Old school , new school, West Coast, East Coast -- when everything is said and done, the Hip-Hop community has released some of the greatest musical accomplishments and commercial successes of the past 20 years, thanks in large part to creative beats, lyrical mastery, and an "in-your-face" attitude that is fresh and raw.
20
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ALBUM: The Low End Theory »
ARTIST: A Tribe Called Quest
WHY?: An album that flows with no gunshots blaring in the background.
BEST SONG: "Scenario"
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19
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ALBUM: It's Dark And Hell Is Hot »
ARTIST: DMX
WHY?: DMX captures his audience like none other: psychotic, but hard core.
BEST SONG: "Intro", "Damien", "Let me Fly", "X Is Coming"
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18
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ALBUM: I Got Next »
ARTIST: Krs-One
WHY?: Socially conscious and intelligent rapping; this album is powerful.
BEST SONG: "Step Into A World"
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17
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ALBUM: Run-D.M.C. »
ARTIST: Run DMC
WHY?: Their influence on the music alone gets them on this list.
BEST SONG: "It's Like That", "Hard Times", "Sucker M.C.'s"
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16
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ALBUM: Ill Communication »
ARTIST: Beastie Boys
WHY?: Once and for all: white boys can rap.
BEST SONG: "Sabotage", "Get It Together"
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15
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ALBUM: All Eyez On Me »
ARTIST: Tupac Shakur
WHY?: Tupac is a great lyricist, rapper, and a showman like none other.
BEST SONG: "California Love"
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14
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ALBUM: It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back »
ARTIST: Public Enemy
WHY?: Flavor Flav was a nice sidekick, but it is Chuck D's influence on hip hop and rap that are second to none.
BEST SONG: "Bring Da Noize"
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13
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ALBUM: When Disaster Strikes »
ARTIST: Busta Rhymes
WHY?: Great rapper with tremendous energy; too bad he seems to be possessed.
BEST SONG: "We Could Take This Outside", Knight Rider remix "Turn it Up/Fire it Up"
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12
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ALBUM: Black Sunday »
ARTIST: Cypress Hill
WHY?: Cypress Hill's musical influence is justified with this groundbreaking album.
BEST SONG: "Insane in the Brain"
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11
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ALBUM: All World »
ARTIST: LL Cool J
WHY?: So I am cheating by picking a best of, you got a problem? Contains a previously unreleased track and is a great sample of Mr. Smith's diverse musical endeavors.
BEST SONG: "Loungin' (Who do you Luv?)", "Doin' It"
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Top 10 |
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