Sunday, August 24, 2008

Classic Singles: Crooklyn Dodgers - Crooklyn and Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers

Masta Ace, Special Ed and Buckshot as Crooklyn Dodgers - Crooklyn
Jeru The Damaja, Chubb Rock and O.C. as Crooklyn Dodgers - Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers

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Two singles never put on an album by any of the members. These two songs here are classical, and give you the essence of Jazz Rap in 94 and 95. After all, Q-Tip and DJ Premier are on the production!!! As a bonus I put in the archive also the third squad of Crooklyn Dodgers produced by 9th Wonder.

Pete Rock - Lost & Found


Pete Rock - Lost & Found: Hip Hop Underground Soul Classics (Compilation Cover)

DISC 1: InI - Center Of Attention (Original Cover)

DISC 2: Deda - The Original Baby Pa (Original Cover)

Once again showing love to Pete Rock - the greatest producer ever! This is a compilation consisting of two albums that were shelved in 1995, and you know what kind of year that was. I placed links for both albums, in case you only have one of them and don't to download the one you have. There is no need to separate these albums, because the production on both of them is top notch and with a huge jazz influence. The rhymes are at leat above average. The only thing I can say that takes the album down is Deda's boring voice, but that doesn't really matter, because everything else makes up for it.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Public Enemy - Fear Of A Black Planet



Public Enemy - Fear Of A Black Planet

They come back to drop another classic.

Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back


Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

A lot less agressive than "Straight Outta Compton". But man if you don't love this album and appreciate what Public Enemy has done for the culture, you should stop listening to this music. Fuck the large chains and chaotic beats, LISTEN TO THE DELIVERY!!!! This is why hip hop can be something more than just music.

N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton


N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton

Say what you want, that this is hideous, sexist, racist, bad influence on all our wonderful children, well guess what? You're missing the point BIATCH! Instead of complaining on all the curses in the lyrics of these guys, listen to the delivery. Oh, now we talking. This, along with Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" talks for the black community of the 80s. The FBI actually suspected N.W.A of causing the LA riots!!!! How revolutionary is that! One of the most powerful albums you'll ever hear.

The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die (Remastered Edition)


The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die (Remastered Edition) (pass: peb.pl)

Once again, there is nothing to say but a few words: G.O.A.T. top 10 hip hop album. I give you the remastered version with two bonus songs: "Who Shot Ya" - the world famous 2Pac diss and "Just Playing (Dreams)".

Nas - Illmatic (10th Anniversary Platinum Edition)


Nas - Illmatic (10th Anniversary Platinum Edition)

I just can't believe that I have forgotten to post this album. Anyways, here's the platinum edition with a 2nd CD of remixes and unreleased underground tracks. I don't think I need to say anymore - the greatest album of hip hop history!

Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt



Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt

Say what you want about Jay-Z: a sellout, overrated, etc. but this you cannot deny: "Reasonable Doubt" is a top 10 G.O.A.T. hip hop album. If it wasn't for this one of the most controversial figures in hip hop wouldn't be making over 100 million Dollars a year. Hell no! The hungry version of Jay-Z is just amazing. DJ Premier on a couple of tracks, so you know the beats are blazing hott.

Group Home - Livin' Proof


Group Home - Livin Proof
Group Home - Livin Proof (Instrumentals)

This album shows DJ Premier's greatness, because it is the beats that make this album a classic. The Nutcracker is a good MC, Lil Dap - a terrible one. Put that together, and you have a weak performance from the lyrical side. But DJ Premier comes along with a few of the greatest beats he has ever made. "Livin Proof", "Supa Star" are both classic beats. That's why I also put up the instrumental version of the album, which seriously is a lot better than the original. Enjoy.

Pete Rock - Petestrumentals


Pete Rock - Petestrumentals
Pete Rock - More Petestrumentals

If you want to chill, relax, or read something, love jazz and hip hop, than you can't let go of this album. Everyday after coming back home I play this jewel - Pete Rock's full bag of instrumentals. Amazing.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Reflection Eternal - Train Of Thought


Reflection Eternal - Train Of Thought


Hi-Tek probably never produced better beats than the ones on this album. Talib Kweli gave out all he had. So what do you expect? Yesss, this is a straight up classic and no one can deny it. Great guests too: De La Soul, Xzibit, Rah Digga, and many more.

Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary


Boogie Down Productions - By All Means Necessary


That's why I love KRS ONE. "Criminal Minded" already caused such a great change in hip hop. His second album is as influential if not more. After seeing what actually "Criminal Minded" had done, he decides to lead a new movement - to stop the violence in hip hop. This style I love the most - he starts his philosophies, and actually sets off conscioussness in rap.

Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded


Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded (Deluxe Edition)

Takin you waaaay back. If it wasn't for this album, your favorite gangsta rapper would either be in jail or dead. Besides that this album caused one of the greatest beefs in hip hop history: KRS-ONE vs. MC Shan. A must have. On the deluxe edition apart from dope remixes and songs you get interviews with gangsta rap icons talking about this classic.

Souls Of Mischief - 93 Til Inifinity


Souls Of Mischief - 93 Til Infinity


Another classic slept on badly. It's hard to believe these guys are from the west coast. Intelligent word play and cool lyrics combined with that 90s jazz-rap style.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Classic Mixtapes: Pete Rock Presents Pete Rock Invented The Remix


Pete Rock Presents Pete Rock Invented The Remix

9th Wonder once said that when Pete Rock touched a record, the remix was better than the original. This compilation shows it. All his remixes that were not put on albums: "Shut Em Down", "Juicy", "The Militia", "Can't Stop The Prophet" as well as unreleased joints with Large Professor. This is a must have if you are a fan of jazz samples in hip hop, like me.

Das EFX - Dead Serious


Das EFX - Dead Serious

When you're copied by nearly every single commercial hip hop act in 92, then you are legendary. That's what Das EFX was in after releasing this album.

Common - Resurrection



Common - Resurrection

This didn't surprise me at all actually. If you dropped an album in 1994 and it didn't turn out to be a classic then you were nothing but a bum. Common was always a great MC. On here you have one of the greatest hip hop songs "I Used To Love H.E.R.".

DJ Honda - hII


DJ Honda - hII (pass: sprite)

A highly slept on album DJ Honda has his own unique style, which he sticks to. The beats are cool and fresh. He can't rap so he invites both legendary as well as underground hip hop acts: De La Soul, Problemz, KRS-ONE, Keith Murray, The Beatnuts, Black Attack, Mos Def... the list goes on.

KRS-ONE - Return Of The Boom Bap


KRS-ONE - Return Of The Boom Bap

When I hear the word "Boom Bap" I think of DJ Premier, Kid Capri, Showbiz. On the production you can find all of these cats. KRS-ONE is the essence of an MC, which he proved when he was on Boogie Down Productions. With this album he shows he has still got it.

Eric B and Rakim - Follow The Leader


Eric B and Rakim - Follow The Leader


There is not much to talk about really, the sequel to "Paid In Full" was just an upgraded version of the debut. And that, gave another classic into their catalogue.

Eric B and Rakim - Paid In Full


Eric B & Rakim - Paid In Full

If it wasn't for this album we would probably be listening to jazz - all of us hip hop fans. This album is to hip hop what Michael Jordan is to the NBA, what an orgasm is to sex, what air is to breathing. This album needs to be heard. His voice and what he says (Rakim) on this album is sampled even in today's world. And Eric B's beats have had a large impact on other producers.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Mobb Deep - The Infamous...


Mobb Deep - The Infamous... (pass: www.peb.pl)

On every track they show you the worst side of New York. The dark corridors, corners and neighborhoods you don't want to be in - this is what I think of when I listen to this album. The lyrics of Prodigy combined with dark beats by Havoc give you the chills all over your spine. Great album.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Gang Starr - Hard To Earn


Gang Starr - Hard To Earn

"Mass Appeal", "Code Of The Streets" are probably a few of the greatest tracks they have recorded. You will also find other special gems on this album.

Gang Starr - Step In The Arena


Gang Starr - Step In The Arena

This album started the four classics in a row process. I myself have all their albums, but these are must haves!

