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Sunday, January 1, 1995 to Sunday, December 31, 1995. For those 365 days, for better and for worse, Hip-Hop was a powerful force. Over the course of that year, a lot happened.
One one hand, Hip-Hop continued to grow as acts from all around the country were seeing both critical and commercial success. Plus, rap was making an impact in more places than just radio stations and record stores. Among other things, Will Smith was a household name because of a hit sitcom on network television, Russell Simmons dropped the acclaimed rap documentary The Show, and Ice Cube's stoner classic Friday was released.
But things were not all good. On the flip side of things, some of the low points were that Yo! MTV Raps ended, Suge Knight made his infamous speech at The Source Awards, Eazy-E and Buffy (of the Fat Boys) passed away, and the bi-coastal rivalry between the East and West coasts began to rear it's ugly head.
The reason for all this attention
Show More
One one hand, Hip-Hop continued to grow as acts from all around the country were seeing both critical and commercial success. Plus, rap was making an impact in more places than just radio stations and record stores. Among other things, Will Smith was a household name because of a hit sitcom on network television, Russell Simmons dropped the acclaimed rap documentary The Show, and Ice Cube's stoner classic Friday was released.
But things were not all good. On the flip side of things, some of the low points were that Yo! MTV Raps ended, Suge Knight made his infamous speech at The Source Awards, Eazy-E and Buffy (of the Fat Boys) passed away, and the bi-coastal rivalry between the East and West coasts began to rear it's ugly head.
The reason for all this attention
Show More
20). "True" by TRU
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At a time when Master P's sound was more West Coast than down South, he released the third TRU album. Ironically, it was the below the Mason Dixon line sound of "I'm Bout It, Bout It" that got the most props. While the album isn't memorable for its lyrics or content, it's noteworthy because it put the No Limit Army in the national spotlight with a sound very unique to New Orleans. And the rest, as they say, is history.
19). "On Top of the World" by 8Ball & MJG
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8Ball and MJG's third album is one of the strongest in their discography. Clearly inspired by the Left Coast, the two Memphis emcees bring the sounds of the West and the South together to create some great records. Guest appearances by E-40, Mac Mall, and Big Mike make "Friend or Foe" a standout, and the album's second to last cut, "Space Age Pimpin'" is a highlight as well. Producer T-Mix can't be overlooked either; he made the music for the whole album and did a really good job.
18). "Curb Servin'" by WC and The Maad Circle
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This is standard West Coast stuff, but it's some of the best California Hip-Hop of its time. Crazy Toones, who does the bulk of production, provides a great sonic template for WC's commanding flow. Additionally, WC stands out from some of his hardcore Hip-Hop contemporaries by adding off-color comedy to his gangsta s**t. "Put on Tha Set" is a perfect example. He gets so high that he imagines himself on television and one the most memorable rhymes is, I met this motherf****r named the Fresh Prince of Bel Air / Yeah this n***a was funny I must admit it / But his Uncle and his cousin Carlton was straight b*****s / Them n****s was c**k blockin, talkin' bout killin me / Cause I told em I wanted to f**k the s**t out of Hillary."
17). "Dah Shinin'" by Smif-N-Wessun
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Tek and Steele's rhymes aren't really anything new, but they make a great team and live up to the buzz they generated on Black Moon's debut. The real strength of this album is its production. Prior to its arrival, jazz samples were used most predominantly in the Native Tongues sound and so to see that style of music be able to be used as a backdrop for more aggressive stuff was really cool. Last but not least, the album is noteworthy for the introduction of the Boot Camp Clik on "Cession at da Doghillee."
16). "In a Major Way" by E-40
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Many disagreed with how The Notorious B.I.G. gave 40 a "0" as a rapper on a 1-10 scale. In a Major Way was a major reason why. 40 would later clarify the situation and indicate that when he spoke to Big about it, Biggie said, "They got me real drunk, and I just got to saying anything. I rock with "Sprinkle Me, " Duke." So do many others. The "Dusted and Disgusted" record with 2Pac, Spice 1, Mac Mall, and Richie Rich is a classic as well.
15). "KRS-One" by KRS-One
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In the third of verse of "Build Ya Skillz, " the Blastmaster claims that he "runs s**t like diarrhea." It makes sense too because on this eponymous release (originally titled Hip-Hop Vs. Rap), he covers a lot of ground successfully. "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" finds KRS battle ready, "Hold" is a masterful example of wordplay, and Rappaz R. N. Dainja" exemplify that KRS-One isn't just your favorite rapper's rapper, but that he is capable of keeping up with any and all newcomers. In terms of the beats, they're solid and definitely worthy of the rhymes. Premo, Showbiz, Diamond D and KRS all do their thing on the production end.
