The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

So since we're developing some catch all threads, I thought this might be a way to start the El Diablo Forum Hip-Hop Thread:

My Top 10 Albums, offered in no specific order, not the top 10 best album, just my personal favs:

Ice Cube-Death Certificate

In my mind, the perfect west coast album. The right touches of humor, politics, anger, and also just technical precision. Amazingly solid, and in a way depressing given how Cube fell off and some of the subsequent choices he made.

Siah and Yeshua daPO Ed/Blackalicious - The Visualz/Melodica EP

Not really an album, but a tape a friend made for me. These are two amazing EPs.

Siah and Yesh were an NYC duo with a really jazz heavy production. Their most notable song is "A Day Like Any Other" that's a 10 minute epic story with frequent beat changes and some amazing lyrics. Siah is one of the most amazing writers I've ever seen. His rhymes come in paragraph form, and just feel effortless, when I expect they were anything but.

Melodica is by far the best work Blackalicious has ever done. They're kinda stale now, but this EP is amazing. Gift of Gab is probably one of the top 5 technical MCs ever.

Atmosphere - Lucy Ford

In their releases after this album, Atmosphere has become pretty hit and miss (still more hit than miss, imo) and a lot more emo. That's earned them some ire from hip-hop heads. Still, they can't hate on this album. Slug's writing is insane here, and the production is just weird and clumsy enough to add a really organic feel to things. A really, really solid release that's more grounded than a lot of people likely remember.

Digital Underground - Sex Packets

Shock G is my favorite rapper/beat maker/nose wearer/etc. You are probably sleeping on him right now. The ultimate fun album.

Nas- Illmatic

Just pure [censored] hip-hip. Amazing production lineup, fantastically written songs. Probably the most solid album from start to finish on this list.

EPMD - Business Never Personal

I spent an assload of time driving around Pullman, Washington in a Plymouth Horizon listening to this record. Very strong emotional connection here. I don't think anybody would argue it's EPMD's best releast, but it's my favorite by far.

Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus

Mindblowing album. At least for me, a massive shift in how I viewed hip-hop. El-P's production on this is amazing. Just a wonderfully dark and haunting record.

Cannibal Ox- Cold Vein

The logical offspring of Funcrusher Plus. Again, El-P destroys the beats and Vast and Vordul just contrast beautifully on this.

De La Soul - De La Soul is Dead

Prince Paul is God. Another album that's just amazingly high on the fun quotient. It never really takes itself seriously, and some of the really virtuoso performances kinda get lost. Even the skits are classic.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Albums that just missed the cut:

Ready to Die, Enter the 36 Chambers, Chronic, Overcast, The Black Album, Bizzare Ride 2 The Pharcyde...

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

I like good hip-hop, but I'm not as educated about it as I probably could/should be, so I'm looking forward to some suggestions here.


Anyway, as far as hip-hop I like:

Jay-Z -- The Blueprint and The Black Album
J-Dilla -- Donuts
Deltron 3030 -- s/t (also, pretty much all of Del's stuff)
Madvillain -- Madvillainy

So, as you can see, I have generic white-guy taste in hip-hop.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Blueprint and TBA are both very decent recors. I like TBA a lot, it's about the only Jay-Z album without an overdose of filler. Jay makes fantastic songs, but his albums tend to bloat.

I'm not a fan of (the late) J-Dilla. I think his brand of production was just really miliquetoasty and lacking. I'm just kidna bored with Dell. I tried to listen to Madvillany and it didn't do much for me IMO, if you want MF Doom get Operation Doomsday (another album that probably makes my top 20) and be done with it.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

here are 10 of my favorite albums, pretty standard though:

Only Built For Cuban Linx
the low end theory
midnight marauders
liquid swords
doggystyle(used to like the chronic better but not anymore)
mecca and the soul brother
reasonable doubt
93 til infinity
college dropout
trap musik

