Aquemini
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 September, 1998)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

It takes a few listens to sink in, but on Aquemini, Outkast have pulled off a rare feat in hip-hop: they've made a good record that's a masterpiece of subtlety. What's more, it's their third record, and they've yet to fall into a rut--and that alone puts them in line for an award. The Organized Noize production crew is sublime, working with live musicians and crafting hook-filled soundscapes that complement Big Boi and Andre Benjamin's melodic patter. (See "Rosa Parks," "Chonkyfire," and the epic "Liberation," which features Erykah Badu, Cee Lo, and Big Rube--and clocks in at just under nine minutes.) Classy and intelligent, Outkast haven't sacrificed anything in their quest to make challenging, innovative hip-hop that forgoes idle boasting for the duo's message. A sample, from the title track: "Now, question: Is every nigga wit dreads for the cause? / Is every nigga wit golds for the fall? Naw / So don't get caught in appearance." --Randy Silver ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (271)

OverKast
The ATLiens' third release Aquemini was the force to push hip-hop/rap's envelope by blending different genres to create a five star release.Andre explore new styles and still showed that Southerncadillacmusic gangster flow on "Return Of The 'G'".The combination of these southern boys with east coast gritty Raekwon on "Skew It On The Bar-B" for the "...old school players to new school / fools / 'kast keep it jumpin' like kangaroos..."The title track with it's live instrumentation and slow groove give OutKast space from any competitors.You could expect storytellin' of their lives on both parts of "Da Art Of Storytellin'" and struggles on the closing track "Liberation".Hard rock riffs found on "Chonkyfire" keep sounds that could be used in an actual rock tune.Big Boi's solo track "West Savannah" sounds as if it was stolen from their debut album, but is effective for Aquemini's direction.This album is for music lovers that are searching for something other than that same old, same old.There's nothing on here to be skipped or looked over, OutKast has a classic in a league of its own.

ON ANOTHER LEVEL....
Forget Gay Z or Feminem, you can not categorize them with this group.I can't even begin to tell you how far ahead of the rap game Outkast is.This album is worth six stars,it gets better the more you listen to it 6 1/2 years after it's release.Andre 3000 whether rappin or singing is simply briliant,one of the more inteligent & creative musician's today.This is one of the best albums of the 90's decade. Listen to the songs like aquemini,slump,synthesizer,spottieottiedopaliscious you will feel and hear what i am trying to say.Many people think theyre previous record titled Atliens is the best Outkast album, wich is another briliant & creative record but this one is a little better in my opinion.A must have!

Whats this OK bullsh**???
Outkast did the impossible with this album; they put together their 3rd straight classic album !Not only that, but they continued to innovate and make a completely different album from their last....

Outkast utilized reggae,funk,soul,jazz, classic hip hop etc..you name it on this album....Like their other albums, Aqemeni is cohesive and put together perfectly....

'Return of tha G' was a great starter to this album...Dre and Big Boi spit furious rhymes over a tight beat...."Rosa Parks" is their stand-out hit on the album as far as commercial success goes--And its easy to see why...Andre and BIg Boi come correct lyrically and drop introspective rhymes...THe beat is insane as everyone knows....The collab w/ Rakewon was dope "skew it on the bbq"....."Aquemeni" is a brilliant track on here

Big Boi shines brightly on "West Savannah" which is a throwback track to his pimpin' days...And 'da art of storytellin' 1 and 2' are by far the standout tracks on the album...Both songs have amazing beats and tell unforgetable stories (who can forget Sasha Thumper?)....."Spottieopadopalicious" is another brilliant song on here as well... They utilize horns on this track -which is done the best by far of any hip hop song to date..."liberation" is another classic song that spans over 7 minutes long....Erykah Badu and CeeLo both bless the mic on this amazing song......Finally the cd concludes with "chonkyfire" which contains one of their greatest beats ever....I think this track sets the stage of the extra funky Stankonia that would be released years later.....

I might be biased, but i definately think this album has to got to be mentioned as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time...At least top 5 ... Read more

Asin: B00000BKI1
Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Dirty South    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop    7. Southern Rap   

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 August, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is arguably the best quasi-solo Wu-Tang album (Ghostface Killah literally gets equal billing). Most of contemporary hip-hop's Mafioso-inspired themes and MC street aliases are inspired by the "Wu-Gambinos" motif introduced on this 18-cut LP. As the Wu's preeminent storyteller, Raekwon (a.k.a. "The Chef") paints Technicolor Kool G Rap-style pictures of high-stakes drug trafficking on "Criminology," and then mixes his street sensibility with 5% Nation of Islam reasoning on "Knowledge God." This album is loaded with RZA's finest production moments, as he samples a barrage of kung-fu flick sound bites, plays discordant keyboards on "Incarcerated Scarfaces," and utilizes some eerie female vocals on "Rainy Dayz." Rae's timeless duet with Nas on "Verbal Intercourse" further cements the album's status as one of the best of all time. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

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Reviews (148)

Go Get It Now!
How to describe this album? Classic!

Cub' Linx is a Hip Hop Classic,
Raekwon got some big support from Ghostface!
This album got 12 songs feature Ghostface,
And lots of great beat from THE RZA [Hail Rza!!!]

Knuckleheadz - Feat. Ghost and U-God,
The Beat is well made,
Fast tempo beat, nice piano, made you wanna move your body!
It's a song about This three guy go rob and then back,
split those money up,
One of them cheatin' and finally got shot! 5/5

Knowledge God - A serious song! Str8 gangsta, A Raekwon solo! 5/5

Criminology - Criminology RAP!!!
The intro is a sample from Scarface, which is fxxkin' awesome!
Then the beat come out....damn!!!
This beat smash anything!!! fxxkin' dope!!!
Ghost and Rae both drop one verse,
One of the best in this album! 5/5

Incarcerated Scarfaces - The beat is pretty simple,
Just a beat with some little sound in background,
something like a horn of Train.
Another one Rae solo! 4.5/5

Rainy Dayz - If you have read the XXL interview,
You'll know that this beat is RZA favorite beat in this album,
A very deep, sorrow feelin'!
Featurin' Ghost and Blue Raspberry. 4.5/5

Guillotine (Swordz) - This beat is cut from one of the skit from Mr. Meth's Tical!
Featurin' Ghost again, Inspetah Deck and GZA[GZA only feat. in this track only] 4.5/5

Can It Be All So Simple (Remix) - The Remix version,
but I prefer the original one! 4/5

Ice Water - Feat. Ghost and Introduce Cappadonna to the world!
Both feature is on fire!!! 4.5/5

Glaciers of Ice - The beat is very tension, feat. Ghost
Masta Killah drop a verse too! 4.5/5

Verbal Intercourse - Just a RZA beat, with Rae Ghost and NAS!
And Nas' verse is str8 FIRE!!! 4.5/5

Wisdom Body - Ghost and Rae rip it up!
Nice beat too! 4.5/5

Spot Rusherz - The finally song with No Feature,
but I'm not feeling this one! 3/5

Ice Cream - One of the beat song in this album,
and 1 of my favorite too!
Feat. Ghost, Mehtod Man[damn he only sing the hook] and Cappadonna! [Cappadonna is mad nice in here, lots of people said he's the next big thing!] 5/5

Wu Gambinos - Wu Tang Banga!
Ghost Method Rza Masta Killah!!! 5/5

Heaven and Hell - Most melodic/beautiful song in this album!
The sample is so great, Just imagine s slow version of CREAM! 5/5

North Star - A Bonus track of this album,
Rae solo but I'm not into it! 3.5/5

One of the best album in 90'!!!
You have No reason to don't get it!!!

