Lord Finesse is one of Hip Hop’s sharpest lyricists and most respected producers, with a catalog that runs deep in both mic work and beat science. Coming out of The Bronx in the late ’80s, he made his first impact with Funky Technician in 1990, trading bars with DJ Mike Smooth and producers like DJ Premier, Showbiz, and Diamond D—names that would later form the foundation of D.I.T.C., short for Diggin’ In The Crates. That crew would go on to define an era of New York underground Hip Hop, but it was Finesse who set the tone early on, stacking punchlines and flowing with a mix of smoothness and control that never relied on flash to make an impression.
His second album, Return of the Funky Man, came with a harder edge and featured appearances from Percee P and A.G. Finesse’s wit remained razor-sharp, his rhyme style more seasoned. Around that same time, he took a young Harlem rapper named Big L under his wing, introducing him on the remix to “Yes You May” and later producing key tracks for Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous, including “M.V.P.” In between solo efforts, Finesse was building his rep behind the boards, producing for The Notorious B.I.G., Capone-N-Noreaga, and Dr. Dre.
By the time he dropped The Awakening in 1996, Finesse had full control—writing, producing, and curating every track. The album brought together legends like KRS-One, O.C., MC Lyte, and Large Professor, and still maintained a tight, cohesive feel rooted in boom bap precision and lyrical craft. Since then, Finesse has leaned heavier into production, remixing classic material and curating from the crates. His legacy isn’t just in records or credits—it’s in the blueprint for lyricism and the way he built an aesthetic that never had to bend to industry trends.
This list of 15 songs highlights some of the finest moments from Lord Finesse’s career behind the mic. From early breakthroughs to deeper album cuts, it traces the evolution of a wordsmith who always moved with intent, and whose work speaks loudest when you really listen.
15. Bad Mutha (1990)
“So wake up, my man cause there’s no time for dozin’ / My thoughts are set, and a rhyme has been chosen / From my brain which makes me insane / To gain some fame, Lord Finesse is the name…”
“Bad Mutha” is Lord Finesse in full form—confident, razor-sharp, and fully locked into his identity. Riding a funky Diamond D production that flips James Brown’s “The Boss,” Finesse delivers three verses stacked with swagger, humor, and wordplay. His laidback cadence lets the punchlines land with cool precision, weaving through brags and battle raps like a seasoned showman. He’s not just flaunting skills—he’s broadcasting a mindset, painting a picture of a young rhymer who’s always been ahead of the curve. It’s slick, boastful, and deeply rooted in the Bronx ethos that defines Funky Technician from start to finish.
14. Speak Ya Peace ft Marquee, Diamond D & AG (1996)
“I come with the fat songs, put me on any platform / Watch me get my motherf***ing rap on / A top cat that rocks rap / From the part of Boogie Down Bronx / Where the cabs don’t stop at…”
“Speak Ya Peace” is a posse cut done right—gritty, slick, and soaked in style. Lord Finesse orchestrates a rugged beat built for cipher-style mic work, setting the stage for sharp verses from Marquee, Diamond D, and A.G. Each emcee delivers with their own distinct edge: Marquee floats with confidence, Diamond D packs punchlines and precision, and A.G. closes it out with grounded perspective and raw conviction. The cuts from Mike Loe keep it kinetic throughout, while the hook scratches give it that essential Bronx energy. Pulled from The Awakening, this one remains a standout moment from a tightly constructed album.
13. Track The Movement (1990)
“Finesse, now I’m smooth sensational / Educational, here to awaken you / On top of you, rocking you, here to get popular / Me fall off Picture that with binoculars…”
Closing out Funky Technician with finesse—literally—“Track The Movement” glides over a smooth, stripped-down groove co-produced by DJ Premier, letting Finesse’s effortless style shine. Across three verses, he coasts through slick wordplay, verbal acrobatics, and lighthearted swagger, flipping multisyllabic bars with a cool-headed rhythm that never rushes the beat. His lines are confident but unforced, stacked with self-assurance and clever twists. Mike Smooth holds down the cuts, while KRS-One’s chorus tag punctuates the mood with just the right amount of bounce. It’s an easy victory lap, wrapping up the album with pure style and a touch of mellow showmanship.