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Binary Star - Masters of the Universe
Mobb Deep - The Infamous
2pac - All Eyez on Me
One Be Lo - S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.
Biggie - Ready to Die
Jay Z - Reasonable Doubt
Nas - Illmatic
Beatnuts - Street Level
Aceyalone - The Book of Human Language
36 Mafia - Underground vol. 1

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Guys,

I think lists without explanation and discussion kinda blow. Tell me what you like about these albums.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Mobb Deep - Infamous
Nas - Illmatic
The Roots - Illadelph Halflife
Gangstarr - Moment of Truth
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
Groupe Home - Livin' Proof
Smif N' Wessun Da Shinin'
Camp-Lo Uptown Saturday Night
Lost Boyz - Music Makes me High

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Dids,
Could you at all give me an explanation preferably with examples of the difference between hip hop and rap?

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dids,
Could you at all give me an explanation preferably with examples of the difference between hip hop and rap?

[/ QUOTE ]

Such a noob. There isn't one. You could've wrote top 10 rap albums here and it'd be the same.

Hip hop is the culture. Rap is the music.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
Ice Cube-Death Certificate

In my mind, the perfect west coast album. The right touches of humor, politics, anger, and also just technical precision. Amazingly solid, and in a way depressing given how Cube fell off and some of the subsequent choices he made.

[/ QUOTE ]

dids - how does this make it and straight outta compton doesn't? this is akin to liking a sammy haggar album better than a vh album. at least choose a dre album!

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

always a volatile discussion, 'best' vs 'favorite.'

Very hard to include something by Atmosphere in a best list, for lack of impact and resonance. That's to say nothing of its merits.

Trying to be objective, as Da Shinin' is one of my favorite records of all time. But again, I can't in good conscience include it in a 'top' list. Too much backpacker stuff on here. Incidentally, nice personal choices, Suiteness

In no particular order, and as always, subject to change:

Paid in Full: How does no one include a record by the GOAT?
Aquemini: Perhaps the most complete record ever compiled
Ready to Die: self explanatory
Illmatic: ditto
Straight Outta Compton: ushered in the versimilitude of gangsta rap
Reasonable Doubt: smooth, swaggering, emphasis on the superficial
All Eyez on Me (not a Tupac fan in the least, but respect for his status)
The Chronic: anthemic
It Takes a Nation of Millions: classic wake-up record
Raisin Hell: have to give kudos to the originators

Um, and fit Low End Theory (pretty damn close to perfect hip hop) Daily Operation, The Score, AmeriKKKA's Most Wanted, and possibly The Fix in there somewhere

It's ironic. Seems like every time I'm in a recording studio, Tribe is played during down periods. Everyone sits, nodding their heads, remarking: 'that's how hip-hop should sound." Hard to argue

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Disclaimer: I'm not nearly an expert in hip-hop, so take this with a grain of salt.

1. Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet
Most people know how awesome this album is. I love it for its production, its intensity, its lyrics, and Chuck D's unparalleled rap style. "War at 33 1/3" is probably the most diesel rap song of all time.

2. Ice-T - O.G. Original Ganster
Ice has the best vocabulary of any gangster rapper, and his rhyme style with syncopation and rhythm is both original and infectious. I love almost every track on this epic album and I listen to it all the time.

3. Mr. Lif - I Phantom
The only recent hip-hop album I like. The story on this is so deep and complex I almost want to adapt it into a screenplay. A great socialist diatribe against corpocracy and greed.

4. Cypress Hill - Cypress Hill
Their self-titled debut is still their best. What a fun album full of surprises, from the Spanglish to the weed to everything in between. And the best thing about Cypress Hill is that they leave women and gays alone; in a genre full of misogyny and homophobia, CH only target cops as the villains. They like booze, sex, and most of all mary jane. Doesn't get any better than "Hand on the Pump."

5. Ice Cube - The Predator
It's close between this and Death Certificate, but I think here Cube really refined his style. It's aggressive but focused.

6. Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Samples galore make this thing pop like nobody's business. The boys really found their sound on this one, mixing youthful comedy with some exciting musical experimentation. Who doesn't like this album?

7. Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
One of my favorite production gimmicks in rap history is the vocal on "Party For Your Right to Fight," where Chuck sings in the left speaker and Flav sings in the right, and even though they're doing the same lyrics their style is so different and the rhythm is so distinct that it sounds like two different verses. Combined it becomes this enchanting power speech that I've never heard anywhere else. Remarkable song. (And not even the best one on the album).

8. N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton
Pretty much speaks for itself.

9. Sir Mix-a-Lot - Mack Daddy
Lost in the hype of the disposable single "Baby Got Back" is a lot of brilliant dance-happy production on this record. There's also a hilarious violent anti-KKK anthem called "The Jack Back" which I really adore. This is mostly a guilty pleasure but damn is it awesome.

10. Ice-T - The Iceberg: Freedom of Speech (Just Watch What You Say)
Politically charged, funny, sexy, mean, and clever. They don't make 'em like they used to.

Honorable Mention: Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory," Eric B. & Rakim's "Follow The Leader"

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dids,
Could you at all give me an explanation preferably with examples of the difference between hip hop and rap?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to assume that this is a joke playing on the many times this question came up in OOT.

Short answer there is no functional difference and anybody telling you otherwise is a child of MTV or pop radio.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ice Cube-Death Certificate

In my mind, the perfect west coast album. The right touches of humor, politics, anger, and also just technical precision. Amazingly solid, and in a way depressing given how Cube fell off and some of the subsequent choices he made.

[/ QUOTE ]

dids - how does this make it and straight outta compton doesn't? this is akin to liking a sammy haggar album better than a vh album. at least choose a dre album!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a big NWA fan. Their best stuff was all written by Cube anyway, and Death Cert has better production, less filler, better quality lyrics.

I like Chronic a lot, but not top 10 a lot.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

the problem with compiling such lists is putting fandom aside to properly appraise the impact of each album.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
the problem with compiling such lists is putting fandom aside to properly appraise the impact of each album.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why is that a problem? Since when do "my 10 favorite albums" = "the 10 albums with the most significant impact?"

If top 10 lists were about impact, they would be so boring I would die. Every top ten movie list would have The Godfather, Citizen Kane, and Rashomon on it. You'd never get to see films like Naked, The Conformist, and Barry Lyndon.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

my response was to Dids, not you. It's not a problem per se, but to write off NWA for not being a fan of theirs is being myopic. Upon reviewing his initial post, I see he offered that caveat anyway re: favorites, so I guess the point is somewhat moot. I addressed the problem with my begrudging inclusion of Tupac.

And, I don't want to see any movie top 10 list sans GF I and II, anyway.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]

Digital Underground - Sex Packets
Nas- Illmatic
EPMD
De La Soul - De La Soul is Dead

[/ QUOTE ]

Good calls. Add in the first gangsta rapper, Schooly D with Gangsta Boogie/Maniac/P.S.K. and his debut Schooly D EP.
EPMD - Strictly Business
Eric B is President and Paid in Full.
Enter the Wu-Tang and Liquid Swords.
It Takes a Nation of Millions.

These all have great beats and had a big impact both then and today.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Ignoring Atmosphere impact is silly. They're a huge gateway band for white indie kinds into hip-hop.

Now those kids all love Ghostface.

They're also pretty notable because they make ridic $ for an indie band/lable.

Also, "impact" is a silly way to judge art. If I was judging "best" I wouldn't do it on impact, that's how I'd judge "important".

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

I think I flip flop with most people in that I like Yo! Bum Rush the Show and Niggaz 4 Life best by PA and NWA. Other than that I don't have a lot to add. I know what songs I like, but I haven't bought an album in 10 years.

Edit: Oh yeah, duh Paul's Boutique. I forget that's rap. AND Check Your Head is a vastly underrated album IMO.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

impact HAS to be a major criterion in judging art.

Sheer esthetics aren't enough. Perhaps I've painted the world's finest canvas; here it sits in my bedroom.