TOP #3 BEST WU-TANG ALBUMS
This is one of the hottest hip hop albums of the 90s... wait a minute, now that I think about it, nothing but garbage started coming out after the 90s. This is one of the BEST ALBUM IN RAP HISTORY. Buy this.

Wu-Gambino 101
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... has to be one of the, if not, the best Wu-Solo CD. With sharp lyrics from "Raekwon", as well as the rest of Wu-Tang Clan featured in the album, especially "Ghostface" to the razor sharp production from the "RZA". It's a must to own, whether your a Wu-Head or not. Simply marvelous!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000002WU9
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Hardcore Rap    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Reasonable Doubt
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 January, 1999)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

Jay-Z's classic debut is a compelling reflection on his life as a hustler. It's invested with an uncommon complexity and candor that has noticeably faded in his later material. Armed with clever phrasing and sly deadpan wit, Jay-Z navigates indulgent romps ("Can't Knock the Hustle"), thought-provoking introspection ("Regrets"), and devastating street-corner soliloquies ("Friend or Foe") with savvy composure. The beats on Reasonable Doubt, provided by the likes of DJ Premier & Ski, are as irresistibly slick as his persona. "Brooklyn's Finest," his mic-passing session with his friend Notorious B.I.G., takes on a torch-passing significance in the wake of Biggie's death. That song, and the entire album, foreshadows Jay-Z's subsequent ascension to kingpin status. --Del. F. Cowie ... Read more

Features

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• Extra tracks

Reviews (208)

Paid In Full - The Roc Is Born
Jay-Z came out with a new hustler's persona, with his ice bottle shampagne life, yet he was broke at the time which couldn't be understood. With his debut, he made a template and guide to a huslter's journey with killer cuts like "Can't Knock The Hustle" and with the colaboration of Brooklyn's favourite son "Biggie" on "Brooklyn's Finest". An album that should be defined as a bonified classic.

One of hip hop's greatest debuts (5 Stars)
The year 1996 capped off a 4 year resurrection of New York rap, with the Wutang starting the trend in 1993 with their groundbreaking "Enter the 36 Chambers". Biggie and Nas kept it alive with "Illmatic" and "Ready to Die", 1995 brought AZ's debut "Doe or Die" .... but in 1996, Jay-Z emerged from his native Marcy Projects with a debut album that captured every facet of the hustler life.

Jay-Z's best work to date, "Reasonable Doubt" is the very work which elevated Jay to his status as one of rap's greatest lyricists. Though his latter albums slip into a commercialised state, "Reasonable Doubt" will forever be Jay's masterpiece.

"Reasonable Doubt", by many has been considered a hip hop classic, and with good reason.

#1: Can't Knock The Hustle [Feat Mary J. Blige] - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#2: Politics As Usual - 9.5/10
#3: Brooklyns Finest [Feat The Notorious B.I.G.] - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#4: Dead Presidents II - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#5: Feelin' It [Feat Mecca] - 9.5/10
#6: D'Evils - 9.5/10
#7: 22 Two's - 9.5/10
#8: Can I Live - 10/10
#9: Ain't No N**** [Feat Foxy Brown] - 8.5/10
#10: Friend Or Foe - 10/10 - CLASSIC INTERLUDE!!
#11: Coming Of Age [Feat Memphis Bleek] - 10/10 - CLASSIC!! Bleeks only 16 on this one!!
#12: Cashmere Thoughts - 9.5/10
#13: Bring It On [Feat Sauce Money and Big Jaz] - 9.5/10
#14: Regrets - 10/10

Pick It Up!!
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Jay-Z's Best
Jay-Z never delivered better than this. He's better than he is on any of his other albums. THE BLACK ALBUM was too overrated. 99 Problems was the only good song. This album has a chain of great songs...lyrically and musically.
MY RATINGS:
1. "Can't Knock The Hustle" (10/10)
2. "Politics As Usual" (10/10)
3. "Brooklyn's Finest (f/ The Notorious B.I.G.)" (10/10)
4. "Dead Presidents II (New Lyrics)" (10/10)
5. "Feelin' It (f/ Mecca)" (10/10)
6. "D'evils" (9/10)
7. "22 Two's" (10/10)
8. "Can I Live" (10/10)
9. "Ain't No ***** (f/ Foxy Brown)" (10/10)
10. "Friend or Foe" (8/10)
11. "Coming of Age (f/ Memphis Bleek)" (10/10)
12. "Cashmere Thoughts" (10/10)
13. "Bring It On (f/ Big Jaz & Sauce Money)" (9/10)
14. "Regrets" (10/10)
BONUS. "Can I Live II (f/ Memphis Bleek)" (10/10)
Favorite 3 Songs:
1. Politics As Usual
2. Can't Knock the Hustle
3. Coming of Age ... Read more

Asin: B00000HZG9
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Hardcore Rap    4. Hip-Hop    5. Pop    6. Pop-Rap    7. Rap & Hip-Hop   

The Blueprint
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 September, 2001)
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Editorial Review

The Blueprint may be Jay Z's most captivating record since Reasonable Doubt, but its predictably detached mood reflects the master hustler's superior ability to trick out lackluster subject matter with lyrical complexity and brief flashes of manufactured introspection. The Blueprint, a solid mix of preprogrammed radio hits ("Izzo," "Girls, Girls, Girls") and better-than-average mid-tempo compositions ("Never Change," "Song Cry"), confirms the Brooklyn rapper's legendary status. Blistering flames of the Queensbridge/Jay Z feud fan high with"Takeover," a direct attack on Nas, set over the Doors' rock & roll burner, "5 to 1.""Renegade" provides the album's only full-on guest appearance. Jay and Eminem take this opportunity to address haters (within the industry and in the general population) who don't understand the mind of an artist. Jigga spells it out on the title track: "Reasonable Doubt--classic, shoulda went triple." The Blueprint might not be quite on par with Reasonable Doubt but it is reasonably good. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (394)

Jigga Off The Hook
Jay really brought it on this album.Tight beats with some solid lyrics.Jay is one of the greatest to ever spit on the mic and it shows on this release.Although 2pac had his beef with him during the last months of his life you can't hold it against him.Keep spitting Jay.Best song:Jigga that N***A

The latter of two classic albums from Jay-Z (5 Stars)
Jay-Z's 2001 release "The Blueprint" brings his career peak to the table. One of the more personal albums from the Jigga catalogue (Only 1 guest appearance), this solidifies the albums kingpin status among Jay's extensive discography of albums branching from the 1996 epic "Reasonable Doubt" to his farewell album "The Black Album" released in 2003.

Though highly criticised for his "Sell out commercialised style" which began to shine through on his release "In My Lifetime Vol. 1" in 1997, one cannot help but commend "The Blueprint"...

#1: The Ruler's Back - 10/10
#2: Takeover - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#3: Izzo [H.O.V.A.] - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#4: Girls, Girls, Girls - 9.5/10
#5: Jigga, That N*gga - 8.5/10
#6: U Don't Know - 10/10 - CLASSIC!!
#7: Hola Hovito - 7.5/10
#8: Heart Of The City [Ain't No Love] - 9.5/10
#9: Never Change - 9/10
#10: Song Cry - 8/10
#11: All I Need - 8/10
#12: Renegade [Feat Eminem] - 7.5/10
#13: The Blueprint [Momma Loves Me] - 9.5/10

Overall, a great album by Jay when he was the King of N.Y ... things might have changed now but this album will always be considered one of Jay's career highlights. Cop it, you wont regret it!!

Pick It Up!!
Check out my other rap reviews!!