12. You Know What I'm About ft Big L (1992)
“I’m a cool man, a brother with a smooth plan / That’s why I’m seein’ more papers than a news stand…”
This early gem from 1992 captures Lord Finesse linking with a teenage Big L in what would become one of their most iconic pairings. L’s verse is razor-sharp and unapologetically grimy, setting the tone with street realism and lyrical firepower beyond his years. Finesse follows with calculated confidence, commanding the track with smooth precision and hard-nosed charisma. Though this version never landed on an album, an alternate solo take by Finesse appeared on the Trespass movie soundtrack. From the haunting instrumental to the no-frills hook, this one hits hard from start to finish—raw, focused, and fully in pocket.
11. Check The Method (1996)
“F*** those who spread rumors, I didn’t retire / Even though you got all these Lord Finesse juniors / Trying to get hype and rip mics / They just imitators that can’t quite get my sh** right…”
A rugged self-produced single, “Check The Method” marked a fierce return after a four-year gap, with Lord Finesse firing on all cylinders. The beat is raw and stripped-down, setting the perfect stage for an unapologetic lyrical barrage. Finesse wastes no time, addressing imitators, clout-chasers, and industry rumors with bite and precision. His flow is sharp, his tone defiant, and the confidence is unmistakable—he’s not back to play, he’s back to dominate. Every verse hits with clarity and weight, making this joint a definitive statement: Finesse hadn’t faded, he just paused. When he returned, the mic was still his.
10. Keep It Flowin' ft AG (1990)
“I create and make funky rhymes for a hype tape / Brothers try to get with Finesse but they lightweight / I preach and teach just like the man Farrakhan / Get so much run on the mic, call this a marathon…”
A pure showcase of D.I.T.C. chemistry, “Keep It Flowin’” is a fast-paced lyrical exercise, with Finesse and A.G. locking in over a crisp DJ Premier production. The beat pops with energy—sharp drums and tight loops keeping the momentum high—while A.G. opens with razor lines and a steady, no-frills delivery. Finesse follows with his trademark cool, packing punchlines, flexes, and slick phrasing into every bar. The back-and-forth dynamic stays tight without stepping on toes, giving each MC room to breathe and shine. It’s one of those cuts where the mic just doesn’t cool off, not even for a second.
9. Actual Facts ft Grand Puba, Sadat X & Large Professor (1996)
“You can’t do me or dis me, don’t try to get with me / My style is tricky like spelling Mississippi…”
“Actual Facts” is a masterclass in lyrical chemistry, uniting Lord Finesse with Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Large Professor for a tightly-woven display of mic control. Over a smooth, hypnotic beat, each MC brings their own flavor, effortlessly trading bars packed with charisma, insight, and raw delivery. The hook, built from vocal chops, loops the phrase “actual fact” like a mantra—anchoring the song’s grounded energy. Finesse anchors the lineup with his precision and wit, but every verse hits with purpose. It’s a no-frills exhibition of Hip Hop craft, where style, substance, and synergy take center stage.
8. Praise The Lord (1992)
“I kick rhymes, with beats that slam with force / I’m so gifted my name should be Santa Claus…”
On “Praise the Lord,” Lord Finesse lays down an unrelenting display of lyrical prowess over a signature Diamond D beat. This track finds Finesse exuding supreme confidence, asserting his dominance with a playful yet assertive flow. The track is a celebration of his superior skill set, full of swagger, sharp punchlines, and braggadocio, all with a smooth party vibe. Finesse’s blend of aggressive delivery and effortless charm makes this song an undeniable highlight in his catalog.
