Produced by Phill Stroman. 12-inch, Vinyl record

A heavy bit of concept hip hop – with a set of theme tracks that almost take us back to the early 80s days of 99 Records, had the label been putting out hip hop! Features work by Mike Ladd, Company Flow, Saul Williams, and Anti-Pop. CD

With Esoteric and Vinnie Paz on "Blitz Inc" and Outerspace on "Sibling Rivalry". 12-inch, Vinyl record

"Ya Better Bring A Gun" is still one of our favorite early west coast singles – from around the time of the first NWA LP, and with the same sense of humor. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Black Milk's excellent Tronic – representing Detroit proudly, and succeeding as well as any producer/MC from those parts since Dilla left us! The way Black Milk captures a drum sound continues to slay us – it was the first element of his work that pulled us in, and continues to be our favorite – but he's also excellent at quality control – busily dropping filler free, tight records for himself and as a hired gun producer. Tronic features guests including Royce da 5'9, Fat Ray, Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price & DJ Premier. Titles include "Long Story Short", "Bounce", "Without You" feat Colin Munroe, "Hold It Down", "Losing Out" feat Royce, "Overdose", "The Matrix" feat Premier, Pharoahe & Sean Price, "Try", "Tronic Summer", "Bond 4 Life" feat Melanie Rutherford and more. LP, Vinyl record album

We're the first to admit, we've taken a few shots at Dre over the years on these pages, but there's no denying his impact on hip hop, and that he's probably the producer with one of the longest and most solid careers. We're not pretending this album's any kind of landmark as far as mic skills are concerned, but it's a classic nonetheless. For better or worse, this LP was the template for too many pale imitators, but taken on its own, stands up to the test of time, whiny keyboards and all. 16 tracks in all, counting the interludes, including "F**k wit Dre Day", "Let Me Ride", "Nuthin' But A G Thang", "Lil Ghetto Boy", "A Nigga Witta Gun", "The Chronic", "Deeez Nuts", "Stranded On Death Row" and more. CD

The first solo set that Dr Dre cut after leaving NWA – and a record that not only set the tone for his solo career, but also for a huge run of albums from other folks in the years to come! Dre's as much of a production genius as he is a frontman here – really pushing forward some of the best elements he brought to the music of NWA, and also providing a great showcase for the young Snoop Dogg too! And yes, there were so many other records that tried to hit this territory right afterwards, and ended up more in the realm of parody – but the doctor really stays ahead of the pack here throughout, with a record that holds up surprisingly well over the years. Titles include the cuts "F**k Wit Dre Day", "Let Me Ride", "Nuthin' But A G Thang", "Lil Ghetto Boy", "A N***a Witta Gun", "B!tches Ain't Sh!t", "The Chronic", "Deeez Nuts", and "Stranded On Death Row". CD

The first solo set that Dr Dre cut after leaving NWA – and a record that not only set the tone for his solo career, but also for a huge run of albums from other folks in the years to come! Dre's as much of a production genius as he is a frontman here – really pushing forward some of the best elements he brought to the music of NWA, and also providing a great showcase for the young Snoop Dogg too! And yes, there were so many other records that tried to hit this territory right afterwards, and ended up more in the realm of parody – but the doctor really stays ahead of the pack here throughout, with a record that holds up surprisingly well over the years. Titles include the cuts "F**k Wit Dre Day", "Let Me Ride", "Nuthin' But A G Thang", "Lil Ghetto Boy", "A N***a Witta Gun", "B!tches Ain't Sh!t", "The Chronic", "Deeez Nuts", and "Stranded On Death Row". LP, Vinyl record album

The first solo set that Dr Dre cut after leaving NWA – and a record that not only set the tone for his solo career, but also for a huge run of albums from other folks in the years to come! Dre's as much of a production genius as he is a frontman here – really pushing forward some of the best elements he brought to the music of NWA, and also providing a great showcase for the young Snoop Dogg too! And yes, there were so many other records that tried to hit this territory right afterwards, and ended up more in the realm of parody – but the doctor really stays ahead of the pack here throughout, with a record that holds up surprisingly well over the years. Titles include the cuts "F**k Wit Dre Day", "Let Me Ride", "Nuthin' But A G Thang", "Lil Ghetto Boy", "A N***a Witta Gun", "B!tches Ain't Sh!t", "The Chronic", "Deeez Nuts", and "Stranded On Death Row". LP, Vinyl record album

