Transitioning Into HipHop, 10 Albums to Consider Options

[fameONE]

Based on a conversation I was having with a friend of mine the other day, a lot of people don't give hiphop a chance because they simply just don't know any better. I could go on this rant about the radio this and the radio that but beating a dead horse gets old (besides, not all radio rap is horrendous).

In a nutshell, I sat in the back of humvee in Baghdad contemplating how I could make a diverse list of albums that would appeal to potential fans with varying tastes. Below is the end result.

If you're having problems seeing past the obvious (why awhy the entire typical backpacker, conscious, quasi-political, lyrical free-for-all with soulful beats that I generally prefer), then just ask and I'll be sure to drop knowledge on, and provide an explanation for, any album here.

**in no particular order**

1.
Nujabes - Modal Soul (2006)

2.
Eminem - The Slim Shady LP (1999)

3.
FELT 2(Murs and Slug [of Atmosphere]) - A Tribute to Lisa Bonet

4.
The Fugees (Refugee Camp) - The Score (1996)

5.
Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor (2006)

6.
Outkast - Southernplayasticadillacmuzik (1994)

7.
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - The Mecca and the Soul Brother (1992)

8.
Scarface - The Fix (2002)

9.
Timbaland - Timabland Presents: Shock Value (2007)

10.
Busta Rhymes - When Disaster Strikes (1997)

It was hard enough to sort through 14,000 songs and even harder to come up with reasonable justifications for each album, but there it is. Each album offers something different. From A Side to B Side, complete listens of each LP made it clear that, depending on which genre you generally prefer, there is something for everyone.

[fameONE]

I have yet to touch on a few of the albums on the list because no one has mentioned them.

Outkast - Southernplayasticadillacmuzik

This is southern hiphop at it's finest. F-ck what you know or what you think you know about southern hiphop in relation to snap music and the dozens of 'crank dats' that have invaded the homes of suburbia; the early works of Outkast were jazz inspired, soulful, 808-heavy, and lyrically magnificent. When people talk about the partnered production of the Dungeon Family duo and the wordplay of Andre 3000, there's no question about it when listening to this album.

Scarface - The Fix

Fast forward into the 2000's, this is another excellent example of souther hiphop breaking the mold of snap-happy, ringtone rap. Of course, Scarface speaks of the streets, the 'game,' and other trials and tribulations of growing up in the hood. However, his delivery can not be duplicated and the hunger and its evident that he leaves it all on wax when laying down tracks. What's made Scarface's music so unique is that he's been able to combine his trademark Houston swagger with an east coast feel, keeping close ties with artists and producers from well above the Mason-Dixon line.

Although 'The Fix' was the only album from 'Face that The Source rated 5 mics, that doesn't mean that every album he's released has lacked the rawness of bare-knuckled body blows in a back-alley beatdown. To contrast the gangster persona, the Houston hiphop vet has always been sure to leave a piece of himself on each album, making songs about the tougher times of his life; drug abuse, suicide attempts, fallen loved ones and deliverance. For anyone to sleep on Scarface is absurd. T.I. can claim King of the South all he wants, but the crown goes to 'Face, and he's so humble that he's never even claimed it.