"Everybody Can't Go" by Benny the Butcher
★★★½☆

The beat selection on here, goes crazy! Hit-Boy and The Alchemist brought such a dynamic energy, with rich and well-crafted boombap underscores, especially on standouts like "TMVTL" where there was no way for Benny to fail. And man there is some great rapping on here from pretty much everyone who stepped in the booth. While the album is good - I kept feeling a sense that Benny could have pushed his own ... read more

"Mystic Stylez" by Three-6 Mafia
★★★★½

This album is equally as gritty as its hypnotic; a pioneering work that not only defined the Memphis rap scene but also built a lot of the "horrorcore" & "trap" foundations through the way the mostly sinister beats were made on here. I love the haunting melodies and menacing atmosphere that work perfectly with every rapper's ominous rhymes and captivating ways of painting eerie pictures that are borderline ... read more

"Me Against the World" by 2Pac
★★★★½

Recorded during a challenging period marked by legal troubles and personal conflicts; reflects 2Pac's raw vulnerability and emotional depth. His performances, particularly in tracks like "Dear Mama" and "So Many Tears", are a fantastic representation of how important of a rapper he was. Altogether it is a cosy and introspective gangsta rap album, with a consistently good track list that definitely has its ... read more

"Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" by Outkast
★★★★☆

The duo's debut does indeed capture the essence of the southern vibe with its distinctive blend of funk, soul, and pimp/playa influences. While the rapping is good and shows Outkast's talent, it doesn't reach the heights seen in their later projects. It was an enjoyable listen from front to back with varying amounts of impact on me and a few songs, though pleasant, suffer from being excessively lengthy - affecting the ... read more

"The Low End Theory" by A Tribe Called Quest
★★★★★

This is perhaps the most important and influential "jazz-rap" album, seamlessly blending the two genres courtesy of Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad setting a new standard for the integration of jazz samples in hip-hop. Although very simple and as the title suggests very heavy on the "low end" drums and bass - the music here is distinctive and unmistakable - radiating a refreshingly laid-back vibe with ... read more

"It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" by DMX
★★★★½

It was no doubt a seminal debut album, what a way to introduce DMX to the world. He managed to draw everybody into his dark, turbulent mind through some of rap's most intense, gritty and powerful performances. The hard-hitting beats throughout this album perfectly complement his aggressive delivery, creating a raw immersion and a nighttime aesthetic that is chilling at its best. So many moments of incredible storytelling, DMX ... read more

"INSANO" by Kid Cudi
★★★☆☆

With a select few highlights, the best moments of INSANO were mostly the ones that brought back the "old" Cudi which is concerning for an artist trying to evolve past their old sound. And although there were songs I enjoyed as per my track ratings, there were a lot of noticeable issues I had too! The hooks are notably subpar, lacking the catchiness that defines memorable tracks. Cudi's delirious deliveries, sounding like he's out of ... read more

"Doggystyle" by Snoop Dogg
★★★★★

At the time this album was an iconic and eagerly anticipated masterpiece that solidified the G-funk era with finesse. In many ways it's a second chapter to Dr. Dre's "The Chronic," - and this album not only lived up to the hype but exceeded expectations making this a more consistently great listen than Chronic; showcasing even further Snoop's laid-back flow (as well as the Dogg Pound), his fresh and distinctive voice, infectious ... read more

"The Chronic" by Dr. Dre
★★★★½

As far as "undisputed classics" in hip-hop; "The Chronic" is the very definition of that - showcasing Dr. Dre's visionary and game-changing approach in production which birthed the iconic G-funk sound, characterized by its smooth, funky beats and synthesizer melodies that forever altered the West-Coast rap music scene and hip hop in general. Snoop Dogg's debut on the album adds an extra layer of charisma and style, ... read more

"93 'til Infinity" by Souls Of Mischief
★★★★½

Just overflowing with immaculate jazzy vibes and groovy basslines that take you back to the tail-end of the hip hop "golden era", like a time capsule of old-school greatness. While the rapping performances are great and all members display quite skillful lyricism - the only thing this LP is a little short on is memorable hooks, it does seem like some of the tracks on here find it a little hard to stick with you, ... read more