HOVA HAS ENTERED THE BUILDING
NEW LEVEL
THE GOD EMCEE HAS RISEN
ALL HAIL
FEEL WHAT HE FEELS
GOD WILL ALWAYS PROVE THE DEVIL TO BE A LIAR...
THAT NIGGA JIGGA. ... Read more

Asin: B00005O54T
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Hardcore Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Midnight Marauders
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1993)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

This might have been the album Tribe Called Quest wanted to make from the very beginning. It's their most even, consistent album of the original trilogy that also includes People's Instinctive Travels... and The Low End Theory. But in spite of this, or maybe because of it, it's also their most uninteresting. With so many competent tracks, there's no chance for something to stand out above the pack, like "Scenario" did on Low End Theory or "Can I Kick It" did on People's Instinctive Travels. The celebration is there ("Stir It Up"), the jazz drums kick ("Oh My God"), and the stand-up bass dribbles, keeping perfect pace with Q-Tip's unmistakable mic-touch ("Electric Relaxation"). There's even a Native Tongues armistice/reunion with De La Soul ("Awards Tour"). Although it comes together like a seamless tutorial in jazz hip-hop style, it comes together so damn well that it's hard for any one track to excel, cursing the album with consistent quality. --Todd Levin ... Read more

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Reviews (102)

Oh my god!!!!! Indeed
Well what can I say? What an album. One of the GREATEST Albums in hip-hop. Normally plays third fiddle to the 2 former albums Peoples Instinctive Travels and the Path of Rhythm and The Low End Theory. To be fair the beats on this album are superior to those on the former 2. Tracks such as "Electric Relaxation" and "Keep It Rollin" prove this. This album is the birth of Phife Dawg as rapper. Lyrics such as
" MC's like to meddle but here's my proposition
I let my lyrics flow and juxta your position"
Put him on point. As always Tip I on point too. Which makes it my favourite ATCQ album!

IMMACULATE.
Classic.
LYRICS ---- 10/10
PRODUCTION COURTESY OF SAHEED MUHAMMED ---- 10/10
THEME ---- 10/10
ALBUM COVER ---- 10/10
CONCEPT ----- 10/10
STAND OUT TRACKS ---- ALL TRACKS
OVERALL ----- IMMACULATE

O.KAKA aka God's gift to the underground.

huzzah!
The amazon.com reviewer is a freakin' moron."cursed with consistent quality"??!?. what a dumbass. ... Read more

Asin: B0000004ZA
Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. East Coast Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Hip-Hop/Urban    5. Jazz-Rap    6. Pop    7. Rap & Hip-Hop    8. United States of America   

Ready to Die
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 September, 1994)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

During the Reagan era of "all-for-me" economics, MCs like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap painted pictures of silky rap gangsterism, inspired by movies like The Mack and Superfly. Out of the post-Reagan rubble came Notorious B.I.G.'s debut, the "Hustler" reality-trip Ready to Die (also the LP debut for beat-thief producer, Sean "Puffy" Combs). Biggie still rhymes about the gold, the Moet, and the ladies, but also reveals the casualties on the road from struggler to hustler to player. "Juicy" sets up Biggie's rags-to-riches story, but then the curtain gets pulled back, with unapologetic, hardcore tracks like "Gimme the Loot" and "Machine Gun Funk." It's a funky album (just try not throwing your hands in the air when you hear "Big Poppa"), and it's a powerful album--possibly even the Mayflower of 1990s East Coast "Hustler" rap. --Todd Levin ... Read more

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• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (267)

Bad Boy Saga Is Born
At the time where the West Coast was dominating the Hip Hop charts, Biggie aka The Notorious B.I.G brought the attention and the hip hop scene back to the East Coast with one LP "Ready To Die". Album's gritty and grimey production work with Biggie spitting without any guest appearence, with the exception of "Method Man" but that's as far as it gets. With him only spitting bars and smashing the world with his storytelling, freestyling and humorous observations, this albums shows Biggie's talents dipslayed, with cut's like "Gimmie The Loot" where he play two people and with "Juicy" where he talks about how hard life was and now he's living the good life. The saga would later on continue...

The Greatest Rap Album of All Time
I wish I could give Ready to Die 10 stars. If you do not own this album, and consider yourself a hip hop fan, you need to buy it. Now. There's just no other way to say it: this is the best hip hop album ever put out. Biggie is the greatest rapper to ever grip a mic. These people in here saying he's trash and that Pac was better are fools. I love 2Pac, he is easily my 2nd fav rapper of all time, but he doesnt touch BIG. Nothing Pac put out even comes close to Ready to Die. Nothing any rapper has ever put out comes close to Ready to Die. Don't waste your money on trash like The Massacre, buy Ready to Die. You will not regret it.

What A Loser
Read all of Albert "farthammer" Thomas's reviews and discover just how unfunny he really is. ... Read more

Asin: B0000039PW
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Wu-Tang Forever
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 August, 1999)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Reviews (84)

Good,But Knowing the Wu-Tang, they couldve done WAY better.
Disc One:
1.Wu-Revolution-2/10-This is so annoying and stupid. Just Popa Wu talking for 7 Minutes. Skip It.
2.Reunited-8/10-The Hook is cool, the rhymes are ill as usual. Cop It.
3.For Heavens Sake-10/10-My Favorite song on the first disc, Illlllll Beats and rhymes. Cop It NOW.
4.Cash Still Rules/Scary Hours-7/10-Its aight, couldve had a more solid beat. Check It.
5.Visionz-9/10-Nice Beat, Cool rhymes...and some pretty soothing piano keys in the backround.Cop It.
6.As High As Wu-Tang Get-10/10-I give this a ten just because of Osirus. Cop It NOW.
7.Severe Punishment-8/10-Ill all around but not a classic. Cop It.
8.Older Gods-7/10-I aint feeling the beat. Check It.
9.Maria-7/10-Basically an ODB and CappaDonna sex song, its aight.Check It.
10.A Better Tomorrow-7/10-The Lyrics are great but the beat is weak. Check It.
11.It's Yourz-8/10-Its Aight, some pretty ill lines from Lex Diamonds. Cop It.

Disc Two:
1.Intro-No Rating-It's an Intro People...C'mon.
2.Triumph-9/10-The lyrics on this track make the jam. Cop It.
3.Impossible-8/10-Weak hook and beats but the rhymes make up for it. Cop It.
4.Little Ghetto Boys-8/10-Aight rhymes and beats but the intro is really stupid. Cop It.
5.Deadly Melody-10/10-Just because of Noodles I give this 10. Cop It NOW.
6.The City-9/10-Annoying intro but really good track overall. Cop It.
7.The Projects-7/10-Yet again a stupid into, but a weak track. Check It.
8.Bells Of War-10/10-Amazingly great U-God verse and fantastic beat. Iller than Illmatic. Cop It NOW.
9.The M.G.M.-5/10-Its aight, let's just leave it there. Check It.
10.Dog S%!t-6/10-Whack but really funny. Check It.
11.Duck Seazon-9/10-Ill beat and tight rhymes. Cop It.
12.Hellz Wind Staff-10/10-My favorite just because of the Kung-Fu samples. Cop It NOW.
13.Heaterz-10/10-Really just excellent production by the RZA. Cop It NOW.
14.Black Shampoo-6/10-U-God doesnt really seem like the romantic type. Check It.
15.Second Coming-8/10-Soulful singing, really relaxing. Check It.
16.The Closing-No Rating-It's A Closing, C'mon.

Final Word:Cop It.

Best Overall Wu Album
The lyrics on this album is the best Wu collection of conscious lyrics.The production is near-best of all Wu albums.This is a must have.