In all seriousness, there's something to be said for concord among those deemed experts in a particular field.
I think we're all more likely to give something the benefit of the doubt when it's presented in an authoritative context: e.g. Jackson Pollack. Who among us has the innate ability to discren his masterpieces from sheer slop? The work speaks to me, but certainly seeing it hung in the MOMA, vs discarded streetside, influences my predilection.

As per this discussion, perhaps you're not a huge LL Cool J fan, but his popularity is integral to critiquing his work.

I concede the point however, since your initial post does disqualify 'best' for 'favorite.' Moreover, you're preaching to the choir, but I've learned over the years that the bent of the music industry often supercedes personal taste.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

I'll take a stab at this. In no particular order off the top of my head:

1. N.W.A-Straight Outta Compton
The first rap album I ever bought. This albume is to hip-hop what "Nevermind" was to alternative. It was that important.

2. Ice-T-Power: Kicks ass beginning to end. Bonus points for sampling "Magic Man" by Heart.

3. Eazy-E-Eazy Duz It: Loved the songs, and the fact that my family was offended by songs about robbing banks and shooting cops. A classic in every sense of the word.

4. The Cactus Album-Third Base: Off the wall. Never could pinpoint why I loved this record, but I still listen to it.

5. It Takes A Nation of Millions...-Public Enemy: All of the other white kids in my high school were scared of Public Enemy. You have to love a record that makes people look at themselves and take stock. The first mix of politics and rap, and Chuck D did it like no one else.

6. It's a Big Daddy Thang-Big Daddy Kane: "Anything goes when it comes to hoes because pimpin ain't easy"-nuff said.

7. Youngest in Charge-Special Ed: The beats were cool and laid back, and so was his vocal style. This guy should have been huge.

8. Knowledge is Power-Kool Moe Dee: Maybe the most intelligent rap artist ever. Great lyrics.

9. The Predator-Ice Cube: He gets political and he gets agressive, and it's awesome. His best work.

10. Business as Usual-EPMD: I loved the contrast in their vocal styles. One up front and agressive, the other laid back. This was their best work IMO.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

7. Youngest in Charge-Special Ed: The beats were cool and laid back, and so was his vocal style. This guy should have been huge.


Lovely choice! One of my all-time favorites.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Paul's Boutique is an amazing album, and amazingly influential from a production standpoint. I only wish that there were better MC's involved.

"impact HAS to be a major criterion in judging art."

I think it depends on how you're judging it, but in general I would argue that that's not the case.

I don't think there are any expert hip-hop critics. (I think the VAST majority of hip-hop journalism sucks, and that which doesn't suck tends to have horrible problems with objectivily).

Also I'd point out that of the albums I've listen, only one is super obscure, and even so was pretty important in it's time (the Visualz/Melodica combo) and most of the rest (save maybe EPMD) were actually very significant albums.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

kickass list slothinator - are you 31-34 years old?

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
kickass list slothinator - are you 31-34 years old?

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow, great guess. I'm 33.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

"I don't think there are any expert hip-hop critics. (I think the VAST majority of hip-hop journalism sucks, and that which doesn't suck tends to have horrible problems with objectivily)."

I know most of the folks responsible for it, and I'd have to agree.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

"Aquemini: Perhaps the most complete record ever compiled
Ready to Die: self explanatory"

these albums, to me, are just staggering. i dont listen to a ton of rap anymore (clipse, lupe, kanye, ghost is about it) but ill slip either of these occasionally into my car CD player and it's like seeing an old friend. big boi and andre are at their peaks throughout aquemeni; andre's voice slithers in and out of tracks, flow changing throughout the plethora of funk and soul infused beats while big boi provides this backbone of classic, grounded, gangster rap to form a trinity that is simply spellbinding. im blown away every time.

and RtD is simply the hardest, most baddass thing i've ever heard recorded. i couldnt do it justice.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
"Aquemini: Perhaps the most complete record ever compiled
Ready to Die: self explanatory"

these albums, to me, are just staggering. i dont listen to a ton of rap anymore (clipse, lupe, kanye, ghost is about it) but ill slip either of these occasionally into my car CD player and it's like seeing an old friend. big boi and andre are at their peaks throughout aquemeni; andre's voice slithers in and out of tracks, flow changing throughout the plethora of funk and soul infused beats while big boi provides this backbone of classic, grounded, gangster rap to form a trinity that is simply spellbinding. im blown away every time.