"Capital Punishment" by Big Pun
★★★★½

An undeniable testament to the late rapper's unparalleled talent and lyrical prowess. Pun's performances throughout the album are nothing short of extraordinary; showcasing his rapid-fire flows and impeccable distinctive delivery captivating listeners with his ability to effortlessly mash together gritty street narratives with clever wordplay and witty punchlines. While the skits and sequencing of the album may occasionally feel ... read more

"Illmatic" by Nas
★★★★★

Nas wrote the bible of rap, and his producers were the disciples crafting the gospel of East Coast hip-hop. The album's raw narratives showcase Nas's prowess as an MC; transporting everybody to the gritty streets of New York, (Queensbridge in particular), while the impeccable production - helmed by legends like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, Large Professor, etc.. makes for the perfect blend to elevate each song to iconic heights. This album changed ... read more

"Hood Hottest Princess" by Sexyy Red
½☆☆☆☆

Goes hard on mute. 🔥🔥

"Yo! Bum Rush the Show" by Public Enemy
★★★½☆

As a casual "throwback" listen; it provides an enjoyable glimpse into the formative years of Public Enemy, and more as a prelude to the group's later more groundbreaking work. Its elementary production and straightforward lyricism anchor it firmly as a product of its time, and the amateurish qualities on record here prevent it from being anything more significant on a grander scheme.

"The Infamous" by Mobb Deep
★★★★★

Life in Queensbridge has never sounded as gritty, grimy, and raw. From the start, this album immerses listeners in a dark and menacing atmosphere, with some of gangsta rap's most haunting beats and uncompromising lyrics. Prodigy and Havoc's performances are ill, and all the guest features are flawless; with vivid tales and wordplay highlighting street struggles and survival that resonate with unfiltered authenticity.

"Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous" by Big L
★★★★★

His delivery was razor-sharp, weaving through intricate rhyme schemes with an effortless flow. His punchlines were nothing short of genius, demonstrating a lyrical dexterity matched only by a very few, like Nas. His mic skills were mesmerizing, delivering verses with a raw, unfiltered energy that captured the essence of the East Coast during the 90s. As one of hip-hop's most tragic what-ifs; Big L's untimely death cut ... read more

"The Great Adventures of Slick Rick"by Slick Rick
★★★★½

Slick Rick's unparalleled ability to weave intricate narratives with vivid details, draws listeners into a world of captivating characters and scenarios; his storytelling prowess is not only remarkable but also laced with adult humor, a narrative flair reminiscent of Frank Zappa's wit. Its wide-reaching impact, charismatic and witty delivery, and clever lyricism have solidified this album as a cornerstone of ... read more

"Paid In Full" by Eric B. & Rakim
★★★★½

Although sounding dated today; this album is an essential listen for anyone seeking a deep understanding of hip-hop history at its foundational essence and elements, during its purest "golden era" formative stage. Immesurably influential and inspiring (also copied and sampled so many times) - the album showcased Rakim's groundbreaking lyricism and Eric B's innovative sampling and production, setting a standard for ... read more

"american dream" by 21 Savage
★★★½

It has a really promising start and a powerful conclusion, including undeniable bangers and very important tracks that contribute significantly to 21 Savage's evolving career trajectory. However; the overall experience is hindered by songs that have (either) corny/terrible lyrics, lackluster performances that don't complement some of the beats, and/or just a lack of vision by Savage primarily - often recycling the same old weak lines, ... read more

"Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A
★★★★½

An iconic album that introduced the world to the West Coast rap scene & revolutionized hip-hop with its unapologetic and raw portrayal of inner-city life in Compton LA, social issues, and police brutality: which not only shocked the mainstream but also resonated with a generation, giving a voice to the marginalized. The album's influence is undeniable, as it pioneered the "gangsta rap" subgenre and left an indelible ... read more