7. Lesson To Be Taught (1990)
“You may not like the way that I say this / But drugs ain’t nothing to play with / So don’t be pressured by what the grown say / Be yourself and walk your own way”
On Lesson to Be Taught, Lord Finesse steps away from his usual braggadocio to deliver a message of real-world wisdom. Over DJ Premier’s soulful production, Finesse uses his platform to speak on the importance of education, self-worth, and avoiding the pitfalls of street life. His verse takes the form of a heartfelt lecture, urging listeners to focus on personal growth and financial independence. With a sharp narrative about the consequences of drug dealing, Finesse offers a clear reminder that success comes through perseverance and making responsible choices, all while maintaining the groove of Hip Hop’s roots.
6. Brainstorm P.S.K. (No Gimmicks Remix) ft. KRS-One & O.C. (1996)
“I wreck kids, that’s my theory and perspective / When it comes to Hip Hop, I’m on the case like detectives / You better step to the next man / Cause the greatest soccer player couldn’t kick it like Finesse can…”
On Brainstorm P.S.K., Lord Finesse taps into raw energy, assembling a powerhouse lineup of KRS-One and O.C. to deliver a track overflowing with lyrical mastery. The beat, layered with samples from Quincy Jones and Cannonball Adderley, sets a dynamic stage for the MCs to shine. Each artist’s verse cuts deep—O.C. effortlessly showcasing his sharp wordplay, Finesse delivering a relentless barrage of intricate lines, and KRS-One bringing his signature mix of aggression and insight. This track captures the essence of 90s East Coast Hip Hop, with a perfect blend of raw talent and timeless production.
5. Rematch ft Percee P (2003)
“Your rhyme is like an empty prison / A waste of bars…”
Captured in the Patterson Projects, Rematch features Lord Finesse and Percee P trading bars against the backdrop of the Bronx. The track’s beat is a loop of dusty funk, setting a steady foundation for Finesse’s controlled, measured delivery, while Percee P’s rapid-fire rhymes twist and turn with intricate wordplay. The exchange feels like a reunion, a reflection of their legendary 1989 battle that took place in the same neighborhood. In 2003, the tension has been replaced with mutual respect, as both artists lean into their individual strengths—Finesse’s precision and Percee’s relentless speed and technicality. The track is grounded in the streets, embodying the pulse of the Bronx while demonstrating the mastery both MCs have honed over the years.
4. Funky Technician (1990)
“Now I’m the man with intellect, no one to disrespect / I kick a rhyme and make MC’s wanna hit the deck / And give it up and use they rhymes as a sacrifice / Brothers try they best, they ain’t even half as nice…”
The title track from Funky Technician is a prime cut of Lord Finesse’s signature style: smooth-voiced, razor-sharp, and packed with punchlines. Over a dusty, low-end-heavy Showbiz loop built from James Brown’s “Blind Man Can See It,” Finesse moves with precision, stacking witty metaphors, threats, and brags with a natural swing. Every bar lands with ease, wrapped in humor and confidence.
The verses build layer after layer of lyrical finesse—one-liners, rhythm flips, offhand threats, and slick asides—all delivered with his unmistakable Bronx cadence. The repeated hook, “Mmm mm mm, ain’t that something? / Damn it feels good to see people up on it,” loops like a smirk between jabs. There’s no rush—just straight bars from an MC fully settled into his element.
From rhyme construction to beat selection, Funky Technician lives up to its name. It sets the tone not only for the album, but for everything Finesse brought to the table from the start.
3. Yes You May ft. AG & Percee P (1992)
“Any MC against me, now that’s a dumb move / As I proceed to flip, I’m a succeed with this / A brother beat me? No one would believe that sh**…”
“Yes You May” is a true gem of early ’90s New York rap—a no-frills cipher session between three elite MCs, each with their own tone, cadence, and force. Lord Finesse sets the stage but wisely opens the floor to his guests, letting the record unfold like a lyrical exhibition.
Percee P leads with a verse that instantly rewires the temperature of the track. From the first line, his breathless, alliteration-heavy delivery pours out with precision and intensity. The wordplay is layered, unrelenting, and sharp enough to study. His verse is a masterclass in rhyme structure and raw stamina. Each bar lands with a mix of science and savagery, and by the time he wraps, the mic feels scorched.
