Rap fans - best album of all time?

[Q8offsuit]

P. Diddy sayz, VOTE or DIE

[kerssens]

Tupac...All Eyez On Me

[ThaSaltCracka]

This is absurdly obvious.

1.Dr. Dre- The Chronic
2.BIG's- Ready to Die is a close second
3.Snoop- Doggystle
4.Wu-Tang- 36 Chambers
5.2pac- Me against the World

BTW, East Coast is not wack at all.


Your list of choices suck.

[jakethebake]

Best rap album? There was one?

[srvollmer]

Low End Theory- A Tribe Called Quest.

Then Biggie.
Then everyone else.
Then Tupac.

[B Dids]

The snob in me says that you should have titled this "hip-hop heads" not "rap fans".

My favorite album is an EP by an unheard of NY duo. Siah and Yeshua daPO Ed, it's called "The Visuals".

[jakethebake]

Do they still do that thing where they spit in their hand and make those funny noises?

[Sponger15SB]

[ QUOTE ]
Tupac...All Eyez On Me

[/ QUOTE ]

Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle or Dre's Chronic 2001.

then again i've always been partial to da WEST COAST

http://www.westcoast2k.net/images/wscg_videoshoot_09.jpg

[Blarg]

Rappin' Rodney.

[ThaSaltCracka]

as much as I really like Dre's 2001 (there is no Chronic in the title) its still not better than The Chronic

[jakethebake]

Best of Blondie?

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
Best of Blondie?

[/ QUOTE ]some people would argue that Blonde helped to popularize early hip hop.

[B Dids]

Rapture is the first hip-hop song on the radio, it's not really even a question.

[Sponger15SB]

[ QUOTE ]
as much as I really like Dre's 2001 (there is no Chronic in the title)

[/ QUOTE ]

I see, I guess the big leaf next to the 2001 had me thrown off

[ QUOTE ]
its still not better than The Chronic

[/ QUOTE ]

i'm going to have to disagree. besides nuthin but a g thang (arguably the best rap song of all time), there wasn't really much compared to 2001 which had a LOT of really good songs.

then again maybe i just haven't listened to the chronic as much as i should have and i might be a little biased because 2001 got me introduced into rap music.

[Topflight]

The Eminem Show

[jakethebake]

Fab Five Freddie told me everybody's high
DJ's spinnin' are savin' my mind
Flash is fast, Flash is cool
Francois sez fas, Flashe' no do
And you don't stop, sure shot
Go out to the parking lot
And you get in your car and you drive real far
And you drive all night and then you see a light
And it comes right down and lands on the ground
And out comes a man from Mars
And you try to run but he's got a gun
And he shoots you dead and he eats your head
And then you're in the man from Mars
You go out at night, eatin' cars
You eat Cadillacs, Lincolns too
Mercurys and Subarus
And you don't stop, you keep on eatin' cars
Then, when there's no more cars
You go out at night and eat up bars where the people meet
Face to face, dance cheek to cheek
One to one, man to man
Dance toe to toe
Don't move to slow, 'cause the man from Mars
Is through with cars, he's eatin' bars
Yeah, wall to wall, door to door, hall to hall
He's gonna eat 'em all
Rapture, be pure
Take a tour, through the sewer
Don't strain your brain, paint a train
You'll be singin' in the rain
I said don't stop, do punk rock

Well now you see what you wanna be
Just have your party on TV
'Cause the man from Mars won't eat up bars when the TV's on
And now he's gone back up to space
Where he won't have a hassle with the human race
And you hip-hop, and you don't stop
Just blast off, sure shot
'Cause the man from Mars stopped eatin' cars and eatin' bars
And now he only eats guitars, get up!

/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ilya]

Tie between Dre's 2001 and Masta Ace's Disposable Arts. 2001 has better beats, but the tracks on DA flow better. 2001 was a great year for rap...Devil's Night also came out that year...

Oh yeah, Tupac sucks.

[beerbandit]

sounds good to me

good call tsc


cheers
beer

[IndieMatty]

Tie:

Gravediggazz - 6 Feet Deep
GZA - Liquid Swords

[Q8offsuit]

[ QUOTE ]

Your list of choices suck.

[/ QUOTE ]

Only because west coast rap sucks.

No, seriously, I must respectfully disagree with you, sir. "The Chronic" and "Doggystyle" may be candidates for the best novelty albums of all time, but compared to something like "Illmatic" or "The Infamous" they look like polished turds.

"Deeeez Nuts?"
Snoop's pitiful cover of "Lodi Dodi?"
"The $20 Sack Pyramid" (novelty value in its highest form)
Pretty much the entire second side of "The Chronic"?
"For all My Ni****z and Bitches?" Maybe worst song ever.
"Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat???"

