1988 was the year Hip-Hop went from just being a new style of music, to being an international force. The early growing pains and awkwardness were slowly being shed, as groups such as Public Enemy, BDP, Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, and the Ultramagnetic MCs showed the awesome potential of rapping over drum machines and samplers.

ULTRAMAGNETIC MCs Critical Beatdown

Public Enemy had the wordly style and Eric B. & Rakim were the hometown favorites... so the Ultramags bypassed the earth entirely by blasting out beyond the known lyrical bounds of hip-hop to find out what happens when Kool Keith pecks MC brains "like a bird". This is the beginning of Kool Keith's unparalleled creative streak that peaked in 1996/97 releases, Dr. Octagon and Sex Style. For non-historical purposes, you can ignore all rap albums before Critical Beatdown. Be sure to visit the Ultramagnetic MC's Unofficial Web Site at Sean's Massive Hip-Hop Site for a little sample of the mania touched off by Critical Beatdown.

PUBLIC ENEMY It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Indeed, it took a nation of millions to keep the message out of the music until this album came out. Nation was the full realization of socio-political consciousness in black music. Yeah, James Brown was political; Gil Scott-Heron was very political; but Chuck D. aimed his verbal assault straight at the government and the mass media. The Bomb Squad production team provided the most complex, sample-laden production style to date and Flavor Flav--the ultimate court jester--served as an often comical counterpoint to Chuck D.'s dead-serious delivery. But as Chuck D. would say, "Don't believe the hype..." go get this album and find out for yourself!

BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS By All Means Necessary

Though I've never really thought much of his claims of being a "teacher" and "philosopher", KRS-One is remarkable for his ability to balance a strong, conscious social message with a positive, proactive mentality. As he says on "Illegal Business": Don't get me wrong: America is a great place to live... but listen to the knowledge I give.

SLICK RICK The Great Adventures of Slick Rick

The production is strictly old-school dated, but that's not really the appeal of this album. Everything here is riding on "The Rulers" ability to carry a story. Whether about proper manners ("Treat Her Like A Prostitute"), lulling kids to sleep with crime tales ("Children's Story"), or Rick's bottom line on female relations ("Lick The Balls"). Yup, you got it... Slick Rick is the feelgood rapper with a very naughty message.

BIZ MARKIE Goin' Off

EPMD Strictly Business

JUNGLE BROTHERS Straight Out The Jungle

STETSASONIC In Full Gear