With the controversy surrounding my last blog, I decided to stir it up a little bit more on this week’s editorial edition. I realize that there are several different types of Rap music. You have Gangsta, Party, Mainstream, Underground, Crunck (or Crunch as I like to say it) and the list goes on. But in the spirit of keeping things on an even playing field, I’ve decided to break the music into 2 types, East Vs. West. So here are my top 5 Albums from coast to coast, let the debates begin:
The East Coast
5. Business As Usual- EPMD- One of the best Rap Groups of All-Time released their 3rd album in 1991. This may be a controversial pick because EPMD has never been known as one of the”Elite” rap groups, but they are. Also, the debut album, “Strictly Business” may be everyone’s favorite, but I urge you to listen to both these albums, and you’ll see, this album is far superior. This album featured LL Cool J and introduced Redman into the Hip-Hop community. The obvious trademark song was Gold Digger. Truth be told, every song is a hit, from I’m Mad to Underground. This album doesn’t need a “skip button” because every track is a hit!
4. Things Fall Apart- The Roots- This band was one of the first to bring back the live instruments and re-introduce scratching. Their drummer and mega producer Questlove shapes the sound of the album. If you’ve never read the book, “Things Fall Apart” by Achebe, it is one of the greatest pieces of literature I have ever read. The book is a classic and so is this album. The track, The Next Movement has to be one of their greatest songs and is included in this album. “U Got Me” features Erykah Badu on the backing Vocals and guests Eve on the track. Thr otts continue to make great music and are still influencing the rap acts of today. They can be seen on the NBC late night show with that really annoying guy from Saturday Night Live. I forget his name, but he’s really annoying!
3. Wu-Tang Forever- Wu-Tang Clan- The groups sophomore album, released was released in 1997. It came at a time where rap was too commercial. With the rise of MTV, rap was losing something, and it has yet to get it back. Now the same girls screaming for the Backstreet Boys & N’Sync were also screaming fro Eminem & Jay-Z. Wu-Tang brought respect back into the Hip-Hop game, at a time where real Mc’s were trading in their mics for a 1980’s sample. They are also an All-Star group of Raekwon, RZA,GZA, Method Man, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Ghostface Killah, now that is some serious star power. Snce the release of this album, Wu-Tang has really gone into hiding. Method Man has all sorts of legal troubles and we all know of the death of Ol Dirty Bastard. Although they are still making records, this may have been their finest hour!
2. Licensed To Ill- Beastie Boys- The debt album from some white guys in New York. Their debut album was released in 1986, and this album was the 1st to make it onto Billboard’s Top 200. That’s sounds funny to say, but that was a big deal back then. The album has sold over 9 million copies and has some of the most well-known songs of all-time: You’ve Gotta Fight For Your Right (To Party), Paul Revere, Brass Monkey. Girls, Slow Ride & Posse In Effect. I was very tempted to put this album in the number 1 position, but I couldn’t. Don’t you just hate when a musicians thinks that they are “growing” as artists and refuse to play any of their older hits? Beastie Boys fall into this catergory, with their refusal to play “You Gotta Fight” in any of their live shows!
1. The Adventures of Slick Rick- Slick Rick- The debut album of Slick Rick was released in 1988. This album contains one of the biggest rap songs of all-time, Mona Lisa. That song is what put it slightly ahead of the Beastie Boys. Children’s Story, The Ruler’s Back and my personal favorite A Teenage Love put this album into a rare class. Although Slick Rick’s career was cut short, due to being imprisoned, this CD is one of the most loved rap albums of all-time, and in my opinion, I think it is the greatest!
The West Coast
5. Safe & Sound- DJ Quik- released in 1995, this was Quik’s third studio album. Now I know this may be offensive to some people, but I think he is the best producer here on the left coast. I know people will go one about Battlecat. Daz and of course Dr. Dre, but Quik’s funk style is second to none. This album continues the feud between he and Mc Eiht, with the songs: Let U Have It & Dollarz & Sense. Songs like “Safe & Sound, Something for the Mood, The Ho In You” really show the production value Quik has to offer. Again, from start to end, Quik’s beatz and lyrics make this one of the best west coast albums of all-time. Quik has since “retired” from rap music. I ask this question, “Is their an Old-Timer’s Day for rappers?” Rap is such a trendy genre that rappers fall in and out of favor fairly quik!
4. All Eyez On Me- 2Pac- This was 2Pac’s 4th album, released in 1996. This was his first record with Deathrow and with producer Dr. Dre. This was one of the first, if not the first, double album in rap music. In this album, 2Pac explored every facet of life. He explored the Gangsta side on songs like (Picture Me Rollin’, 2 of Amerikka’s Most Wanted), the party side (Thug’s Passion, What’z Ya Phone Number) and a more reflective side (Life Goes On, I Ain’t Mad At Cha). This was the last official record he released as 2Pac before his death, and in the eyes of many, probably his best work. Much has been made of Tupac’s death, they have never found the killer and have never had a motive. It seems that there is as much controversy surrounding his death as their was when he was alive.
3. Death Certificate- Ice Cube- Released in 1991, this was Cube’s 3rd solo release. Ice Cube is probably the “Father” of Gangsta Rap music. He was the lead writer and rapper for the super group NWA. This is one of the finest west coast albums ever made. Ice Cube had some very political content in his music, songs like “Bird in the Hand, Alive on Arrival, Color Blind and True to the Game” are thought provoking songs about the harsh reality of South Central. The album also includes what is quite possibly the most famous diss record, “No Vaseline.”
2. The Chronic- Dr. Dre- Released in 1992, this was the solo debut of Dr. Dre since splitting with NWA. This was also the first record for Deathrow Records. The album also introduced is to Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg, and the Lady of Rage, just to name a few. Snoop and Dre collaborated on almost every song and made him and Deathrow Records a household name. This album also continued the feud with long time friend Eazy-E. The production value on the album is top-notch and can be compared to any “East Coast” album put out in the 90’s. Although the West Coast rarely gets respect in the Rap Industry, this is one of the few which does.
1. Straight Outta Compton- NWA- The album starts off fierce with Ice Cube opening up like this: “Straight Outta Compton/Crazy Motherfucker Named Ice Cube/From The Gang Called Niggas With Attitude” It all went up hill from there. Think about this line up” Ice Cube, Mc Ren, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. Talk about a who’s who in west coast music! This album was released at a time when NO rap music was coming from the west. Their first album “NWA & The Posse” was a prelude to this masterpiece. Songs like “Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, Dopeman & 8-Ball” are staples in west coast rap. Cube was the lead writer and Dre produced the album, now that is what I call a dream team!