The first solo set that Dr Dre cut after leaving NWA – and a record that not only set the tone for his solo career, but also for a huge run of albums from other folks in the years to come! Dre's as much of a production genius as he is a frontman here – really pushing forward some of the best elements he brought to the music of NWA, and also providing a great showcase for the young Snoop Dogg too! And yes, there were so many other records that tried to hit this territory right afterwards, and ended up more in the realm of parody – but the doctor really stays ahead of the pack here throughout, with a record that holds up surprisingly well over the years. Titles include the cuts "F**k Wit Dre Day", "Let Me Ride", "Nuthin' But A G Thang", "Lil Ghetto Boy", "A N***a Witta Gun", "B!tches Ain't Sh!t", "The Chronic", "Deeez Nuts", and "Stranded On Death Row". LP, Vinyl record album

A sharp, angry salvo from Ice Cube! Cube's early 90s solo style was firmly established at this point, so Lethal Injection doesn't have the acknowledged classic status of his previous couple albums, but he's still close to his prime that it's well worth your dollar! As you'd guess from the title, he's still pretty angry – the reasons for that permanent scowl he wore at the time are all over the place, as is the firm Lench Mob production. Tracks include "Really Doe", "Ghetto Bird", "Bop Gun (One Nation)" featuring George Clinton, "What Can I Do?", "Make It Ruff, Make It Smooth" featuring K-Dee, "Down For Whatever", "Enemy", "When I Get To Heaven", and more. CD

The first full length from MF Doom – a record that set the standard for underground hip hop to come! On this modern classic, Doom caps off the 90s with more jazzy soul in the beats, and some semblance of straightforward rhyme mastery from both Doom & his guests – taken to the outer limits! What really pushes this one into legendary status are how well he works with creaky comic adventure samples – using them as the genesis of Doom's metal face supervillain persona. Looking back, the set is clearly the building blocks for deeper insanity to come – but the sense of structure may well make it his best album ever! Includes "Doomsday", "Rhymes Like Dimes" feat Cucumber Slice, "The Finest" feat Tommy Gun, "Go With The Flow", "Tick Tick", "Hey!", "The Mic", "Dead Bent", "?" feat Kurious and much more – including all of the classic skits (yeah, we said it, classic skits, creative sci fi sample genius that are creative as the proper tracks) – with 19 tracks in all. LP, Vinyl record album

The first full length from MF Doom – a record that set the standard for underground hip hop to come! On this modern classic, Doom caps off the 90s with more jazzy soul in the beats, and some semblance of straightforward rhyme mastery from both Doom & his guests – taken to the outer limits! What really pushes this one into legendary status are how well he works with creaky comic adventure samples – using them as the genesis of Doom's metal face supervillain persona. Looking back, the set is clearly the building blocks for deeper insanity to come – but the sense of structure may well make it his best album ever! Includes "Doomsday", "Rhymes Like Dimes" feat Cucumber Slice, "The Finest" feat Tommy Gun, "Go With The Flow", "Tick Tick", "Hey!", "The Mic", "Dead Bent", "?" feat Kurious and much more – including all of the classic skits (yeah, we said it, classic skits, creative sci fi sample genius that are creative as the proper tracks) – with 19 tracks in all. LP, Vinyl record album

Biggie's masterpiece! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millennium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". This is the original version of the CD with the baby on the cover and 17 tracks in all. CD

Biggie's masterpiece! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millennium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". This remastered re-release of the album includes two bonus tracks – the legendary, oft-bitten track "Who Shot Ya" and "Just Playing (Dreams)". LP, Vinyl record album

Biggie's masterpiece – remastered! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millenium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". . LP, Vinyl record album

Biggie's masterpiece – remastered! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millenium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". . LP, Vinyl record album

(Soul, Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record

Atmosphere's signature tortured, catchy and introspective hip hop. A tad bit more polished than their previous efforts, but Slug still harnesses the dark and bitterness deep down. The ANT production on these tracks really shines and had matured significantly since earlier work. Tracks include "Between The Lines", "Guns And Cigarettes", "Party For The Fight To Write", "The Woman With The Tattooed Hands", "Free Or Dead", "Mama Had A Baby And His Head Popped Off", "Tears For The Sheep", "Aspiring Sociopath", "They're All Gonna Laugh @ You", "Nothing But Sunshine" and more. CD