No, no, a thousand times no.

These are records with great moments, don't get me wrong, but they are both very, very weak as albums or coherent works of art. And yes, those albums mentioned above (all east coast), in my mind qualify as high art. They are the greatest concept albums of our generation.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I just love the sound of that guy pissing for twenty seconds at the beginning of "Doggystyle." It's my favorite musical moment (not).

damn, I pretty much knew this would degenerate into West vs. East coast! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Q8offsuit]

[ QUOTE ]
Tie:

Gravediggaz - 6 Feet Deep
GZA - Liquid Swords

[/ QUOTE ]


Two highly respectable choices.

[srvollmer]

Dare I forget Liquid Swords?!

That's #1.

[Benal]

Straight Outta Compton - NWA

[WEASEL45]

UGK- Ridin' Dirty
Jay Z-the blue print

[B Dids]

"Reasonable Doubt" called. It said "Jay still hasn't made a record better than me".

In terms of Wu-Tang stuff.

Enter the 36 is easily the best, followed by Only Built and then Return to the 36.

Nobody has mentioned Ice Cube's "Death Certificate".

If you're like me, and into underground stuff- Atmosphere's "Overcast" and "Lucy Ford" are both fantastic, as well as Company Flow's "Funcrusher Plus".

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
then again maybe i just haven't listened to the chronic as much as i should have and i might be a little biased because 2001 got me introduced into rap music.

[/ QUOTE ] This is common. 2001 is an amazing CD, and is one that got a lot of people into rap, but The Chronic is better. Listen to this CD multiple times; there is maybe one bad song on it. Skip the skit about the $20 sack pyramid, why?, because all skits suck on every rap CD.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
damn, I pretty much knew this would degenerate into West vs. East coast!

[/ QUOTE ] no.... you are making it be west vs. east.

Let me put it this way. My all time favorite CDs are all predominantly west coast, but I like more East Coast stuff then West.

[ QUOTE ]
"The Chronic" and "Doggystyle" may be candidates for the best novelty albums of all time,

[/ QUOTE ] Absurd, The Chronic has some of the best lyrics on a rap CD, if you think these CD's are novelty CD's I seriously question your music judgement. Nearly everything associated with Dre has been gold, on nearly every level. The production is always conise and sick, the beats are always banging. I literally can't believe that I have to convice someone this /images/graemlins/confused.gif

West Coast classics:
2pac- Me against the world
2pac- All eyez on me
Dre- The Chronic
Dre- 2001
Snoop- Doggystyle

East coast classics:
Ghostface: Supreme Clientle..... The Pretty Toney Album is tight as well
Nas: Illmatic.... Stillmatic is tight as well
Jay-Z: Reasonable Doubt..... Blueprint.... Black album is tight as well
B.I.G.: Ready to Die + Life After Death
Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers
DMX: Its Dark and Hell is Hot
Note, there are also various albums by Rakim, EPMD,Beastie Boys, and Run DMC that are classics

I can't even believe I didn't mention some Southern Cats as well

Goodie Mob: Soul Food
Outkast: everything
Scarface: everything

again, your list sucked.

[ilya]

You think you are some kind of expert because you can rattle off a dozen super-mainstream albums in fake ghetto-talk?
And how can you question anyone's taste when not one but TWO of Tupac's albums made it onto your list?

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
You think you are some kind of expert because you can rattle off a dozen super-mainstream albums in fake ghetto-talk?

[/ QUOTE ] lol, dude, I have been listening to rap music since I was 10, so please shut the [censored] up. Every single artist, with the exception of who B. Dids listed I have heard numerous times. I could probably give you a looooooong list of artists you have never heard of.

[ QUOTE ]
And how can you question anyone's taste when not one but TWO of Tupac's albums made it onto your list?

[/ QUOTE ] Anyone that thinks Tupac sucks at rap is truely an idiot, and I can say that with complete certainty. I notice you assume I think he is the best too, again, shut the [censored] up.

If you want to have a serious discussion, go ahead.

Just for reference, if anyone wants to argue who the G.O.A.T. is, its B.I.G. and this isn't even close.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
Masta Ace's Disposable Arts

[/ QUOTE ] Go by his new one A Long Hot Summer

[B Dids]

I think everything 'Pac did after "Strictly" was pretty much garbage.

[Q8offsuit]

[ QUOTE ]
Ghostface: Supreme Clientle

[/ QUOTE ]

Better than Ironman, huh?

[ QUOTE ]
DMX: Its Dark and Hell is Hot

[/ QUOTE ]

No.

[ QUOTE ]
The Beastie Boys

[/ QUOTE ]

The sound of stunned silence, followed by my jaw hitting the floor.

