Essential Hip-Hop

A Listmania! list by Christopher Burns (London)
(REAL NAME)   
 
10 Year Anniversary Illmatic Platinum Series
1.  10 Year Anniversary Illmatic Platinum Series by Nas
The list author says:
  "The pinnacle of the genre and one of the finest albums ever made. It blends bleak realism with appropriate sentimentalism and regret; the maturity presented is stunning."
£11.76   Used & New from: £6.15
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)

Liquid Swords
2.  Liquid Swords by Genius
The list author says:
  "GZA's second outing is the best Wu-Tang Clan solo album. RZA’s trademark production technique of incorporating samples from samurai films is the perfect partner to grit of the NYC projects."
£5.39   Used & New from: £2.26
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
3.  Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan
The list author says:
  "It still remains unchallenged in influence and importance, making it unforgettable. The utilisation of an array of talented characters against raw beats lends a dark humour to the horror."
£5.39   Used & New from: £1.87
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)

Ready to Die-Re-Issued
4.  Ready to Die-Re-Issued by Notorious B.I.G.
The list author says:
  "Maybe the most accessible East Coast album, but it’s mandatory listening. P. Diddy’s crude pop production and sudden verges into underground soundscapes makes way for Big’s tongue-tight storytelling."
£16.64   Used & New from: £7.57
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
5.  Only Built 4 Cuban Linx by Raekwon
The list author says:
  "A concept album built upon operatic images of struggle and greed, as a response to poverty. It’s “Scarface” in musical form, with Raekwon and Ghostface sharing the mic. Noteworthy samples!"
£4.99   Used & New from: £2.98
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

The Infamous
6.  The Infamous by Mobb Deep
The list author says:
  "Recognised for its sparse beats and brutal realism, therefore it’s not easy-listening but there is heart beneath the violence and paranoia. It follows avoidance of police and the eventual comeuppance."
£3.99   Used & New from: £1.98
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

Midnight Marauders
7.  Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest
The list author says:
  "A Tribe Called Quest never bettered this. Many prefer "The Low End Theory", but this takes the edge for me."
£3.99   Used & New from: £3.95
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

Original Pirate Material
8.  Original Pirate Material by The Streets
The list author says:
  "“Original Pirate Material” cannot be assigned to a genre and of all the albums on the list this transcends genre boundaries the most. It is a portrait of UK life that listeners can easily relate to."
£4.70   Used & New from: £0.49
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)

The Chronic Re-Lit & From The Vault
9.  The Chronic Re-Lit & From The Vault by Dr. Dre
The list author says:
  "The first West-Coast album on the list. This is where G-Funk all started and it's stoner heaven. Try and ignore the misogyny, it’s all tongue-in-cheek with a young Snoop Dogg..."
Click for more info
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review) | 1 customer discussion

Check Your Head
10.  Check Your Head by Beastie Boys
The list author says:
  "The opener is one of the best in hip-hop. Works well for partying and getting into the "zone." Exciting stuff."
£12.23   Used & New from: £8.98
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Paul's Boutique: 20th Anniversary Edition/Remastered [VINYL]
11.  Paul's Boutique: 20th Anniversary Edition/Remastered [VINYL] by Beastie Boys
The list author says:
  "It was tricky choosing between this and "Check Your Head." Probably better samples in this one, more lip and clever silliness"
£22.60   Used & New from: £15.95
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

The Complete Score
12.  The Complete Score by Fugees
The list author says:
  "With the exception of "Killing Me Softly" and some strange interludes, this is an astonishing work of art."
£5.97   Used & New from: £1.20
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

The Low End Theory
13.  The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
The list author says:
  "Groovy, jazzy and laid-back rhymes. Q-Tip's delivery and flow is inspiring."
£4.69   Used & New from: £3.98
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

3 Feet High And Rising (W/Bonus Cd)
14.  3 Feet High And Rising (W/Bonus Cd) by De La Soul
The list author says:
  "Thoughtful and peaceful raps, even more so than "A Tribe Called Quest." Old skool in style and has stood the test of time for its social awareness regarding black issues."
£5.57   Used & New from: £3.48
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

Straight Outta Compton: 20th Anniversary Edition
15.  Straight Outta Compton: 20th Anniversary Edition by N.W.A.
The list author says:
  "Brought Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E to the forefront of the hip-hop scene. Hardcore lyrics that address issues of police brutality and prejudice in L.A."
£6.99   Used & New from: £4.56
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

Mecca and the Soul Brother
16.  Mecca and the Soul Brother by Pete Rock
The list author says:
  "If you like The Pharcyde and Black Sheep, this one is recommended. Very good and probably deserves a higher position on the list."
Used & New from: £3.98
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

See buying options
Step in the Arena
17.  Step in the Arena by Gang Starr
The list author says:
  "Guru and DJ Premier were a tight duo back in the day. It's a great shame to of lost Guru's talents so early. R.I.P."
£6.87   Used & New from: £1.97
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

Fear Of A Black Planet
18.  Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
The list author says:
  "Politically relevant, even 20 years on. Public Enemy are militant in style and get their message across with confrontational eloquence."
£5.39   Used & New from: £1.85
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

Reasonable Doubt
19.  Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z
The list author says:
  "Excellent debut and companion to "Ready to Die." Jay-Z has smooth delivery and exercises individualism."
£5.19   Used & New from: £1.96
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

The Sun Rises in the East
20.  The Sun Rises in the East by Jeru The Damaja
The list author says:
  "Scorching."
£15.00   Used & New from: £5.01
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

More Actions

Discover more about this author
 See all of their Listmania! lists
Make your own list
 Create a Listmania! list
View your page on Amazon.co.uk
 Go to Your Profile page

Customer Discussions about products in this list  
   

About this Listmania!

 

Author

Christopher Burns (London)
(REAL NAME)   
Qualifications: Student
Last updated: 13/08/2010
Report abuse
    

More Listmania!

 

Hip hop albums u need to cop Hip hop albums u need to cop

Hip hop albums u need to cop: A list of 22 items by "stokeybadger"

some of the best music ever, buy em all now! some of the best music ever, buy em all now!

some of the best music ever, buy em all now!: A list of 20 items by "crib_is_god"

Real Hip Hop (no particular order) Real Hip Hop (no particular order)

Real Hip Hop (no particular order): A list of 25 items by Hazadust

Great Cd's for every mood Great Cd's for every mood

Great Cd's for every mood: A list of 24 items by M. Smith "superfly"

My Favorite Albums: No Order My Favorite Albums: No Order

My Favorite Albums: No Order: A list of 25 items by "jaguarwong"