Alot of exercise on this.RZA shines, U-God shines, Meth shines, Ghost can't lose, Masta Kill shines....this is just one of the best efforts put out from the group.Only thing that comes close to this, as far as Wu-tang as a whole, is the collaborations on Liquid Swords and the Ironman album.But Forever is beyond all that.Just get it.

A Wu-Tang Banger!
A lot of crews have copied their style, some even tried to reign as many emcees as they have.The release of this cd was the height of the Wu and proved a lot of people wrong."Triumph featuring CappaDonna," proved it by all with the exception of Ol' Dirty.RZA provided the canvas for them to paint the vivid lyrics on.Unselfishly each took swings as the rest swarmed around their victims.There are too many songs I love on this album.Even the track produced by member Inspectah Deck fitted well in the Chambers they welcomed us to.Some of the stronger songs had Ghostface Killah and Raekwon switch hit.Now in 2005 they need to forget the solo albums and finish off the 36 Chambers.RZA, GZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck sending rappers back to the drawing table.RIP Ol' Dirty Bastard. ... Read more

Asin: B00001IVOR
Sales Rank: 6006
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Black Star
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 June, 2002)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Reviews (75)

the shit
"little brother," "thieves in the night" and "respiration" are easily the best rap songs i've heard all year. intelligent spoken word mastery,,

and songs like re:definition and astronomy are funky as all get out.. suffice it to say, this album does not disappoint.. i'm happy to have discovered it, albeit 6 years late..

Essential to Hip Hop and Essential to You
This album is self explanatory, no matter what kind of hip hop listener you are this cd will hit you hard and there is no choice but to say it is a classic. But what makes this cd one of the all time greats is the fact that the message is timeless and it leaves you to reavaluate and reeducate yourself. This is truly a positivee, enlightening message for the hip hop world and for black people that Talib and Mos have to share so dont miss out. In addition to having great content, these two are some of the best lyricist i've heard in years and the beats are great to vibe with. Every fan of hip hop needs to hear this, this is the foundation of where hip hop music needs to go.

Masterpiece
One of the best hip hop albums I've heard. Mos Def and Kweli have amazing chemistry together, and are never better anywhere else. Must cop this if you are at all in real hip hop. ... Read more

Asin: B000067CLT
Sales Rank: 392
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

The Slim Shady LP
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 February, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

On The Slim Shady LP, Eminem wants it all. He's conflicted, you see; the world has treated him badly, and he wants to respond in kind. But he isn't a straight-up gangsta--this is, after all, the first release on Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records, his post-Death Row-era venture--and Eminem (born Marshall Mathers) doesn't really want anyone to follow in his footsteps, which leads to some interesting contradictions on this album. In the first single, "My Name Is," he's self-deprecating, rapping about his poor upbringing and his hairy palms. But on the very next song, "Guilty Conscience," he plays the devil to Dr. Dre's angel--that is, until Eminem brings up an incident from Dre's devilish past, rapping, "You gonna take advice from someone who slapped Dee Barnes?" Later, on "'97 Bonnie & Clyde," he turns Will Smith's "Just the Two of Us" on its ear, making it a tale of murder; but on "My Fault," he actually feels bad--though whether it's for the girl he overdosed or for himself is tough to figure out. With his nasal Midwestern tone, Mathers has a clean, clear flow, and the production--by Dr. Dre, Marky, and Jeff Bass--is crisp but consistently fun. With his outlook, it's tough to take Eminem too seriously, but he's made an album you don't have to take seriously to enjoy. --Randy Silver ... Read more

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Reviews (1028)

Not as good as marshall mathers LP
"His palms are sweaty / Knees weak, arms are heavy / There's vomit on his sweater already..."

Given Eminem's recent success with lyrics that can still be understood after the "clean version" reworking (there isn't a single murder fantasy on his latest record, Encore), it's easy to forget how disgusting, profane, hilarious and ultimately brilliant his first major-label record, The Slim Shady LP, was.Even those who don't enjoy much rap will find here that the musically simple genre, when done correctly, can showcase extremely well-done lyrics.

From the first, Eminem has proven himself capable of covering a variety of subjects in his music.On this record, he covers his life ("My Name Is"), being bullied at school ("Brain Damage"), thoughts of killing his wife ("97 Bonnie and Clyde") and drug abuse ("My Fault").His success with this record is due to the fact that he can take a variety of approaches to writing lyrics.

For example, "Guilty Conscience," a song about moral dilemmas, takes the stereotypical rap "guest"-it features Dr. Dre-and adds a new twist.The rappers play the parts of angel and devil, trying to convince the characters in the song to handle a situation their way.It also works in more traditional insults between the two (Eminem: "You gonna take advice from someone who slapped Dee Barnes?"), and the lyrics are still in a rap style ("I'm yo muthaf---in conscience!" remarks Dre early in the song).

"97 Bonnie and Clyde" is this record's gem, and not only because it's the most controversial track.In this song, our hero Slim Shady has killed his fictional ex-wife and her new husband and son, and he takes his (real-life) daughter Hailie "to the beach" late at night to "help" him dispose of the bodies.

Rather than detailing the murder scene (as he would later do, graphically, on The Marshall Mathers LP with "Kim"), he talks to his daughter as he drives and dumps the bodies in a lake.The juxtaposition of baby-talk with murder ("Momma wants to show you how far she can float / And don't worry about that little boo-boo on her throat") is sometimes chilling (compounded by fact that he uses his daughter's voice in the background) and sometimes funny.It's usually both at once.

Despite its overwhelming success, The Slim Shady LP left room for improvement.Many of the songs have some weak, totally random lyrics ("A lyricist without a clue / What year is this? / F--- a needle, here's a sword / Body pierce with this" goes "Still Don't Give a F---"), and he had yet to perfect the "poor me" theme ("If I Had").

Other than these rather minimal shortcomings, The Slim Shady LP is a wonderfully crafted, raw and unapologetic record.It presented everything that Eminem would gain increasing fame for with each release: nihilism, talent and playfulness.

The nihilism would become tamer over the years, his talent would improve, and his playfulness would begin to tend more toward ego-inflation than the "Did he just say that?"-invoking jokes heard here-but the essential formula remains the same.

SHUT THE FFFCK UP
IF YOU THINK ENCORE OR EMINEM SHOW IS BETTER THEN THIS.
SHUT YOUR FACE BEFORE I BREAK IT
THIS IS AWSOME AND FAR BETTER BEFORE EMINEM TURNED WIGGER
NO BLACK PEOPLE NO 'GANGSTAS'
EMINEM IS AT HIS BEST BEFORE HE TURNED MAINSTREAM

This man is amazing
eh yo wuts good, if anyone rates this album anything but 5 stars they deserve to die. Eminem is amazing, his lyrics are great his flow is crazy. Every single song is awesome, beats are awesome, u cant hate on eminem or dre because they r legends and everyone should buy this album! ... Read more

Asin: B00000I5JQ
Subjects:  1. Hardcore Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Pop    4. Rap & Hip-Hop    5. West Coast Rap   

Atliens
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 1996)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (135)

Solid second CD
Outkast proves on this album that their no fluke after Southernplayallisticcadillacmuzik. They have tons of smashing hits on here such as Two Dope Boys, ATLiens, Jazzy Belle, Elevators, and Babylon. Big Boi and Dre once again provide great rhymes with great beats. Definitely one of the more over looked rap albums and Outkast's most under-rated album. Another must get for rap fans!

greatest album of all times
I listen to all types of rap music, from old-school eastcoast a la Eric B & Rakim or EPMD to westcoast classics from Dre, Snoop or E-40 to new dirty south bangers from Ludacris, Three 6 Mafia or T.I.

