Down To Our Last 5 Cigs…
AUDIO By LC Weber on July 5, 2008 at 8:07 pmA sickness of the bubonic mediocre strain has descended on the houses of Hip-Hop and TSS. In the case of Hip-Hop, artists are chronically regurgitating albums slightly better than listenable, and in the case of TSS… well… TC is forcibly bleeding the lot of them of their 3 Cig just desserts.
A plague on both our houses.
To brighten team morale, the TSS crew opened a discussion of albums worthy of the perfect 5 Cig rating. We tried to stay away from the conventional Illmatics and Aqueminis of the world, and dug into our visor CD-holders to pull out OUR top picks (Read: Personal favorites). These are the albums that deserve all the superlatives we could muster, all the accolades we could award and all the “yadamnrights” we could hurl in defense of their excellence.
Ladies and Germs…
Crew Love: The 5 Cig Edition
Chris “Preach” Smith
Few artists can follow up a great debut album with an even stronger sequel. D’Angelo succeeds with this album, running the gamut from sensual love ballads (“Untitled/How Does It Feel”) to head-nodding Hip-Hop infused songs of reflection (“Devil’s Pie”), to wistful odes to the Motherland (“Africa”) all with an ease of a master showman. From the Zora Neale Hurston inspired album covers to D’s impeccable smoky voice, Voodoo is an album that lives up to its name literally and figuratively.
Contraâ„¢
Soprano – Puisqu’il faut Vivre (2008)
Language barriers aside, Puisqu’il faut Vivre is everything to expect from a Hip-Hop album today. Instead of succumbing to the trends set by Booba and other 50 Cent-like, anger-management-needing rappers dominating the scene, Soprano stayed true to his definition of what an artist should be, resulting in a heartfelt, intellectually stimulating, insightful, exciting and enjoyable chef-d’oeuvre. He exhibits unparalleled cadence, especially on the profound intro to “Tant Que Dieu (Remix)” and outstanding thematic consistency in every single track, earning each and every cig that this album gets, and setting the bar extremely high for his sophomore effort. I doff my hat to you Mr. Soprano, and congratulations on the birth of the little one.
Darius Sinclairâ„¢
John Legend – Get Lifted (2004)
Telling the truth never worked for me in relationships. But considering the awesomeness in writing and real-life storytelling on Get Lifted, I can keep on lying because this is telling it all. An excellent raconteur, John Legend (and co.) put together a comprehensive fuse of rhythmic soul and quiet storm sounds with love lyrics that would make Marvin two-step in his grave. Impeccable production and a variety of sounds make for an impressive debut, and a timeless display of rhythm and blues at its best.
David D.
Cee-Lo Green – His Perfect Imperfections (2002)
Cee-Lo Green is a poet, lyricist, motivational speaker and musician all at the same time. He blends these skills into an album that seamlessly moves from Hip-Hop to gospel to soul and R&B. Goodie Mob fans don’t fear, ‘cause homie absolutely goes in every few songs to remind you why he has always been a renowned MC. “Country Love” gives insight into the heart of an insecure and self-deprecating man in a relationship who’s amazed that he is lucky enough to have his wife. Cee-Lo bears his soul on each song and the discovery is fascinating.
DJ Sorce-1
Cunninlynguists – A Piece of Strange (2006)
With A Piece Of Strange, Southern rappers Cunninlynguists did the impossible — amidst group turmoil and personnel changes, they made a concept album with strong religious overtones that made sense musically. Group member Kno handles the production throughout, leaving the majority of the lyricism to Deacon The Villain and Natti. The end result is a haunting album that grabs hold of you from the first bar and never lets go.
Jada G.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (1971)
Marvin Gaye planted the seeds of Hip-Hop’s fundamental rule before its inception: give a voice to the underrepresented. He stepped out of the Motown bubble to address the issues facing a nation divided by war, class, and race—with one mission and melody creating a mental space for reflection in the form of 11 tracks. He also paved the way for the luxe Hip-Hop sound (Jay-Z’s American Gangster). Released in 1971, What’s Going On preserved the message of a generation— and although the messenger is gone, his words ring true to this day.
Jesse H.
