Favorite hip hop albums.

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Name your top 10 favorite hip hop albums and give short reviews on each one why it is the best or just give a review on your absolute favorite. (They don't have to professional, just interesting.)

The reviews should be actually a GOOD one. Don't say shit like "this album is just the best" or "(insert artist) is G.O.A.T." Haha, I know some jerks will say exactly what I just said above.

And the review should encourage the reader to check out those albums. That's how good the review(s) should be. I'll just do one, I have no time. I'll add more later.

1. Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G.

Filled to the brim with gritty tales of urban life, The Notorious B.I.G. makes his debut onto the hip hop scene in 1994, and what a tremendous appearance it was. Despite the rage for G-Funk popularized by Dr. Dre at the time, the young rapper managed to grab the immediate attention of devoted listeners on the streets, as well as possessing mainstream appeal, a feat not often achieved by previous East Coast hip hop albums. Instead of looking back upon fond memories, Biggie recollected harsh images of his dark life etched permanently into his mind. With its flawless story-telling and superior beats, Ready to Die remains one of hip hop's revered classics.

Intro - 5/5

Basically sums up Biggie's life right here.

Things Done Changed - 5/5

Starts off with a legendary drum beat with Biggie talking about how life now and when he was growing up has drastically changed. Great production and great lyrics. Nothing more to ask for.

Gimme the Loot - 5/5

How often does a rapper guest feature himself and the listener is plain oblivious?

Machine Gun Funk - 5/5

Has one of my favorite beats on the album: hardcore and addicting. The lyricism is at a high-point here as well. Fantastic wordplay and the first verse kicks off flawlessly...

Warning - 4.5/5

Tells a tale about enemies and killing backed up by a nod-your-head banging beat. Excellent song.

Ready to Die - 4.5/5

Funky and gritty: the lyrics are basically "Fuck the world" and the sampling is just perfect.

One More Chance - 4/5

It's not exactly necessary to inform the listener how Biggie is in bed, although it does have a refreshing dose of humor.

Fuck Me (Interlude) - 4/5

Self explanatory.

The What (ft. Method Man) - 5/5

When Wu-Tang combines with a legend, the results are just cold. One of the most lyrical tracks on the album and definitely a more-than-just-strong beat. A hip hop classic feature, for sure.

Juicy - 5/5

Biggie's most revealing song and probably most popular as well. A journey into his childhood memories as they evolved slowly into what he is now: another broke person trying to make it. Classic record.

Everyday Struggle - 5/5

Deep track with a deep beat. Deserves six stars, really. One of the most underground-popular tracks on Ready to Die.

Me & My Bitch - 6/5

The storytelling is flawlessly executed and it's so emotionally riveting. Cinematic production. I rarely give tracks six, but such a classic deserves this exception. A must-listen definitely.

Big Poppa - 6/5

I played this 100 times in a day and the beat never gets old. So chill and the rating is a hint.

Respect - 4/5

Details Biggie's rise to fame again, but the track is more energetic than the others.

Friend of Mine - 3.5/5

One of the weakest songs on the entire album, Friend of Mine lacks the consistency of the other tracks in terms of production value and lyricism. Could have been done better.

Unbelievable - 5/5

When did DJ Premier ever give a rapper a chance to do a whack track on his beat?

Suicidal Thoughts - 5/5

Thought-provoking and dark, Biggie describes what forces him to suicide in the end. The title explains it all and an epic finish to a classic.

Sorry, my review seemed a little rushed; I had no time. Your turns.

[Tranquil]

Ok, i will add more when i feel like writing, lol,

Album Title: Laugh Now, Cry Later
Artist: Ice Cube
Year: 2006

1. Definition Of A West Coast G' (Intro)- 3/5
Its an ok intro, its a bit short tho, but still a sorta good intro,

2. Why We Thugs - 4/5
The beat is a banger, the lyrics are fire, the hook instantly gets stuck in your head,

3. Smoke Some Weed - 3-5
The beat is good, the lyrics are good, overall the song could be better, but still a good song,

4. Dimes & Nicks (Skit) - 4-5
Love this skit, Mike Epps puts a good performance in,

5. Child Surport - 4-5
The beat is hard as fuck, the verses are really good, the hook could be a bit better tho,

6. 2 Decades Ago (Skit) - 3-5
An ok skit, just goes through people saying what artist they think of when they think west coast,

7. Doin What It Pose 2 Do - 5/5
My fav song off of the album, the beat is banging, the lyrics are banging, the hook instant hit,

8. Laugh Now, Cry Later - 3/5
An average song, the beat is a little bit boring, but the lyrics keep the song from floping,

