Follow the LeaderArtist: 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...
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A Shade of RedArtist: 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
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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...
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The Real RoxanneArtist: 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
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All Hail the QueenArtist: Queen Latifah
Community Score: 7.00
DivaArtist: Ms. Melodie
Community Score: 9.50
Ms. Melodie turned some heads in the hip-hop nation with this excellent debut, featuring the aggressive single "The Hype According to Ms. Melodie." ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
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Walking With a PantherArtist: LL Cool J
Community Score: 8.92
Released at a time when hip-hop's anxieties about crossover success were at a fever pitch, Walking With a Panther found LL Cool J trying to reinvent his sound while building on the commercial breakthrough of Bigger and Deffer. Even though the album succeeded on both counts, it did so in a way that didn't sit well with hip-hop purists, who began...
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