The Game – Doctor’s Advocate (2006)
Say what you will – he name drops too much, he manufactures beef, he bears some of the worst impulse face tattoo purchases since Mike Tyson – but The Game knows damn well how to assemble an album. After the armor-plated song list of The Documentary, Doctor’s Advocate reinforces him in a completely new context. Even in missing the two people who were credited most for the success of The Documentary, Game made an even better sophomore album by having an ear for beats (the first three bangers on the album are produced by no-names we haven’t heard from since), getting the most from his guest spots (how about that Busta Rhymes cameo where the Dungeon Dragon goes biographical rather than flaunting his assets with a double-time flow?) and turning the drama in his life into complex fodder that makes for a fascinating listen.
Khalid Strickland
Mobb Deep – Murda Muzik (1999)
In Aesop’s Fables, there’s a proverb I dig: “He who tries to please everybody pleases nobody.” It’s real talk because in an attempt to cater to every type of audience many rappers release disjointed, incoherent albums with no theme. But Mobb Deep was always a group, like Wu-Tang and Cypress Hill, that had a signature sound. Before a verse dropped you already knew it was their shit. Mobb perfected their sound with Murda Muzik, an ingenious work of brutal art not unlike John Woo’s violent but lovely bullet ballets. Before his head-on collision with Jay-Z, Prodigy was one of the best lyricists in the game and this was his crescendo. As proof, I offer the end of P’s verse from “Streets Raised Me:” “The sunset looks beautiful over the projects/what a shame, it ain’t the same where we stand at/if you look close you can see the bricks chipped off/sometimes niggas miss when they lick off, don’t get clipped off”. Come on, son.
K1NG
Z-Ro – I’m Still Living (2006)
The production on I’m Still Livin’ is solid all the way through, with southern producer Mike Dean holding down 8 of the albums 15 tracks, with others such as Mr. Lee, Z-Ro himself, and Enigma taking care of the rest. The thing that makes this a 5 cig album however, is the depth of Z-Ro’s contradictory lyrical showcase. We hear a man trying to become a better member of society, while questioning the people he surrounds himself with and trying to rise above the criminal past that he has grown accustomed to. The brutal honesty put on display is Z-Ro opening all sides of his heart, whether it be dark or hopeful, while at pulling it together with beautiful melodies and hard-hitting flows that stick with you long after the album is finished.
LC Weber
Slum Village – Slum Village (2005)
With radio-ready Trinity and sometimes confused Detroit Deli, the question headed into 2005 was whether Slum could shine in its post-Dilla incarnation. But when the self-titled album hit, it back-handed the industry and upper-cutted the streets with oxymoronic, polished-tarnish delivery from MCs T3 and Elzhi, and equally smooth grit from beat makers Black Milk and Young RJ. At the release party in the D, the crowd was so unprepared for the first cut Slum performed, “1,2,” that the rabid mob foamed at the mouth for Slum to run it back. And they did – an action now synonymous with and worthy of the album.
M.Z.
Pharoahe Monch – Internal Affairs (1999)
Back in ‘99 when the separation between underground and mainstream was a little closer than it is today, Internal Affairs dropped behind the unconventional club banger “Simon Says.” Pharoahe was able to make an album that was accessible to many while still delivering top-notch lyrics. He shows he’s equally adept at making songs for the club/radio: “The Light,” storytelling: “Queens,” and concepts: “Rape” and “Official,” while picking production that ties them all together. His breath control and ability to vary his flow show he’s a master at his craft, making it seem effortless at times. On top of all that, it’ll always be remembered as the album that forced Rawkus to close its doors due to the un-cleared Godzilla sample.
Patrick M.
Redman – Whut? Thee Album (1992)
Few MCs are capable of claiming a spot in the 5 Cig pantheon on rhyming skill alone, but Reggie Noble, one of the most underappreciated artists in Hip-Hop’s history, is one of them. Whut? Thee Album features a young Redman delivering rhyme after rhyme with the perfect blend of wacky humor and street grit that would become his calling card. “Time 4 Sum Aksion,” and “Tonight’s The Night,” got heavy rotation, but tracks like “Rated R,” and “Jam 4 U,” feature the Funk Doc at his best. Erick Sermon’s remaking of Clinton classics act as the perfect background for Red’s ranting, even if it’s doomed to stand in posterity behind Dre’s work on The Chronic the same year.
