Old school , new school, West Coast, East Coast -- when everything is said and done, the Hip-Hop community has released some of the greatest musical accomplishments and commercial successes of the past 20 years, thanks in large part to creative beats, lyrical mastery, and an "in-your-face" attitude that is fresh and raw.

20
A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory

ALBUM: The Low End Theory »

ARTIST: A Tribe Called Quest

WHY?: An album that flows with no gunshots blaring in the background.

BEST SONG: "Scenario"



19
It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, DMX

ALBUM: It's Dark And Hell Is Hot »

ARTIST: DMX

WHY?: DMX captures his audience like none other: psychotic, but hard core.

BEST SONG: "Intro", "Damien", "Let me Fly", "X Is Coming"




18
I Got Next, KRS One

ALBUM: I Got Next »

ARTIST: Krs-One

WHY?: Socially conscious and intelligent rapping; this album is powerful.

BEST SONG: "Step Into A World"




17
Run DMC, Run DMC

ALBUM: Run-D.M.C. »

ARTIST: Run DMC

WHY?: Their influence on the music alone gets them on this list.

BEST SONG: "It's Like That", "Hard Times", "Sucker M.C.'s"



16
Ill Communication, Beasties Boys

ALBUM: Ill Communication »

ARTIST: Beastie Boys

WHY?: Once and for all: white boys can rap.

BEST SONG: "Sabotage", "Get It Together"




15
All Eyez on Me, Tupac Shakur

ALBUM: All Eyez On Me »

ARTIST: Tupac Shakur

WHY?: Tupac is a great lyricist, rapper, and a showman like none other.

BEST SONG: "California Love"




14
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back, Public Enemy

ALBUM: It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back »

ARTIST: Public Enemy

WHY?: Flavor Flav was a nice sidekick, but it is Chuck D's influence on hip hop and rap that are second to none.

BEST SONG: "Bring Da Noize"




13
When Disaster Strikes, Busta Rhymes

ALBUM: When Disaster Strikes »

ARTIST: Busta Rhymes

WHY?: Great rapper with tremendous energy; too bad he seems to be possessed.

BEST SONG: "We Could Take This Outside", Knight Rider remix "Turn it Up/Fire it Up"




12
Black Sunday, Cypress Hill

ALBUM: Black Sunday »

ARTIST: Cypress Hill

WHY?: Cypress Hill's musical influence is justified with this groundbreaking album.

BEST SONG: "Insane in the Brain"



11
All World, LL Cool J

ALBUM: All World »

ARTIST: LL Cool J

WHY?: So I am cheating by picking a best of, you got a problem? Contains a previously unreleased track and is a great sample of Mr. Smith's diverse musical endeavors.

BEST SONG: "Loungin' (Who do you Luv?)", "Doin' It"


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