Lately, I’ve been asked by a lot of my fellow Dtoiders to give album recommendations on Hip Hop, in order to get a better feel of what the genre is all about. Bear in mind though that these are my preferences when it comes to quality Hip Hop, if you think some albums are missing, feel free to add them in the comments. I’ve compiled to the best of my ability the LPs that everybody should enjoy whether they like Hip Hop or not. If you love music, you should at least find some of these a tad bit incredible.

So here are 25 albums that you need to listen to, when it comes to Hip Hop music:



Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan

This is my favorite album of all time, so it goes without saying that I wholeheartedly recommend it. But 36 chambers is not only a masterfully well done album, it was also the pillar of East Coast rap past 1993. This album created a shockwave in the New York underground scene that influenced several other artists. There hadn’t been anything like it before; the album is a true war cry from the streets. It doesn’t glorify gang violence, or any stereotypes that so many people have against Hip Hop. This is a clever, aggressive and incredibly moving album. The Wu-Tang Clan is hard to get into at first but you’ll most certainly get use to their hardcore sound. Enter the Wu-Tang is a masterpiece for its minimalist beats, intense lyrics and Kung Fu inspired philosophy.

Protect Your Neck, C.R.E.A.M.



Enta Da Stage by Black Moon

1993 was a pivotal year for Hip Hop, not only because the West Coast was taking more and more importance; But because Black Moon and Wu-Tang Clan changed the way we saw Hip Hop made from there on out. Wu-Tang carried the revolution, but Black Moon ignited the fire. One month prior to the release of its revolutionary cousin, Enta Da Stage was the first album to have that token aggressiveness. The group sparked the public’s interest in a more refined sound in Hip Hop with crude subject matter, boasted by metaphors and fast-paced rhythms. The blistering nature of Enta Da Stage laid the ground for a timeless classic, too bad it’s been eclipsed by its Wu-Tang twin.

Who Gat Da Props? , I Got Cha Opin



3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul

This is quite a “happy” entry to the list; De La Soul has a true gift for making everything funky and incredibly joyous. 3 Feet high and rising might not be the best album of the group, but it’s definitely the beginning of a great musical legacy. They have often being called the hippies of Hip Hop for preaching peace and love in their songs. Their rhymes are so clever and intelligent, and the beats are beautifully produced by Prince Paul, who is arguably one of the best DJs ever. De La Soul is unique and very light; it’s probably one of the more accessible groups on this list. The complete Daisy experience cannot be achieved without listening to De La Soul is Dead and Buhloone Mind State, but at least you will have a taste of what De La Soul is really capable of.

Thread Water, Jenifa Taught Me



Critical Beatdown by Ultramagnetic MCs

I don’t care if you hate Hip Hop, this is a classic. Critical Beatdown is an almost perfect album and it is revered as one of the finest recordings in rap music. The Ultramagnetic MCs are part of the old school branch of the genre, so everything on this album will be different than the later stuff. The album is fast-paced but it’s incredibly funky and up-beat. This is the more classical way of doing Hip Hop; the DJs steal the show, while the MCs are there to compliment the tracks. It’s made so that people can dance to it and have a good time, which used to be the fundamental essence of celebration in Hip Hop.

Feelin’ it , Critical Beatdown



Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill

One of the few West Coast albums that is actually worth listening to, (OH I know, blasphemy right?) Cypress Hill’s debut album is funky, Latin and raw. That is why the group is so awesome, rather than conforming themselves to the “Gangster Rap” vibe that took the West Coast by storm in the early 90s, they stepped back and created a sound of their own. Now, I’m not saying that they didn’t take a sip of the whole “G thang” but luckily, they were “stoned” enough not to take advantage of this trend for their first album. Those locos know how to make me groove, me gusta.

Real Estate, Hand on the Pump



Deltron 3030 by Deltron 3030

Dan the Automator , Del the Funky Homosapien and DJ Kid Koala make an amazing trio. Deltron 3030 is unlike anything that I’ve put on this list so far. It’s a concept album set in the future that mixes electronic music with Hip Hop, which creates a very original and experimental sound. I could’ve picked any album from Del’s discography, but this is clearly his best work. The atmosphere is perfect; the lyrics are as weird as the setting. This album is unique because it has a powerful way of communicating abstract to its audience. Deltron 3030 to me would probably be best qualified as Science Fiction Hip-Hop. It is weird, sounds incredibly sharp and Del is a definitely in his place as an MC but also as a poet.