[ilya]

[ QUOTE ]
lol, dude, I have been listening to rap music since I was 10, so please shut the [censored] up.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dude, 3 years is not that long.

[ QUOTE ]
Every single artist, with the exception of who B. Dids listed I have heard numerous times.

[/ QUOTE ]

I never disputed that.

[ QUOTE ]
I could probably give you a looooooong list of artists you have never heard of.

[/ QUOTE ]

Try me, boy.

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone that thinks Tupac sucks at rap is truely an idiot, and I can say that with complete certainty.

[/ QUOTE ]

I never said or implied that Tupac "sucks at rap." What I did say/imply is that he doesn't deserve to make GOAT lists. He doesn't.

[ QUOTE ]
I notice you assume I think he is the best too, again, shut the [censored] up.

[/ QUOTE ]

Where do I assume this again?

[ QUOTE ]
If you want to have a serious discussion, go ahead.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ladies first.

[ilya]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Masta Ace's Disposable Arts

[/ QUOTE ] Go by his new one A Long Hot Summer

[/ QUOTE ]

I like LHS a lot too. But I prefer DA.

[ThaSaltCracka]

naw man, Me against the world is an amazing album.

This is classic 2pac before he became a "thug"

With all this extra stressin
The question I wonder is after death,
after my last breath
When will I finaly get to rest?
Through this supression
they punish the people that's askin questions
And those that possess,
steal from the ones without possesions
The message I stress:
to make it stop study your lessons
Don't settle for less
- even the genius asks-es questions
Be grateful for blessings
Don't ever change, keep your essence
The power is in the people and politics we address
Always do your best, don't let the
pressure make you panic
And when you get stranded
And things don't go the way you planned it
Dreamin of riches,
in a position of makin a difference
Politicians and hypocrites,
they don't wanna listen
If I'm insane,
it's the fame made a brother change
It wasn't nuttin like the game
It's just me against the world

[Q8offsuit]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone that thinks Tupac sucks at rap is truely an idiot, and I can say that with complete certainty.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am an idiot with 100% certainty then.

[ThaSaltCracka]

Never said it was bette than Ironman, and the reason I didn't list it is because I haven't heard it, however I have heard it is very good. Ghostface is one my favorite rappers anyways.

DMX: Its Dark and Hell is Hot is an awesome album, you may not like DMX, but to deny this album its place is ridiculous.

Don't like the Beastie Boys, eh? Well what can I say, thats shocking, do you dislike Run DMC and old school LL Cool J?

[M2d]

Life Is...

my favorite: Unity by Shinehead

[BusterStacks]

Best rap album ever is Wu-Tang's 36 Chambers. 2pac sucks.

[ThaSaltCracka]

dude, I am 22, so you do the math genius.

Here is my list:
Brother Ali
Mr Lif
Wordsworth
MF Doom
Aesop Rock
Slug
Atmosphere
Non Phixion
Royce Da 5'9"
JMT
Necro
Ill Bill
Trife
Deltron
Old Dominion
Hieroglyphics
RA The Rugged Man
Swollen Members
K-Os
Jehst
Kalishnekof
P.A.
Fat Pat
Lil Keke
Coolnutz

The list could go on, but I can't remember what all is on my computer or even begin to guess what type of style you like. I imagine there are a lot I am missing.

[ QUOTE ]
What I did say/imply is that he doesn't deserve to make GOAT lists. He doesn't.

[/ QUOTE ] If I had a list of GOAT, 2pac doens't even crack the top 5, maybe top 7 though.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone that thinks Tupac sucks at rap is truely an idiot, and I can say that with complete certainty.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am an idiot with 100% certainty then.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes you are.

[Q8offsuit]

Hey man, let me preface this by saying I respect your taste for hip-hop (you could be listening to Ashlee Simpson or New Found Glory or something, after all /images/graemlins/grin.gif). Also, I'm enjoying this thread a lot and your opinions.

First, please listen to Ironman. It's great and a lot better than "Supreme Clientele" although that album is good too.

DMX is a better actor than he is a rapper. And he's a pretty mediocre actor although Belly is a great movie.

Come on, the Beastie Boys suck! How can anybody like this band? It has nothing to do with race- their voices sound like castrati*, and their lyrics are insipid at best. They have some production talent, however.

Run/DMC are cool although I don't listen to them.
I really don't like LL Cool J at any age.

If you haven't heard the Ultramagnetic MC's album listed in the poll, I would really suggest that to you as well. Best Old School album ever, period.

Also, have you ever heard the Dr. Octagon album? pretty good underground stuff. Kool Keith's "Sex Style" is good too.

* = 50 Bonus Points for a reply about castrati.

[jdl22]

Dr. Dre - The Chronic

[ilya]

[ QUOTE ]
dude, I am 22, so you do the math genius.