and RtD is simply the hardest, most baddass thing i've ever heard recorded. i couldnt do it justice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent post, pfunk, and not simply for agreeing with me [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

All the jabber these days is about production: a cadre of average talents combining to make records. Unheralded by the greater public is the absolute wizardry of Organized Noize, as exemplified on that record, damn near 10 years ago. Nice to hear it affects others similarly. Aquemini fuses the freshness of Southernplayalistic and the innovation/polish of ATLiens marvelously.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Some Albums to check out if you enjoy hip hop...

Atmosphere - Overcast
First full length album, production from ANT is second to none.

Brother Ali - Shadows on the Sun
Albino dude from Minnesota on same Ryhmesayers label as Atmosphere. This album is FIRE!

Outkast - ATLiens
To me, this is their best offering, just a raw southern hip hop record.

Lil Wayne - The Carter 2
This new orleans mainstay finally finds his "own" sound. The result is this near perfect masterpiece of hip hop goodness.

More to come...

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

This thread is insane without the Chronic being at or very close to the top. It was different and sounded amazing then. It still sounds great today. A truly outstanding re-cud.

Now I will read the rest of the thread, which is doubtlessly filled with people echoing my sentiments.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

I'm 31 now and was heavily, heavily into rap/hip-hop from about age 10-20 (1986-1996). So, obviously my preferences are skewed. I still listen to most of these albums from time to time. Like Dids, no particular order.

Gangstarr - Step in the Arena (1991)

I am torn between choosing this or Daily Operation (1992) - they are both great. Hard, driving beats from DJ Premier, excellent lyrics from Guru. This album gives you the true essence of east coast (NY) rap at the time. Guru can be a little political for my tastes, but he's got serious talent. Best song - 'Just to get a rep'.

Nice and Smooth - Nice and Smooth (1989)

If I had to pick my all-time favorite rap album, this gets it. Even with one of the most horrendous tracks ever recorded (Something I can't explain), this is an excellent album. Very upbeat, with some classic lines (e.g. "Not the shah of Iran and I'm not the Pope, but my name is on the walk of fame like Bob Hope").

This is another New York duo - they rap about how good they are, how many girls they get, how much money they have. Nothing too negative or violent. Best song - 'No Delayin'.

Trivia - the sample from Gangstarr's 'Just to Get a Rep' (see above) is from Nice and Smooth ("Stick up kid is out to tax").

A Tribe Called Quest - Low End Theory (1991)

Quality-wise, could easily be the best rap album of a time. I drove to and from high school with this tape in my deck non-stop for about 4 months. It's that good top to bottom, no weak spots. Best song - probably have to go with 'Scenario' (very popular, Busta Rhymes made an appearance).

Main Source - Breaking Atoms (1991)

Well known to east coast fans but didn't get much mainstream love when it was out. These guys are from Canada I believe, and have some fairly socially-conscious material. Best song - 'Just Hanging Out'.

Trivia - this album has the first recorded performance of Nas. Never got into Nas, but I know he's pretty popular on these boards.

EPMD - Strictly Business (1988)

EPMD's first album. A great duo, Erick Sermon was always sort of the lead man, but Parrish is great too. Hardcore, east coast (NY) rap, very classic stuff. Best song - "Strictly Business".

Beastie Boys - License to Ill (1986)

Wow, not much needs to be said here. A groundbeaking classic, at a time when rap was just starting to go mainstream. Best song - "Paul Revere".

NWA - Straight Outta Compton (1988)

One of rap's defining albums. The essence of this era of west coast rap. Very graphic/vulgar, which was all the more reason to listen! Best song - "Straight Outta Compton".

De la Soul - Three Feet High and Rising (1989)

Another defining album. The 'hippies' of rap, along with a few others (e.g. The Jungle Brothers). I am fairly certain that there 2nd album (De La Soul is Dead) was more popular, but I have to give the nod to their first. Best song - tough one, I'll go with "Me, Myself, and I" (the most popular cut off this one).