Mastermind, Positive Contact



Follow the Leader by Eric B and Rakim

There’s still a debate between Paid in Full and Follow the Leader being the best Rap album of all time, but personally I prefer Follow the Leader for several reasons. Rakim Allah is arguably one of the best lyricists around, and the album has no shortage of amazing rhymes. The big advantage that this album has over Paid in Full is the perfect balance between Eric B’s DJing and Rakim’s MCing. This is the how it used to be done when a master of ceremony would have its part in a show but like the Ultramagnetic MCs the DJs took the crown. Follow the Leader is also one of the few recognizable albums that lead the way for “Jazz Hip Hop”.

Eric B. Never Scared, Microphone Fiend



The Infamous by Mobb Deep

I had to choose between this and Nas’s Illmatic, I chose The Infamous because it is so much better. Both albums have Queensbridge has their birthplace, but the former excels in its raw delivery and perfect beats. If you can get pass the “gangster” vibe of the album you will love The Infamous. I mostly listen to it from time to time because of the quality producing on the songs. The album is very angsty however, and kind of hard to relate to, it does promote gang-life and the violence in the boroughs of New York. Despite that, I still think it’s a great example for you guys in order to see whether or not you can get into the “gangster” style. I’m not a huge fan of this trend either but The Infamous is probably the best street-life album ever recorded. Mobb Deep was violent and dark, but the beats were excellent.

Q.U.-Hectic, Trife Life



It's a Big Daddy thing by Big Daddy Kane

Now who flattop ruled in 89? Big Daddy Kane’s that’s who. Along with Rakim, Kane shares amazing language proficiencies. He’s absolutely insane in his delivery and It’s a Big Daddy thing is the perfect example of that. Again, this is an old-school style album; he raves a lot about being the best MC ever and how smooth he is with the ladies, but that’s what makes Big Daddy Kane so awesome. His rhymes are spot on; he’s incredibly rhythmic and probably the best at his job. He’s one of the true underrated masterminds of rap music.

Wrath of Kane, Warm it up Kane



It takes a nation of millions to hold us back by Public Enemy

If you don’t know who Public Enemy are already, you owe it to yourselves to listen to their discography. It’s one of the first politically conscious Hip Hop groups as well as afro centric militants. This is pretty much the equivalent to what the Black Panthers of Hip Hop would sound like. It’s incredibly thought provoking and politically incorrect. It is made to upset the heads of power more than anything else. But the delivery of this album is so funky and amazing that it’s an instant classic. If you have to choose between N.W.A. and this, you might as well take Chuck D, Terminator X and Flava Flav side.

Don’t Believe the Hype,Prophets of Rage



Jurassic 5 by Jurassic 5

Extremely similar to De La Soul in its message and sound, Jurassic 5 came at a pretty weird time in the West Coast Hip Hop scene. The album dropped in between the Golden Age and the Uprising of the South. Jurassic 5 proved that conscious and intelligent Hip Hop was still possible in an era of superfluous riches and a club-centered culture. A lot of the members are fathers, which bring them the wisdom that a lot of other rappers can’t carry on. It is an amazing album full of joyous rhythms, positive messages and acute rhyming. The group proved that an East Coast inspired album, can be successful in the West.

Concrete Schoolyard, In the Flesh




Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous by Big L

At a time where Notorious BIG and Tupac were all the rage, Big L released an album that would put to sleep everything that those two ever recorded. Lifestylez ov da poor & Dangerous is the ultimate dissing album, Big L’s intensity is contagious. It’s very hard to deny the rage and passion he had making this album. This is hardcore Hip Hop at its best; he’s practically asking to get shot, and so he was in 1999. I think it’s a matter of perspective on whether or not we have to take Gangster rap seriously, but there’s definitely an appeal when the message is delivered with such intensity and horrifying bluntness.

Put it on,I don’t understand it



The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest

There was once A Tribe Called Quest who perfected the concept behind Jazz Hip Hop. Like De La Soul, the group is very easy to get into. Their rhymes are joyous and very adolescent, there’s no violence or references to gangs in this album. The Low end Theory is a very sensual experience, the poetry is amazing, and the beats are extremely jazzy. It also was the first album to feature Busta Rhymes during his Leader of the New School fame, Scenario is one of the greatest Hip Hop songs every recorded. A Tribe Called Quest is classic stuff when it comes to rap; also the ethos of the group is absolutely delightful. If you like clever and groovy music, you’ll love the Quest bouncing in your ears.

