Before I begin and to inhabit a narcissistic viewpoint, this is my list, my opinion and my tastes. I am always open to suggestion and others opinions, maybe you can show me something I have never heard before.
I am a self proclaimed hip hop connoisseur, so my list should be in good tastes. This list is in no particular order as my ear appeal shifts depending on my mood. This is simply a list of my favourite albums spanning 30 years of music history.
1. A Tribe Called Quest -The Low End Theory
Release on September 24, 1991 and my god, what an album (RIP Phife). The track Scenario alone, featuring Busta Rhymes is enough to put this album in my top 10. The beats, the rhymes, and flow the swag... this album had everything for a enriching experience. The "pass the mic" techniques used by Q-Tip and Phife is something of a lost art these days that really makes you appreciate the craftsmanship that went into designing these tracks.
2. Mobb Deep - Hell on Earth
3. Pharcyde - Labcabincalifornia
People throw around the term "pioneers" a lot, but this 1995 release by Pharcyde arguably paved the way for R&B's fusion with hip hop. It was very rare to find rappers that were comfortable to sing on their tracks without discrediting their image, but Pharcyde pulled this off beautifully.
4. House of Pain - Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again
When most people think "House of Pain" all they can recall is a bunch of Irish boys jumping around. This was unfortunately Everlast's final album with House of Pain before he started his alternative singing career, but nevertheless, it is a power house. The beats are definitely something that shines prominently in this album, paired with Everlast's grungy, raspy voice, it is a definite hit on my account.
5. Beastie Boys - Ill Communication
Released on May 31, 1994, the Beastie Boys need no introduction (RIP Adam). With probably my favorite song ever made "Get it Together" featuring Q-Tip, this entire album is nothing but a powerhouse of creativity, rhymes and beats.
6. Wu Tang - 36 Chambers
Though it may not be first on my list, it is first in my heart (RIP ODB). Wu Tang is arguably the greatest hip hop group, ever, period. With their first single "Protect Your Neck" with no chorus, just 9 of the greatest spitting raw verses on a track that gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.
6. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
As with any suburban boy, this was one of the first albums to skyrocket my tastes deep into hip hop. Though his performance over the last 10 years has not been to my tastes, this album alone is enough to make me a forever fan. The anger and emotion portrayed in these songs is incredible. Eminem use to have such a talent to elicit feelings in his listeners and despite have very vulgar and controversial lyrics, he was still able to resonate with an entire generation of people.
7. Drake - Nothing Was the Same
Here is where I expect to receive some hate, but hear me out first as an unbiased Canadian. Though I would not put Drake as the best lyricist, this album really showcased how talented the entire OVO team was. I would also place 40 as one of the best producers of all time. The melodic builds and overall emotion of this album as a whole, makes a complete masterpiece.
8. Onyx - All We Got Iz Us LP
If you have ever contemplated what the word "grimy" is, then listen to this album. I have no other words to describe it than that. Sticky Fingaz brings that raw, anger filled sound that gets you jumping every time you listen to a track.
8. Outkast - ATLiens
Outkast needs no introduction, as Atlantas front boys for pushing southern rap to the forefront of music, ATLiens was a beast. Using ominous samples with the classic 808 drum kits we have come to love, Outkast pushed the boundaries on this album. I would argue that this new "underwater" approach to hip hop production was influenced very heavily from this album.
9. Prodigy - H.N.I.C.
It is no surprise that Prodigy made my top 10 list twice, he was truly a master MC. H.N.I.C. being his first solo album release, it once again pushed the boundaries for what we know as reality rap. With a complete track list that can be listened to from start to finish with no hiccups, this album truly is one of the greats.
10. Big Sean - I Decided
Another album I may receive some hatred towards putting in this list, but I had to include it. Big Sean is an artist I had been watching for many years, sitting and waiting for him to blow up. In an era of mumble rap, he comes with a unique flow and voice with cleaver lyrics that do not disappointing. If you are a older head that is set in their ways, I really do recommend listening to this album.
I do hope you enjoyed my list and I was able to point you to something you have never heard before. I always welcome suggestions and comments!