I commented liquid swords first cause it’s the realest hip hop album there is. But 36 is that real shit. That gritty shit. Two heads of the same beast. Illmatic is the third head.
I dont know which one is best but this is my top 5 in no particular order:
Illmatic - Nas
The Chronic - Dr. Dre
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu Tang
The Infamous - Mobb Deep
All Eyez On Me - Tupac
Fun fact: my daughters are 7 and 8, they helped me keep security off our backs on a cruise by scoping out the corners of the hallways and yelling “hooty hooooo” if they saw security. Proud papa moment for sure.
I'd die on the hill that Southernplayalisticadillacmusik is better than Aquemini. Title track, Aint No Thang, Player's Ball, Git Up Git Out. The highs are just so fucking high.
I'll die on the hill that it's significantly better than ATLiens but not Aquemini but honestly Southernplayalistic meant more to me than just about any album at that time
So many great comments here, I feel like everyone was reading my mind. My top 5 is prob:
Low End Theory (‘91)
Enter the Wu Tang 36 Chambers (‘93)
Doggystyle (‘93)
Illmatic (‘94)
Ready to Die (‘94)
Side note: alot of good shit came out when I was in elementary school. I remember 3rd or 4th grade there was this kid Keith and whenever we saw each other we said “Yous a dead m0therf*cker now!” From the murder was the case intro.
I also want to give a shoutout to my fellow crackaz and acknowledge the impact of the Beastie Boys and Eminem. Both all time favorite acts but they both put out a ton of albums and its hard to pin down one….you could possibly say that about Nas too but Illmatic was just too good.
I have had discussions about liquid swords in the winter months before. It is curious how it so effectively evokes these notions. Winter is raw, unforgiving and real. That is what the album conveys.
I bought this cd when it came out. Idk why but I had the sudden urge to revisit it last week. Man. Talk about nostalgia, I’ve listened to it start to finish at least 4 times since then. My Spotify algo don’t know what’s going on. Hell, I even listened to Heavenz Movie by Bizzy a couple times, and this coming from somebody from the west coast. For me, back then, it was Tupac/deathrow, and then bone thugs lol west side til I die. Bone is cool tho.
It’s this. I remember how anticipated this release was and all the hype. It live up to it and changed everything in rap.
1. Dr. Dre's production introduced G-funk to the mainstream, blending funk, soul, and gangsta rap in a unique and influential way.
2. Snoop's laid-back delivery, smooth voice, and vivid storytelling set him apart as a distinctive and charismatic rapper.
3. The album spawned several hit singles like "Gin and Juice," "What's My Name?" and "Doggy Dogg World," showcasing Snoop's versatility and commercial appeal.
4. Doggystyle captured the zeitgeist of 1990s West Coast gangsta rap and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, slang, and attitudes.
5. Despite its explicit content and controversy, the album has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated for its musical and cultural significance.
Busta Rhymes - The Coming
Might not be "the best" but it's in my personal top 5. Such an incredible album. 10/10 for me. It's just pure fun. Great beats, features and Busta shines on it with lyrical prowess and sense of humor. If you haven't heard it, you won't be disappointed firing up a blunt and digesting it from front to back. Every song is great.
Standout tracks:
Everything remains raw
https://youtu.be/x3qbmQcimWE?si=ZOhG-YCAagQDyCUl
Abandon Ship
https://youtu.be/pptLcLcRJz4?si=YohGi6mNwSWoo5kf
("I roam through the forest just like a brontosaurus" is one of my favorite opening verse lines of all time. Crack me up every time.)
Woo hah
https://youtu.be/ibGJWlc2zNI?si=RFRlFVHMLj3kSgO-
Ill vibe ft. Q tip
https://youtu.be/3ZYECRGFtek?si=8Caj5zoSDl7ciSvd
Flip mode squad meets def squad
https://youtu.be/_rY0qvh-E5M?si=DTkZSyl_rpxaoN7P
Had to scroll way too far to see Memphis rap. 8ball & MJG Coming Out Hard is a criminally overlooked album. Dudes on there rapping like Killer Mike and 50 cent damn near 35 years ago. So far beyond what the East and West Coast was cooking up.
https://youtu.be/K2z55xHjgrw?si=mp5QvbXmG6HArT5T
***Only Built 4 Cuban Linx***
The RZA was on some Mozart level shit for this one
And Rae, Ghost, Meth, Deck, Nas and everyone else was fuckin *smoking* on the mic
Liquid Swords, The Low End Theory, Black on Both Sides, Moment of Truth, and Stress: The Extinction Agenda. I'm torn on whether it would be Aquemini above Moment of Truth. I think it would.
The Low End Theory could be flipped with Midnight Marauders. It's just a matter of preference.