TC
Missy Elliott – Supa Dupa Fly (1997)
If there were ever a debut album that was indictitive to a storied career, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly would serve as key , map and legend. Stepping out their “writer’s block” and going into business for themselves, Missy and Timbaland created a project that threaded the lines of Hip-Hop and R&B with consummate precision, spawning radio standards like “Sock It 2 Me” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” And with Missy’s ability to bust a flow and switch to a high note in the blink of eye over Timbo’s ingenious production, they showed the world what they already knew—Virginia birthed superstars capable of creating a masterpiece.
Posted in AUDIO, GENERAL, MUSIC, SMOKE BREAK, STRAY SHOTS — Tags: 5 Cig Ratings, John Legend, Marvin Gaye, Missy Elliott, Mobb Deep, The Game
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146 Comments
Not bad on The D’angelo joint. I would say that Marvin’s follow up to the “What” also deserves some consideration.
Some others to consider:
Eryakah Badu – Baduizm
Jill Scott – Words and Sounds Vol 1.
Slum Village – Fan-tas-tic Vol 1 & 2 (the choice is yours)
and that’s all I got for now.
Until next time
Yo, if word is bond
then Q is gone
(First (maybe))
Slick Rick – The Adventures of Slick Rick
Y’all got Romeo & Juliet quotes up on this jawn now…
smh
Murs – 3:16
Foreign Exchange – Connected
John Mayer – Any Given Thursday
Redman – Muddy Waters ALL DAY
GZA – Liquid Swords
Madvillain – Madvillainy
The Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury
Viktor Vaughn (aka MF Doom) – The Vaudeville Villain
Lupe Fiasco – The Cool
Cormega – The True Meaning
OED what up my ninja!!!
I feel you on the clipse flea, my ninja, i’mma say Lord Willin’ gets five cancer sticks too…also:
Heltah Skeltah – Nocturnal
Big L – The Big Picture
Camp Lo – Uptown Saturday Night
CNN – The War Report…
any joint i can throw on in the wheel and let it ride front to back, i’m claimin five cigs on
oh yeah, nice idea/post LC
Anybody heard J-Love on his recent mixtape sounding off on bloggers???!!! Damn man, homeboy made some scathing remarks. Ouch!!!
I co-sign on the doctors advocate…and I would like to add
E-40 – In A Major Way
and
Suga Free – Street Gospel
@ Sherm: Ohhh shit how could I forget CNN’s “War Report”???!!! Good call my ninja!!! That album had everyone feeling “thugged out, WHAT WHAT!!!”.
yall left me outta this shit too?
bastids.
All Star & Young Buck – Starbucks (BOAT Story):
01. Intro
02. Where You At?
03. The Taped Conversation – Young Buck
04. Shine On ‘Em – All Star
05. My Whole Life – Young Buck
06. Jackin’ 4 Beats – All Star
07. Money Right ft. Sosa the Plug
08. All Eyes On Me – Young Buck
09. I Got That… – All Star
10. My Interview – Young Buck
11. Rap Music Ruined My Life – All Star
12. You Lyin’ ft. Grind Hard
13. Flashing Lights $tarstyle – All Star
14. Kill Me A Nigga – Young Buck
15. Grind Hard for the Money ft. Yo Gotti
16. Flossin’ ft. Cowboy
17. My Money On My Mind ft. Sosa the Plug & The Outlawz
18. A Milli $tarstyle
19. Do Ya Thing
20. Zone 3 $tarstyle – All Star
http://rapidshare.com/files/127431603/All_Star_and_Young_Buck_-_Starbucks__B.O.A.T._Story_-_Bootleg_-2008-_EAC_.rar
aww man..U aint lying….bout Prodigy homie….
back then he had his stake in the hip hop hall of fame claimed, but now
every-buddy be sayin “how Havoc git nicer than P ????”
i dunno….
and Redman’s Whut? Thee Album,….
was my super dope sh*t…
my fav. songz on that album were..
the super man lover….and how to roll a blunt..lol
♫ ♫ “You better pickup every seed of it
Because I paid 10 bills for the get ill..