Here is my list:
Brother Ali
Mr Lif
Wordsworth
MF Doom
Aesop Rock
Slug
Atmosphere
Non Phixion
Royce Da 5'9"
JMT
Necro
Ill Bill
Trife
Deltron
Old Dominion
Hieroglyphics
RA The Rugged Man
Swollen Members
K-Os
Jehst
Kalishnekof
P.A.
Fat Pat
Lil Keke
Coolnutz

The list could go on, but I can't remember what all is on my computer or even begin to guess what type of style you like. I imagine there are a lot I am missing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, I am humbled. I should never have questioned your authoritay!

I know Lif, Wordsworth, Aesop Rock, Slug, Atmosphere, Royce...I've heard of Swollen Members...

Who are these other guys?

...

You are still wrong about Tupac, though.


....

I presume you know rappers like

Styles of Beyond
The Coup
Jeru the Damaja
Eyedea
Akrobatik
Rusty Chains
Jean Grae
Apple Jac
Sage Francis
Juice & Supernatural
etc...

[ThaSaltCracka]

/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Bleh, I like DMX's first two albums a lot, everything afterwards is weak in comparison, and its really weak.

Beastie Boys are tight man, and you won't sway my opinion. You need to realize that there music is from the early era of rap where everything was about being an MC and having fun. Same thing with Run DMC and early LL.

As for Ultramagnetic, I don't like them, nor do I like Kool Keith or Dr. Octagon, or whatever he goes by. I don't like the weird [censored] man. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

As for your initial question, what is the best rap cd, it comes down to three IMO, Dre-The Chronic, BIG- Ready to Die, and Nas- Illmatic. I have heard nothing in the past 8-9 years better.

[ThaSaltCracka]

dude, there was some more stuff I could have listed, but I assumed you had heard of them. Some of the stuff I listed I don't like at all, some I like a lot, and some I am indifferent, go check them all out on your own and decide what you like.

Out of that list I recommend though, check out Brother Ali, Trife, Deltron(aka Del the Funky homosapien), Hieroglyphics, RA, and K-Os.

BTW, have you ever heard Big L?

[Slacker13]

Dr Dre's Chronic

[ilya]

[ QUOTE ]
dude, there was some more stuff I could have listed, but I assumed you had heard of them. Some of the stuff I listed I don't like at all, some I like a lot, and some I am indifferent, go check them all out on your own and decide what you like.

Out of that list I recommend though, check out Brother Ali, Trife, Deltron(aka Del the Funky homosapien), Hieroglyphics, RA, and K-Os.

BTW, have you ever heard Big L?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I like Big L
I've heard some Del the Funky tracks, forgot he was a.k.a. Deltron

[ThaSaltCracka]

go get the Deltron 3030 album, tight [censored] man.

Too bad Big L didn't put out an album while he was alive, he was an amazing lyricist.

[nolanfan34]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Tie:

Gravediggaz - 6 Feet Deep
GZA - Liquid Swords

[/ QUOTE ]


Two highly respectable choices.

[/ QUOTE ]

I concur with these.

What album is Wu-Tang's song Winter Warz on? I vote for that.

[mmbt0ne]

Jay Z - Blueprint
Method Man and Redman - Blackout

Some new ones that might turn out to be classics:
Kanye West - College Dropout
Dilated Peoples - Neighborhood Watch

One last note. Nas-Illmatic was a really good album, but I can't vote something as the best album ever when all of his other efforts were subpar at best.

[PhatTBoll]

[ QUOTE ]
50 Bonus Points for a reply about castrati.

[/ QUOTE ]

Castrati--The word for boys in medieval Italy who had their nuts clipped so they would keep their high voices rather than go through puberty. Many of them committed suicide.

Please give me my bonus points.

Oh yeah, and the Beastie Boys hurt my ears.

I'm glad Dr. Octagon got mentioned in this thread.

[J.R.]

NWA and Cube should be appearing more often, as should EASY DOES IT, and I didn't see much if any mention of: Public Enemy, de la soul, the roots, tribe, big daddy cane, eric B and Rakim, slick rick, outcast, the pharcyde, KRS One, gang starr, ludarcris, cypress hill, boogie down productions, digital underground, jungle brothers, fugees, etc. There's like 50 posts here. WTF Sure much of these are hip hop, and maybe not the creators of the best rap album ever, but these gotta get some love. Old school

[Q8offsuit]

Yeah, Gang Starr is very good, I love Daily Operation.

Public Enemy is of course awesome, especially Apocalypse 91- The Enemy Strikes Black.

[M2d]

the ones that got me through high school:
Bigger and Deffer
Swass
Seminar

[ThaSaltCracka]

I like Gang Starr a lot, Guru has one of the best rap voices ever, same with Chuck D, its to bad I hate their beats so much though. Which is part of the reason I hate Amerikkkaz Most Wanted so much too.

