I have >600 hip hop albums. Throughout my experience, I have found that there are many albums that I don't like that are considered classics. Also, there are a few albums that I really like that lots of people think are average.
These are albums that I would absolutely recommend to people who are interested in getting into hip-hop, or to people who think Lil Wayne is the best because they've never heard good rap before (not dissin on Lil Wayne):
1) Paid in Full by Eric B. and Rakim - This is nothing short of essential. Give it >10 listens. It will grow on you. When I first heard it I thought it was really dated and boring. Once you learn the lyrics, you will be hooked for life. Probably my second favorite album of all time.
2) Illmatic by Nas - This album is perfection. My favorite album. You must get it.
3) The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Question - A jazzy hip-hop album by one of the greatest groups of all time. Those who think they don't like rap should definitely check this out.
4) Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous by Big L - Big L is the master of punchlines and it's not even close. This album is a must for anybody who thinks they've ever appreciated a good punchline before.
5) 36 Chambers by Wu Tang Clan - This album is just dope. That's all it is. It's dope in music form. Go get it.
6) Below the Heavens by Blu and Exile - If you get ONE underground album after 2000, make it this one. Seriously, this is a great album, it might be top 10 all time material.
7) aka the Rugged Child by Shyheim - At 15 or 16 years old, Shyheim's voice captivates you from the beginning. His lyrics rival that of masters of the game. Really good album.
8) Midnight Marauders by ATCQ - Another tribe album that's a must.
9) All We Got Iz Us by Onyx - Oh my god! This album is RAW. If you like hearing grimy storytelling over cold, dark beats, you have GOT to cop this joint.
10) Atliens + Aquemini by Outkast - Both of these are total classics. Atliens is probably better and you have got to check it out, no question.
11) All Balls don't Bounce by Aceyalone
12) All of the Above by J-live
13) Ice Cube's first few albums - Ice Cube has a really impressive discography. Most of his albums are classics. If you like down to the point story telling and dope beats, check out Cube.
14) All Common Albums - Common is a great lyricist etc etc etc just get them
15) Liquid Swords by Gza - Wow, this album is great. Gza is one of the best lyricists around and the production is fantastic.
16) Ready to Die by notorious BIG - I like this a lot more than Life After Death
17) All Eyez on Me by Pac
18) Boy in Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal - One of the most fun albums I've ever listened to. If you like dope beats, this album is for you. It's as simple as that.
19) I wish my Brother George was Here by Del the Funkee Homosapien - Another fun album. Del is seriously talented. I highly recommend this album to anyone.
20) Doggystyle by Snoop
21) The Chronic + 2001 by Dre
22) Straight Outta Compton by NWA - The ultimate gangsta rap
23) The Cold Vein by Cannibal Ox - Great underground album.
24) Funcrusher Plus by Company Flow
25) Anything by KRS One, especially Criminal Minded - KRS One is THE conscious rapper. He's really brilliant.
26) Endtroducing by DJ Shadow - A GREAT instrumental album. A must as far as I'm concerned.
27) The Fabulous Chi Ali by Chi Ali - another kid rapper.
28) How Ya Like me Now by Kool Moe Dee
29) Ridin Dirty by UGK
30) The Infamous by Mobb Deep - If you already like rap, you will like this album.
31) The Diary by Scarface
32) Mic Club by Canibus
33) Madvillainy by Madvillain
34) Most Redman albums
35) Nia by Blackalicious
36) Original Gangster by Ice-t
37) Only Built for Cuban Linx by Raekwon
38) Organized Konfusion by Organized Konfusion - THIS ALBUM IS A MUST. THIS IS EASILY A TOP 5 ALBUM BY MY STANDARDS. Do yourself a favor and get it.
39) Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z
40) Relax, Relate, Release by El Da Sensei
41) Selling Live Water by Sole
42) The Sun Rises in the East by Jeru the Damaja - THIS ALBUM IS A MUST.