And for spilling it you better get lost or get grilled”♫ ♫
t-o-n-y/ invade NY/ multiply/ killa cop/ me and you/ you got beef i got beeeeeef
Badu – Mama’s Gun
i like muddy waters betta than whut….
ima cop this for beach cruisin this summa:
http://www.americasbikecompany.com/ABC_Rasta_Blackout_p/201-01-01.htm
Redman’s most definitely got his share of classics…i used to be such a fuckin weedhead rollin around listenin to Muddy Waters and Doc’s Da Name…i’m definitely waitin for that new red and mef joint too
damn dirk that bike is dope as shit…i might have to bite your style on that one…
Not sure if I agree with all those picks, but since they are all “personal favorites”, there’s no need for a debate. I’ve heard most of em (Never gave the Cunninglynguists a chance & I’d be lying if I said I had even heard of Contra’s pick) & they’re all great albums, though I’m surprised that TC went with the obvious Missy classic & not the darker, more slept on “The Real World”…but I digress. I’m sure I have a couple of 5 cig joints in the archives that might be questionable by other people’s standards (David Banner’s “Mississippi:The Album”, Marilyn Manson’s “Mechanical Animals”, The Diplomats (Diplomatic Immunity”, Trae’s “Restless”, Chingy’s “Jackpot”…well, maybe not). I just hope this is the preamble to a certain album, which shall remain “nameless”, to recieving it’s deserved 5 cancer sticks.
http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/2081
5 Cigs? For me, i’m talking joints i can’t get enough of from start to finish. Most of these albums are at least a couple years old so they’ve sat with me for a minute.
Trial By Fire by Andale
I’ve never heard a southern cat go harder with more variety of concept and more swag for an entire album like Andale. For his second album, Andale served up Ludacris with more focus.
SoapBox by R-Swift
If Talib were a Christian, he might drop Soapbox. This is album goes on a limb and stays there. You don’t know whether to nod or get pissed that somebody’s making u think about this stuff.
Truth, Goodness, Beauty by Redeemed Thought
The Atonement by Shai Linne
Shai’s second album is just as stunning as his first. it’s unapologetic and firey. It’s Mr. Lif meets… i dunno. He just brings a hard hard flow with sick wordplay, It’s addictive.
Open Book by Da Truth
Poet’s Life by Jazzhole
Real Thing–Words and Sounds by Jill Scott
I think everyone expected “Hate On Me” for 15 tracks. But she’s too evolved for the badass sistah girl shtick. This day in the life soul. Better than just about anybody doing it.
Daily News by Donnie
Maybe cuz he’s a black male with a guitar not named Prince, Hendrix or Kravitz. Maybe because he’s openly gay. Maybe because he doesn’t dumb it down. I dunno, but Donnie’s been slept on for 3 albums now. And what his classic Colored Section was for black folks, Daily News is for class warfare and average folk struggle. This dude can write and sing his ass off.
Groove Theory by Groove Theory
Yeah, it’s old. But it’s so classic that it’s still better than like 99% of what’s dropping.
Fountain Of Life by Japhia Life
This dude is Nas without the hypocrisy. He’s crazy, crazy, lyrical. Stories, anthems… It’s all here.
Life By Stereo by J.R.
Y’all think Ye and Timb are experimental? Listen to J.R. Dude mixes rock, hard beats, john legend style piano with honey and rasp on the vocals. You’ll be singing “rockstar” for a minute.
The Solus Christus Project by Shai Linne
Yeah it’s a weird title, but dude explains it. I dare you to listen to this one and not call it a classic.
^^^ definitely looks like a kid’s meal hamburger…and yet it’s fuckin hot
Oh yeah…AMG’s “Bitch Betta Have My Money”
CNN’s “The War Report”
Onyx’s “All We Got Iz Us”
Black Rob’s “Life Story”
De La Soul’s “The Grind Date”
Heltah Skeltah’s “Nocturnal”
Redman’s “Muddy Waters”
Big Pun’s “Yeeah Baby”
Juvenile’s “The G-Code”
Da Bush Babees’ “Gravity”….all slept on classics.
I thought about Life Story when I was listening to it yesterday; another casualty of Bad Boy.
That and “We Are The Streets” got me through delivering newspapers my senior year of high school.
