The Not-Quite-Definitive (But Still Pretty Close) Top 50 Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time Countdown: #30-21
Aug 15 '04 (Updated Aug 18 '04)
The Bottom Line The greatest hip-hop albums of all time: #30-21
Well here is the third segment of this list.. it's all over the place, from old to new, East to West, gangsta to political. Enjoy.
30. Organized Konfusion - Stress: The Extinction Agenda (1994)
Pharoahe Monch is a legend in the rap game, and Prince Po is extremely respected as well. Together, they form one of the most lyrically potent one-two punches in hip-hop history. Each sporting some perfected flows, the two tag team the mic and rip it to shreds with their venomous battle rhymes. I'd lie to you if I said Pharoahe didn't outshine his partner with his God-like presence on the mic, but Po keeps up and holds his own throughout the album just fine. Don't miss out on this oft-overlooked LP.
29. Slick Rick - The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick
Slick Rick's debut has long been considered a hip-hop landmark album, and for good reason, too. Rick's lengthy, entertaining, and amazingly crafted stories can hold your attention like very few others can. Often imitated, never duplicated, Rick's innovative and witty rhyming on this album will definitely be remembered for years to come. The production is scratch heavy and definitely reminiscent of 80's hip-hop. If you still haven't heard Slick's one-of-a-kind voice on this one-of-a-kind album, you've been missing out on one of hip-hop's most respected and sampled albums.
28. Run DMC - Raising Hell (1986)
This is the oldest album on the list, and although many people claim it's outdated, I disagree. When a person who was born two years after this was released can still claim it's one of his favorites, there's no way it can be outdated. The hard-hitting, fun-filled music from the trio of Jam Master Jay, MC Run, and DMC shattered barriers down and paved the way for your favorite artists today. Thoguh I didn't include any album on this list just for it's influence, it's hard to discuss this album without mentioning the impact it had. Whether you like rock or rap, I'm positive you'll enjoy this.
27. Digable Planets - Reachin': A New Refutation Of Time And Space (1993)
Digable Planets in the 90's were what De La Soul was in the late 80's: a group that was as far away from the trend at the time as possible. Though never recieving nearly as much recognition as De La, Digable Planet's debut album should go down in history. Jazzy production and laid back vibes straight from the heart of Brooklyn permeate this LP from front to back. MC's Doodlebug, Butterfly, and Ladybug (yes, she's a female) would probably be ridiculed by all the people riding on the Death Row movement at the time, but rest assured, Digable Planets is some of the best stuff you'll ever hear.
26. The Roots - Things Fall Apart (1999)
This is the album that really blew the Roots up, with high-profile collabos with Mos Def, Common, Jill Scott, and others leading the way. Switching it up like always, the band comes with less jazz and less lyrical fireworks on this album than previous works, and opts for a more soulful vibe that results in one of their best albums to date. As always, Black Thought, Malik B, and now a more common Dice Raw are on point, and the instrumental part of the band is pretty much at its peak on this album.
25. Eric B. & Rakim - Follow The Leader (1988)
The duo of Eric B. and Rakim pick up where their debut left off, with more jawdropping lyrics from the God and head nodding production from his underrated sidekick. The argument can be made that this is better than the debut, and in my opinion, they're basically equal.
24. Eric B. & Rakim - Paid In Full (1987)
This is where it started from one of the most highly respected emcees and his trusty partner-in-crime producer. Rakim's braggadocio and lyrics are way ahead of his time in terms of complexity, throwing multisyllable rhyme schemes left and right over Eric B's scratching. At just a compact 10 tracks, there is little chance for messing up, and they don't. And besides, any album which has the title cut of this album is pretty much set for history.
23. Gang Starr - Moment Of Truth
It's no question that Gang Starr is one of the most respected duos of all time. DJ Premier tops most people's lists as a producer, and Guru has always been a highly esteemed emcee. On this 1998 album, the King Of Monotone and Premo up their game to its highest level with their fifth (yes, fifth) album in their discography. Guru wastes no time on the mic, and gets straight to the point on every song. Meanwhile, this may be DJ Premier's best produced album, with his versatility on display. Add guest appearances from Inspectah Deck, MOP, and Scarface, and you get this New York classic.
22. Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1989)
You could also put Fear Of A Black Planet in this spot, it had just slipped my mind until it was too late to add in a new album this high on the list. Moving away from the old school party cuts that had dominated hip-hop until that point, Public Enemy used hip-hop as a medium of displaying controversial political thoughts and ideas. Chuck D's booming voice will make you pay attention to some of the most important lyrics ever written, and the explosive production of the Bomb Squad matches the whole feel of the album perfectly. Besides all this stuff you've probably heard before, Flava Flav is one of the coolest hype men ever.
21. Dr. Dre - The Chronic (1992)
It seems a ton of people these days are quick to dismiss Dre's first album because of it's mentality and themes. Though I agree, it's had arguably one of the worst influences on hip-hop, there's no denying this album is one of the best ever made. Easily one of the best produced albums of all time, Dre laces synthesizers with the traditional G-Funk vibe he pioneered himself. Meanwhile, Dre, Snoop and Co. (Kurupt, RBX, Daz, etc.) utilize these beats to the fullest, spitting their hot flows over the brilliantly produced beats. Sure, it's gangsta rap, but damn, it's gangsta rap done extremely well.
Only two segments to go..
The complete list:
50 Greatest Albums Of All Time: #50-41
50 Greatest Albums Of All Time: #40-31
50 Greatest Albums Of All Time: #30-21
50 Greatest Albums Of All Time: #20-11
50 Greatest Albums Of All Time: #10-1
Related: The Top 20 Albums Of 2003
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
rsz15
|
|
Location: USA
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 53 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.