If you don’t have these albums in your collection, stop reading this and go to the store and buy them. Keep in mind, these are in random order as they appear in my collection. These are albums that are essential for every hip-hop fan to own.
1) Mobb Deep- The Infamous (1995-Loud Records)
This is the quintessential mid-1990’s New York hip-hop album. Mobb Deep’s second album, The Infamous, finds QB’s finest coming of age and hitting their stride lyrically with tales of drugs, guns, and violence in the streets. With outstanding production by Havoc and with a little help from Q-Tip, each track comes right at you and vividly paints you a picture of their pain and struggle. Guest spots are kept to a minimum, with only fellow QB brethren Nas, the Wu-s Raekwon and Ghostface Killer, Q-Tip, and of course family member Big Noyd making appearances. Almost every track is solid (7, 8, 13 being the only exceptions) and there are numerous hip-hop classics on this album. The best track on the album (and one of the best in hip-hop ever) is “Survival of the Fittest”, featuring one of the best beats you will ever hear. There are so many outstanding songs on this album that there are too many to list here, so buy the album if you don’t already own it and pick your favorites. For those of you who missed the mid-1990’s hip-hop era, put on your headphones, listen to this album, and get learned. Mobb Deep is the best group to come out of Queensbridge, and The Infamous is arguably its greatest album. No hip-hop collection would be complete without this masterpiece.
2. Atmosphere- Lucy Ford (2000-Rhymesayers)
Slug is one of the best MC's out there, simply put. His ability to wear his emotions on his sleeve, rhyme his ass off, and make records that convey the ups-and-downs of love is unparalleled. Hip-hop could use a couple more rappers like him. Slug, along with Ant, make up Atmosphere. Ant handles the majority of the production on this album, with three tracks produced by jel and two by moodswing9. The album's first six tracks are extraordinary. Other standout songs include "party for the fight to write", "mama had a baby and his head popped off", and "nothing but sunshine". This album will help anyone who has ever been in a bad relationship yet will satisfy any so-called "underground" hip-hop fan. Atmosphere makes beautiful music for people who want more substance than can be found in most hip-hop records. This is an important album in many respects, but most importantly, because it makes you feel. Not too many hip-hop records can say that.
3. Organized Konfusion- The Equinox (1997- Priority)
Organized Konfusion were one of the most under-appreciated groups in hip-hop history. The Equinox is the last album Pharaohe Monche and Prince Po made together. O.K. has always been one of those groups that you wish more people would have listened to. They are like one of those television shows that has a small core of devoted listeners who try to keep it on the air yet eventually fail and their show is cancelled. The Equinox is like the last episode of Now and Again or Freaks and Geeks, a nice ending to a great era yet a sad reminder of how much you will miss them. Pharaohe Monche is undoubtedly one of the best MC’s ever, and Prince Po has always been a nice Phife Dawg to Pharaohe’s Q-Tip. This nice album features production by legendary producers Diamond D, Showbiz,, Buckwild, and Rockwilder. However, the album’s best song, “Numbers” is produced by Casper. This album is reminiscent of the great albums of the mid-to-late eighties, short and concise with no skits or filler. The reason for O.K.’s greatness is that that they were not easily accessible. Hip-hop heads still have not fully comprehended Pharaohe’s rhymes and kids will be trying to decipher them years from now. The album’s second best track, “Sin” is an excellent example of this. Unfortunately, their inaccessibility also led to their low record sales. Many people aren’t willing to put in the time to appreciate their words. But by getting and LISTENING to this album, you have the opportunity that fully appreciate/understand/comprehend/ the fact that Organized Konfusion were one of the best hip-hop groups ever.
4. Cypress Hill-III- Temples Of Boom (1995-Sony)
If there ever is a hip-hop hall of fame, these guys deserve to be in it. Temple of Boom may not be their best album, but it is their darkest. DJ Muggs' dense production on tracks like "Throw Your Set in the Air", "Illusions", and "Let It Rain" prove that the success of Black Sunday did not do anything to dilute their sound. This album separated their bandwagon fans from their true ones. The beats on this album are deeper than any other Cypress Hill album to date. If he wanted to, I think Muggs could do movie scores, imagine Apocalypse Now with beats like this. B-Real has always been an underrated rapper, and Sen Dog is the definition of a hype man. They stick to topics they're familiar with (guns, drugs, violence) and they do it well. And there is even a beef track, a Cypress Hill first. Cypress Hill is one of those groups that never gets the respect they deserve, due in most part I think to the amount of records they've sold or the large influence of metal found in their music. But they are nothing but consistent, and this is their deepest album. A definite must-have.
