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.

[*paperplane*]

As someone who has transitioned into hiphop ("into" being a relative term, but I'm probably someone this list could be aimed at), I'm surprised there's no Tribe. ATCQ was the first hiphop I could actually listen through full albums of. I find Eminem annoying as hell, personally.

[fameONE]

As someone who has transitioned into hiphop ("into" being a relative term, but I'm probably someone this list could be aimed at), I'm surprised there's no Tribe. ATCQ was the first hiphop I could actually listen through full albums of. I find Eminem annoying as hell, personally.

Oh, believe me when I say that it was tough not including 'Low End Theory' or 'Midnight Marauders' on this list. Although, if you listen to Pete Rock and CL Smooth, you can easily find your way to ATCQ.

In regards to Eminem, most of his work post-Marshall Mathers LP irks the hell out of me. Whatever the case, there is an undeniable appeal about his angst-filled music.