Rubber compositions are disclosed having a reinforcing filler of carbon black having select properties and a rubber, and tires and tire components and belt skims made from the rubber compositions. The rubber compositions can further include an additional reinforcing filler to form a blend of fillers. The rubber compositions are used to form belt assemblies having reinforcing components, such as metal cords. Also disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing belt assemblies and tires with belt assemblies disposed in the belt skim rubber compositions.