9. Stop Snitchin - 5/5
Love the beat, Love the lyrics, another hit off of the album, STOP SNITCHING MAN, lol

10. Go To Church - 2/5
Proply the worst song on the album, a very new skool beat, snoop dogg didnt do well lyric wise, and ice cube to,

11. The Nigga Trap - 5/5
Another hit, he talks the truth through the whole song, the beat is fire, and so is the lyrics,

12. A History Of Violence (Skit) - 4/5
Goes through news and interviews about how the crips and blood forumed, and the racisum on the blacks,

13. Growin' Up - 4/5
Another good song, the lyrics are good, he talks about growing up in hip hop, the beat is good as well,

14. Click, Clack - Get Back - 4.5/5
Another instant hit, the beat is fire, the hook is really good, the verses are good to,

15. The Game Lord - 2/5
One of the worst of the songs on the album, the verses are ok, the hook sucks, the beat is ok, but still worth the listen

16. Chrome & Paint - 5/5
Insant classic, the beat is good, ice cubes lyrics in this, show his true skill, a banger for shore,

17. Steal The Show - 4/5
Another classic off of the album, ice cube never disapoints, if you havent herd this song, you gotta listen to it,

18. You Gotta Lotta That - 3/5
A Very Very new skool beat, dont really like it, but i will still bump it,

19. Spittin' Pollaseeds - 2/5
Never really got into this song, i guess its just me, the beat is ok, the lyrics are just below average, ice cube can do heaps better,

20. Holla @ Cha' Boy - 1/5
The beat is REALLY new skool, and a little annoying, deff not a song to finish up an album, ice cubes lyrics are below average on this one, he could of done heaps better.

This is not my 1st fav hip hop album, its like my 10th, but i just posted this first, because i am listening to it,

[classthe_king]

I'm not writing a long fucking review for each one And I'm not doing 10 but ill give my top 3 favorite albums at the moment:

1. It Was Written- Nas
I know that illmatic gets all of the attention from Nas but IMO It was written > Illmatic. It wasn't as lyrical but it got better in pretty much every other category. The beats were amazing and he had great subject matter. The Message might be my favorite Hip Hop song of all time behind Rock Bottom

2. Servents in Heaven, Kings in Hell- Jedi Mind Tricks
Vinnie Paz shined on this. He is what I believe his lyrical best at the time. Every verse was strong. And he had great emotional songs such as Razorblade Salvation, Black Winter Day, When the light dies, ect. Stoupe's production is amazing as always. You should deff. check it out.

3. The Slim Shady LP- Eminem
As much as my top 5 changes this stays at the top pretty much all the time. It's an Eminem forum so im not going to go into detail but this album is amazing and what i feel his best. He showed his heart in songs like Rock Bottom and If I had, and his lyrical ability in the Don't give a fuck combos.

Again, this is at the moment, it changes alot when i listen to different artists.

and at the post above, damn man, Go To Church is the shit. Nowhere close to the worst on that album. And you really think thats the best album of all time?

[DrRapid]

Album: Me Against The World
Artist: 2Pac
Year: 1995

1. Intro - 5/5

The intro to the album basically tells you what 2Pac has been going through in the past years so it's telling those who don't know that he's been going through a lot.

2. If I Die 2Nite - 5/5

2Pac might not be well-known for being lyrical but this album is probably his most lyrical. This song is amazing. The beat suits 2Pac's voice. As he talks about his death he adds throughout the whole song the use of alliteration.

3. Me Against The World - 5/5

This song sends the message which we'll get throughout the whole album that it's 2Pac struggle.

4. So Many Tears - 5/5

Dark song which covers the themes of pain and suffering.

5. Temptations 4/5

Probably my least favorite song in the album. What's good about this song though is how he changes a bit from his dark themes to something sexual.

6. Young Niggaz - 4.5/5

2Pac tries to give a lesson to all of those young black males doing what they shouldn't do.

8. Heavy In The Game - 4.5/5

A bit more of a gangsta sound to this song. Both 2Pac's and Richie Rich's verses flow nicely with the beat along the female vocals which do its touch.

8. Lord Knows - 5/5

Another one of those dark songs in which he brings up his suicidal thoughts but mostly, the hard life in the streets and how he's dealt with it. Someone dying in his arms and people having to watch where they go. He then goes on to mention how he lives everyday like if he was going to die.

9. Dear Mama - 5/5

To me, one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of all times. It's a sweet, nostalgic, yet sad song. He shows how he really does love his mum for everything she's done for him. It suits perfectly well in this album. I really feel this song.