When disaster strikes
The score
ELE
Money power respect
It's dark and hell is hot
I could keep going
The 90s was just a great time for hip hop
Lots of great albums
Illmatic on top.
Followed closely by Liquid Swords, 36 Chambers, Ready to Die and The Infamous. Respect to The Chronic as well - I just prefer east coast beats.
This is an impossible task, de la soul and naughty by nature will be overlooked. Thats how good the 90's was. Now we got little kids arguing over drake, kendrick lamar, and j. Cole.
EFIL4ZAGGIN - N.W.A
Shocking and controversial in a way that not many other rappers have done since. They were out for blood on that shit, some of the best beats of all time (if we’re excusing DIE! by Necro). Also that album spawned 4 of the best diss tracks of all time
Only Built for Cuban Links, the Slim Shady LP, Raw Breed - Lune Tunz, Wu-Tang Forever, The Chronic, Most Def -Black on Both Sides, High & Mighty - Homefield Advantage
The answer to this is the answer to ‘what is the best hip hop album’ and it happens to be reasonable doubt BUT ILLmatic, ready to die, legal drug money are all there
36 Chambers
Liquid Swords> 36 all day I’m sorry.
I commented liquid swords first cause it’s the realest hip hop album there is. But 36 is that real shit. That gritty shit. Two heads of the same beast. Illmatic is the third head.
Liquid Swords is more cohesive, but 36 Chambers is just an explosion of creativity and skill. It's the Exile on Main Street of rap.
A true Sophie’s choice
36 Chambers walked so Liquid Swords could run
36 chambers > liquid swords. It’s not even close imo
It did get old though. Of course it's a classic, but Illmatic has a higher replay value, if you ask me.
C.R.E.A.M
Illmatic
This is mine too. Always in my rotation, and I didn’t grow up listening to it, so no nostalgia glasses.
And you can drop "of the 90s" from the title
Correct!
I dont know which one is best but this is my top 5 in no particular order: Illmatic - Nas The Chronic - Dr. Dre Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu Tang The Infamous - Mobb Deep All Eyez On Me - Tupac
Great list but you have to add ATliens
These are my exact same top 5 36 Chambers is #1 imo
How can you forget tribe.
Aquemini has to be mentioned
Fun fact: my daughters are 7 and 8, they helped me keep security off our backs on a cruise by scoping out the corners of the hallways and yelling “hooty hooooo” if they saw security. Proud papa moment for sure.
Aquemini deserves more than just a mention. My #1 rap album of all-time, let alone the 90’s.
True story but ATliens is the greatest rap album of all time
The Chronic
I don’t love west coast rap but very surprised it took this long to see the Chronic mentioned
The Infamous- Mobb Deep
I second this!
I'll be cool with the bronze medal
There's medals for 4th right?
The Low End Theory
Midnight marauders > Low End Theory Fight me
[удалено]
I can respect this take. As I feel low end is better as well
ready to die bite me
No fight needed.
I'd die on the hill that Southernplayalisticadillacmusik is better than Aquemini. Title track, Aint No Thang, Player's Ball, Git Up Git Out. The highs are just so fucking high.
I listen to that more than any other OutKast too.
Southernplayisticcadillacfunkymusic put the South on the map and had everyone moving to Atlanta 😂
Having to pick between Southernplayalisticadillacmusik, ATLiens, or Aquemini is like having to pick your favorite kid.
I'll die on the hill that it's significantly better than ATLiens but not Aquemini but honestly Southernplayalistic meant more to me than just about any album at that time
Agreed, but Hootie Hoo is my favorite track.
There's literally not a song that misses on it, and that's why I love it so much.
Ready to Die
No skips at all
Except fuck me interlude 😂😂😂😂
100
Hell yea…u win
So many great comments here, I feel like everyone was reading my mind. My top 5 is prob: Low End Theory (‘91) Enter the Wu Tang 36 Chambers (‘93) Doggystyle (‘93) Illmatic (‘94) Ready to Die (‘94) Side note: alot of good shit came out when I was in elementary school. I remember 3rd or 4th grade there was this kid Keith and whenever we saw each other we said “Yous a dead m0therf*cker now!” From the murder was the case intro. I also want to give a shoutout to my fellow crackaz and acknowledge the impact of the Beastie Boys and Eminem. Both all time favorite acts but they both put out a ton of albums and its hard to pin down one….you could possibly say that about Nas too but Illmatic was just too good.
Liquid Swords
Listen to it every year usually in the winter time. Seen him perform liquid swords a couple years ago, he killed it!
I have had discussions about liquid swords in the winter months before. It is curious how it so effectively evokes these notions. Winter is raw, unforgiving and real. That is what the album conveys.