5. Atmosphere-Godlovesugly (2002-Rhymesayers)
I didn't think it was possible for Atmosphere to make a better record than Lucy Ford, but they did just that with Godlovesugly. In fact, this is probably the best album released this year. There is not a single bad song on this album. "Modern Man's Hustle" is one of the prettiest hip-hop songs ever, and "Shrapnel" is probably the best song I've heard this year. This album builds on the themes of Lucy Ford but is in no way a sequel, nor does it sound similar. Ant's beats are without peer, and Slug continues to solidify his place as one of (if not) the best MC's today. There is no reason for any hip-hop fan to not own this album. This is the definition of a classic hip-hop record, and we should all be thankful for its existence. To paraphrase Primo, this album is like a torch leading you through this dark period of hip-hop. Never has a hip-hop album sounded so beautiful.
6. The Roots- Illadelph Halflife (1996-Geffen)
You can argue that every Roots album is a must-have. In fact, they are one of the few hip-hop artists that have never released a weak album. Illadelph Halflife is not my favorite Roots album, although "Clones" is my favorite Roots song. What makes this album essential is that it has greater staying power than any previous Roots album. This album sounds just as good today as it did 6 years ago. Songs like "Respond/React", "Push Up Ya Lighter", and especially "What They Do" will remind you why you fell in love with hip-hop in the first place. Much has been said about The Roots and the fact that they are a band of (dope) musicians rather than a hip-hop "group." But the simple fact is that The Roots make good music, plain and simple. Each member could have a successful career doing what they do. But as a group every release they put out is excellent.
7. Ghostface Killah-Supreme Clientele (2000-Epic)
Ghostace Killah is without a doubt the most consistent solo Wu-artist. All three of his albums(Ironman, S.C., Bulletproof Wallets) have been solid. I don't know if Supreme Clientele is better than Ironman, but it came at a time where the Wu needed a great album to come out. Each member (except for Dirty) had fallen victim to the sophomore slump, and Supreme Clienele was the answer to all the fans who thought the Wu had fallen off completely. When in group form, the Clan always produces quality. But few of their solo members can carry a full album. Ghostface is the best member at expressing his emotions and storytelling. He can carry an album on those two traits alone. But throw in his charisma and his unique way of rhyming things that have no business being together (strawberry kiwi being my favorite) and you have a great artist. Who thought that G-Dini would grow up to be the most consistent member. Gems like "Wu-Banga" "Buck 50" "Mighty Healthy" and especially "G-Dini" showcase Ghost's unique rhyme style. While "Child's Play" and "In the Rhyme" prove that in my opinion Ghost is the best storyteller in hip-hop right now. Even the skits are entertaining. His crack-head skit ranks up there as one of the funniest and check out the "who would you rather..." discussion that every hip-hop fan has had at least once. Ghostface has changed a great deal as an MC, and he has gotten better. Supreme Clientele is not just an album that Wu-heads would appreciate. All hip-hop fans will dig this album.
8. Gangstarr-Moment of Truth (1998- Noo Trybe)
The best album by the best producer-MC combo ever, Guru and Premier. There are not enough superlatives to describe this album. From start to finish, one of the best hip-hop albums ever. Guru's words of wisdom combined with the best producer in hip-hop shine like torches in the darkness of hip-hop's ignorance. The best opening 6 songs on any hip-hop album, from the opening song reaffirming Gangstarr's relevance, "You Know My Steez" to my favorite track, "JFK 2 LAX." Each Gangstarr album is outstanding, but Guru's improved flow and matured outlook on life make this one stand a little taller than the rest. This album is an answer to all the aritsts out there rhyming about nothing. Gangstarr prove that you can educate and entertain at the same time. If you're not saying something, then you are saying nothing. Excellent cameo's by M.O.P. and especially Freddie Foxx and Scarface make a great album even greater. But by far the brightest combo on the album is Guru and Inspectah Deck on "Above the Clouds." Hip-hop at its finest. To make a long story short: GET THIS ALBUM! If you don't have this album, you don't love hip-hop.
9. Black Sheep- A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (1991- Mercury)
Say what you want, but for my money this is the best album from the Native Tongue Family. That may sound like blasphemy to some of you, but hear me out. Yes, MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS is dope, yes DE LA SOUL IS DEAD is a classic, but track for track this album is better. Not only are there no bad songs on this album, but there are no mediocre ones either. The albums mentioned before have some mediocre songs. But AWISC has none, from beginning to end, its a classic. How many albums can claim that? From the intro to the last verse (the best non-spoken ending to an album ever) this album has no fast-forward tracks. And that's not even mentioning the skits. The skits on this album are better than most songs on any other album. The LASM society skit is one of the funniest moments in hip-hop. Only Redman's skits on all his albums combined can rival the ones found on this album alone. But back to the songs. Its hard to pick favorites on this album but here goes. I dare you to try to listen to "La Menage" and try not to smile, even you ladies. Pay close attention to Q-Tip's message for the ladies towards the end, you won't be disappointed. Check the satire on "You Mean I'm Not" for all you thugs out there. And listen to the lyrics on "For Doz That Slept", it must have taken weeks to write that song. Tribe and De La may have made more quality albums before and after this one, but this album is the best single Native Tongue album. "Listen to me honey, uh honey listen here please. If sexy were a virus, then you'd have a disease." Poetry at its finest, ladies and gentlemen.