WHADDUP FLEA!
I see you, Mayne… Internetically speaking, of course.
Yeh that Z-Ro is dope. Ratio of quality/recognition for that jawn is near infinity.
Kurupt – Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/sneakapimpz/JAPAN/laflyer.jpg
Good 5 Cig segue, Amp… I like the “nameless” part… Tres chic on your part.
I also gotta agree w/Sherm. If I can throw it on and forget about it, it’s damn near a classic to me.
On that note… some more outta me:
Nore – N.O.R.E.
How the hell I forget War Report?)
Jeru – The Sun Rises In The East
KRS – Return Of The Boom Bap
Cypress Hill- Cypress Hill
that ^^ NORE stayed on repeat when it dropped….
iraq island iraq island….
body in the trunk….
esta loca, dame choacha…
banned from tv…
just gimme some head, gimme some head…
fugees – the score
@ Wit-E-
True ^^^
anyone sayin that soprano made a great album wouldn’t be taken seriously.
Even if I don’t judge lyrics (’cause they are crap contrary to booba who is an incredible rap author), his beats and flow aren’t that good anyway.
“anyone sayin that soprano made a great album wouldn’t be taken seriously.”
in france I mean
Thizz post iz tha troof cuz it allowz e’ybody ta share there perzonal favoritez.
Thizz iz az close ta lookin’ at y’alls perzonal stashes as I’mma git, so thatz whatz up yo
nucka
Here’s 5 the should get 5 cancer sticks
Black sheep – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Murs & 9th Wonder – Murs 3:16 9th Edition
Common – Be
Kanye West – College Dropout
Maxwell – Urban Hang Suite
oh and Goodie Mobs Soul Food
hells yeah @ ^^^
id put Still Standing on the list as well. i actually like it slightly betta than SF.
id put Still Standing on the list as well. i actually like it slightly betta than SF
==================================
Hell naw…Still Standing has a couple of joints but Soul Food is the gospel.
Noreaga – N.O.R.E
Cormega – Testament
Beanie Sigel – The B. Coming
Scarface – The Fix
Janet Jackson – janet.
John Mayer – Continuum
N.E.R.D. – In Search Of
Snoop Dogg – Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
Twista – Adrenaline Rush
D’Angelo – Vodoo (would’ve picked whether y’all did or not)
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides
Juvenile – 400 Degreez (not the re-release w/ the remixes either)
Ruff Ryders Vol. 1
a couple joints?
that shit was loaded with bangers.
the experience
black ice
fly away
beautiful skin
ghetto-ology
distant wilderness
greeny green
i refuse limitation
see u when i see u
inshallah
still standing
^^^^ all dope
a personal favorite
Dave Hollister – Ghetto Hymns
Showbiz & A.G. – Goodfellas
The Nonce – Worldwide
Tha Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II…
Souls of Mischief – 93 Til’ Infinity
in light of the great militant rap that’s been coming out…
“Guerillas In Tha Mist” – Da Lench Mob
“Neva Again” – Kam
CNN’s shit been gettin burn in the whip allllll last week.
That’s all I have to add. I’m OD’ed off chicken, coleslaw & baked beans.
NIN – Pretty Hate Machine
“he bears some of the worst impulse face tattoo purchases since Mike Tyson”
^ lol, you ain’t ever lied
==================================
Organized Konfusion’s 1st 2 albums
“The Sun Rises In The East” – Jeru The Damaja
“A Love Supreme” – John Coltrane
co-sign the following previously mentioned albums:
“Soul Food” – Goodie moB.
“93 Til Infinity” – Souls Of Mischief
“Fantastic, vol. 2″ – Slum Village
K has child-bearing hips
the debut albums by Smif-N-Wessun, Black Moon, & Heltah Skeltah
that ‘child-bearing hips’ just made me LOL
Good looking on the Z-Ro album, it reminded me of his album from ‘04 that was the shit (better than I’m Still Living, I think).
He sings throughout the album, it sounds like Houston G-Funk (word to Warren and Nate) and the album features Scarface and Trae.