I've listened to approximately 300 rap albums. but believe me, this is the best one. lyrics are top-notch, production is out of this world

you better listen to this album ASAP, you'll love it as much as everyone else does. mind-blowing classic album right there

Greatest album of my generation
Im not a hip hop journalist, but I've been a fan since i started listening to music....I like to think ive got a good ear for music, and this album in my opinion, is the greatest album of the last 10 to 15 years....Yes i am biased cuz Outkast has always been my fav group, but still this is a musical masterpiece, not just hip hop......

I can't hype this album up anymore...I'll just say that I think everyone of all ages,ethnicities can enjoy this album....Do youself a favor a get a copy of this album as soon as possible!!! You wont regret it ... Read more

Asin: B0000013GT
Sales Rank: 6199
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 November, 1993)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

This debut revolutionized hip-hop (and launched half a dozen solo careers), as much for The RZA's raw barrage of off-kilter, off-key loops and sound effects as for its elliptically violent lyrics. Martial arts--at least as they appear in kung fu movies--are the Wu-Tang Clan's favorite metaphor, but they're also the organizing principle of the group, a crowd of eight rappers, each with his own way-out-there "fighting style." They created their own little self-contained culture, with its own symbols and shifting identities, and let listeners figure it out for themselves. Unless you're willing to immerse yourself in its world, it can be baffling and a little dry, but its aggression and originality are undeniable. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

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Reviews (273)

Best Wu-Tang
A classic album by any standards.Wu-Tang delivered big time with their debut album.No track should be skipped on this album.Especially da mystery of chessboxin.With half the Wu-Tang clan on here and Ol Dirty layin down a classic verse you can't go wrong.Also METHOD MAN and CREAM were big hits but overall this whole album is a bit hit.It is a must have for any hip-hop fan who wants to have real hip-hop in thier collection.

Revolutionary Hip Hop: The Era Of Wu-Tang
With nine talented emcees and one of the most creative producers "RZA", there is no way you can go wrong with this LP. With killer cuts like "C.R.E.A.M" and the underground success "Protect Ya Neck", the Wu-Tang were sure to find success. Wu-Tang Clan is pack of all individual personalities with each having their own unique style, which opened several solo projects between them and with "RZA" as their secret weapon, Wu-Tang were seemed to be invincable in those days.

36 chambers
this album blew me away. it's for sure one of my favorite hip hop albums of all time, and i have over 250. it has lasting listening ability, you'll be bumpin it for years to come. dont sleep, get this if you havent yet. ... Read more

Asin: B000002WPI
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Hardcore Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Da Dirty 30
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 August, 1997)
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Reviews (12)

Something thats classic
You know something thats a classic when you can put it in years later and still feel the same way about it, when you used to play it back in the day..Ie.Nas-Stillmatic,Wutang-Enter da 36 chambers.You get the point right?I brought CRU-Da dirty 30 years ago, when it first came out and not to sound like the other reviews, but this is ONE OF THEE MOST SLEPT ON CLASSICS OF ALL TIME!!!I recently pulled it out of the basement a couple of weeks ago and its now 2005 and I cant stop playing it.I wish they continued making records,its the kind of music/artists that hip hop needs right now.

The best Hip Hop album you've never heard
By now you've probably read tons of reviews scouring the net for that undiscovered Hip Hop gem.You've been digging in the crates, asking friends for recommendations, trying to find that one album that reminds you of why you fell in love with Hip Hop to begin with.For those of you fortunate enough to be reading this review - congratulations - this is the album you've been searching for.Every now and again you come across an album that hits you track after track - Nas's Illmatic, Biggie's Ready to Die, The Beatnuts self-titled debut come to mind among a handful of others.Somehow this album never hit it big and fell off the radar before word of mouth had a chance to bring it to mass audiences.7 years later this album is still inexplicably obscure.But true NY Hip Hop heads consider this masterpiece one of the most slept on albums of all time.The production is top-notch (some chill trax mixed with straight-up party bangers) and flows seamlessly with tight story-telling rhymes.Unfortunately, similar to most Hip Hop albums from '97, there are a number of annoying interludes making this unplayable front to back without reaching for the skip button.However a total of 20 trax says you won't care once you realize that 18 of them are pure Hip Hop bliss.It doesn't get much better than this.Believe me, all your friends who are into Hip Hop will be burning copies and asking you how you ever found out about this one.It's that good.Cru may never get the recognition they deserve but you and your boys will bond over this album forever.And that's what makes a classic a true classic.

If you've not listened to this cd, you should
I was just browsing on the web for some cd's to buy and i came across CRU. Id never heard or seen of CRU b4 then i saw it in a music store so i bought it. It was perhaps the best cd iv heard in a long time, most of the songs are realy good with tight beats like "That S**t". I didn't know it but id already heard "Bubblin" before on a DL mixtape...i think.I like "lisa Lipps" Mighty Ha shows u with his humourous lyrics and Fredro Starr / Sticky fingaz like voice, which personally i think sounds great, his voice seems to really go with most of the beats. You'll hear some odd sounds on this cd, like "Live At The Tunnel" featuring The Lox which has a strange generator kind of noise on some parts of the track and "Goin' Down" which has a reversed sounding feel like "Drop" by The Pharcyde. If you don't like dis cd then you've probably not heard good one. I realy enjoy listening to it and i think that "Loungin Wit My Cru" has a real chilling vibe which i could really dig, although some people might hate it. I would definately reccomend dis cd to any hip hop fan, buy it while you can, coz even though this cd was probably disguarded by most hip hop listeners evry mc in CRU shines. I don't think they'll release another album i think they would of by now, shame. ... Read more

Asin: B0000024N5
Sales Rank: 54285
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Stillmatic
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 December, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Nas's 1994 debut, Illmatic, is hands down one of the greatest rap LPs of all time. Open to debate is why he ditched his lyrical genius and raw, gully beats to go pop on his next three albums. On his fifth solo LP, Nas returns to his grimy, hardcore roots. On "Ether," Nas disses Jay-Z mercilessly (a response to Jay-Z's anti-Nas stabs on "Takeover" from The Blueprint). Nas then proceeds to dis Prodigy of Mobb Deep and a whole slew of other Queensbridge-based MCs on "Destroy and Rebuild." When he's not busy tearing into fellow New York-based MCs, Nas pulls a politico routine on "My Country," questioning the blind patriotism of many African Americans, flips rhymes with former Firm compadre AZ on "The Flyest," and pays homage to Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G on "Got Ur Self a...." However, the albums finest artistic moment comes on "Rewind," where Nas crafts a sexploit and murder-filled 'hood narrative in which the story and wordplay are recited in reverse (think Tarantino's Pulp Fiction on celluloid). With beats supplied by DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz, Nas has arguably reclaimed his throne as the MC king of New York. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

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Reviews (391)

One of the best albums ever
Stillmatic is one of the best rap albums ever and i can just play this album over and over again and i won't get tired of it. He has some classic songs here and the lyrics are just amazing. Nas is the best rapper alive and second best after Pac.
The album starts strong with 'the intro' and states that Nas is in the game for a long run. second track 'ether' is a classic diss towords Jay-Z and rocafella records he just kills them with this track. then we have 'get yourself a gun' a great song with a catchy beat. 'smokin' is another good song with a layed back beat. 'you're the man' is amazing, whoever did the production did a great job, Nas uses of of his best lyrics in this song. 'Rewind' is an interestin song, Nas just tells a story backwords but it's a good song. then we have the great, the amazing 'one mic', this song is one of my fav rap songs of all time, the beat is amazing and the lyrics just mindblowing man, and i love how Nas raises his voice and shows his anger. 'Second childhood' and 'destroy and rebuild' are good songs but i'm sure he could've chose better songs instead. 'the flyest' is another great song with AZ who is really underrated. then it's 'rule' with ameire which is a great song with a good message, great lyrics by Nas. 'My country' is next and a great song, i really like the beat and the chorus. 'what goes aroung' is an ok song and the album closes strong with the great 'every ghetto', this is one of the stronges points on the album and the beat, the lyrics and the chorus are just mindblowing.

