MOBB DEEP The Infamous

Infamous for their grit. Infamous for their immersion in criminal life. Infamous for dope lyrics and tight beats. In spite of the extreme "reality" (read: guns and drugs) of the Mobb's lyrics, this album is compelling where others fail. Whereas other groups tend to be overly self-referential and ego-dependent, Mobb Deep is merely "forty-two shots dependent". Havoc and Prodigy always keep it on the street level -- meaning, you get as much of a feel for the Queensbridge streets as you do for the rappers themselves. Clearly, romanticism and sensationalism are the main course. But it's refreshing to hear rappers shine light on their community instead of endlessly talking about how much ass they kick. Prominent cameos and incredibly tasteful, sparse production certify this album as an infamous classic.

CHEF RAEKWON Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

The longest and most diverse of the pre-Forever albums, Only Built is proof of what seemed to be a bottomless depth of talent in the Clan. Raekwon surprisingly carries this album with authority and the RZA's production continues to evolve and diversify. I can't say that I relate to Raekwon's thug-oriented lyrics, but his delivery does maintain a certain artistic tension. This album will also go down in history as containing one of the last great Nas appearances... "Verbal Intercourse".

THA ALKAHOLIKS Coast II Coast

Forget Straight Outta Compton, the Alkaholiks were the ones who put L.A. hip hop on the map. Their "Likwit Crew" -- including King Tee, Defari, Xzibit, and Lootpack -- is Southern California's first great MC family. But let us not forget the beat-maker, E-Swift, who along with Madlib and Diamond D, elevate the music on this one well beyond their debut, 21 & Over.

GROUP HOME Livin' Proof

When I first heard this album, I was a little confused by how a production giant such as DJ Premier could go from modern day griots such as Biggie, Jeru, and Nas to Lil' Dap and Melachi The Nut Cracker. Say what?!! Yeah, these guys might have the feel, but they certainly don't have any content. Fortunately, the beats keep our attention well away from such trivial matters as what words mean... and focus everything on Premier's slamming productions. In spite of their split with Primo a few years after this album, Group Home has managed to bolster its rep with singles such as the irrepressible "Stupid Muthafuckas".