"Knock You Down" (CD single) (by Keri Hilson, Hip-hop)

KNOCK YOU DOWN is one of the most successful singles off In a Perfect World..., the debut CD from the prolific hip-hop songwriter Keri Hilson. The song features hip-hop greats Kayne West and Ne-Yo trading raps in pursuit of Hilson's affections. Take this one from West: "'Cause we had it, we was magic, I was flyin', now I'm crashin'...You should leave your boyfriend now, I'ma ask 'em." The lyrics stay clean throughout, with the chorus repeating: "Sometimes love comes around and it knocks you down."

This is a good blend of rap and R&B with strong lyrical muscle supplied by West and Ne-Yo (who provides a particularly cool riff from his hit "Miss Independent.") The guest contributions also intensify the drama of the love triangle. Thankfully, the metaphoric "knock out" doesn't go too far and stays within the realm of good taste.