10. Beastie Boys- Pauls' Boutique (1989)
Although an initial commerical failure, this has gone on to become the Beastie Boys most heralded relase. Inspired by the The Beatle's "Abbey Road", the Beastie Boys take small parts of songs and piece them together into a sort of collage, much like the Abbey Road medley. "Paul's Boutique's" main draw is its superb use of sampling, taking bit's from Johnny Cash, to the Beatles, to the Ramones, and everything in between. Due to modern day copyright restrictions, nothing like this record will probably ever have the ability to come into existence.
9. Wu-Tang Clan- Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
At the time, West Coast Hip-hop was dominating the charts. This was until Wu-Tang was able to spark a revival of some sort with the release of Enter the Wu-Tang. A plethora of classic east-coast albums would follow suit. Underground in nature, this record is dark, violent, and has this weird fascination with martial arts. Some of the most rememberable hip-hop skits are found here as well. This is hardcore hip-hop the top of it's game.
8. The Notorious B.I.G.- Ready to Die (1994)
This might be one of the most important debut's in rap history. Biggie Small's lyrics are funny and clever, but when it's time to get serious, he talks about his "Everyday Struggles" (track 11) in the most believable and sincere way possible. Marked by a continuous theme of suicidal lyrics and thoughts, Biggie almost makes the listener want to help him find another way. Classic tracks originate on this album such as "Juicy" and "Big Poppa" This is all presented with The Notorious B.I.G.'s perfect and classic flow.
7. Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Eminem has a rare ability to make a sarcastic joke about pop-culture, lash out against his critics, and provide a social commentary, all in one sentence.....and make it rhyme. After "The Slim Shady LP" made Eminem a superstar, Mr. Mathers comes back with a darker and more autobiographical approach. The lyrics are shocking, violent, and fuel of fueled anger. Calling this controversial is more than understatement. From the twisted opening song "Kill You,"to the chilling "Stan," the in your face "The Way I Am" and the very funny "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem takes us on an almost frightening ride as he looks to get back at everyone who's wronged him.
6. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Bold. Daring. Adventurous. These are the words I use to describe this work of art brought to us Kanye West. The drive for experimentation, and the level of complexity on "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" goes unmatched by anything else in the rap genre. With big sounds and instrumentation, and groundbreaking production by Kanye, this sonic maximalism at it's core. With lyrics dealing with his social unpopularity, fame, and doubt, the introspective honesty may be the most jaw dropping thing about this album. Although "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" has only been out for a few years, it's already been heralded a classic!With landmark releases like "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration" already under his name, this is Kanye West's magnum opus.
5. De La Soul- 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
This may be the most unique hip-hop album ever made. Psychedlica and unusually positive lyrics for rap music, had listeners calling De La Soul "hippies" and the Beatles of hip-hop. The very clever game-show interludes are some of the first examples of hip-hop skits, something that has become a tradition in rap albums. "3 Feet High and Rising" is playful and an extremely fun listen. This is hip-hop you can dance to, especially on the infectious hit single "Me, Myself, and I."
4. Nas- Illimatic (1994)
It really doesn't get much better than Illimatic. Nas commentates on the realities of being raised around poverty, drugs, and gang violence in the most serious and real way. Musically, the production is flawless, and draws influence from jazz, blues, and earlier hip-hop. His refusal to conform to commercial trends, allowed Nas to compose a work of art that was completely new and fresh. With complex rhyme schemes, more than impressive articulation, keen sense of rhythm, and deep intelligent substance; this is just not hip-hop, this is sonic poetry. The lyrical content and delivery of Illimatic is still being analyzed by scholars this day. Simply put, this brings the art of rap to a new standard.
3. Dr Dre.- The Chronic (1992)
This was hip-hop's greatest producer's attempt at a solo album. This could possibly the most well-produced album in the history of rap. Dre is credited with innovating the G-funk style of rap marked with bass-heavy production, funky grooves, and female backing vocals. Snoop Dog's career was jump started from this record as Dre gives the unknown at the time rapper many appearances to shine. These two rappers helped developed a more laid-back delivery approach nicknamed a "lazy drawl." The lyrics are controversially as they depict violent scenarios of street gangs and drugs, prevalent in the gangsta rap movement. It should be stated that "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" will always go down as one of the greatest rap songs ever made.
2. N.W.A.- Straight Outta Compton (1988)
"Straight Outta Compton" brought gangsta rap to the forefront. When someone mentions the term West-coast hip-hop, this is probably the first record that comes to mind. This crew consisted of Dr. Dre, Arabian Prince, MC Ren, Eazy-E, The D.O.C., and Ice Cube. The chemistry between these six individuals worked to perfection as they crafted one of the most influential records in the rap genre. Full of violence, crime, takes at racism, and production full of siren and gunshot sounds got N.W.A. unwanted attention from the FBI, which only made this album more popular. N.W.A. defends "Straight Outta Compton" by arguing that it only brings to light reality.
1. Public Enemy- It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)
The duo of Chuck D. and Flava Flav bring us the best thing that has ever happened to rap music. This is not only the greatest rap album, but simply one of the greatest albums of all time. The music is fast, sonicly satisfying, and just grooves in an unmatched way. Fierce turnatable work and sampling brings the sound of this album to new heights. Politically charged, Chuck D's lyrics bring messages of African American empowerment and fights against. racism and social injustice. This is more than just an album. This is a statement that is still resonating today.
I wanted to make a few honorable mentions of some albums that just missed the cut!
- A Tribe Called Quest- The Low End Theory
- Kanye West- The College Dropout
- Outkast- Stankonia
- Jay-Z- The Blueprint
- Beastie Boys- Licensed to Ill
- Eric B. and Rakim- Paid in Full
- Run D.M.C.- Raising Hell
- Kendrick Lamar- Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
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