Tracks include "Exibit A", "Blackman In Effect", "Ya Know The Rules", "Exibit B", "Beef", Ya Strugglin'", "The Homeless", ""Kenny Parker Show", "The Racist", "100 Guns", and more. LP, Vinyl record album

With Saukrates on "Rubbin" and Memphis Bleek on "Young Gunz". 12-inch, Vinyl record

DJ Jazzy Jeff returns – with a top shelf roster or MCs doing justice to his Philly soul reared, bedrock beatcraft – including Big Daddy Kane, Method Man, Rhymefest, Jean Grae, Kardinall Offishall, CL Smooth, Pos of De La Soul and more – underground spitters and mic icons alike! We don't know if Jazz tailors his beats for the chosen MCs – or if he seeks out the appropriate MCs for his ready-made material – but whatever his methods, they're still working well. Return Of The Magnificent is a standard bearing effort! Titles include "Hip Hop" feat Twone Gabz, "Let Me Hear U Clap" feat Pos from De La Soul, "Run That Back" feat Eshon Burgundy & Black Ice, "Jeff N Fess" feat Rhymefest, "Practice" feat J Live, "Supa Jean" feat Jean Grae, "The Garden" feat Big Daddy Kane, "Hold It Down" feat Method Man, "My Soul Ain't For Sale" feat Raheem DeVaugh, "Cone On feat Dave Ghetto, "Brand New Funk 2K7" feat Peedi Peedi and more1 LP, Vinyl record album

A posthumous album from the mighty DMX – mirroring his career in way, from rugged and raging street anthems to soulful confessions and pleas to family. Exodus is heavy on guests appearances – and under the circumstances that feels right and fitting, to give this legendary voice the stars-studded sendoff he deserves – with one time rivals Nas and Jay-Z teaming up as show of respect, and appearances by Snoop Dogg, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Westside Gunn and more. Includes "That's My Dog", "Bath Salts", "Dongs Out", "Hold Me Down", "Skyscrapers", "Hood Blues", "Take Control", "Letter To My Son (Call Your Father)", "Prayer" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

The major label debut of one of the teens most distinctive voices in hip hop – and certainly one of it's most surprising creative AND sales success stories! It's impossible to consider his rhymes without factoring in the "troubled youth" lore, "Free Earl" merch, etc. that certainly helped solidify his reputation, but reputation aside, it's honest (if often ugly) lyricism, slowly spit delivery, and wild mix of contemporary rap slang and machismo with jarring personal narratives is seriously mesmerizing. Includes "Pre", "Burgundy", "20 Wave Caps", "Sunday", "Hive", "Chum", "Sasquatch", "Hoarse", "Molasses" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

These guys are known by some as the backing band of Anderson.Paak, but they're a hell of a group on their own – rock-solid right at the core, and able to effortlessly craft a sweet blend of funk and soul – yet also leave room for plenty of guests along the way! The musicianship here is fantastic – classic, yet very much their own – echoing the perfection of 70s studio work, but with a very contemporary vibe and a nicely up-close spirit –a sound that's perfect all the way through, and which makes a great accompaniment to guest work from TI, Shafiq Husayn, Daniel Caesar, Syd, Benny Sings, T Nava, Callum Connor, Conway, Westside Gunn, and even Anderson.Paak. The kind of record that's perfect for bumpin all summer long – with titles that include "Gidget", "Time", "Rene", "Shibuya", "Eternal Light", "The Rivington", "Beauty & Essex", and "On Sight". (Neo Soul, Hip Hop) LP, Vinyl record album

Gang Starr at pretty close to peak level here on 1994's Hard To Earn – and rather than continue to ride the waves they made on the previous couple classic albums, Guru sharpens the lyrical tone just a bit – spitting some more incisive rhymes over apporpriately gritty soul jazz beats from Primo. Tracks include the classic "DWYCK" featuring Nice & Smooth – which is just about our favorite Gang Starr track ever, to be honest – plus "Speak Ya Clout" featuring Jeru and Lil Dap, "Mass Appeal", "Code Of The Streets", "Brainstorm", "Tonz O Gunz", "Suckas Need Bodyguards", "Blowin Up The Spot", "Mostly Tha Voice", "F.A.L.A.", "Now You're Mine", "Comin For Datazz", "Aiight Chill...", "The Planet", and more. CD