10. It Ain't Easy - 5/5

2Pac getting high, generally talking about jail, people such as Mike Tyson telling him to do something with his life and him not being trusted in the streets. He really does tell you in this song to get into his shoes.

11. Can You Get Away - 5/5

A different song in this dark album where 2Pac is trying to help out this girl to not to stay with her boyfriend as she's getting treated badly. That he'll be able to love her, yet she can't go with him. Sweet, sad but still nice, romantic song.

12. Old School - 5/5

Such a great song...I just love it how Pac shows his love for the Old School, for New York. He really represents it in this song. The beat makes the song more reminiscent. Nice feel to the song.

13. Fuck The World - 4.5/5

That's it. 2Pac just doesn't give a fuck. He's telling them all how they can be bloods, thugs, crack dealers, whatever, just as long as you got respect cause for the rest, Fuck The World!

14. Death Around The Corner - 5/5

2Pac paranoid at his fullest. This very dark song is all about how long he has until he dies and how he cannot even trust his own friends anymore. Amazing song. I love the beat, how 2Pac changes his voice in the end as he's so stressed and "The Untouchables" sample at the end.

15. Outlaw - 5/5

His final song in the album just says that after all, he's an outlaw. All he goes through, all the trouble. It's the trouble of an Outlaw.



This album might or might not sound repetitive but what's so great about it is that the struggle in the music is real. 2Pac was going through a very hard time and this struggle that he had, got the best out of him musically.

[BILI]

Album: Me Against The World
Artist: 2Pac
Year: 1995

1. Intro - 5/5

The intro to the album basically tells you what 2Pac has been going through in the past years so it's telling those who don't know that he's been going through a lot.

2. If I Die 2Nite - 5/5

2Pac might not be well-known for being lyrical but this album is probably his most lyrical. This song is amazing. The beat suits 2Pac's voice. As he talks about his death he adds throughout the whole song the use of alliteration.

3. Me Against The World - 5/5

This song sends the message which we'll get throughout the whole album that it's 2Pac struggle.

4. So Many Tears - 5/5

Dark song which covers the themes of pain and suffering.

5. Temptations 4/5

Probably my least favorite song in the album. What's good about this song though is how he changes a bit from his dark themes to something sexual.

6. Young ***** - 4.5/5

2Pac tries to give a lesson to all of those young black males doing what they shouldn't do.

8. Heavy In The Game - 5/5

A bit more of a gangsta sound to this song. Both 2Pac's and Richie Rich's verses flow nicely with the beat along the female vocals which do its touch.

8. Lord Knows - 5/5

Another one of those dark songs in which he brings up his suicidal thoughts but mostly, the hard life in the streets and how he's dealt with it. Someone dying in his arms and people having to watch where they go. He then goes on to mention how he lives everyday like if he was going to die.

9. Dear Mama - 5/5

To me, one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of all times. It's a sweet, nostalgic, yet sad song. He shows how he really does love his mum for everything she's done for him. It suits perfectly well in this album. I really feel this song.

10. It Ain't Easy - 5/5

2Pac getting high, generally talking about jail, people such as Mike Tyson telling him to do something with his life and him not being trusted in the streets. He really does tell you in this song to get into his shoes.

11. Can You Get Away - 5/5

A different song in this dark album where 2Pac is trying to help out this girl to not to stay with her boyfriend as she's getting treated badly. That he'll be able to love her, yet she can't go with him. Sweet, sad but still nice, romantic song.

12. Old School - 5/5

Such a great song...I just love it how Pac shows his love for the Old School, for New York. He really represents it in this song. The beat makes the song more reminiscent. Nice feel to the song.

13. Fuck The World - 4.5/5

That's it. 2Pac just doesn't give a fuck. He's telling them all how they can be bloods, thugs, crack dealers, whatever, just as long as you got respect cause for the rest, Fuck The World!

14. Death Around The Corner - 5/5

2Pac paranoid at his fullest. This very dark song is all about how long he has until he dies and how he cannot even trust his own friends anymore. Amazing song. I love the beat, how 2Pac changes his voice in the end as he's so stressed and "The Untouchables" sample at the end.

15. Outlaw - 5/5

His final song in the album just says that after all, he's an outlaw. All he goes through, all the trouble. It's the trouble of an Outlaw.



This album might or might not sound repetitive but what's so great about it is that the struggle in the music is real. 2Pac was going through a very hard time and this struggle that he had, got the best out of him musically.

[classthe_king]

Album: Me Against The World
Artist: 2Pac
Year: 1995

1. Intro - 5/5

The intro to the album basically tells you what 2Pac has been going through in the past years so it's telling those who don't know that he's been going through a lot.

