The song is "Until We Rich," a duo of sorts between Cube and Krayzie Bone, and the message of the song is two-fold: success and responsibility.

It has been fascinating to watch Cube's career progress. He's just a year older than I am, but those of us children of the 80s have watched this guy grow from his days with NWA until today, when he's mostly known as an actor, director and movie mogul.

I'm sure a lot of social criticisms of hip-hop are fair, and I'm not interested in debating them. However, the musical value is crystal clear. Hip-hop is to the spoken word what jazz is to music. And like jazz, a lot of hip-hop doesn't resonate with me one iota.

But what I like, I really like -- and this "Until We Rich" tune is one I like not only on the musical front but also the lyrical. The music is sampled from a Glenn Jones hit called "Show Me" ... Anyway, enjoy it, and listen to the words.

My favorite line is: Television, it'll keep your ass wishin' forever.

This should really be required listening for any teen, except -- uh -- maybe the part where he sings about lighting his joints with ones and having nothing but fun. Other than that, there are some major pearls of wisdom in this one.