Gang Starr - Daily Operation


Gang Starr - Daily Operation

You can discuss what's the greatest hip hop album, song, producer, etc. But when it comes to the best hip hop group, I think everyone has the same opinion - GANG STARR! DJ Premier and Guru have formed the most pleasurable duo in hip hop history. This is one of their classics, so don't sleep!

Gang Starr - Moment Of Truth


Gang Starr - Moment Of Truth (pass: peb.pl)

To my mind this the best album they have ever dropped. It was an underground release that gained commercial success. From front to back there is nothing wrong with this album. And the guests are only big names: Scarface, G Depp, Inspectah Deck, M.O.P. and many others.

Classic Mixtapes: DJ Premier Presents New York Reality Check 101


DJ Premier Presents New York Reality Check 101

Some mixtapes deserve the title "classic". This is one of them. From from to back, DJ Premier gives you the most raw and grimey New York 1997 hip hop sound. Most of these tracks never made it on an album, so this is definitley an album worth keeping. On this record you may find some known names, such as Company Flow, EDO.G or G Depp as well as the less known ones - J Live (back then nobody knew who he was), Laster, Finsta Buddy, etc. Just lay back and let Preemo take you on a journey to the five boroughs.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

De La Soul - 3 Feet High & Rising


De La Soul - 3 Feet High & Rising

A totally fun album. Probably the only alternative album back in the 1980s. So this one gave the genre a start.

Ice Cube - Death Certificate


Ice Cube - Death Certificate

My favorite Ice Cube album. Every track here has a typical, funky West Coast beat and Ice Cube always has a concept and something different to say on every song.

Ice Cube - Amerikka's Most Wanted


Ice Cube - Amerikka's Most Wanted

Ice Cube was never as straight outta Compton as he was on this track. A pissed 21 year old drops one of the most political albums in hip hop history. This album gives my definition of gangsta rap. Not that fake shit nowadays "Chardonnay's my drink, I swallow it like a sink, shorty I know what you think". So all you new and up coming gangstas shut the fuck up and learn.

Black Moon - Enta Da Stage


Black Moon - Enta Da Stage

The debut of Black Moon was also a debut of the almighty Boot Camp Click. Heltah Skeltah, Smif N Wessun, O.G.C. they owe it all to this album. The production, like on all BCC albums is hard hitting and gloomy. Buckshot sounds hungry which makes his flow and lirycs nice to listen to.

Smif N Wessun - Dah Shinin


Smif N Wessun - Dah Shinin

The debut by Smif N Wessun was incredible. It had a completely unheard before style. The beats, all handled by Da Beatminerz, are dark and hard-hitting with a lot of jazzy samples. Tek and Steele form a brilliant duo, in their raps they fill one another in.

Non Phixion - The Future Is Now


Non Phixion - The Future Is Now CD 1

Non Phixion - The Future Is Now CD 2 (Only with exclusive Platinum Edition)

This album made mixed impressions. Some say this is a classic, while others say white guys don't know how to rap. I agree with those who say this is a classic. The production here is the "Illmatic" squad - Large Professor, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. That alone makes you wanna cop it. Ill Bill and other MCs are talented. Their style is conscious/brag rap, so there's something for everyone.

Scarface - The Fix


Scarface - The Fix

Take a look at Scarface's catalogue and tell me that I am wrong: Scarface is the best rapper from the South. He used to be a member of the Geto Boys, whose classic album you will find on this site shortly. Besides that he dropped albums such as "The Diary", "Mr. Scarface Is Back" and "The World Is Yours". But what makes him a legend is definitely this album, which has no disadvantages front to back.

Black Star - Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star


Black Star - Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (pass: peb.pl)


Back when Rawkus Records was ruling in hip hop, this is one of the albums that cemented the record company's name in hip hop. Beats, although produced by underground producers, sound like top shelf ones. Add to this the conscioussness and poetry of Talib Kweli and Mos Def. Yes, this album is that great.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Madvillain - Madvillainy


Madvillain - Madvillainy

And you think that Hip Hop in the 2000s is bad? Think again. There's a lot of dope releases which you will find here soon. This is the first one out of them. Why? Because this album is of the growing type. At first you think it's weird, recorded by two crack addicts. That could be said both about MF Doom and Madlib. MF Doom at first sounds as if he doesn't feel the beat and raps for an acapella version. Madlib may sound chaotic on the first listens. But the more you listen to the two, the higher you place them in the hip hop hierachy.