14). "Dogg Food" by Tha Dogg Pound
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Like lots of gangsta rap, it's not what is said, but how's it's said. And this album is no exception. Daz proves himself to be a really dope producer and Kurupt's rapping is top-notch. The G-funk influence is definitely apparent, but if it ain't broke don't fix it. Dogg Food proved that Daz and Kurupt could hold their own and that they were two other talented artists on Death Row's roster, as opposed to just people riding the coattails of Dre and Snoop.
13). "Labcabincalifornia" by The Pharcyde
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The Pharcyde's second LP is different than their first, but not in a bad way. While J-Swift was noticeably absent from production duties, it did provide J Dilla an opportunity... which he certainly made the most of. "Runnin'" alone let listeners know that Mr. Yancey was destined for continued greatness behind the boards. The lyrics are more mature this go round; they should be though because this was the release where this group of B-boys became men.
12). "Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous" by Big L
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Lyrically, Big L is one of the greats. His talents didn't just give him the ability to paint pictures of his tough Harlem neighborhood (I was taught wise, I'm known to extort guys / This ain't Cali, it's Harlem n***a we do walk-bys) but also explore it in very dark and creative ways (I jumped out the Lincoln, let him stinkin' / Put his brains in the street, now you can see what he was thinkin'). This debut album definitely lives up to its name. Had L lived to release another album in his lifetime, he would've undoubtedly been a force to reckoned with among Hip-Hop's elite. At the time of his death in February 1999, he was in talks with Jay Z about signing to Roc-A-Fella Records.
11). "Doe or Die" by AZ
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The astonishing verse that AZ had on "Life's a B***h" with Nas a year earlier created lofty expectations for his debut. Fortunately, he didn't disappoint. The commercial sound of "Sugar Hill" helped AZ move units, but AZ wasted no time giving rap purists what they were eagerly awaiting. "Uncut Raw" is just as potent as the title suggests. And that's only the first song. Combine that ability with stellar production from, among others, Pete Rock, L.E.S., N.O. Joe, and DR Period, the result is a 45-minute Hip-Hop gem.
10). "Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version" by Ol' Dirty Bastard
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Even though the intro is a bit long, it's more than made up for at the end when ODB talks about receiving oral sex ( "I felt the earth tremble under my balls"). Then there are the stone cold classics like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Brooklyn Zoo." His enigmatic, but charismatic personality is all over these songs, as well as the rest of the album. Similar to the man himself, Return to the 36 Chambers is a true original. That is why his music will continue to get people's attention for generations to come and he will never be forgotten.
09). "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio
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This album's powerful title track was the highest selling single on the U.S. Billboard charts in '95, and thankfully, because of its success, millions of people bought the album and were able to see what else Coolio had to offer. Few emcees have been able to balance the appeal of mainstream rap and the messages of underground Hip-Hop with such finesse. For every "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" there is a "Geto Highlites." He even flipped the Kool and the Gang song "Too Hot" to make a song of the same name about safe sex and released it as a single.
08). "Livin' Proof" by Group Home
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Jeru the Damaja's outro on "Suspended in Time" speaks volumes about the weight of the words that Lil' Dap and Melachi rap into the mic. It's a double-edged sword because the rhymes are very straight-forward, with not a lot of complexity. That being said, it doesn't matter too much though because the two emcees get their points across and that leaves room for DJ Premier to show off some of his most memorable productions.
07). "E. 1999 Eternal" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
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On the heels of Eazy-E's passing, BTNH released their biggest album to date. The group's ability to combine harmony with DJ U-Neek's Hip-Hop production made for a truly memorable release. The two a capella songs have Bone singing about violence atop nothing more than the wind howling (while there are guns cocking and loading in the second one). It's street corner crooning in every sense of the word. Then "Tha Crossroads, " the project's blockbuster single, tied The Beatles' 32-year-old record for fastest rising single on the Billboard charts. Clearly, they reached fans outside of rap and everyone is better off because of it.
06). "All We Got Iz Us" by Onyx
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There are no smash commercial singles like "Slam" on this album, but there doesn't need to be. Right from the jump, Sticky Fingaz sets the tone by committing suicide. The darker environment that this alludes to is clearly something that can't contain a radio-friendly song without feeling completely contrived. But more importantly, they just don't give a f**k. And from that genuine place of rage and despair comes true artistic brilliance. It was cool seeing B-Rabbit's battle with Lotto to the beat of "Last Dayz" in 8 Mile, but cool punchlines are the furthest thing from the bleak outlook contained in the actual song.