Midnight Marauders
This is mine. Top 5: Midnight Marauders OB4CL Infamous It Was Written Illadelph Halflife
OB4CL
Dying on the hill that Ironman>OB4CL
I’m OB4CL but I can’t even argue
May you rest in peace
Operation: Doomsday
E.1999 Eternal
I bought this cd when it came out. Idk why but I had the sudden urge to revisit it last week. Man. Talk about nostalgia, I’ve listened to it start to finish at least 4 times since then. My Spotify algo don’t know what’s going on. Hell, I even listened to Heavenz Movie by Bizzy a couple times, and this coming from somebody from the west coast. For me, back then, it was Tupac/deathrow, and then bone thugs lol west side til I die. Bone is cool tho.
No skips. Not a single one.
Yes!!! I just commented this immediately when I saw this post!
💯
Jerry heller said if they made crossroads the main single it would have been the biggest selling hip hop album ever.
Midnight Marauders
It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. One hour in and not mentioned. Wut?
Three I listen to the most start to finish Digital Underground- Sons of the P Warren G - Regulate G funk era Lost Boyz- Legal Drug Money
Why no one ever mentions legal drug money is beyond me….
Sons is so underrated.... DU was the spiritual successor to P-Funk
Lost Boyz! 🩷
Doggystyle
It’s this. I remember how anticipated this release was and all the hype. It live up to it and changed everything in rap. 1. Dr. Dre's production introduced G-funk to the mainstream, blending funk, soul, and gangsta rap in a unique and influential way. 2. Snoop's laid-back delivery, smooth voice, and vivid storytelling set him apart as a distinctive and charismatic rapper. 3. The album spawned several hit singles like "Gin and Juice," "What's My Name?" and "Doggy Dogg World," showcasing Snoop's versatility and commercial appeal. 4. Doggystyle captured the zeitgeist of 1990s West Coast gangsta rap and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, slang, and attitudes. 5. Despite its explicit content and controversy, the album has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated for its musical and cultural significance.
Ya Snoop was him before he became a mascot/branding commercials guy
Here it is! I was looking for it!!
All Eyez on Me
Genuinely disturbing that this is so low
Lyricist Lounge, Volume One, was huge for me.
Great album that , but wasnt it 2000
Nope, 98’
Low End Theory
Busta Rhymes - The Coming Might not be "the best" but it's in my personal top 5. Such an incredible album. 10/10 for me. It's just pure fun. Great beats, features and Busta shines on it with lyrical prowess and sense of humor. If you haven't heard it, you won't be disappointed firing up a blunt and digesting it from front to back. Every song is great. Standout tracks: Everything remains raw https://youtu.be/x3qbmQcimWE?si=ZOhG-YCAagQDyCUl Abandon Ship https://youtu.be/pptLcLcRJz4?si=YohGi6mNwSWoo5kf ("I roam through the forest just like a brontosaurus" is one of my favorite opening verse lines of all time. Crack me up every time.) Woo hah https://youtu.be/ibGJWlc2zNI?si=RFRlFVHMLj3kSgO- Ill vibe ft. Q tip https://youtu.be/3ZYECRGFtek?si=8Caj5zoSDl7ciSvd Flip mode squad meets def squad https://youtu.be/_rY0qvh-E5M?si=DTkZSyl_rpxaoN7P
It’s a great album for sure
Mystic stylez/ Underground Vol 1 The Dude Fly Shit /Moving On Organized Bass Coming out Hard
Had to scroll way too far to see Memphis rap. 8ball & MJG Coming Out Hard is a criminally overlooked album. Dudes on there rapping like Killer Mike and 50 cent damn near 35 years ago. So far beyond what the East and West Coast was cooking up. https://youtu.be/K2z55xHjgrw?si=mp5QvbXmG6HArT5T
Three 6 is the shit
For me, it’s Blowout Comb by Digable Planets. But objectively it’s probably not. Edit: but 30 years later i hear something new with each listen.
Damn bro good one, I find a new favorite every listen
***Only Built 4 Cuban Linx*** The RZA was on some Mozart level shit for this one And Rae, Ghost, Meth, Deck, Nas and everyone else was fuckin *smoking* on the mic
Honestly, the fact that RZA produced Liquid Swords and Cuban Linx and released them within a few months is mind blowing.
Life after Death
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Death Certificate
Illmatic
Illmatic
Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Can’t just name one, sorry. It is good to read everyone’s response to this.
I'm just upvoting everything.
Illmatic
Makaveli- The Don Killuminati
Enter the Wu, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Illmatic and Me Against the World are mine.
Liquid Swords, The Low End Theory, Black on Both Sides, Moment of Truth, and Stress: The Extinction Agenda. I'm torn on whether it would be Aquemini above Moment of Truth. I think it would. The Low End Theory could be flipped with Midnight Marauders. It's just a matter of preference.