Z-Ro – Life of Joseph W. McVey
http://www.zshare.net/download/147805159ebbcbd0/
Gotty, there’s a long dry spell of no pics of N posing with a 40…is she on the wagon? if she is, that’s too bad, I like drunk and hot girls
I wanna lay my head on K’s heiny and take me a nice little nap
killa “purp haze”
game “doc’s advocate”
dilla “donuts”
big boi “speakerboxxx”
fif “get rich”
jada “kiss of death”
lupe “the cool”
common “be”
ugk “underground kings”
… unmentionables you could really make an argument for post 2000. yea it’d be easy to through in a jay or a nas or a kanye but we already knew that. maybe throw in a stonethrow joint. all fuckin awesome cds
Dilla “Donuts” is totally fucking awesome dude.
but that disc is a perfect way to throw salt in your game if you got a chick in the whip and you tryna smash…she’ll be like, “Why this ain’t got no words? And you can’t dance to it…”
is doc’s advocate possibly the best soph effort ever? I think its better than late registration. damn, come to think of it, the cool’s gotta be up there too. damn. so much growth ambition in between just one album….
some classic mixes that are personal favorites:
“World Famous Beat Junkies Vol. 1 Mixed by DJ Babu”
Soundbombing 1 & 2
“Sweeet” – DJ Neil Armstrong
haha, my daughters exact wors when she heard donuts:
‘how come this doesnt have words?’
hell no, ATLiens was a much betta sophmore effort.
my balls smell like fabric softener
it was written is also a much betta sophmore effort than dr advocate
co-sign on that “Return Of The Boom Bap”
i have to mention KRS-ONE’s 2nd self-titled solo too
eh. outkast is two dudes and those were the days when everything comin out was ill. shit… forever, it was written… yea, yea. I think doc’s av is up there though, especially given the circumstances. and that album is great.
yeah, co-sign on that ATLiens…I can’t think of a better sophomore effort…
Wit-E, that beach cruiser is fucking ill, dude. I’mma put that on my frivolous purchase list. Too bad I can’t download one of those for free
timers, it ATLiens that great? I like that shit but damn. its impossible to really compare the two anyways. suffice it to say ATL and doc’s av are both great soph efforts
impossible to cpmpare? no its not, ATLiens is much much betta, its an easy comparison.
LMAO @ ‘too bad i cant download 1 for free’
im countin down the final 45 min of work til i can clock out and cuddle up with the bong and some bowls of this funk:
http://i28.tinypic.com/v66kuu.jpg
Blu & Exile – Below The Heavens
Outkast – Southernplayalistic
Kanye – College Dropout
Jay-Z – Blueprint
Blue Scholars – Bayani
Johnny Cash – American IV – American V
Dr. Dre- 2001
30 min til ignition…
30 min til ignition…
30 min til ignition…
@ Teef
If we’re talking Organized Konfusion albums, you might as well throw Equinox in the mix.
Big Punisher – Capital Punishment
Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back
Gang Starr – Moment Of Truth
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca and the Soul Borther
Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele
John Mayer – Room For Squares
The Roots – Things Fall Apart
Mos Def – Black On Both Sides
Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt, Blueprint, and American Gangster
*Ducks for cover from the firing squad*
Q-Tip’s guest verse on “Drink Away The Pain (Situations)” from Mobb Deep’s “The Infamous”
one of the highlights of that song and the disc itself
Q-Tip’s voice is ill…that beat is so effin’ dope….his verse is bananas
Douglas Howser, i love all those albums you just listed…those are staples
^ “Q.U. Hectic” … nuff said.
obviously any argument for ATLiens over Doctor’s Advocate is more grounded but yea they are in fact difficult to compare; and for the same reason Forever is difficult to compare with Late Registration. different eras, different vibes, all great though. those born before like 84 are just elitists. whats real is not simply reiterating the greatness of mid90’s hiphop but articulating what’s great about today’s hiphop, which, in my opinion has a lot to offer. yea ATLiens is a good cd; a turning point in the history of a legendary group.
i just thought of something…Immortal Technique & Killer Mike need to do a song together
Diamond & The Psychotic Neurotics – Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop
“…bugged like a tapped phone, hard like concrete…”
clip of EPMD & Redman performing “Headbanger”
http://www.themeaningofdope.com/?p=134
“…’cause I get wreck with a tech, with a blunt and Moet, and what ya see is what ya get, and what ya gettin’ is ya ass kicked….”