[ThaSaltCracka]

Sir Mix-a-lot?

[M2d]

http://stat.discogs.com/A/1458-001.jpg
Love that gold lame'

[ThaSaltCracka]

that is some old school [censored] man!!

[bdk3clash]

Dr. Octagon-Dr. Octagonecologist is my personal favorite. Wu-Tang Clan's first album is up there for me too.

[M2d]

man, I figured one of you seattle guys would have thrown Mix in the mix just on GP. such a shame that I had to do it for you.

[Q8offsuit]

speaking of old school...

http://www.jtrecordshop.com/commerce1/images/fat%20boys%20big%20and%20beautiful.JPG

Yeah, also, I wouldn't recommend doing a google image search for "fat boys" with the adult filter off.

[ThaSaltCracka]

Sir Mix-a-Lot is pretty weak, but he has his moments.

[M2d]

man, he was the 80's. Fit right in there with the rest of the late 80's/early 90's.

[ThaSaltCracka]

I love Posse on Broadway.

[Sincere]

[ QUOTE ]
Tupac...All Eyez On Me

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you, I was just about to say, that poll is gayed-up not to have All Eyez On Me. Furthermore there shouldnt even have to be a poll. All Eyez is tops not discussion needed.

[Sincere]

[ QUOTE ]
1.Dr. Dre- The Chronic
2.BIG's- Ready to Die is a close second
3.Snoop- Doggystle
4.Wu-Tang- 36 Chambers
5.2pac- Me against the World

[/ QUOTE ]

Man, Im really drunk right now and I really dont want to get into this type of discussion but the fact that your ranked "ready to die" ahead of "Me Against the World" when biggie stole 2Pacs whole style and "ready to die" was a straight copy of "Me Against the World" Shows you dont know much about the underground of rap music.

2Pac took biggie under his wing and taught biggie the game and taught biggie everything he knew and biggie did 2 things:

1: Stole 2Pacs style and copyed Me Against the World damn near word for word, and released it a few months before. After big released it Pac had to go back and rewrite the whole damn cd over because he couldnt release a cd that was damn near the same as biggies. Why was it damn near the same, because biggie stole the whole sh it and copied everything.

2: Set Tupac up to be killed in NY.

[Sincere]

[ QUOTE ]
Just for reference, if anyone wants to argue who the G.O.A.T. is, its B.I.G. and this isn't even close.



[/ QUOTE ]

I seriously have to exit from this discussion before i get myself banned.

[Philuva]

Fear of a Black Planet by PE.

[daryn]

fear of a wack planet by phunk junkeez /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[ThaSaltCracka]

you read to many conspiracy theory [censored]. If you think Biggie stole 2pacs "style" then you must not have ever heard anything Biggie did before Ready to Die and not have heard anything 2pac did before Me Against the World. Neither of them sound the same, neither rap about the same thing, your bullshit is tired and stupid.

Go away and do not come back.

[Philuva]

[ QUOTE ]
Public Enemy is of course awesome, especially Apocalypse 91- The Enemy Strikes Black.

[/ QUOTE ]

Fear of a Black Planet and Nations of Millions to Hold Us Back are SIGNIFICANTLY better albums.

[bonanz]

I must say, ThaSaltCracka's statements throughout this thread are so on point it's not even funny.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
I must say, ThaSaltCracka's statements throughout this thread are so on point it's not even funny.

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the props man.
To be honest with you, Rap music and the so called "New Jack Swing" from the late 80's/early 90's made me first like music. I really dig rap music nowadays, but its too bad its mainstream is soooooooo weak today. I think the last "mainstream" album I bought was Mobb Deeps new disc, hopefully is will come back to the fold, but every new artist I have heard that is big, just plain sucks, although Luda is nice, but all the underground stuff I have heard either sucks, or is good but by artists that will never blow up. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[MCS]

[ QUOTE ]
Too bad Big L didn't put out an album while he was alive, he was an amazing lyricist.

[/ QUOTE ]

L is my favorite ever, and he did put out an album before he died. Lifestyles Ov Da Poor & Dangerous came out when he was still alive, and got four mics in The Source back when The Source still had some credibility.

I have heard of most of the guys on the "I know more rappers than you do" lists. I am not sure how many cool points this garners me. I will also give my comments.