2. If I Die 2Nite - 5/5

2Pac might not be well-known for being lyrical but this album is probably his most lyrical. This song is amazing. The beat suits 2Pac's voice. As he talks about his death he adds throughout the whole song the use of alliteration.

3. Me Against The World - 5/5

This song sends the message which we'll get throughout the whole album that it's 2Pac struggle.

4. So Many Tears - 5/5

Dark song which covers the themes of pain and suffering.

5. Temptations 4/5

Probably my least favorite song in the album. What's good about this song though is how he changes a bit from his dark themes to something sexual.

6. Young ***** - 4.5/5

2Pac tries to give a lesson to all of those young black males doing what they shouldn't do.

8. Heavy In The Game - 5/5

A bit more of a gangsta sound to this song. Both 2Pac's and Richie Rich's verses flow nicely with the beat along the female vocals which do its touch.

8. Lord Knows - 5/5

Another one of those dark songs in which he brings up his suicidal thoughts but mostly, the hard life in the streets and how he's dealt with it. Someone dying in his arms and people having to watch where they go. He then goes on to mention how he lives everyday like if he was going to die.

9. Dear Mama - 5/5

To me, one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of all times. It's a sweet, nostalgic, yet sad song. He shows how he really does love his mum for everything she's done for him. It suits perfectly well in this album. I really feel this song.

10. It Ain't Easy - 5/5

2Pac getting high, generally talking about jail, people such as Mike Tyson telling him to do something with his life and him not being trusted in the streets. He really does tell you in this song to get into his shoes.

11. Can You Get Away - 5/5

A different song in this dark album where 2Pac is trying to help out this girl to not to stay with her boyfriend as she's getting treated badly. That he'll be able to love her, yet she can't go with him. Sweet, sad but still nice, romantic song.

12. Old School - 5/5

Such a great song...I just love it how Pac shows his love for the Old School, for New York. He really represents it in this song. The beat makes the song more reminiscent. Nice feel to the song.

13. Fuck The World - 4.5/5

That's it. 2Pac just doesn't give a fuck. He's telling them all how they can be bloods, thugs, crack dealers, whatever, just as long as you got respect cause for the rest, Fuck The World!

14. Death Around The Corner - 5/5

2Pac paranoid at his fullest. This very dark song is all about how long he has until he dies and how he cannot even trust his own friends anymore. Amazing song. I love the beat, how 2Pac changes his voice in the end as he's so stressed and "The Untouchables" sample at the end.

15. Outlaw - 5/5

His final song in the album just says that after all, he's an outlaw. All he goes through, all the trouble. It's the trouble of an Outlaw.



This album might or might not sound repetitive but what's so great about it is that the struggle in the music is real. 2Pac was going through a very hard time and this struggle that he had, got the best out of him musically.

So every song is absolutely perfect except 3...

[BILI]

Album: Me Against The World
Artist: 2Pac
Year: 1995

1. Intro - 5/5

The intro to the album basically tells you what 2Pac has been going through in the past years so it's telling those who don't know that he's been going through a lot.

2. If I Die 2Nite - 5/5

2Pac might not be well-known for being lyrical but this album is probably his most lyrical. This song is amazing. The beat suits 2Pac's voice. As he talks about his death he adds throughout the whole song the use of alliteration.

3. Me Against The World - 5/5

This song sends the message which we'll get throughout the whole album that it's 2Pac struggle.

4. So Many Tears - 5/5

Dark song which covers the themes of pain and suffering.

5. Temptations 4/5

Probably my least favorite song in the album. What's good about this song though is how he changes a bit from his dark themes to something sexual.

6. Young ***** - 4.5/5

2Pac tries to give a lesson to all of those young black males doing what they shouldn't do.

8. Heavy In The Game - 5/5

A bit more of a gangsta sound to this song. Both 2Pac's and Richie Rich's verses flow nicely with the beat along the female vocals which do its touch.

8. Lord Knows - 5/5

Another one of those dark songs in which he brings up his suicidal thoughts but mostly, the hard life in the streets and how he's dealt with it. Someone dying in his arms and people having to watch where they go. He then goes on to mention how he lives everyday like if he was going to die.

9. Dear Mama - 5/5

To me, one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of all times. It's a sweet, nostalgic, yet sad song. He shows how he really does love his mum for everything she's done for him. It suits perfectly well in this album. I really feel this song.

10. It Ain't Easy - 5/5

2Pac getting high, generally talking about jail, people such as Mike Tyson telling him to do something with his life and him not being trusted in the streets. He really does tell you in this song to get into his shoes.