Scenario, Jazz(We've Got) & Buggin' Out



Madvillainy by MF DOOM

A young MC born in England named Daniel Dumile aka Zev Love X, who used to rhyme about girls and the joy of being young and upcoming, suddenly became rugged and sociopathic. It’s almost unreal to think that MF DOOM could’ve made such a joyous album like Mr.Hood back in the early 90s, and polarize his talent to create Madvillainy. This album is a masterpiece as well as the greatest album recorded by DOOM. Everything about it shines with perfection; the beats crafted by DJ Madlib are masterful. Dumile spits the rhymes like a preacher, warning us from impending doom. The album is terribly blunt and unique, there’s really nothing like listening to MF DOOM’s opus. He’s insanely talented and rugged, and that’s why he’s so awesome. “He wears the mask just to cover the raw flesh, a rather ugly brother with flows that’s gorgeous”.

Raid, Accordion



Mecca and the Soul Brother by Pete Rock and CL Smooth

This album is as funky as any James Brown joints you’ve heard; Pete Rock is a master in creating groovy, up-beat tracks, and along with CL Smooth’s suave voice, it’s a delight to the ears. Mecca is incredibly jazzy and funky, it delivers on everything a Hip Hop album should be, and it makes your head bop instantly. Due to Rock’s craftsmanship as a producer, the beats and the lyrics come as one to create the most fluent Hip Hop album since 36 Chambers. The album is extremely passive and laid-back; it talks about life, love and sadness in a beautiful fashion. Another great Jazz Hip Hop album for all to enjoy, Mecca and the Soul Brother is amazing.

Straighten It Out, They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)



Muddy Waters by Redman

This is a very personal pick; I’m probably the only one who understands the genius behind Redman’s Muddy Waters. It’s one of my classics and the cleverest album of them all. His arrogance is so high, that you can almost taste it. It’s a great example of the competitive nature of MCing and Hip Hop in general. Redman’s delivery is top notch and could take down any contenders: “You remind me of school on a Sunday, no class!” This rhyme is one of the numerous poetical tours de force that Reggie Nobles verbalizes in the album. He’s accompanied by a track of funky beats and he’ll definitely take you for a ride. Alongside Lords of the Underground, Redman is the proof that even the best Hip Hop can be produced outside of New York; this Jersey cat knows how to lay the smack down.

Rock Da Spot, On Fire



No more Mr. Nice Guy by Gang Starr

You probably all know by now my appreciation for Keith Elam aka Guru. I have the outmost respect for anything he has ever done in his career, and his work with DJ Premier is by far my favorite. No More Mr. Nice Guy is the first album of a great line-up that the group has created. They are the forefathers of Jazz Hip Hop, and with a sharp philosophy concentrating around wisdom and understanding, they achieved just that with this album. It displays the incredible talent of DJ Premier for creating beats as well as showing the world what monster, Guru would become. His lyrics are thought provoking and clever, accompanied with his monotone voice he truly is was a master MC.

Manifest, DJ Premier is in deep concentration



Raising Hell by RUN DMC

RUN DMC are legends of Hip Hop; they single-handedly sparked universal interest in the genre with their music. They’re one of the first groups to take Rock samples and combining it with MCing, they’ve created a revolution with their crafty and popular beats. DJ Jam Master Jay’s turntablism is absolutely masterful along with RUN and DMC rhyming in perfect harmony to the break-beats he makes for them. The Rock’N’Roll sampling makes it easier for a lot of people to get into RUN DMC because of that, it’s familiar and very catchy. Raising Hell is not exception, and is hands down the best recording the group has made, it is a classic.

It’s Tricky, Walk This Way



Reachin’ (A new refutation of time and space) by Digable Planets

This was a true revelation when I first listened to it a few months ago; I was completely speechless on how this album could’ve stayed out of my head for so many years. It has slowly become the Hip Hop sweetheart for both me and Xzyliac as one of the best albums of all time. Reachin’ is surprisingly feminine, jazzy and full of flavor. The Digable Planets are criminally underrated, and should have their place with all the other classics. This album is perfect, is has attained a level of sophistication in music that I never heard before. The Lonnie Liston Smith samples take most of the album harmony which makes it completely mystifying. The peaceful nature of Digable Planets is highly contagious and with the addition of LadyBug Mecca’s charm, is it truly a unique album. This should be a mandatory listen to anybody who likes music.