Jeru The Damaja - The Sun Rises In The East


Jeru The Damaja - The Sun Rises In The East

Fully produced 1994 DJ Premier album. If you don't know this you should be ashamed of yourself. Besides that Jeru has intelligent lyrics and a great flow. Standout tracks are "Jungle Music", "Come Clean", fuck that - all of them! On some you can hear great storytelling and these tracks are repeated in my stereo the most.

Big L - Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous


Big L - Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous

My definition of a classic hip hop album. Not too many songs, no skits, great jazzy boom bap beats, incredible flow and dope lyrics. Some don't find Big L a legend due to the fact that he brags and brags. Well, he does, but check out the crazy lyricism, sick and brave metaphors along with the dope word play. Now try to do the same. I thought so.

Big Daddy Kane - Long Live The Kane


Big Daddy Kane - Long Live The Kane

1988 album completely produced by Marley Marl. Sounds tempting? Then I don't have to add that Big Daddy Kane is on the mic with his intelligent lyrics delivered with finesse and clearness. "Ain't No Half Steppin" is probably thee most smapled track by every producer and DJ that came later than this album.

2Pac - Me Against The World


2Pac - Me Against The World


This has nearly all his greatest tracks. The essence of Tupac Shakur. "So Many Tears", "Temptations", "Me Against The World" and many more. 2Pac on his deepest lyrics. A must have.

Main Source - Breaking Atoms


Main Source - Breaking Atoms

Large Pro just dropped the album "Main Source" so I thought of reminding people about the group he belonged to of the same name. The beats here are simply amazing, all produced by Large Professor. Another notable fact is that Nas made his debut here.

Gravediggaz - Niggamortis

Gravediggaz - Niggamortis

It's "6 Feet Deep" with one extra song. RZA rhymes here. The production, though is handled by the one and only Prince Paul. The lyrical content of this album is, shortly said, psychopathic. But you shouldn't take it seriously, take it as a parody. Because that's what this album is. Everything they say is ridiculously funny.

Method Man - Tical


Method Man - Tical

Method Man had great skills on this one. I don't know what happened on his next releases. RZA once again shows class.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele


Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele

Just as I said, endurance. Perseverance as well. Back in 2000 nobody even mentioned the Wu on the hip hop scene. Then came Ghost with this album. It put them back on the map. Compared to his previous classic, the lyrics are improved. When it comes to beats - they have changed. Positively or negatively - you decide. We don't have RZA handling the whole production, along comes Mathematics and others.

Ghostface Killah - Ironman


Ghostface Killah - Ironman

One year after Raekwon and GZA, Ghostface drops his debut album. And boy oh boy ain't it bangin! He was, after all, a promising MC after beginning the "Enter The Wu-Tang" album. RZA once again does a brilliant job. Imagine that some people don't consider him one of the greatest producers of all time. But back to Ghostface. When it comes to endurance, his name first comes to my mind.

Genius/GZA - Liquid Swords


Genius/GZA - Liquid Swords

Another Wu-Tang Clan classic. GZA was the most creative and original out of the whole group. RZA once again does a brilliant job on the production. The only thing that doesn't fit here is Killah Priest's track (the last one) "B.I.B.L.E". Don't get me wrong, it's a brilliant song, only compared to other material on the album it doesn't fit.

Raekwon - Olny Built 4 Cuba Linx...


Raekwon - Olny Built 4 Cuba Linx...

Out of all the Wu-Tang albums, this is the one I listen to the most. Raekwon, along with Kool G Rap and AZ gave birth and also had a great impact on Mafioso Rap. There is only one topic on this album, but it's so wide nobody ever complained: the happenings on the street. If you love movies like "Scarface" or "Casino" maybe "Goodfellas", than this is what you simply must hear. The beats are all made by the one and only RZA, who back in 1995 was in his prime. Lyrics are hard to understand due to the gang/mafia slang, but that's just what makes this album so fucking dope.