97 Words: “Top of the World” by Brandy & Ma$e

Jordan Listenbee
2 Min Read

This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.

Aptly titled, this Darkchild penned hit saw the iconic Brandy and legendary rapper Ma$e at their commercial peaks. The second single off of her second album, “Never Say Never,” “Top of the World” finds Brandy and Ma$e lyrically reveling in their success, while reminding the listener that it doesn’t come easy, or make for a simpler life. It marks the beginning of a more mature sound thematically for Brandy, and foreshadowed the woman the world has come to know. The song is fun, emoting a joy that is seldom used and severely lacking in today’s musical landscape.

Watch the “Top of the World” video, stream it, or buy the “Never Say Never” vinyl.


In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

 

 

 

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