A.G. follows with equal presence, swinging in with street wisdom and bravado. His verse has that cold Bronx confidence—direct and kinetic—with bars that teeter between threat and punchline. His cadence plays off the dusty beat with bounce and grit, shifting gears effortlessly between jokes and jabs.
Finesse closes strong, anchoring the track with his usual charisma and vocal weight. It’s a classic back-and-forth: no hook, just bars. One mic, three styles, and a beat built for bodying.
This is pure Bronx energy—raw, competitive, and surgical.
2. Yes You May Remix ft Big L (1992)
“Check it out, it’s the brother you have to hear, stand up, clap, and cheer / As far as running mine, ain’t nothing happening here / Cause I’m on some ruthless sh** / It ain’t over til the fat lady sing? I’m a shoot the bitch…”
“Yes You May (Remix)” opens with a Big L verse that leaves no doubt about his instincts behind the mic. It’s his first recorded appearance, and he steps into it with full command—no hesitation, no warm-up. His voice cuts clean through the Showbiz-produced beat, a hard-snapping loop built for battling, not coasting. L’s flow is loose but deliberate, moving between punchlines and sharp internal rhymes without pause. Lines like ““I only roll with originators / Chicks stick to my d*** like magnets on refrigerators / I’m a crazy mean lyricist / Many are in fear of this, yeah, so they stand clear of this / And those that refuse the order, Big L bruise and slaughter / N***** hear me and take notes like a news reporter…” hit with rhythm and bite.
This is no feature verse tucked politely into the middle. Big L leads the track, and he does it like someone who already knows he belongs. His confidence isn’t forced—it’s baked into his delivery. There’s humor, aggression, and structure, but nothing flashy or overthought. It’s pure street-level energy aimed at the mic.
Lord Finesse follows with ease and control. His delivery is more seasoned, and his timing lands with that familiar swing. He bobs through the beat with charisma and polish, tossing slick wordplay and crowd-ready jabs. There’s no chorus, no gloss, no pause for breath. “Yes You May (Remix)” stays focused on what matters: lyrical control, verbal swagger, and rhythm. It’s two Bronx emcees locked in, but it’s Big L’s first blow that makes the track unforgettable.
1. Return Of The Funky Man (1991)
“Lord Finesse got something for your eardrums / Back on the scene, long time, no hear from / It’s the funky man, the brother with the same sound / I’ve been coolin about a year and some change now / So hand over the microphone cause it’s my turn / The brother with a fade, half-moon, and long sideburns…”
“Return of the Funky Man” is Lord Finesse at his sharpest—aggressive, self-assured, and completely in control. Released in 1991 as the title track to his second album, it marks a shift from partnership to full independence. Finesse handled some of the production on the album himself for the first time, but here it’s Showbiz behind the boards, laying down a dense, neck-snapping beat. The drums hit low and hard, layered with chopped horns and bass that loop with purpose. It’s grimy and deliberate, giving the verses room to hit without distraction.
Finesse attacks the mic with total clarity. There’s no buildup—he drops in immediately, swinging through punchlines and jabs like he’s been holding them back. His delivery is clean but heavy, packed with slick internal rhymes and wordplay that lands fast and leaves dents. Every few bars, he flips tone—one moment mocking his rivals, the next breaking down label games or industry nonsense. “I’m shinin’ more than a tire full of Armor All” is pure Lord Finesse: visual, cocky, and funny without straining for laughs.
The hook—“Mad brothers know his name / Uh, yeah, it’s him again”—is simple and looped, reinforcing the track’s theme without slowing the pace. Across three long verses, Finesse barely lets up. He shifts flows without warning, stacking bars and resetting as if he’s got more to say than the beat can hold.
By the third verse, the gloves are off. He calls out weak crews, greedy labels, and fake supporters with equal precision, keeping the tone light but firm. It’s direct, unfiltered rap with no wasted motion. “Return of the Funky Man” isn’t a comeback—it’s a power move. Finesse never left; he just had more to prove, and this was the record to do it.