Mr Lif (I like him a lot, heard him on an Esoteric CD)
Wordsworth (first heard him on the Black Star CD)
MF Doom (Atlanta)
Aesop Rock (underground fixture)
Slug (part of Rhymesayers with Eyedea, or was, anyway)
Atmosphere (same vibe as the last two)
Non Phixion (dope)
Royce Da 5'9" (loved "Boom," sucks that he fell out of favor with Em)
Necro (disturbs me, but love his beats)
Ill Bill (not as good as Necro)
Deltron (Del)
Hieroglyphics (famous)
RA The Rugged Man (crazy, know him from a collab with Biggie)
Swollen Members (random underground)

The Coup (I never like them as much as others do...remember the WTC fiasco?)
Jeru the Damaja (more people should know him, peep "El Presidente" and "Crooklyn Dodgers")
Eyedea (saw him last year in Atlanta)
Jean Grae (honestly, all I know is the name)
Sage Francis (this is like required knowledge if you tote a backpack around)
Juice & Supernatural (freestylers galore, that battle is hot)

FWIW I answered Illmatic in the poll.

[ThaSaltCracka]

I agree with your assesment. I have been thinking, yes thinking, about buying Royce's Death Is Certain, which I hear is SICK.

Check out Brother Ali, a fellow rhymesayer artist. He is easily the best new artist I have heard. Download "room with a view", it will blow you away. BTW, he is white and an albino /images/graemlins/shocked.gif, but once you hear him you will realize he isn't a novelty. I hear his live show is awesome as well.

[nicky g]

Enter the 36 Chambers is clearly the best hip-hop album ever. I remember the first time I ever heard of the Wu - they were on Yo MTV Raps. Fab FIve Freddy was introducing them to the camera and when he introduced ODB and Ghostface Killa I pissed myself laughing at how ridiculous they and their names were (especially as Ghost was wearing a hockey mask). But then I heard Protect Ya Neck and realised they were geniuses. They seemed very underground and cutting edge then, amazing how established they are now.

[thirddan]

Snow was the best rapper ever....ever...

[Daliman]

Lol, one of yer "west coast boyz" is wearing a mideastern fottball teams jersey....

[ToneLoc]

Loc'ed after Dark, obviously...

[Daliman]

[ QUOTE ]
Rapture is the first hip-hop song on the radio, it's not really even a question.

[/ QUOTE ]

Rapture is NOT a hip hop song. It is a song that happened to contain some painfully bad "rapping" by debbie harry.

[Daliman]

"The day the niggaz took over" is a great song.

[Daliman]

[ QUOTE ]
fear of a wack planet by phunk junkeez /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Phunk Junkeez- Fun band, great in concert, but MAN is that some of the worst rap lyrics ever on their first album...

[Daliman]

[ QUOTE ]
Loc'ed after Dark, obviously...

[/ QUOTE ]

"Got that cheeba, cheeba cheeba

[dr. klopek]

"Haiku D'etat" by Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, and Mikah 9 is the best hip-hop/rap album that there is.

[fryKing]

[ QUOTE ]
fear of a wack planet by phunk junkeez /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Finally, some love for Chuck D!

Of the listed albums, Illmatic is definitely the best, but it is also true that nothing else Nas has done is nearly as good.

[hetron]

Followed by Black Elvis, It takes a nation of millions by PE, Dr Dre's The Chronic, Ready to Die by BIG, License to Ill by the Beastie Boys,and just for strictly comedic purposes Tim Dog's Penicillin on Wax.

[IndieMatty]

I'll say that, I was a hardcore/indie rock kid all my life. When I heard Gravediggazz it totally changed my opinion of Hip Hop, that album is like a Rap Opera.

WInter Warz I believe is on the first Ghostface Killah album; Ironman, which is also feckin genius.

"Yo that's right bitch, I f*cked your friend, yeh you stank ho"

Poetry.

[ThaSaltCracka]

I am amazed no one has mentioned Outkast- ATLiens.

[bonanz]

whats up with cappadonna?

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
whats up with cappadonna?

[/ QUOTE ]
He is a weak member of Ghostfaces crew, Theodore Unit. Trife is tight in that crew, go check out the "official mixtape", T-Unit 718.

[bonanz]

i like capadonna /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[ThaSaltCracka]

he sort of fell off though. Trife tears it up though man. If you don't want to buy the album check out a couple songs.
"Guerilla Hood", "Punch in Punch out", "Pass the Mike".

[MCS]

[ QUOTE ]
I have been thinking, yes thinking, about buying Royce's Death Is Certain, which I hear is SICK.

[/ QUOTE ]

I keep almost picking up some stuff by Royce, but I just never do. I don't know why.

[ QUOTE ]
Check out Brother Ali, a fellow rhymesayer artist.

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, will do. I saw Eyedea and Abilities here in Atlanta once as one of the opening acts for Living Legends. My friend and I really just wanted to see E&A though.

[tolbiny]

Takin' Ends

[morgant]

TUPAC---all eyez on me...undoubtedly.

i would never have listened to rap if it weren't for this album.

by listen i mean actually spend earned dollars on this genre of music. not just listen to on the radio, or dub friends tapes...etc...