Pacifics, Where I’m from



Resurrection by Common

Common is my favorite contemporary rapper along with Mos Def and MF DOOM. He has this suave quality of brewing incredibly intelligent lyrics without falling in to that “gangster” stereotype. He’s a street poet that is able to take your brain onto a lyrical trip, his Wind City accent is terribly endearing. Resurrection is his best album, not only for its jazzy vibe but for the incredible lyrics he put into it. The album contains a love poem to Hip Hop, which is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. He’s one of the few intellectual rappers to get out there and represent the conscious side of Hip Hop. With Resurrection he was able to perfect his sound and bring a timeless classic.

I used to love H.E.R, In My own World



Stankonia by OutKast

There’s a real sense of style coming out of Stankonia. The album is probably the sole reason why I still listen to Hip Hop from the south from time to time. This is a masterpiece of R&B and Hip Hop , OutKast created a classic when all hopes for quality music for the genre were dying. Their first few albums were buried in the southern underground, but with Stankonia not only did they achieve commercial success but the album became icons for the south. André 3000 brings the weird, Big Boi brings the badass, Stankonia is an amazing feat of soul and rap music.

Ms. Jackson , B.O.B.




The Chronic by Dr.Dre

This is a bona fide classic; Dr.Dre did it right with this one, invalidating almost entirely his work with N.W.A. It’s quite ironic as well that the Chronic talks about the “street life” when Dre and Snoop Dogg were artists caught in the middle. This, my friends is what we call a “studio gangster” album where rappers talk the most jive about things they’ve never done or will ever do. But the beats are so funky, and characteristic to the West Coast, that is it in fact one of the original recordings that led the California-based rappers to become famous. Like most of the superfluous albums I’ve named during this whole thing, you have to take it very lightly in terms of subject matter and enjoy the goofiness. It’s full of fake thugs and young rappers trying to take names, and being completely arrogant and confident in the gist of it. The Chronic however is a fantastic album and a classic for Hip Hop fans.

Nuthing but a G thang, Deeez Nuuuts



The Coming by Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes debut album is so underrated; it’s one of the finest records I’ve ever listened to. His quirkiness and over the top nature makes it an incredible mindfuck. I’m not saying that he’s completely batshit insane, but The Coming is so original and unusual in Hip Hop that I needed to mention it. He talks over himself, sings his lyrics rather than rhyming them, and with his constant references to pop culture, it’s very hard not to fall in love with this album. The sound is perfect, the beats are real head-knockers and the overall “instability” of Busta Rhymes self-control is amazing. He’s one of the few rappers in Hip Hop to have this wild energy, the other one being Ol’ Dirty Bastard. He’s so abstract in his lyrics and has a colorful style that The Coming is an absolute masterpiece for that.

Everything Remains Raw, Woo-Ha!! Got You All in Check



The Score by The Fugees

It took two talented Haitians and a badass American lady to make this classic. This is a highly awarded album that resonates in Hip Hop enthusiasts as one of the finest recordings ever made. It has this dark haunting feel to it that had never been brought to the commercial scene before. The trio rhyme like crazy firecrackers, but Lauren Hill steals the show with Wyclef Jean being the second best man. The guitar works of Jean’s add a great blues feel to the album as well as contributing to the dwelling feeling. Highly influenced by the Haitian heritage of both guys, The Score is a groovy album, and incredibly intense in both content and performance; Lauren Hill is an absolute badass.

Ready or Not , The Score



The Message by Grand Master Flash and The Furious Fives

I kept this one for last because The Message is a very special record in Hip Hop history. Upon first hearing it you’ll find yourself witnessing the most primitive style of MCing and DJing , since most of the album revolves around having fun and talking about love and women. But as the album flows from a very positive and happy record, it takes a 180 degree turn into raw reality. The Message is not only the most influential Hip Hop album of all time, but it’s also the first one to be socially and politically aware in his calling. If it wasn’t for this song alone, Hip Hop would have faded into one of Disco’s ramifications. Without The Message there would not be any of the 24 other albums I’ve put on this list. The album is the foundation to every modern Hip Hop recordings. The song is so important in its “message” than it actually changed the genre’s ethos.

The Message, Scorpio


With this selection, you will have a general idea of what to look for. Have a good listen guys and I hope that this will prove to be most informative. While you are at it, check out my thread in the forums for more details.

Hope you guys enjoyed it, I know I did; I love doing this stuff.

So Antwhan, TheCleaningGuy and Occams , this is for you guys.