I never even bothered to listen to any of his albums, so you're excused.

Criminal Minded - Boogie Down Productions



It's been 20 years. Damn.

Whoever wrote this wiki article really did a good job.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Minded

A true staple in Hip-hop. Great choice!

Straight Outta Compton- NWA



Greatest Gangtsa Rap Ever! This is the album that really put the West Coast on the map. To this day I believe it remains the most rebellious rock'n'roll ever created. I don't care if it's GG Allin, the Sex Pistols, the next wave of gangsta rappers, church torching Norwegians or what.


I mean, damn.

This album was also a superstar career launching pad. Eazy-E went on to make some hilariously angry solo stuff. Who can forget Boyz-n-the-Hood (although it was actually written by Ice Cube).

Speaking of Ice Cube, he's arguably one of the greatest rappers in history. And finally Dre. His name has come up here already but what I can I say? His influence on Hip Hop can hardly be overstated. Plus, as a musician... put it this way: Dre and RZA deserve every bit as much of respect as Diz and Bird.

Don't wanna get political, but to me their lyrics and their videos accompanying that album suggest that they're just a bunch of racists who later went on to make a living out of it.

They're not exactly Screwdriver.


Biz Markie -Goin' Off



Pickin' Boogers!

I heard that Big Daddy Kane actually wrote the lyrics for this record.

I think part of you should try and look past the people speaking. The way words are executed on this record, the flow, the energy, and theme (which maybe not all but I believe some of it to have some truth) makes for a very powerful record. It influenced so much of rap that came after it and is a huge tick mark on the time line of censorship. It helped spark the careers of some top MCs and one notable producer.

Now if gangsta rap is not your forte then I would not suggest this to you. But if it is of some interest it gets no more raw, realer, and dare I say original, as it does on this album.

Good addition OldSmell, like so many others it was needed.

I like the Biz too, really enjoyable album.

A Tribe Called Quest triple stack:





Personally I like the groups debut, Peoples Instinctive..., the best but each album definitely has sides that I just couldn't pick between. If you have never heard of ATCQ then you are in for a real treat. This is one of the smoothest groups in hip hop and that can be heard on any of their albums. Q-tip is the most memorable voice, well he speaks in a cool and laid back tone his words bring meaning and pack a punch that is hard to miss. His flow is up there with the best. The production on these albums is great. The sampling is mostly jazz influenced but there is a taste of rock on some tracks. These albums are cool and classy, smart, thought out, skillful, fun, insightful, and energetic at times. This is a classic outfit with a lot to say and while some groups preach these guys make it enjoyable to listen.

If you are looking for the most recognized classic out of the three then go with The Low End Theory.

The Message

There is not a doubt in my mind that you have heard the title track off this album before. It is the highlight but this is a very strong album as a whole as well. It has a very early 80s feel to it which comes off as strong and interesting. This makes for the feel of a fun album, which it certainly is, but there is also a strong tone of seriousness.

Jungle Brothers- Straight Out the Jungle


I loved this when it came out and I still do. This album is to me what I think Tribe is to most hip hop fans. This album influences Tribe, De La Soul and all the stuff they influenced. Jungle Brothers! You are not forgotten!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqhob5cug7A