[wayabvpar]

Ice T- Rhyme Pays
Run DMC- Raising Hell
NWA- Straight Outta Compton
Public Enemy- It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Beastie Boys- Paul's Boutique (may not qualify has a 'true' rap album but is a fantastic piece of work)


Old school represent!

[RcrdBoy]

I don't think it's the best, but 3000 and Blue Flowers are amazing.

Also, some of the nonesense he spews is funny as hell.

[RcrdBoy]

It takes a nation of millions to hold us back by Public Enemy would be my vote.

A close second would be The Predator - Ice Cube

[Anadrol 50]

Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is one of the most underated cd's of all time.....If you are into rap and mobster flicks, you will love this classic....

[Niwa]

Whats not to love with Mobb Deep?

[Joe_d72]

I Cant understand how Eminem has not been talked about. Has he not put out great album after great album?

[astroglide]

i stopped skimming this thread a while ago because everybody is talking about modern hip hop in it, not rap. eric b and rakim are rap. wu tang is a lot closer, eminem and tribe called quest are not at all rap.

[ThaSaltCracka]

Astro, it seems you are an avid music fan, so I respect your opinion, but I have to disagree with you, Tribe and Eminem are def rap. I think the reason Em hasn't been listed is none of his CD's(which are good) are anywhere near as good as some of the classics that have been listed.

[astroglide]

dude tcq is one of the consummate hip-hop groups

[bonanz]

you gotsta chill


doooom do dooom doo dooom dooom

[Bobby Digital]

Illmatic 11% WTF! This is an outrage. Have you HEARD that album????

[BullChip]

or Eminem "The Marshall Mathers LP"

my 2 cents...

[MCS]

Hip hop is the culture. Rap is the music.

[astroglide]

i don't think that tribe called quest, de la soul, jurassic 5, etc would ever classify themselves as rap. it's not just a culture thing. hip hop tends to drop the violent/nigganigganigga/suckamc aspects (basically vibe instead of aggression) but the music tends to be much more instrumental/earthy. similar parallels could be drawn between house and techno.

[Joe_d72]

Saw this when I got home.

Top 20 Best rap albums of all time from Entertainment Weekly


1) Eric B & Rakim Paid in full
2) De la soul 3 feet high and rising
3) The Notorious B.I.G Ready to Die
4) Public Enemy Fear of a Black Planet
5) Run-Dmc Raising Hell
6) Dr Dre The Chronic
7) Wu-tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
8) Nas Illmatic
9) A tribe Called Quest the low end theory
10) Beastie Boys Pauls Boutique
11) Outkast Aquemini
12) Cypress Hill Cypress Hill
13) Gang Starr Daily Operation
14) Ice Cube Death Certificate
15) Jay-z The Blueprint
16) LL Cool J Mama Said Knock u out
17) Eminem The Marshall Mathers Lp
18) Lauryn Hill The miseducation of Lauryn Hill
19) The Pharcyde Bizarre Ride II The pharcyde
20) Mos Def Black on Both Sides

[astroglide]

lauryn hill lol

[DonWaade]

[ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tupac...All Eyez On Me


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Thank you, I was just about to say, that poll is gayed-up not to have All Eyez On Me. Furthermore there shouldnt even have to be a poll. All Eyez is tops not discussion needed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good album and maybe should be on the list. But cannot even compare to 36 Chambers and Chronic. Also worth mention because the albums opened up a lot more music is
A Tribe called Quest "Low End Theory" and Outkast "ATLiens."

[DonWaade]

[ QUOTE ]
Too bad Big L didn't put out an album while he was alive, he was an amazing lyricist.

[/ QUOTE ]

TSC, your off on this man. I am looking at it right now. It was released the Tuesday following his death. And yeah it is tight. All of them. His lyrics are miles above most. Ebonics should be considered a classic joint.

[DonWaade]

[ QUOTE ]
man, I figured one of you seattle guys would have thrown Mix in the mix just on GP. such a shame that I had to do it for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

See, Mix was great especially since I am from Seattle area but it does not belong on the list. Swass was a good CD tho. Posse on Broadway could maybe be considered a classic song on a non-classic album. Kinda like Luniz and others

[ThaSaltCracka]

he released an undergound cd in 95. He was killed in 99, and his second solo album came out a year later in 2000.

[bonanz]

[ QUOTE ]
11) Outkast Aquemini

[/ QUOTE ]

that is a f*cking awesome album. i love outkast, before it was "cool" to like them. i'm talking southerplayalisticadillacfunkymuzickforyotrunk.

nothing but king sh*t

[ThaSaltCracka]

yup, its that southern playalistic cadillac funky music, all that [censored] is tight man. I remember I bought Aquemini when it first came out and decided I had to buy every CD before that. Instantly hooked, and have been a fan ever since.