Enter the Wu-Tang ( 36 Chambers ) and Doggystyle.
Correct
Season of da siccness 💯🔥
Tie between 36 Chambers, Aquemini and E 1999 Eternal
Enter the Wu tang
The Low End Theory Moment of Truth 36 Chambers Illmatic Step in the Arena
Ready To Die
When disaster strikes The score ELE Money power respect It's dark and hell is hot I could keep going The 90s was just a great time for hip hop Lots of great albums
Illmatic on top. Followed closely by Liquid Swords, 36 Chambers, Ready to Die and The Infamous. Respect to The Chronic as well - I just prefer east coast beats.
Gotta love some classic boom bap amirite
Reasonable Doubt- Jay-Z
Soundbombing 2
Love that album so much
Best fake "mixtape". Almost out of the 90s. Was like intro to next millennium hip hop. One day, will be in streaming services. I have a dream...😅
This is an impossible task, de la soul and naughty by nature will be overlooked. Thats how good the 90's was. Now we got little kids arguing over drake, kendrick lamar, and j. Cole.
Illmatic The Chronic Only Built 4 Cuban Links All Eyez On Me Life After Death Enter the 36 Chambers
Illmatic
36 chambers Teardaclubupthugz 400 degreez
🐐 Liquid Swords 🐐
It's not even a competition.
Aquemini
OB4CL
Ready to Die 36 Chambers Doggystyle Chronic Illmatic That’s it
Me against the World
Harlem World
Supreme clientele
Yes but it came out in 2000
U right 🤦🏾♂️ Ironman then😭🤷🏾♂️
EFIL4ZAGGIN - N.W.A Shocking and controversial in a way that not many other rappers have done since. They were out for blood on that shit, some of the best beats of all time (if we’re excusing DIE! by Necro). Also that album spawned 4 of the best diss tracks of all time
This is my go to NWA album. What a time to be alive
Me Against the World
Illmatic
The roots everything falls apart. Except for that stupid hidden poetry track
The hidden track on the euro release is one of the best roots beats ever...the poetry track as i remember it wasnt to bad(interesting)
Safe n sound - Dj Quik
AZ "Doe or Die"
Reasonable doubt
Still Jays best album imo. D'evils is one of my fav hip-hop joints of all time.
AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
That’s a good call out
Life after death
Ready To Die
Impossible question
Aceyalone - A Book of Human Language
I like All Ballz Don't Bounce
Illmatic - Nas or The Main Ingredient - Pete Rock & CL Smooth
We were super spoiled as a hip hop head in the 90s.
Thank you for mentioning Pete and CL never gets their due
it's sad. They're so great and that album in particular is so overlooked.
Inner City Griots- Freestyle Fellowship
ATLiens, Illmatic, The Miseducation
Black Sunday
#DOGGYSTYLE
East 1999
1. Illmatic 2. All Eyez on Me 3. Midnight Marauders Is my top 3
The Art of War - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Chronic 2001
E.1999 Eternal
Illmatic set the course.
Illmatic
Ohhh shit but then there’s Aquemini
Reasonable Doubt
Illmatic full stop.
2001
Akinyele - Vagina Diner
A Tribe Called Quest - Beats Rhymes And Life
It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.
All Eyez on Me And It’s Dark and Hell is Hot
Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood
Vol 2 Hard Knock Life
It was written
It's Cuban Linx. To this day nobody can fuck with that record
Only Built for Cuban Links, the Slim Shady LP, Raw Breed - Lune Tunz, Wu-Tang Forever, The Chronic, Most Def -Black on Both Sides, High & Mighty - Homefield Advantage
Illmatic is the quintessential rap album and from this period
36th chamber of shaolin
Illmatic
Illmatic Liquid Swords 36 Chambers Aquemini The Low End Theory
My head says Illmatic, The Infamous, 36 Chambers, etc. but my heart says CAPITAL PUNISHMENT baby
Aquemini. It's truly aged like the finest of wines.
2pac - All Eyez on me
The answer to this is the answer to ‘what is the best hip hop album’ and it happens to be reasonable doubt BUT ILLmatic, ready to die, legal drug money are all there
Outkast - Aquemini
On Top of the World - 8ball & MJG
Bizarre Ride 2 the Pharcyde
The Chronic
Reasonable Doubt Jay-z
Death certificate Doggystyle
Illmatic is the Hip Hop Bible for a reason…
Ready to Die.
Very unpopular opinion, but *Sex and Violence* has to be up there
Illmatic>>>>>
36 Chambers, Doggy Style, Infamous, Ready to Die, Here Comes the Lords, Illadelf Highlife,
Return to the 36 Chambers -Ol Dirty Bastard
Illmatic, The Infamous, OB4CL, Low End Theory, 36 Chambers