Locked Up
Artist: Criminal Element

Gangsta rap with Afro-centric sentiments and searing samples. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide 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

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
Diva
Artist: 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 Read More

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

Loc-ed After Dark
Artist: Tone-Loc
Community Score: 6.00

A forgotten man in the rise of West Coast rap, Tone-Loc was effectively cut off from his hometown scene in Los Angeles by his unexpected pop success. Paced by the singles "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" -- both co-written by a pre-fame Young MC, and some of the earliest productions by the legendary Dust Brothers -- Loc's debut album, Loc-ed... Read More