A TRIBE CALLED QUEST Low End Theory

Hip Hop with its best foot forward. Positive MCs, educating the listener over tracks that are as fresh today as they were way back in 1991. And that's the amazing thing about this album. It was a pioneering album at the time, as much for its conscious lyrics and dope rhyming, as for its dynamic production. But its total listenability over time is what sets this album apart from all others. Hands up, one of the best albums in any genre of music. If you don't listen to hip hop because you find it crude and alienating, this album might cure your problem.

MAIN SOURCE Breaking Atoms

A total classic that many have slept on because it features an MC who is best known for production: Large Professor. As well as two Canadian DJs, K-Cut and Sir Scratch. Though many are familiar with posse cut, "Live At The Barbeque, due to EARLY cameos by Nas and Akinyele... the real secret to this album is the all-out production brilliance of "Large Pro". Standout trakcs include "Just Hangin Out" and "Live At The Barbecue", featuring Nas and Akinyele.

FREESTYLE FELLOSHIP To Whom It May Concer

CYPRESS HILL Cypress Hill

The diverse production styles of DJ Muggs is the foundation for the nasal delivery of B-Real and main accomplice Sen Dog. This is G-Funk without all the slickness and high-pitched synth tones. Back when the East Coast was exploring "Afrocentricity" with the Native Tongues et. al, Cypress Hill led the charge of blunt-smoking, 40oz-guzzlin', been-there, done-that, killed-a-man-kind-of-rappers Cypress Hill was also the first group to tap into the weed-smoking masses' unquenchable desire for reefer medleys. Their continued ability to remain an arena-sized concert draw--in spite of weak new material--is testament to their loyal legion of crossed-over, herb-toking fans.

DE LA SOUL De La Soul Is Dead

Much like the Beastie Boys' sophomore album, De La Soul Is Dead was overlooked by many because it was seen as a departure from Three Feet High And Risings' innocence and playfulness. The truth is that this album represents another big step in a steady course that has charted De La Soul throughout their entire recording history. To this day, they are still 100% relevant to hip hop heads across the world. "Is Dead" finds Prince Paul in fine form on production and Posdonus, Maseo, and "Trugoy" bypass cliches and boasts, in favor of exploring various issues in a humorous, candid, and thought-provoking manner. What more could we ask? A cartoon?