Paul's Boutique
Artist: Beastie Boys
Community Score: 8.52

Such was the power of Licensed to Ill that everybody, from fans to critics, thought that not only could the Beastie Boys not top the record, but that they were destined to be a one-shot wonder. These feelings were only amplified by their messy, litigious departure from Def Jam and their flight from their beloved New York to Los Angeles, since it... Read More

A Shade of Red
Artist: Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I.
Community Score: 7.00

Shade of Red, the album debut for Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I., was a set of entertaining rap tracks that are icy and confrontational at times. The lead singles "Pump It Hottie," "Do the Right Thing," and "We Rock the Mic Right" were hits on the R&B charts as well as the dance side. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

Stone Cold Rhymin'
Artist: Young MC
Community Score: 10.00

Young MC wasn't given props at the time and he wasn't respected in the years following the release of his debut Stone Cold Rhymin', largely because he worked entirely in the pop-rap/crossover vein. All the same, that's what's great about his debut, since it's exceptionally clever and effective, a wonderful combination of deft rhymes and skillful... Read More

Greatest Hits
Artist: Whodini
Community Score: 9.00

When funksters and soulsters who reached adulthood in the 1960s and '70s criticize rap, their #1 complaint is usually that too much of it isn't melodic enough. But they seldom make that complaint about Whodini, which in the mid-'80s, enjoyed a lot more support from R&B fans than the more forceful and abrasive sounds of Run-D.M.C. or LL Cool J.... Read More

The Real Roxanne
Artist: The Real Roxanne
Community Score: 10.00

With the aid of Jam Master Jay, Howie Tee, and Full Force, this Puerto Rican whipped up a stunning debut that highlighted her inimitable skills as a rapper and lyricist, as well as her band's way with the funk. Hihglights include "Bang Zoom," "Respect," and "Roxanne's on a Roll." ~ John Floyd, All Music Guide Read More

All Hail the Queen
Artist: Queen Latifah
Community Score: 7.00
Follow the Leader
Artist: Eric B. & Rakim
Community Score: 7.81

Having already revolutionized hip-hop, Eric B. & Rakim came up with a second straight classic in their sophomore album, Follow the Leader, which basically follows the same blueprint for greatness, albeit with subtle refinements. Most noticeably, Eric B.'s production is already moving beyond the minimalism of Paid in Full. Follow the Leader finds... Read More

3 Feet High and Rising
Artist: De La Soul
Community Score: 7.85

The most inventive, assured, and playful debut in hip-hop history, 3 Feet High and Rising not only proved that rappers didn't have to talk about the streets to succeed, but also expanded the palette of sampling material with a kaleidoscope of sounds and references culled from pop, soul, disco, and even country music. Weaving clever wordplay and... Read More

Adventures of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel & The Furious Five: More of the Best
Artist: Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
Community Score: 10.00

Although much of Grandmaster Flash's best, biggest, and most groundbreaking work was compiled on Message From Beat Street: The Best Of, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: More of the Best is necessary for any comprehensive rap collection. The rest of Grandmaster Flash's most important singles, many of which have not appeared on compact disc... Read More