Da Next Level
Artist: Mr. Serv-On

The phrase "taking it to the next level" is one of the perennial rap cliches, nearly as ubiquitous as "throw your hands in the air" or calling out for everyone in the house to say "yo." That alone would make an album called Da Next Level something of a joke, but it seems especially funny coming from a No Limit soldier, since Master P's posse is... Read More

Introduction to Mackin'
Artist: Rappin' 4-Tay

Though given Rappin' 4-Tay's decade in the rap game, fans hardly need an Introduction to Mackin', the album turns out to be one of his best yet. Part of the reason is the great cast of guest appearances -- Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Daz, Frost, Jayo Felony -- but it's also due to 4-Tay himself, who provides a focus for each track, lends his production... Read More

Rap Life
Artist: Tash
Community Score: 9.00

As one-third of the California rap trio, (Tha Alkaholiks), (Tash) has been responsible for some of the most raucous and rowdy lyrical gems ever laid down by any West Coast crew. But in 1999, (Tash) branched out on his own for a solo debut, and committed his talents towards broadening the hip hop audience with his own brand of smooth, yet... Read More

Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryder's First Lady
Artist: Eve
Community Score: 7.32

The full title of Eve's full-length debut is Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady for a reason. The Philadelphia rapper sets out to prove she's earned her place in the Ruff Ryders crew, matching rhymes, raunch, and rounds with the hardest hardass. Minimal beats laced with synthesized strings and keyboards back traditional hip-hop brag... Read More

Home Field Advantage
Artist: The High & Mighty
Community Score: 8.25

Home Field Advantage is Mr. Eon's and DJ Mighty Mi's first full-length album, and it's solid. Songs like "Top Prospects" and "B-Boy Document '99" will please many fans of East Coast hip-hop. Unfortunately, other songs like "Hot Spittable," "Weed, and "The Meaning" are kind of boring and seem to be missing something. One thing this album isn't... Read More

Out of Business
Artist: EPMD
Community Score: 5.85

After the popular, praised 1997 comeback album Back in Business, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith returned with another solid effort that proved they remained one of the best combos in hip-hop, as relevant and tight in 1999 as they were ten years earlier. Most of the tracks are in-house productions (either Sermon or Smith), a true rarity in the... Read More

Out of Business - LIMITED EDITION
Artist: EPMD

After the popular, praised 1997 comeback album Back in Business, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith returned with another solid effort that proved they remained one of the best combos in hip-hop, as relevant and tight in 1999 as they were ten years earlier. Most of the tracks are in-house productions (either Sermon or Smith), a true rarity in the... Read More

The Art of Storytelling
Artist: Slick Rick
Community Score: 7.41

If there's one thing Slick Rick has mastered, it is The Art of Storytelling. Ever since his debut, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, he has been known for his literate, winding narratives, but his career was marred by legal troubles that kept him in prison for much of the '90s. Consequently, The Art of Storytelling is only his fourth album,... Read More

Nature's Finest: Naughty by Nature's Greatest Hits
Artist: Naughty By Nature
Community Score: 8.50

Right from the get-go, Naughty by Nature's greatest-hits compilation reminds people that before there was the invasion of P. Diddy and the Bling-Blingers, there was a group who perfectly balanced the strength of street knowledge with accessible pop tunes that even had suburban mothers espousing the virtues of "O.P.P." Nature's Finest: Naughty by... Read More

Kaleidoscope
Artist: Kelis
Community Score: 8.36

This release showcases the development of a great talent. The album's flaws stem from steps taken backward toward what one could call "mainstream" R&B. It's when Kelis and her production team create tracks that best fit her voice and uniqueness that the end results are outstanding. Although comparisons to Neneh Cherry are inevitable, she does... Read More