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Background: Brand Nubian
Brand Nubian consists of 3 rappers, Sadat X, Grand Puba, and Lord Jamal, and two DJs, Alamo and Sincere. The group's claim to fame is for their socially/politically charged lyrics, based on the teachings of the 5 Percent Nation.
The Track: Brand Nubian, from the All for One album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmQRtwrqwQ8&feature=related
Also Check Out: In God We Trust (album)
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Not the most lyrically impressive song, but I think it can really be summed up with these lines:
Brand Nubian posted:
As the midnight oil burns, our minds turn
Make a mistake and be fake and you'll burn
We're here to teach so you'd might as well learn
That the tree has the knowledge for what you year
The song serves as a groovy introduction, more or less, of the group's mission of black consciousness, and pursuit of true knowledge. Hope you guys enjoy. 
6) Eric B and Rakim - Paid in Full
Why? I believe this album may sound dated to most. It is Rakim's (arguably the best MC ever) debut album, and on Paid in Full, he showcased many of the skills that other rappers would imitate one day. Rakim shocked the world with his internal rhymes, multis, and lyrical power on this album..certainly not to the point that we're used to now, but I've included it on basis of historical relevance. Without Rakim, we wouldn't have Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, or anyone like that.
7) Outkast - ATLiens
Why? Outkast, to their credit, have dropped TWO of the finest albums ever released in this genre. I have selected the one that some people might feel is WORSE, but because of it's absolutely funky, experimental, outside of the box nature, it had to go in. Andre 3000 is one of the smoothest flowing rappers, and the duo have alot of chemistry together. It's less conceptual than say, a Deltron 3030, or A Long Hot Summer, but I believe that its importance relating to the funky, soulful aspect of hip-hop cannot be ignored.
8) Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation Of Millions to Hold Us Back
Why? More than likely, you've heard of Public Enemy. This album is regarded as a masterpiece, and is even the highest placing hip-hop album on Rolling Stones' Top 500. But why, does it warrant listening to any new fan? While the Bomb Squad's production is INSANE for its time (late 80s - I still bump Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos), the reason I've chosen it is for Chuck D's politically influenced lyrics, which represent the self-expressive, desire for social change in rap, that many fail to see.
9) Big L - Lifestylez ov Da Poor and Dangerous
Why? Big L was a master at his craft. Unfortunately, before he could showcase much more depth as an artist, he was tragically gunned down on the block of his mother's house. What I have selected this album for, is because it is the perfect encapsulation of the BATTLING aspect of hip-hop. Loaded with humorous, hilarious punchlines, Big L will always be remembered as one of the best battle rappers in rap (and his storytelling wasn't bad either.)
10) Eminem - The Slim Shady LP
Why? This last choice may have people up in arms. But Eminem really is the figure that brought hip-hop to the American forefront, by taking incredibly personal things, and turning them into emotionally charged masterpieces. Black OR white, not many people are as skilled as Marshall Mathers. So, I chose this last album for the emotional aspect, the ability to connect with people.
The following 5 albums represent a different part of hip-hop, and I just wanted to make a mention of them here. Each of them is a high mark for their respective facets.
Yes, even the haters should listen to a few of these to get an idea of the genre.
Nas - Illmatic
Why? This album is considered timeless. Illmatic is generally talked about as the best hip-hop album of all time. It is a prime example of lyrical excellency (not necessarily of substance, but in terms of pure lyrical excellency), done over the spectacular, ear-pleasing production of DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock.
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers
Why? Wu-Tang's importance to hip-hop is their claim to fame as hip-hop's first supergroup. They took the world by storm with 9 guys (R.I.P. O.D.B) that could truly rhyme, and this debut showcases the gritty, hardcore side of hip-hop, the side that comes with self-expression from the inner city youth.
Dr. Dre - The Chronic
Why? Dr. Dre's Chronic was a sonic revolution, ushering in the era known as G-Funk. This album showcases the instrumental, sonic part of hip-hop, and is the perfect album to chill out to. Or listen to when high, if that's your thing.
Blackstar - Blackstar
Why? The duo of Mos Def and Talib Kweli joined forces to create one of the best groups in hip-hop (leaving the world eager to hear their second collaborative effort). Their importance is exemplifying the message, the self-expressive themes in this genre of music. Alot of people mistake hip-hop for being about bitches, or materialism, but in this album, you will find none of that. They are great lyricists, rhyming about political issues and social consciousness, with complete chemistry.
Deltron 3030 - Deltron 3030
Why? Deltron 3030 was my last choice, because it showcases the facet of hip-hop that I fell in love with. Hip-hop is incredibly alluring to me, because it is built on poetry, something that is only limited by our own creativity. This album stands as one of the highest marks of hip-hop concepts; it is a story about Deltron 3030 living in a post-apocalyptic world where corporations run society. Deltron 3030 is one of the best examples of the untapped creativity in hip-hop, and is masterfully done over Dan the Automator's beats from the first track.
Background: Crooked I
Hailing from the legendary Long Beach (the city that produced Snoop Dogg, in the mid 90s), Crooked I is, without a doubt one of the guys who NEEDS to drop an album. Like, right now. Throughout his whole career, Crooked has had label troubles, and NEVER managed to get ONE album out. All mixtapes. But his claim to fame, and what many people recognize him for, is the Hip-Hop Weekly, where he takes a beat, and raps over it (something mainstream, usually), usually better than the original version. So, today, I've posted a couple Crooked I mixtapes for you to enjoy. Some say this guy is the next in line for the West Coast's throne...I tend to agree.
The Track: Auphelia Payne, from the Young Boss Vol. 2 mixtape
http://www.zshare.net/audio/16375507fa75e02b/
Included are all 52 of his Hip-Hop Weeklys in this link, I hope you download and enjoy
To get an idea of what a Hip-Hop Weekly sounds like, I'll give you a video of one of my favorite ones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4KYSIJ2aU
Also Check Out: Hip-Hop Weekly, Volumes 1-3
The Breakdown:
Lyrics
Auphelia Payne is the story of a young girl in the hood, battling her way out of her current conditions (also a clever play on words, meaning I Feel Your Pain, sung in the chorus). As mentioned, the track also serves as a look at women's struggles, because in rap, many times only the problems of men are discussed. Crooked comes hard with the lyrics, and it's a very good mixtape track. Hopefully he can come up with an album sometime soon.
