5 More Albums for the New Hip-Hop Listener

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.