[MCS]

[ QUOTE ]
i don't think that tribe called quest, de la soul, jurassic 5, etc would ever classify themselves as rap. it's not just a culture thing. hip hop tends to drop the violent/nigganigganigga/suckamc aspects

[/ QUOTE ]

I know the type of style you're talking about, and I like it. My point was that I don't use the term "hip hop" to refer to music. I use "rap" to refer to the music of the hip hop culture.

Also, I'm not sure that you're right about Tribe/De La/J5 but I doubt either of us knows them personally, so we can't ask /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[degenerategambler]

me against the world, i dont know, all eyez on me.... anything but biggie.....even raising hell by DMC or license to ill...

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
Ice T- Rhyme Pays
Run DMC- Raising Hell
NWA- Straight Outta Compton
Public Enemy- It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Beastie Boys- Paul's Boutique (may not qualify has a 'true' rap album but is a fantastic piece of work)


Old school represent!

[/ QUOTE ]

Good list.

By far Nation of Millions is #1 IMO. Honorable mentions to Paid in Full and Straight Outta Compton.

[PapaSan]

[ QUOTE ]
/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Bleh, I like DMX's first two albums a lot, everything afterwards is weak in comparison, and its really weak.

Beastie Boys are tight man, and you won't sway my opinion. You need to realize that there music is from the early era of rap where everything was about being an MC and having fun. Same thing with Run DMC and early LL.

As for Ultramagnetic, I don't like them, nor do I like Kool Keith or Dr. Octagon, or whatever he goes by. I don't like the weird [censored] man. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

As for your initial question, what is the best rap cd, it comes down to three IMO, Dre-The Chronic, BIG- Ready to Die, and Nas- Illmatic. I have heard nothing in the past 8-9 years better.

[/ QUOTE ]


I stopped reading this thread after i saw such utter horseshit if someone has already showed you the light i apologize.....


Wow you are lucky i only found this thread just now, when retards like beastie boys were popular you had guys like bdp, eric b and rakim, public enemy, big daddy kane the list goes on and on. Beastie boys had/have no lyrical talent or delivery and isnt that what MCing is all about? Beastie boys were a joke like fatboys, kid n play, fresh prince and jazzy jeff etc.. marketed towards the 8-12 year old kiddies the fact you actually think they have talent tells me you shouldnt even be answering in this thread.

2pac was a decent actor but as far as an artist i think my farts sound better and have more flava.

For best of all time i dont think i could list any album from the past ten years.

In no particular order BDP by all means necessary
Eric b Rakim paid in full
Public Enemy nation of millions
Mobb deep infamous
Smif n Wessun -u know the one

[MCS]

[ QUOTE ]
Beastie boys had/have no lyrical talent or delivery and isnt that what MCing is all about? Beastie boys were a joke like fatboys, kid n play, fresh prince and jazzy jeff etc..

[/ QUOTE ]

Ask Russell Simmons if he thinks the Beastie Boys represent hip hop. Ask Run DMC what they think.

[ QUOTE ]
For best of all time i dont think i could list any album from the past ten years.


[/ QUOTE ]

Why not? Sounds like you just think rap was better in the old days, and nobody can sway you. Rakim is arguably the greatest of all time, but if you don't recognize that Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt is a great album, then I don't know what to tell you.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow you are lucky i only found this thread just now, when retards like beastie boys were popular you had guys like bdp, eric b and rakim, public enemy, big daddy kane the list goes on and on. Beastie boys had/have no lyrical talent or delivery and isnt that what MCing is all about? Beastie boys were a joke like fatboys, kid n play, fresh prince and jazzy jeff etc.. marketed towards the 8-12 year old kiddies the fact you actually think they have talent tells me you shouldnt even be answering in this thread.

[/ QUOTE ] After reading this, it is apparent you are stupid.

[Kenrick]

I'm surprised the Marshall Mathers LP is ranked higher than The Eminem Show. TES I can (and have) leave in my car cd player for MONTHS and not get tired of it.

When I listened to The Chronic, pretty much all the songs sounded the same. Yeah, interesting lyrics, but every beat seemed a copy of the other. Good for when you're smokin' the dope, I guess.

Surprisingly to me, when it comes down to it, I'd put The Eminem Show near or above the old LL or PE albums. Song for song might be different, but when we're talking entire albums, every song counts. Certain PE songs I can't get enough of, but the rest on the albums were sometimes weak. I could loop "Can't Truss It" for hours, though. "Kickin' wicked rhymes like a fortune teller...."

[MCS]

Bass in your face
Not an eight track

People sleep way too hard on on "Can't Truss It." Good call.