43) Doe or Die by AZ
Good Concept Albums:
Concept albums are albums that have a theme to them. In hip hop, these are often the most brilliant albums.
1) Deltron 3030 by Deltron - An album set in the year 3030. It's brilliant and you have to get it.
2) Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
3) A Prince Among Thieves by Prince Paul
4) A Book of Human Language by Aceyalone
5) The Equinox by Organized Konfusion
I just ran through my Itunes and when I saw somethin that made me go "oh that's dope" I added it to the list. I'm sure I looked over some by accident.
|
-
06-23-2008, 11:00 AM #1
Dosquito's high-recommendable hip-hop thread
Last edited by Dosquito; 06-24-2008 at 09:40 AM.
-
06-23-2008, 11:22 AM #2
Very good taste in music man.
I agree with you about Blu & Exile. I will definitely snag some of these albums like Onyx (I'm a HUGE fan of grimy story telling, hence my reasons for loving Mobb Deep back in their prime).
Reps for the inspiration!
EDIT: I also agree with you about Eric B. And Rakim's album. When I listened to it I was like mehh this is too "old school" sounding. So I never gave it the light of day. I skipped that album and went to Rakim's more modern stuff but I will definitely do what you suggested, listen to it at least 10 times, and we shall see.Last edited by HamMach1; 06-23-2008 at 11:25 AM.
But I heard you give your favorite producer
head in trade for his creative juices.
USAF
-
06-23-2008, 11:34 AM #3
Bro, Rakim is truly the greatest. Every single verse he spits on Paid in Full is seamless and brilliant. Pay attention and take notes. "If you got more, I'll wait" Rakim prophetically said to all other MCs. None of them have ever come close to him (imho).
By the way, I am sure you will love that Onyx joint. If you like it you should get Cannibal Ox as well.
-
06-23-2008, 11:40 AM #4
-
-
06-23-2008, 11:49 AM #5
-
06-23-2008, 12:17 PM #6
Yeah man the production on Selling Live Water is solid. I love Teepee On a Highway Blues, Pawn In The Game Pt.1, and Sebago. All are nasty songs from Sole.
I just checked that Onyx album and god damn you were not joking about the dark beats. I remember hearing "Last Dayz" which has one of the nastiest beats I've heard... ever.But I heard you give your favorite producer
head in trade for his creative juices.
USAF
-
06-23-2008, 12:19 PM #7
- Join Date: Apr 2008
- Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
- Age: 33
- Posts: 266
- Rep Power: 204
STRONG list. repped. and i think there is nothing wrong with weezy as long as your listening to Hot Boyz or Carter 1. Anything after that is going downhill.
i didn't see any lupe on your list either? one of my current favs.
edit: no kanye? jigga? mos def? common? em? im sure you just listen to them. just missed em.Last edited by fosss; 06-23-2008 at 12:24 PM.
"Obsession is a word used by the weak to define what we call Dedication."
-
06-23-2008, 12:27 PM #8
-
-
06-23-2008, 12:34 PM #9
-
06-23-2008, 12:35 PM #10
-
06-23-2008, 03:16 PM #11
-
06-23-2008, 03:50 PM #12
-
-
06-23-2008, 03:53 PM #13
-
06-23-2008, 04:25 PM #14
-
06-23-2008, 05:06 PM #15
-
06-23-2008, 05:14 PM #16
-
-
06-23-2008, 05:29 PM #17
-
06-23-2008, 10:15 PM #18
-
06-23-2008, 11:55 PM #19
-
06-24-2008, 12:03 AM #20
-
-
06-24-2008, 12:12 AM #21
-
06-24-2008, 07:46 AM #22
-
06-24-2008, 08:47 AM #23
-
06-24-2008, 08:54 AM #24
-
-
06-24-2008, 08:55 AM #25
-
06-24-2008, 09:39 AM #26
-
06-24-2008, 10:11 AM #27
-
06-24-2008, 10:12 AM #28
-
-
06-24-2008, 10:14 AM #29
-
06-24-2008, 10:15 AM #30
Bookmarks