My First and Most Difficult Review : What are the greatest albums of all time?
Nov 27 '02
The Bottom Line Enter the realm of the 36 chambers and discover a secret concealed for over 25 years. The Greatest Hip-Hop/Rap Album Of All Time Is........ Read the review stupid!
I only just joined epinions about 15 minutes ago. I think for my first review I should lay down the foundations. I am a BIG fan of rap music. I believe that its the only genre of music that allows artists to explore language, and how it can affect people. I resent the opinion of many that say rap involves no talent - Listen to Rakim in full flow and then come back to me.
Anyway, after much deliberation, I have made a final 10 out of my ever growing collection. These albums aren't there because The Source gave them 5 mics or they've been hailed by any backpackers or anything, this is just my opinion on the milestones of this genre, Hip-Hop.
TOP TEN HIP-HOP/RAP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
10. Mobb Deep - HELL ON EARTH 1996
You may read this, and think, "What?? "The Infamous" was their classic!" This is true, however, I believe that this was the epitomy of their sound before they went mainstream. Dark, evil and eerie soundscapes create a chilling concept throughout this LP. Prodigy and Havoc continue their graphic tales of the harshness of reality when living on the streets of Queens. Features special guest appearances from Raekwon, Method Man and NaS. The haunted house at no.10.
Download "Drop a Gem On 'Em" - It'll send shivers down your spine.
9. Jay-Z - REASONABLE DOUBT 1996
Jay-Z's legacy begins here. Before he went pop, he made this polished gem of an album. His eastcoast gangster-style image, much like that of Biggie came through effectively here, but instead of constant brag rapping about money, hoes and clothes over a latino beat (as was his style for a while) he comes through very sincere on this album, making out that this is just his everyday hustle for someone that was given no chance in the first place. The beats on this album are absolutely brilliant, oozing with laid back, smoky piano-jazz that fits the style of Mr. Carter like a glove. Back up as Jay spits his nine at no.9 (in a calm manner, of course).
Download "Can't Knock The Hustle" - A perfect song to chill out to.
8. Snoop "Doggy" Dogg - DOGGYSTYLE 1993
The main contigent of this ten are all New York residents, however this still doesn't detract from my love for the westcoast. This was the most eagerly anticipated rap album of all time, and it delivered with aplomb. Dre was in his prime form here, producing a gangster funk extravaganza and letting Snoop do the rest. As distinctive and charismatic as ever, Snoop comes CORRIZZZZZECT (that was poor) on this one. And finds his kennel at no.8.
Download "Who Am I (What's My Name?) - The ultimate party track.
7. Dr.Dre - THE CHRONIC 1992
Released before Doogystyle, this was the album that propelled Dre into a superstar producer status and introduced us to many of Death Row's roster, now household names. Ok, ok so maybe Dre isn't the most gifted rapper on the universe but this doesn't detract from the overall magnitude of the album. What Dre lacks in lyrics, he makes up with musical mastery, creating his trademark G Funk sound and endlessly complex production methods. Snoop, Rage, RBX, Kurupt and Daz all feature on the album and put in solid rhymes. The sonic groundbreaker for the genre rolls in on 20 inchers into the no.7 spot.
Download "Stranded On Death Row" - Who said the West ain't about lyrics??? (I realise I said Dre couldn't rhyme, however he doesn't rap on this song)
6. Public Enemy - IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK 1988
Ooops I did it. Yes this may be a bit low in your perception of the top ten, but an opinion can never be wrong. I still think this is a great album, and I do think its slightly better than "Fear of a Black Planet". Its VERY political and socially conscious too, its a shame I was only a year old when this came out, I would have loved to have witnessed the hype that surrounded one of the most contraversial groups of all time. The album is hard, powerful and energetic which sums up the attitude of PE. Chuck D's political observations were delivered through breakneck rhymes, Flavor Flav just sounds stupidly hilarious and the Bomb Squad and Terminator X create a listening experience like no-other. Its the black activists in 6th place.
Download "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" - political hip-hop in a nutshell.
5. A Tribe Called Quest - MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS 1993
Once again, I can hear it. "Wasn't "Low End Theory" supposed to be their greatest work." Maybe it was 'supposed' to be, but once again I beg to differ. Their sound seems more sophisticated and polished aswell as being subtly clever, they weren't as 'in your face' as some groups of the era and that's what made them so unique. Q-Tip is laid back as ever, Phife Dogg adds the perfect contrast and Ali Shaheed hits prime form on this LP. Always friendly, bass heavy and chilled out, its the jazzy trio at no. 5.
Download "Electric Relaxation" - this epitomizes their bohemian flavour, aswell as being one of my favourite songs of all time.
4. Gza/Genius - LIQUID SWORDS 1995
Many people (including me, for once) rate this as the greatest Wu solo album of them all. The group's most gifted MC takes on the outrageous grimy/kung-fu sound, a trademark for the Clan, but adds a more elegant and introspective tone to the piece. The Genius's lyrics are thoughtful, witty and immensely clever. The RZA's production is in its upper echelon and ain't it got the coolest front cover you have ever seen? His flows are liquid, his words are sharp, its the karate genius at number 4.
Download "B.I.B.L.E." - A marvellously spiritual reflection on life and death, except Killah Priest is on the mic(???).
3. NaS - ILLMATIC 1994
Straight from the Projects of Queensbridge, comes an emcee that sent earthquakes through the industry and won likenings to the legendary Rakim with this debut effort. This is a collection of impeccably delivered poems that narrate the lives of people struggling to succeed in land of no oppurtunity, its fabulous in its introspection and even more so in its musicality. Premiere, Pete Rock and Large Professor all lend a helping hand on a legend that will never be equalled by the talented Mr.Jones. The street poet wins the bronze medal.
Download "It Ain't Hard To Tell" - NaS just rips the mic apart over a really nice beat.
2. Outkast - AQUEMINI 1998
Artists from the south taking second spot? These two aren't your average Master Ps. Funny, witty, intelligent and greatly skilled, this Atalanta duo's third album was their apex of artistry. Taking influence from many different musical styles such as folk, blues, gospel, reggae and of course, good old hip-hop, they created an album of reflectiveness aswell as the hardcore. The beats are deep down and funky and every track will leave you craving for more. It's absolutely brilliant, but NOT the best. Da Dirty South Duo at Deux.
Download "Synthesizer" - Words cannot do justice to this song.
Here we are, the no. 1 spot, the most coveted title of them all, THE GREATEST HIP-HOP ALBUM OF ALL TIME IS......
1. JA RULE - Pain is Love............... hahahahahahahahahaha
Seriously now.
1. Wu-Tang Clan - ENTER THE WU-TANG (36 CHAMBERS)
Sorry for the joke. I am deadly serious about this one though. An explosion of outlandishly crazy yet deadly venomous hardcore kung-fu Bruce Lee sucker punch rhyming straight from the grimy streets of the forgotten Staten Island. The nuclear bomb of a debut to a saga that would change hip-hop forever. The RZA, Gza, Ol' Dirty, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface Killah, Method Man and Masta Killa ..... all I can say is.... THANKYOU! Go listen to it, right now, I command you. Its just a downright classic.
Download "All of the songs because they are all equally as mind blowing"
So there it is, Gza maybe able to make it on his own but with the Clan he is untouchable. The Wu Tang Fell off?? Not on your life son.
Peace.
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Epinions.com ID:
da_mayn_mann
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Member: Tom Maynard
Location: London, England
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
"No excuses for mind lapses when the mic's in yo' axis"-ME
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