The Nine Yards
Artist: Paperboy
Community Score: 6.50

In the late '80s and early '90s, rap invaded the pop music world to the point where many rappers were considered mere pop artists. As a result, the genre produced an abundance of one-hit wonders who failed to reconnect with either rap or pop audiences after their moment of glory. Along with artists like Young MC, Candyman, Domino, and Positive... Read More

L' Ecole du Micro D'Argent
Artist: IAM
Community Score: 9.00
My Soul
Artist: Coolio
Community Score: 6.40

Coolio's third album, My Soul, follows the same formula as its two predecessors, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Where others have failed as pop-rappers, Coolio succeeds because of his love of melody, message, and funky beats. My Soul lacks anything as monolithic as "Gangsta's Paradise," yet it has a more elaborate production, boasting... Read More

My Life
Artist: Mary J. Blige
Community Score: 7.81
Sabotage
Artist: Beastie Boys
Community Score: 5.00
It Takes a Thief
Artist: Coolio
Community Score: 5.70

Just when it looked like rap would completely succumb to the violent hyperbole and mean-spirited "realness" of gangsta rap, new blood entered the scene in 1994 to nudge the genre back toward friendlier turf. That new blood included Nas, Craig Mack, and Coolio, whose It Takes a Thief starts with the easy-rolling funk of Lakeside's "Fantastic... Read More

Ill Communication
Artist: Beastie Boys
Community Score: 7.48

Ill Communication follows the blueprint of Check Your Head, accentuating it at some points, deepening it in others, but never expanding it beyond the boundaries of that record. As such, it's the first Beastie Boys album not to delve into new territory, but it's not fair to say that it finds the band coasting, since much of the album finds... Read More

187 He Wrote
Artist: Spice 1
Community Score: 7.60

Spice 1 continues his bleak, stripped-down version of gangsta rap with 187 He Wrote, an album that can be harrowing and appalling. Throughout the record, the spare, funky production keeps the music engaging, making the disturbing lyrics cut even deeper. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read More

Bring It On
Artist: Ali Dee

Add Ali Dee to the list of rappers successfully exploiting rap/jazz fusion. His cut "Dee Swings Jazz" expertly demonstrates the genres' shared qualities, and his whole release has both a loose, improvisational air and an edgy, combative street vibe. The single "Who's Da Flava" attracted the most attention, but there are other, equally sharp... Read More

Which Doobie U B?
Artist: Funkdoobiest
Community Score: 10.00

Funkdoobiest's debut album, Which Doobie U B?, sounds a lot like their mentors in Cypress Hill -- a lot. Not only is DJ Muggs' production very similar, but lead MC Son Doobie's flow often resembles a more robotic version of B Real (that's a compliment, by the way). But it all works anyway -- Muggs is in his absolute prime as a producer... Read More

Home Video: Sabotage
Artist: Beastie Boys
Community Score: 10.00