***You will note that there is nothing on this list post-2000 because. . .well, because since MTV's stranglehold on the genre eviscerated the last breaths of the true art form, everything SUCKS. This is an inarguable fact, and if you disagree then you were schooled by somebody that didn't know what they were talking about, or simply don't have ears for art - you prefer bullshit instead.***
10. Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death (1996)- I know I'm gonna take a lot of heat for this (as opposed to Ready to Die), but this is not only a complete album, it came out at a very influential period in my hip hop development and worked for me as a comprehensive bridge from commercial to real.
9. Common, Resurrection (1994)- "I Used to Love H.E.R." 'Nuff said.
8. Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) - Without a doubt the most influential hip hop group of all-time. A thorough, unique album with a distinct sound that spawned a generation of copycats.
7. Outkast, Aquemini (1998)- The last true 5-mic album from the Source, and the paradigm what an album should be; conceptual from intro to outro, and nary a bad track on the entire tome.
6. Roots, Illadelph Halflife (1996)- Spectacular in concept as well as content.
5. Nas, Illmatic (1994)- Still sets the standard in lyricism. Period.
4. A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991)- This gets my vote as the pinnacle of the ATCQ trilogy (see: Honorable Mentions). Excellent vibe, sweet production and probably the best lyrics within the Tribe portfolio.
3. Mos Def, Black on Both Sides (1999)- The most recent album on the list, this album has not left my rotation since its release date. Incredible lyrics, dynamic beats, and a positive, spiritual experience.
2. Digable Planets, Blowout Comb (1994)- The most powerful album I own.
1. Outkast, ATLiens (1996) - Since I 'borrowed' this one from my friend's dorm in '96, it has not left my clutches. Amazing - this album changed my entire perspective on Hip Hop. The true essence of a culture pared into an independent, evocative, inspirational 57 minutes.
Honorable Mention(s):
Cannibal Ox, The Cold Vein (2001)
Digable Planets, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time & Space) (1993)
A Tribe Called Quest, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)
A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (1993)
Aceyalone, A Book of Human Language (1998)
Dr. Dre, The Chronic (1992)
Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doggystyle (1993)
The Alkaholiks, Coast II Coast (1995)
Common, One Day It'll All Make Sense (1997)
Tupac Shakur, Me Against the World (1995)
Eminem, Slim Shady (1999)
GZA, Liquid Swords (1995)
Naughty By Nature, Naughty By Nature (1991)
Pharcyde, BizarreRideIIThePharcyde (1992)
10. Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death (1996)- I know I'm gonna take a lot of heat for this (as opposed to Ready to Die), but this is not only a complete album, it came out at a very influential period in my hip hop development and worked for me as a comprehensive bridge from commercial to real.
9. Common, Resurrection (1994)- "I Used to Love H.E.R." 'Nuff said.
8. Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) - Without a doubt the most influential hip hop group of all-time. A thorough, unique album with a distinct sound that spawned a generation of copycats.
7. Outkast, Aquemini (1998)- The last true 5-mic album from the Source, and the paradigm what an album should be; conceptual from intro to outro, and nary a bad track on the entire tome.
6. Roots, Illadelph Halflife (1996)- Spectacular in concept as well as content.
5. Nas, Illmatic (1994)- Still sets the standard in lyricism. Period.
4. A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991)- This gets my vote as the pinnacle of the ATCQ trilogy (see: Honorable Mentions). Excellent vibe, sweet production and probably the best lyrics within the Tribe portfolio.
3. Mos Def, Black on Both Sides (1999)- The most recent album on the list, this album has not left my rotation since its release date. Incredible lyrics, dynamic beats, and a positive, spiritual experience.
2. Digable Planets, Blowout Comb (1994)- The most powerful album I own.
1. Outkast, ATLiens (1996) - Since I 'borrowed' this one from my friend's dorm in '96, it has not left my clutches. Amazing - this album changed my entire perspective on Hip Hop. The true essence of a culture pared into an independent, evocative, inspirational 57 minutes.
Honorable Mention(s):
Cannibal Ox, The Cold Vein (2001)
Digable Planets, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time & Space) (1993)
A Tribe Called Quest, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990)
A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (1993)
Aceyalone, A Book of Human Language (1998)
Dr. Dre, The Chronic (1992)
Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doggystyle (1993)
The Alkaholiks, Coast II Coast (1995)
Common, One Day It'll All Make Sense (1997)
Tupac Shakur, Me Against the World (1995)
Eminem, Slim Shady (1999)
GZA, Liquid Swords (1995)
Naughty By Nature, Naughty By Nature (1991)
Pharcyde, BizarreRideIIThePharcyde (1992)