11. Can You Get Away - 5/5

A different song in this dark album where 2Pac is trying to help out this girl to not to stay with her boyfriend as she's getting treated badly. That he'll be able to love her, yet she can't go with him. Sweet, sad but still nice, romantic song.

12. Old School - 5/5

Such a great song...I just love it how Pac shows his love for the Old School, for New York. He really represents it in this song. The beat makes the song more reminiscent. Nice feel to the song.

13. Fuck The World - 4.5/5

That's it. 2Pac just doesn't give a fuck. He's telling them all how they can be bloods, thugs, crack dealers, whatever, just as long as you got respect cause for the rest, Fuck The World!

14. Death Around The Corner - 5/5

2Pac paranoid at his fullest. This very dark song is all about how long he has until he dies and how he cannot even trust his own friends anymore. Amazing song. I love the beat, how 2Pac changes his voice in the end as he's so stressed and "The Untouchables" sample at the end.

15. Outlaw - 5/5

His final song in the album just says that after all, he's an outlaw. All he goes through, all the trouble. It's the trouble of an Outlaw.



This album might or might not sound repetitive but what's so great about it is that the struggle in the music is real. 2Pac was going through a very hard time and this struggle that he had, got the best out of him musically.

So every song is absolutely perfect except 3...

yes,and if you ask me,they`re all perfect

[Relapse.LP]

No way. Temptations, Heavy in the Game, and Can U Get Away ain't perfect.

But the album is my 3rd favorite of all time, I believe.

[DrRapid]

No way. Temptations, Heavy in the Game, and Can U Get Away ain't perfect.

But the album is my 3rd favorite of all time, I believe.

It's all personal opinion. The album for me is almost perfect. The only song which stands out as the weakest track is Temptations.

Fuck The World I gave it a 4.5 because by that time it was getting a bit repetitive subject matter, the songs following it Death Around The Corner and Outlaw are way better. I gave Young Niggaz a 4.5 cause the beats feels a bit weaker but that's it.

Can U Get Away deserves the 5/5. It's different to the rest of the album so it's a stand out track. While Heavy In The Game I think I might have given a higher rating than it deserved. I really like the beat and 2Pac's last verse. I'll change it to a 4.5 but nothing lower than that.

[Relapse.LP]

No way. Temptations, Heavy in the Game, and Can U Get Away ain't perfect.

But the album is my 3rd favorite of all time, I believe.

It's all personal opinion. The album for me is almost perfect. The only song which stands out as the weakest track is Temptations.

Fuck The World I gave it a 4.5 because by that time it was getting a bit repetitive subject matter, the songs following it Death Around The Corner and Outlaw are way better. I gave Young ***** a 4.5 cause the beats feels a bit weaker but that's it.

Can U Get Away deserves the 5/5. It's different to the rest of the album so it's a stand out track. While Heavy In The Game I think I might have given a higher rating than it deserved. I really like the beat and 2Pac's last verse. I'll change it to a 4.5 but nothing lower than that.

Actually, listening to Can U Get Away again, I think it deserves a 5/5. The message is a refreshing change from the violent depictions of urban life and I think it's real smooth.

Ever since I met ya I could beat depression/
It's like your man don't understand, all he does is stress ya/
I can see your state of misery from the introduction/
Ain't 'bout no suckin' and touchin', just harmless discussion/

The rhyming isn't too complicated, but his flow is chill... Although it's kind of contradictory how 2Pac talks about woman. One song he is talking about killing bitches and the next he's praising his mom. "Keep Ya Head Up" remains of his definite classics with such a positive message for women in the hood. I love the beat and the lyricism is at a strong point.

Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice/
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots/



IMO, Me Against the World is a better album than 7 Day Theory, but I like the emotion on 7 Day Theory much better. (Me and My Girlfriend, Against All Odds, Bomb First (Second Reply))

[DrRapid]

IMO, Me Against the World is a better album than 7 Day Theory, but I like the emotion on 7 Day Theory much better. (Me and My Girlfriend, Against All Odds, Bomb First (Second Reply))

The 7 Day Theory comes second to me. I think it's a great album. Me Against The World feels more personal and almost depressing while The 7 Day Theory goes into darker themes and beats.

EDIT: Anyone else wanna post their favorite album? Track by track rating...

[Relapse.LP]

I personally feel like the 7 Day Theory is more an all-out album and a little more emotionally stirring. All Eyez on Me is way overrated. It doesn't even deserve a 4.5/5 with all those formulaic filler.

I'll do another review then of my second favorite album.