05). "Liquid Swords" by GZA
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The sophomore effort from the Wu-Tang Clan's oldest member is a meticulously calculated body of work that showcases his outstanding skills and creative capabilities. Plus, all members of the Clan make solid guest appearances. Production-wise, RZA's talent is extraordinary. Not only does he continue to build on his dark gloomy sound, but he even experimented a bit (i.e. the guitar echoes in "Cold World, " the grittier kung-fu movie samples) and found great success. The album has aged really well and so, not surprisingly, it continues to be a highlight in the Wu's iconic catalog.
04). "Soul Food" by Goodie Mob
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One year after Outkast's debut, Atlanta dropped another Hip-Hop classic with Goodie Mob's inaugural offering. With Organized Noize behind the boards again, they created outstanding soundscapes for Cee-Lo, Big Gipp, Khujo, T-Mo to address a wide range of topics. "Cell Therapy" addresses living conditions ("I wonder if the gate was put up to keep crime out or keep our a** in"), "I Didn't Ask to Come" is about attending funerals ("Pallbearer to this one, pallbearer to that one / Can't seem to get a grip cause my palms is sweatin'"), and those are just a two instances. The album is 19 tracks. Music just doesn't sound like this anymore and it's a damn shame.
03). "The Infamous" by Mobb Deep
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"Cause ain't no such things as halfway crooks." It isn't just a memorable lyric from two incredible records ("Shook Ones Pt. II" and "Survival of the Fittest"); it's also a perfect representation of the album that both songs are featured on. With hard rhymes and menacing beats, Prodigy and Havoc created a classic and represented for those who ain't got no feelings with a level of authenticity that remains unsurpassed to this day.
02). "Me Against the World" by 2Pac
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Before his thug persona eclipsed all, Me Against the World captured Pac as an embattled young man trying to make sense of all that was happening around him. From the hopelessness in "So Many Tears" to the love in "Dear Mama, " both emotions are expressed with equally powerful conviction. Then the rest of album touches on many feelings in between. For as complex as Tupac was an artist and a person, there is no piece of work that addresses his many perspectives better than this.
01). "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" by Raekwon
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This is one of the best Hip-Hop albums ever made. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah's vivid lyrics about their experiences in the underworld is the audio equivalent of a Martin Scorsese movie. RZA's cinematic production complement the narratives perfectly. The interludes are as important as the songs. And the influence that it has had on countless rappers that followed is undeniable, purple-tinted cassette and all.
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An AllHipHop.com features writer shares his Top 5 Songs from one of his "Top 5 Dead or Alive" on the 20 year mark of their passing.
05). "Notorious Thugs (feat. Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony)"
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The way B.I.G. masters double-time flow for this Stevie J. and Puff Daddy produced track is astounding. No disrespect to his Cleveland counterparts, but Biggie out raps them at their own style. I recently saw Bone Thugs in concert and when this song came on, the place erupted. The entire audience knew Christopher Wallace’s lyrics verbatim. Another reason the record is so important is because for as conflicted as Hip-Hop was in ’97, the fact that Biggie worked with people from all over was a wonderful sign of unity and provided a much needed sense of optimism.
04). "I Got a Story to Tell"
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Track 12 on disc one of Life After Death is an excellent demonstration of Biggie’s ability to be a storyteller. Plus, how he raps what happens and then tells the whole thing again when he is talking to his cronies is something special. To this day, I’ve never come across anything else like that. I remember discussing B.I.G. and some of his more aggressive content with a friend one time, and he said, "his skills transcend his own negativity." Amen. The Notorious B.I.G. is just that good.
03). “Unbelievable”
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Biggie Smalls is the illest. From the way DJ Premier’s signature boom-bap sound meshes with Biggie’s rapping to how the far less gritty sounding R. Kelly sample fits on top of the hard beat, “Unbelievable” is a song that lives up to its name. Everything aligns just right and the record comes out flawless as a result.
02). "Everyday Struggle"
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This song epitomizes B.I.G.'s first album better than any of the other 16 tracks. It vividly depicts the plight of a drug dealer and points out what that activity does to the community as well as a hustler's own mind. The level of despair is haunting, and the little success to be had is short-lived and comes at far too great an expense. To call it a cautionary tale is an understatement, it's more like an inevitable outcome for those who choose to go that route. And from an emcee standpoint, his bars are the best bar none. The rhymes about Two-Tec in the second verse especially stand out.
01). "Juicy"
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“Juicy” is one of my favorite songs of all-time and was one of the first rap records I knew by heart. Not only is it a rags-to-riches tale about Biggie himself, but it’s also a metaphor for Hip-Hop as a whole. The Notorious B.I.G. clearly delivered on the potential he showed on this lead single from his debut album, so it’s no surprise that even two decades after his murder he remains one of the most beloved emcees in Hip-Hop history. “You know very well, who you are / Don’t let ‘em hold you down, reach for the stars.”