10. Snoop Doggy Dogg- DOGGYSTYLE (1993-Interscope)
Years from now, when we look back on the early 1990's Death Row era, this is the album that will represent it best. Everyone will remember THE CHRONIC, but most people will forget that DOGGYSTYLE is the better album. THE CHRONIC is Snoop and Dre's (albeit classic) demo tape, trying to see if their G-Funk music had an audience. We all know the answer to that question. So Dre turned over the majority of rhyme duty to Snoop on his own album, and the results are the best work either of them has ever done. This album hits hard and fast, with no room for filler. Matter of fact, the radio songs (What's My Name, Gin and Juice) are probably the weakest songs here. Only Death Row's best of the best (Rage, Nate Dogg, and especially Daz and Kurupt) make this album. This is Snoop at his peak: before his split with Dre, before the beef with Suge, before the murder arrest, pre-No Limit, and pre-conversion. It's hard to pick favorites, but try "Tha Shiznit", "Serial Killer", "For My Niggaz & Bitches (Kurupt rips this song to shreds)", and especially "Pump Pump". This is the best album in the Death Row archives. Unfortunately Snoop's first album was his best. But its hard to follow up a classic. Consider this album the West Coast version of ILLMATIC, albums so good that they promise could never be followed up. Or even the rap version of NEVERMIND, an album that when played immediately brings you to that particular place and time. No collection is complete without this album.
11. Gang Starr- HARD TO EARN (1994-Chrysalis)
Trying to decide between MOMENT OF TRUTH and HARD TO EARN is like picking between your children. You may have one that you like more, but you would never admit it. In fact, while writing and listening to this album, I am now convince that this album is better. I guess it all depends on which one you are listening to at the moment. Well let's start from the beginning. "ALONGWAYTOGO" is in my top five opening songs in hip-hop. A slower than usual Guru reminds those that want to get into hip-hop that you must pay your dues. This is followed by one of the best Gang Starr songs ever, "Code of the Streets", featuring that patented Premier scratch that has been bitten so many times since. "Brainstorm" ends so suddenly that it leaves you wanting to hear more as if fades out. "Tonz 'O' Gunz" is the Gang Starr anti-guns PSA. Not that you shouldn't have them, but don't use them over dumb -ish is the message here. Next is the autobiographical "The Planet" which tells how Guru came to move from Boston to Brooklyn. Following this song is "Aiiight Chill...", one of the best "skits" ever. Basically Primo checking his answering machine with messages from Nas, AG, MC Eiht, Showbiz, and others, it is simple genius. Next is the Gang Starr foundation cut "Speak Ya Clout" featuring Jeru and Lil' Dap. Everyone and their mother knows "DWYCK" and "Mass Appeal" so I'll skip them. "Blowin' Up the Spot" and "Suckas Need Bodyguards" are excellent songs, but they are overshadowed by the following "Now You're Mine." This song is one of those that makes you lose your mind everytime you hear it. It is three minutes of Guru exposing fake MC's and ending their careers. There are other Gang Starr songs which measure up to this one, but their are none better. "Mostly the Voice" is self=explanatory, and "F.A.L.A." is also a solid song. And the last track, "Comin For Datazz" is a reminder to the fake MC's that still haven't learned their lesson: Guru is coming for you. Guru and Premier are at their best when together, and this album holds its own against all of the classic early 90's East Coast releases. You absolutely need to have this album in your collection, plain and simple.
12. The Fugees- THE SCORE (Sony-1996)
Oh what could have been. The Fugees along with the Pharcyde are the two groups whom let inner beef stand between what could have been. Two of them (poor Pras) have gone on to have successful solo careers, but neither have come close to matching this album. Yes this record sold a gazillion copies but don't let that fool you, sometimes the masses are right. This album opens with "How Many Mics" and doesn't come up for breath until the tenth track, "The Mask." Lauren's voice is almost as beautiful as she is and the production from Wyclef (and Diamond D) even makes Pras sound dope. True we don't need 18 versions of "Fu-Gee La" and the skits are kinda long and unnecessary, but for the year of '96 it was all about the Fugees. Inner beef and big heads led to a breakup and we waited and waited for a reunion which never came about. Now that that era has come and gone, we can only wonder of what could have been.
13. The Beastie Boys- PAUL'S BOUTIQUE (Capitol-1989)
Oh dear lord what a great album this is. The Beasties have made a career of great albums, but Paul's Boutique is their masterpiece. A complete departure from Licensed to Ill, this album elevates the art of sampling to its finest form. One of the reasons this album is so great is that it could never be made today due to the cost of sampling. Although one does not have to be on them to enjoy this album, I have the distinct impression that narcotics were taken during the making of this album. If their first album represented a high-school Beastie mentality, then Paul's Boutique is their college years- drugs, petty crime, and overall mischief. Even their mildly offensive rhymes just come off as boyhood posturing. The Dust Brothers production on this album is just crazy. There are not enough superlatives for this record. This is one of my favorite albums ever.
Top 10 Albums Somehow Missing from Joker's Collection