This album gets 10/10 for me, the lyrics 10/10, the production 10/10.

Peace out.

stillmatic.....
i love this album. it features so many great songs.
And if you dont got it, then you`re really sleeping man.

Best out of 5

#1: 5/5 (Stillmatic INTRO)
#2: 5/5 (CLASSIC!! Jay-z diss)
#3: 5/5 (CLASSIC!!)
#4: 3.5/5
#5: 5/5 (CLASSIC!! gotta love this song man)
#6: 4/5 (nas telling a story backwards, thats talent!)
#7: 4.5/5
#8: 4/5 (Queensbridge make everything right!)
#9: 3/5
#10: 5/5 (F/AZ aka the most underrated rapper out there)
#11: 4/5
#12: 4/5
#13: 4/5
#14: 5/5

One of Nas's Best Albums
This is just a great album, Buy it for Just One mic. ... Read more

Asin: B00005U2LB
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Licensed to Ill
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 March, 1995)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

The joke of Licensed to Ill's cover--that the Beasties could crash their jet into the side of a mountain and keep on tickin'--serves as a good metaphor for a career that even some of their 1986 admirers thought might be over after the one-time-only shock of this full-length debut. That thousands of funk-junkie wannabes have since failed at re-creating its groove, breaking-the-law vibe, and ear-splitting mix of rock and rap is an even better joke. And funniest of all is the record itself, which packs dexterous boasts, aural puns, and lots and lots of yelling into a disc that can still be listened to with as much pleasure as it gave in '86. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (178)

NO SLEEP TILL..........
(I'm not really a kid)This album is a supurb blend of rock and rap. My fav on this album is Brass Monkey. To know the difference between the Beasties back in the 80's, when this album was released, and the Beasties now, listen to this. Then listen to their most recent album, To the 5 Broughs. They've changed alot, but they're still the same, great rock band/rap group.

the good songs are good, but it hasn't aged that well
this is more like 3.5 stars. the beasties were a fun band and this is pretty much a fun album, but I think that the samples don't add that much to the music and honestly, it seems stupid to me oftentimes.when I am feeling strange and funky inside I put this on, but it is not something I come back to often.It is also not very consistent, and varies little from the "yo I'm so bad" format and repeats itself a lot.
that said, songs like "no sleep til Brooklyn" and "girls" are highly enjoyable, and it was songs like those that convinced me to keep this cd.The beastie boys typically have a good amount of filler, but the whole point of the band was to be "terrible, and admit it" which is a fun and self deprecating thing for them.you should check this out sometime if you feel curious, it is kind of a novelty from back in the day.

Licensed Classic
At it's time of release in 1986 the blend of rock/rap/hip-hop was the greatest combination for the production found on Licensed To Ill.Not only was this the Beastie Boys debut, it was a breakthrough for rap being this was some white boys doing it."...the three bad brothers we know so well..." had everything covered from hardcore, party, comedy into this 13 track release.Production was done by co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Rick Rubin.Getting help from all angles, Run-DMC wrote "Slow And Low" and also co-wrote with the Boys the classic, ever so sampled "Paul Revere".Beastie Boys often flowed in and out well to give us each a part of their personality that still hasn't been duplicated by a rap group to date.All tracks were basically singles, with no fillers, interludes or featured guests. ... Read more

Asin: B0000024JN
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Doggystyle
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 May, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Produced by the infamous Dr. Dre with assistance from Mr. Suge Knight, Doggy Style was the first solo outing by Calvin Broadus a.k.a. Snoop Doggy Dog. Incorporating a straight gangsta vibe into the deep funk grooves pioneered by George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic ensemble, Snoop and Dre dogmatically invent the "G-Funk" aesthetic. Espousing an irreverent dope, bitches, and guns mentality, Doggy Style garnered the Parental Advisory for explicit lyrics it sorely deserved. Still, Snoop's lazy-yet-acrobatic rap/drawl is distinctive and undeniably entertaining. With additional vocals from Tha Dogg Pound (Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt, and Dat Nigger Daz), this disc is deceptively professional and musically quite slick. "Murder Was The Case" is practically an inner-city classic, while "Ain't No Fun" is another blunted, urban-rap anthem. Woof! --Mitch Myers ... Read more

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Reviews (129)

snoop is always on top of things
this cd is fantastic.a couple of the songs aren't quite as good as the others, like "doggy dogg world," but it does not matter.you will love it.this album came out sort of a long time ago.

Excellent, even 9 years later
Going from my title and having read many of the reviews that are written about this album I feel I should point out that this album came out almost a decade ago.At that time, the music scene was MUCH different.Grunge had recently come to an end, r&b was still newish and 80s/90s rap was a dying breed.We had an influx of boy/girl bands singing mindless drivel about the other sex and we had a, for the most part, underground record label in Death Row records.When this album came out, it broke the mould.It fused rap and r&b and let every other rapper out there what the public wanted.This album, though probably not as relevant today as it was, was a reflection of the times Snoop and his compadres were living through.See it as a reflection and you'll not be dissapointed.

There's not one particular song on the album that stands out and that's the sign of a good album.It flows from song to song with an eloquence meant only for a classic.Buy this album even for nothing more than to have in your collection.

Classic
This is one of the best hip hop albums ever. Snoop kills beats with his flow. All the songs on here are top notch, no fillers at all. His cover of Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (Lodi Dodi) is just as good as Rick's, if not better, and the beat is ill. Dre took his production to a new level on this cd. Everyone should have this album. Snoop is calm through most of the songs. This is gangsta-pimp rap. You can listen to this album while driving your car, having a barbecue, or going to bed.
(...)
... Read more

Asin: B00005AQF7
Subjects:  1. G-Funk    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Pop    4. Rap    5. Rap & Hip-Hop    6. United States of America    7. West Coast Rap   

Illmatic
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 April, 1994)
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Editorial Review

Nasir Jones made this debut album at the age of 20, already armed with the calm perceptiveness and been-there-done-that attitude of a much older ghetto vet, though sometimes his inner callow youth shows itself. Illmatic is a look back at a life spent in the culture of the projects, acknowledging joy as much as pain and taking note of violence as a fact of his environment rather than a focus of his life. It's enlivened by Nas's kicky, deep-threaded multiple rhymes--you can tell he grew up listening to Mr. Magic's rap show and internalizing the secrets of everybody's flow--and by tracks from a bunch of all-stars, including the Large Professor, DJ Premier, and, most memorably, Q-Tip ("One Love"). --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

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Reviews (429)

Insane
i honestly do not know how anybody could give this a rateing bellow 5 stars (they must not know real hip-hop) this album is mind blowing and deserves more than 5 stars every track is full of sick lyrics and crazy beats though the true gems in this are "N.Y. State Of Mind" and "It Aint Hard To Tell" in my opinion the greatest album ever created although I wouldn't say Nas is the greatest rapper...BUY IT!

