LemonMelon
More 5G Than Man
Yes, I'm clearly a bit bored. But I don't think any threads have been made like this in the past and I've been listening to a ton of hip-hop the past couple of days, so I'm in a good place to make a list like this. The following is a rather incomplete list, put in the best order possible (there is still a ton of classic hip-hop I haven't heard, so that's why I consider it incomplete):
10. A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory
Undoubtedly a classic; jazzy grooves placed beside vibrant, humorous lyrics.
9. The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die
Contains arguably one of the greatest first sides in hip-hop history. Thins out a bit after that, but still one of my favorites regardless. Biggie had unbelievable flow.
8. Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt
Yep. Jigga has made his share of masterpieces to go right alongside the commercial fluff, and this album is truly fantastic. Can't knock the hustle.
7. Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
Yes, it's quite new. Yes, it has its share of filler. But I adore this album. Hooks are everywhere, and the plot is very interesting, if open-ended. The first half is an easy 5/5, and it doesn't drop off all that much.
6. Madvillain - Madvillainy
I just recently discovered this album, but I love it. It has amazing atmosphere, and never lets a great idea overstay its welcome. There aren't nearly enough albums this good around right now.
5. Kanye West - Late Registration
Packed to the gills with great tunes, and Brion's production is a favorite of mine. Kanye's best, easily.
4. Nas - Illmatic
A cliched choice, but this is definitely one of the greats, no doubt. Arguably the most consistently strong rap album I've ever heard, and its peaks are through the roof.
3. Outkast - Aquemini
Also cliched, but I don't care. Incredibly creative, surprisingly consistent, and manages to be both thematically heavy and enjoyable at the same time. Rosa Parks is the jam.
2. Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Pretty much singlehandedly got me into hip-hop. It's one of the most creative, dense, and entertaining records ever made. It also hasn't aged a minute since 1989.
1. De La Soul - Three Feet High And Rising
Proof positive that those who claim hip-hop is all guns, gangs, hos, and weed have no idea what they're talking about. Not every experiment on this extremely experimental record works, but the vast majority does, and it's one of the most unique (and fun/entertaining/awesome, etc.) albums ever made in any genre.
<3
10. A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory
Undoubtedly a classic; jazzy grooves placed beside vibrant, humorous lyrics.
9. The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die
Contains arguably one of the greatest first sides in hip-hop history. Thins out a bit after that, but still one of my favorites regardless. Biggie had unbelievable flow.
8. Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt
Yep. Jigga has made his share of masterpieces to go right alongside the commercial fluff, and this album is truly fantastic. Can't knock the hustle.
7. Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
Yes, it's quite new. Yes, it has its share of filler. But I adore this album. Hooks are everywhere, and the plot is very interesting, if open-ended. The first half is an easy 5/5, and it doesn't drop off all that much.
6. Madvillain - Madvillainy
I just recently discovered this album, but I love it. It has amazing atmosphere, and never lets a great idea overstay its welcome. There aren't nearly enough albums this good around right now.
5. Kanye West - Late Registration
Packed to the gills with great tunes, and Brion's production is a favorite of mine. Kanye's best, easily.
4. Nas - Illmatic
A cliched choice, but this is definitely one of the greats, no doubt. Arguably the most consistently strong rap album I've ever heard, and its peaks are through the roof.
3. Outkast - Aquemini
Also cliched, but I don't care. Incredibly creative, surprisingly consistent, and manages to be both thematically heavy and enjoyable at the same time. Rosa Parks is the jam.
2. Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Pretty much singlehandedly got me into hip-hop. It's one of the most creative, dense, and entertaining records ever made. It also hasn't aged a minute since 1989.
1. De La Soul - Three Feet High And Rising
Proof positive that those who claim hip-hop is all guns, gangs, hos, and weed have no idea what they're talking about. Not every experiment on this extremely experimental record works, but the vast majority does, and it's one of the most unique (and fun/entertaining/awesome, etc.) albums ever made in any genre.
<3
G-Funk at its absolute peak. Regulate (the track) is one of my top 10 beats of all time.