Gang Starr at pretty close to peak level here on 1994's Hard To Earn – and rather than continue to ride the waves they made on the previous couple classic albums, Guru sharpens the lyrical tone just a bit – spitting some more incisive rhymes over apporpriately gritty soul jazz beats from Primo. Tracks include the classic "DWYCK" featuring Nice & Smooth – which is just about our favorite Gang Starr track ever, to be honest – plus "Speak Ya Clout" featuring Jeru and Lil Dap, "Mass Appeal", "Code Of The Streets", "Brainstorm", "Tonz O Gunz", "Suckas Need Bodyguards", "Blowin Up The Spot", "Mostly Tha Voice", "F.A.L.A.", "Now You're Mine", "Comin For Datazz", "Aiight Chill...", "The Planet", and more. LP, Vinyl record album

A groundbreaking meeting of musical icons – with veteran jazz greats, a couple of then-young guns, and one of the MCs who helped bring jazz into hip hop in the first place! Jazzmatazz bridges both stylistic and generational boundaries in incredible ways, not only an earnest effort by Guru to pay heartfelt tribute to heroes, but to show his own and subsequent generations its the vitality and longevity jazz music – with a lineup that includes Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Ronny Jordan, Lonnie Liston Smith, Carleen Anderson, N'Dea Davenport and MC Solaar. 12 tracks in all, including "Slicker Than Most", "No Time To Play", "Loungin", "Sights In The City", "Le Bien, Le Mal", "Transit Ride", "When You're Near", "Down The Backstreets", "Respectful Dedications", "Take A Look At Yourself" and "Trust Me". LP, Vinyl record album

With The Dogg Pound and Method Man. 12-inch, Vinyl record

With Jadakiss and Left Gunz in "Diamond In Da Ruff". (Soul, Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record

Produced by Mantronik. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Originally the first release in the Madlib Medicine Show series – this one is a full scale collaboration with no nonsense rapper Guilty Simpson – sort of a prelude to Guilty's OJ Simpson LP with Madlib in the production booth! The set is a pretty sharp confluence of Guilty's heavy-toned street knowledge and Madlib's hazy funk atmospherics – kind of a strange bedfellows situation, but it works fully well! Many tracks are billed as OJ Simpson remixes, possibly tripped out and funked up versions as a taste of what's to come – with appearances by MED & J Dilla. Titles include "Ode To The Ghetto" (OJ Simpson rmx), "Yikes" (OJ Simpson rmx), "Further", "Lucky Guy", "Pigs" (OJ Simpson rmx), "Life Goes By", "The Paper", "Looking For Trouble", "Young Guns" feat J Dilla, "American Dream & Future" (OJ Simpson rmx) and more. LP, Vinyl record album

Funky niceness from Quannum all stars Gift Of Gab & Lateef, plus producer Headnotic of Crown City Rockers – working with team Def Jux – and a stellar roster of guests including MF Doom, Lyrics Born, Casual, Mr Lif, Akrobatic, the Marleys and others. The record reaches for the glory days of the Quannum label, with easygoing spacey beatcraft, and rhymes solid rhymes to match. Tracks include "Monster", "Hands In The Air", "So Sad" feat Julien & Damien Marley, "Gunfight" feat MF Doom, "Ill Vacation" feat Lyrics Born, "Laughing At You" feat Casual, "Escape" feat Mr Lif & Akrobatik, "Folks", "UFC" (rmx) feat DJ Shadow, "WarWalk" feat Chali 2na, Raashan Ahmad, Tash & Zion, "Victorious" and more. CD

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

The gritty and heavy debut of Onyx – mostly produced by the mighty Jam Master Jay – and whether you dig the style or not, it's one of the most distinctive group rap records of the early 90s! Back in the day, "Slam" got overplayed on cable TV rap video shows, to the point that you could be forgiven the think they were a one trick pony, but nowadays this is a fun record to revisit. A loud, brash, grimy good time, if you ask us! Includes "Bacdafucup", "Bichasniguz", "Throw Ya Gunz", "Blac Vagina Finda", "Slam", "Shifftee" and more – 18 cuts in all. CD

Gunz Still Hot Remix produced by Memo. 12-inch, Vinyl record