Nas - Illmatic
To be honest, the first Nas song I've ever heard was "Got Yourself A Gun." That's when I really started to get in to Nas a lot. Then after I heard "One Mic" I was hooked. Then he released 'God's Son' which to me is one of Nas' weakest albums. But then somebody told me about his old stuff he released prior to 'Stillmatic.' The first album I got was 'Illmatic' which in my opinion is the greatest rap album of all time.

The album starts off with a little intro, "The Genesis," where you can hear a little of Nas' verse from Live At The Barbeque. Then it rolls in to the track called "New York State Of Mind" which was produced my DJ Premier. Nas dropped nothing but fire on this track, it was crazy. After the song was over I almost wanted to listen to the song again but I let it go in to "Life's A B****." On this track you can hear Nas' father Olu Dara playing his trumpet in the background and AZ is the guest appearance. AZ's verse amazed me so much I had to listen to it again. Nas' verse was just as good on the track too. "The World Is Yours" is another hot song where Nas drops some sick lyrics that'll amaze you, even non rap fans. This is the song Jay-Z gets the sample for "Dead Presidents" off his 'Reasonable Doubt' album. "Halftime" is the next good song on the album. Nas again drops nothing but fire on this track. Then comes one of my favorites "Memory Lane." Nas drops well thought out rhymes on every verse on this album. On this track Nas takes us back in time a little and talks about his past. Then the song to the incarcerated Cormega called "One Love." Nas basically writes Cormega a letter telling him everythings going to be alright and you'll be out soon so don't worry. He always fills Cormega in on what's been going on lately since he's been gone. "One Time 4 Your Mind" is another banging track. Nas' rhyming scheme on this one is crazy, he just rips it like it's nothing. "Represent," the song for the block to jam to. Then the album closes out with "It Ain't Hard To Tell." This is a perfect way to end the album. He's basically saying after you've heard this album it ain't hard to tell that I'm the best in the game right now.

I gave this album a 5/5 rating because it is hot from start to finish. I will admit all albums have some sort of weakness to it so I'm going to tell you. The production is that great, the album is pretty short(10 tracks), and most of the choruses are plain and boring. But as far as the lyrics go, I would give those a 10/5 if I could. The lyrics make up for the other weaknesses to this album. I would suggest this album to any rap fan, it's definitely worth your money. If you're a real rap fan and you don't have this album then there's something wrong with you. That's real talk, I'm not lying.

Classic Hip-Hop
This is one of the last raw hip-hop albums of the early 90's...Nas proved he was here to stay with this masterpiece. This album is educational and inspirational. This could've been the last true hip-hop album of the 90's if it weren't for my girl Lauryn Hill, but that's another review...haha.
Favorite 3 Songs:
1. The World Is Yours
2. N.Y. State of Mind
3. One Love ... Read more

Asin: B0000029GA
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Hardcore Rap    4. Hip-Hop    5. Pop    6. Rap    7. Rap & Hip-Hop   

It's Dark and Hell Is Hot
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 May, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Watching DMX--baldheaded and shirtless, tattooed and musclebound--as he simultaneously goes platinum and gets arrested on rape charges (both of which occurred within weeks of this album's release), one can easily see the Yonkers, New York, rapper as a Tupac in training. And he's certainly no stranger to dumb thuggery on his much-anticipated debut. But unlike Tupac, who tempered hard-core beatdowns with party pick-me-ups, DMX is strictly business, part of a street reaction against the Puff Daddy-fueled, late-1990s slew of lightweight pop-rap crossovers. With a name too true for its own good, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot could occasionally use a cool breeze of levity. That said, the record is not without merit; despite the album's largely standard-issue beats and rhymes, both DMX's forceful voice and solid production have moments of greatness. At times DMX even manages to squeeze memorable hooks out of this otherwise claustrophobic release. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

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Reviews (321)

thought it was hot but looking back.................
it is and WAS garbage. i don't know how this guy blew up. i'm thinking it's cause pac had just died and dmx was as close as we were gonna get. i mean looking back x had no talent to begin with. he was just a character. barking on records and shooting people. but he prayed at the end of every record which confused me cause he killed half of the united states on this one album but ended the album like he was a religious man. for some reason he got annoyed when questioned about his comparisons to tupac and even disrespected tupac while he should have been honored because x has no lyrical talent and any song he was on was terrible unless he had a good beat to carry him. don't get me wrong, x played that dog gimmick well and it showed by him having 5 # 1 albums in a row but if you think about it x is forgetten and nobody EVER mentions dmx as one of the greatest in hip-hop. he is and example of how you can have minimum talent and still make it in the hip-hop game today.image seems to be more important than talent.he's no pac,big,pun,big l or nas. put him in the "good character" section with fifty cent.

great cd..dmx come out of retirement enough said
dmx is great...i mean hes jus street...he seriously needs to come out of retirement cause hes..jus great

Dmx has voice that can scary anyone.
Dmx has voice that can scary anyone.Hits like Ruff Ryders Anthem, X-Is Coming, and Damien. I give it 5 out of 5. ... Read more

Asin: B000006O62
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Hardcore Rap    3. Pop    4. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Tha Last Meal
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 December, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Throughout the 1990s, Snoop Dogg proved that the phrase "old rappers" doesn't have to be an oxymoron, and that it's possible to age gracefully within the genre. But as he made the transition from lethargic gangsta crony to mature thug uncle, Snoop the icon soon outstripped Snoop the rapper and his output became spotty, leaving questions of whether his talented tongue was lost to time. On Tha Last Meal, Snoop proves that all the glitter isn't gone from his golden throat. He's so secure that he even dips into crooning on the so fresh and so clean "Leave Me Alone." But Tha Last Meal largely achieves its smoothness through worn-leather raps delivered with pimp savoir-faire and production--supplied by Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Meech Wells, and others--that swaps the charisma-free bounce of Snoop's last two albums for an uptempo, newly enthused sound. The glee is echoed in Snoop's rhymes. "I'm in a three-piece suit looking too cute," Snoop gloats on "Stacey Adams." "Go Away" serves as the Dogg's new position statement, on which he belligerently proclaims "I'm too young to retire, I'm having fun with it / See, when you learn what to do with it, I'll be done with it." Indeed, it'll take a nation of haters to keep Snoop down, something that Snoop nods to on "True Lies," which features the boldest player of all, President Bill Clinton. With even the prez doing dirt, it's clear the game still isn't to be told. --Jon Caramanica ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (129)

Not Doggystyle but closest to it in quality and style
This is a very good album by Snoop.There are really no weak points in the album and it was put together very well.Tracks produced by Dre were definitely the best on here but like I said this whole album is very good.I give it 4.5 stars.

1. Intro- N/A

2. Hennesey N Buddah-5/5

3. What's My Name Pt.2-4/5

4. True Lies-3.5/5

5. Wrong Idea-4/5

6. Go Away-4.5/5

7. Set It Off-4/5(great to hear MC Ren again)

8. Stacey Adams-2.5/5

9. Lay Low- 5/5

10. Bring It On- 3.5/5

11. Game Court-N/A

12. Issues- 4.5/5

13. Brake Fluid- 4/5

14. Ready 2 Ryde- 4/5

15. Loosen Control- 3.5/5

16. I Can't Swim-4/5(hated it at first but I like it now)

17. Leave Me Alone-4.5/5

18. Back Up Off Me-1/5(I hate No Limit. It's not a bad beat but I just hate the No Limit attitude and most of their music)

19. Y'all Gone Miss Me- 5/5( This is the best on the album.This is basically like a song you would hear on Doggystyle except you get a more mature Snoop here.This is Snoop at his best.