Big Daddy Kane - It's a Big Daddy Thing (1989)

Another New Yorker, Big Daddy was the pimp. Many 'love' songs, he was sorta the pioneer in this realm. He was an amazing writer, very entertaining rhymes. Best song - "Smooth Operator".

Eric B and Rakim - Follow the Leader (1988)

Probably the best MC in rap history. Powerful tunes from another NY duo. Best song - "Microphone Fiend" (probably top 5 all time songs on my list).

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

All the cash $$ albums, right?

Ok I guess I don't have a ton of new content to add....well except tupac....Me against the world. I think this was his finest album although it wasn't as catchy as all eyez on me or whatever. I always felt me against the world was underrated (if that's possible for a tupac album). I also think Don Kulluminati may have been better than all eyez on me....just not club hit type stuff.

Also, Outkast's best work was southernplayalisticmusic IMO and should be in or close to the top 10.

Meh I'm pretty busy at work so whatever I'm sure I could generate some other thoughts but whatever. Where is TSC?

Yugoslav

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Dids:

[ QUOTE ]
De La Soul - De La Soul is Dead

Prince Paul is God. Another album that's just amazingly high on the fun quotient. It never really takes itself seriously, and some of the really virtuoso performances kinda get lost. Even the skits are classic.

[/ QUOTE ]

Love this album, Joker also mentioned 3 Feet High... I am probably committing rap heresy or something, but I like Buhloone Mind State more. I think maybe cause it has more jazz hooks? Either way this album doesn't seem to get much love when De La Soul comes up, so wanted to put it out there.

-Al

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Dids wtf half of these are rap albums?










(derailing starts...NOW)

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dids:

[ QUOTE ]
De La Soul - De La Soul is Dead

Prince Paul is God. Another album that's just amazingly high on the fun quotient. It never really takes itself seriously, and some of the really virtuoso performances kinda get lost. Even the skits are classic.

[/ QUOTE ]

Love this album, Joker also mentioned 3 Feet High... I am probably committing rap heresy or something, but I like Buhloone Mind State more. I think maybe cause it has more jazz hooks? Either way this album doesn't seem to get much love when De La Soul comes up, so wanted to put it out there.

-Al

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Buhloone is 2nd best. 3 Feet is a little too old school for me, in terms of both production and style of flow. I still love it, but it's probably my 4th fav De La album.

Re: The Chronic.

It's obvious a amazingly influential album. It's a fantastic album. I listened to it for most of a summer. However, in terms of my favorites, it doesn't get there for me. I'm a lyrics head, and lyrically it's lacking in both skill and subject matter, and while I acknowledge Dre's skill, the beats aren't my style (I was very much rooted in East Coast hip-hop when it dropped).

It's one of those albums that if I made a 10 Best instead of 10 Favs list, would probably be up there.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

lupe fiasco- food and liquor is one of the best albums in years.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

Agree that Lupe's album is one of the betters ones as of late, but that's mostly because we're just in a dead time for hip-hop. The middle parts of the album really are fantastic.

I'm very excited for El P and Brother Ali's new albums that are coming up.

Outkast: I love their stuff, but I have a hard time picking one album that jumps off the page at me. I think they have filler issues.

An album that I neglected to mention, that might just push EPMD off the list, is Goodie Mob's Soul Food.

Re: The Hip-Hop Thread, or Dids\'s Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums
 

first off hip hop and rap are 2 dirrent things, you want rap see UGK riden dirty and TRU tru 2 da game

1.wu-tang forever
2.snoop dog doggy style
3.mob deep infamous
4.cam'ron purple haze

reakwon only bulit for cubain links
the slim shady lp(the 1st one with my name is the rest of his stuff is bull)
nas illmatic
dr dre the chronic

i could list more but ill stop, right now the best in the game is cam'ron and the dipset they have merge the old with the new and hip hop with rap and they got they own swaga