Good 5th solo album
Snoop's third and last release on No Limit is a little below his "Top Dogg" album but much better than his "Game Is To Be Sold.." album.Doesn't have that down south sound to it and he returned to a lot of the top producers from the West giving it more of his old sound that everyone loved.Jelly Roll, Scott Storch and Dr. Dre all produce 3 songs, Timbaland & Battlecat each do 2 songs, and Meech Wells, Soopafly and Carlos Stephens each do 1.It has 3 classics, 2 near classics, 5 ok songs and the others all are good. Features only 2 people from No Limit (Master P & Magic) and a few old heads from the west as well as a few of his pals and too many choruses by Kokane's whiny voice.A good album and one I'd recommend.

#2 - 8 (f/ Kokane)
#4 - 7
#5 - 7 (f/ kokane)
#6 - 9.5 (f/ Kokane)
#7 - 7.5 (f/ MC Ren, Ice Cube, Lady of Rage, Nate Dogg)
#8 - 7.5 (f/ kokane - intro dedicated to Bill Clinton)
#9 - 10 (classic - f/ Master P, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, & Tray Deee & Goldie Loc {Eastsidaz} - talkin' bout ho's with big mouth)
#10 - 8.5 (f/ Suga free & kokane)
#12 - 10 (classic - address a few people maily his cousin Daz Dillinger)
#13 - 7.5 (f/ Kokane - again)
#14 - 8.5 (f/ Eve)
#15 - 8 (f/ Soopafly & Butch Cassidy)
#16 - 8
#17 - 10 (classic slower song w/ Snoop singing)
#19 - 8 (f/ Master P & Magic)
#20 - 9.5

b. Calvin Broadus --- 10/20/72 --- Long Beach, CA
*-* LBC -- 213 *-*

Check out all my reviews

AWESOME ALBUM
Forget what anyone else say, i'm tellin' u that u gotta have dis in yo' collection. Here are my fave tracks and least fave tracks:
Set It Off 5/5- This song is a legendery west-coast song. It features west-coast legends The lady Of Rage, MC Ren, Nate Dogg & Ice Cube.
Lay Low 5/5- Great song. Has master p in it.
Back Up Off Me 5/5- Great, loud song. Also has master p in it.
Who Am I Pt. 2 4/5- Good song.
Henessey 'N' Buddah 4/5- Good song.
Go Away 5/5- Great song. Great Beat.
Ready 2 Ride 4.5/5- Good song. Got eve on it.
Stacey Adams 1/5- Worst Song on the album.
Issues 4/5- Good song. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U130
Subjects:  1. G-Funk    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Pop    4. Rap    5. Rap & Hip-Hop    6. West Coast Rap   

It Was Written
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 July, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (146)

I'm with McDonald
Could not have have said it better myself.This is Nas's best cuz of the beatz, his raps are usually tops, but never underestimate the power of some true blue east coast production, meaning intelligent, crisp, and concrete beats. This album reflects why many around 96 were sick of the west coast(much like dirty south) cheap plastic production and turned to Nas, Biggie, and Wu-Tang. Too bad even the east would mostly sell out as well in the near future. Anyways, if you want to hear true Nas dig this or Illmatic.

Well Written
The second release from Queens Bridge proved not to be not much of a difference from his Illmatic debut.Getting help from a more commercial type production from the Trackmasters, went well with the street tales of Nas.The first song, or track 2, "The Message" has a sample of Sting's "Shape Of My Heart" where on this he continues to gain position as hip-hop/rap's elite.The more captive, which became singles for the album, "Street Dreams" and "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)" featuring Lauren Hill, contains a more commercial appeal with the samples and memorable hooks.With Nas you could always expect some type of uplifting slash positive song as the "Black Girl Lost".One of It Was Written's highlights, "I Gave You Power" produced by DJ Premier, similar to the concept of "Me And My Girlfriend" by 2pac, is one of the most deepest penned by Nas.Nas kept his features on this release close to home with his Queensbridge mates Mobb Deep on "Live Nigga Rap" and his crew, The Firm, on "Affirmative Action".Since Illmatic he's a lot sharper, more clever, and just plain better lyrically.As the title and the hook goes on the Dr. Dre produced track, I'll end it with these three words, "Nas Is Coming".

Tight!
Nas' 2nd album, "It Was Written" is a nice, smooth album.He is very intelligent and that is totally apparent in his contemplative rhyming style.The beats are really tight too. ... Read more

Asin: B000002B1M
Sales Rank: 8449
Subjects:  1. East Coast Rap    2. Gangsta Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Black on Both Sides
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 October, 1999)
list price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

Black on Both Sides is a manifestation of compelling, honest hip-hop. The genre's underground torchbearer, the mighty Mos Def (half of Black Star), injects intellect, humor, and knowledge into all of his rhymes. Overall, the album has an understated quality, but pure enjoyment comes with discovering the clever lyrical gems Mos drops. The expansiveness of his mindstate is showcased best on "New World Water," in which he fully limns our uses of, needs for, and exploitation of water. On "Ms. Fat Booty," a love tale with unexpected twists is woven intricately around Aretha Franklin's wailing vocals. Whether rapping, singing, or lecturing, Mos Def is firmly rooted in African American consciousness and examines social issues with great ease. Black on Both Sides will endure for many years; it's an album worthy of numerous listens. --Celine Wong ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (223)

Mos Def Mos Underrated Album/MC
I just dont understand why any hip hop fan shouldnt have this album. In my opinion this album is up their with "Illmatic", "Ready To Die" and Reasonable Doubt". It's that good. Mos Def display brash and concrete lyriscism throughout the whole album. He touches topics the average rapper just doesnt reach, check out "New World Water" and the song "Mr. Nigga" is just so powerful, listen close to the lyrics it shows Mos def black awarness that is rare to hear these days from a Mainstream artist.There isnt a weak song on the album the beats are undeniable. The producer 88 keys laced Mos on tracks like "Love" and "Speed Law" plus Dj premier did his thing on "Mathematics". If your not sure if u wanna get this, DONT HESITATE ITS A MUST BUY ALBUM!!!!

The Mighty Mos Def
quite possibly one of the greatest lyricsts of all time, mos def's "black on both sides" shows how crafty and intelligent he really is.. his powerful wordplay plays such a major factor in this album because each and every track is basically statement ... i give him major props on the track "mathematics" [ best song on the album in my opinion ]

TOOL
we can go on and on about the greats and the founding fathers. we can go on and on about krs-one, chuck, hieroglyphics, et al. we can go on and on about this album and others. we can go on and on about how we hate "mainstream" music. but music is music. period.you're sick of mainstream music? i'm sick of all the berating and thoughtless trash. we can favor one over the other; period. we can go on and on, we can go on and on. if you're into conscious music and/or creative/prolific/profound/insightful artistry, in particular conscious hip-hop, aka nerd rap, aka "underground" hip-hop, aka "real" hip-hop, or whatever label you want to slap on it, i recommend:
- Living Legends
- anyone artist off the DEFINITIVE JUX label; specifically aesop
- any EL-P production
- and of course SAGE FRANCIS
- EPITAPHS - Eyedea & Abilities, Atmosphere/ Slug
*if you enjoy it, continue to share it.
write what you will concerning reviews, i prefer information involving the spread of great music. besides you are not going to fully KNOW until you experience the music and envelope in the artist's vibration. forget reviews. and i'll say it again, music is MUSIC. like life, you can find appreciation in anything, it's simply our selfish tastes that interfere. don't HATE mainstream, just LOVE your music. if you were stranded on a deserted island, mainstream music in one hand and your meat missile in the other, even YOU would appreciate it. ... Read more

Asin: B00001XDNV
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rap & Hip-Hop