@ rosecity, i dont think im being an elitist. u said Dr Advocate is the best sophmore album of alltime, meaning ever, to which is pointed out that its not. how is that me stating anything negative about new music and/or the greatness of 90s hip hop?
if we countin mixtapes, i’d throw in:
J. Period’s Lauryn Hill–better than most albums.
J. Period’s Man on Fire (CL Smooth)
J. Period’s/True Elements Isley Brothers.
Green Lantern & Jadass’ Champ is Here.
===
Roots’ Game Theory
Roots’ Illadelph Halflife
far as i’m concerned, those are their 2 classic albums.
J. Period’s got that hot fiyah.
That Isley Brothers mix ain’t no joke
I wonder if that Mary J. Blige set that the Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul herself commissioned J. Period to put together is floating around on the ‘net?
I wonder if someone would be nice enough to post that jount up here?
obviously dr advocate is not the best soph album of alltime. kinda said it on a whim. great nonetheless. but you made it sound like comparing it was written, atl, forever etc. is easy when met with the likes of say late registration, dr advocate, and the cool. I guess I read too much in between the lines but still. all are great soph efforts though, its not clearcut.
Noreaga – N.O.R.E. (yeah…it’s that good)
Ghostface – Supreme Clientelle
Busta Rhymes – Extinction Level Event (insane) or Genesis
Lloyd – Street Love
Mystikal – Unpredictable (It Yearns is my shit)
Beck – Sea Change
Shyne – Shyne
Method Man & Redman – Blackout
Ginuwine – The Bachelor
Aaliyah – One in a Million
Maxwell – The Urban Hang Suite (I see you Phillmatic)
Crooked Lettaz – Grey Skies
UGK – Rdin’ Dirty
8-Ball – Lost
Goodie Mob – Soul Food (easily)
Mos Def – True Magic
Devin – The Dude
D.O.C. – No One Can Do It Better
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – E. 1999 Eternal
Ja Rule – Veni, Vetti, Vecci
Def Squad – El Nino
Jeff Buckley – Grace
David Banner – Mississippi The Album
Commenting on the berry while djing…yes!
Coup-steal this album
(cosign on all we got iz us by the way)
(oh and Soul Food-yes!)
Masta ase- slaughtahouse
Dead prez-lets get free
Meth-tical
Lupe-food n liquor (bootleg version) (does that count?)
O.C.-word life AND jewelz
Gangstarr-moment of truth
Common-one day itll all make sense
Dj shadow-endtroducing
Jay-blueprint
Wayne-carter ONE (i know u disagree but what can ya do?)
Tribe-midnite marauders (too obv?)
Ok back to mixin…that was fun…
Also am i the only 1 who likes the documentary way more than doc advocate?
what’s up with moment of truth. that’s not even gangstarr’s best album right? see hard to earn, ownerz, etc.
Just a few probably already mentioned cause I aint readin all that now, maybe 2morrow but:
Mary- My Life
Fugees- The Score
Jay- Blueprint
Mos Def-Black on both sides
Jill Scott- Vol 1
Oh and…………………..
Could someone please post David Banner, I prolly missed it but greatly appreciated- thanks in advance
Any y’all remember E-Rule? if you don’t, fuck you. He had this dope song “Listen Up”.
anyways, I spotted his new video at unkut.com, it’s called “Please Listen To My Demo”….nice & laidback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytuR1NQ9UMw
BEST SOPHOMORE ALBUM OF ALL TIME
The Low End Theory
IMO
Trackstar, I’m wit’cha homey…
^ and that’s a wrap, end of story.
OTHER BETTER SOPHOMORE ALBUMS
It Takes A Nation – PE….. Trumps ‘em all
and Candyman……….
was wack.
Other soffo’mores
By All Means Necessary – BDP
excuse me if my old schools showing
I’m late to the party (fcukin’ work), but this shit is fun.
- Trackstar… Props and a TSS purple heart for dj’ing and posting on the ‘Berry.
“It Takes A Nation – PE….. Trumps ‘em all”
^ goddammit…your old school memory is better than my old school memory…lol
yeah, but them 2 albums, even though they’re standards…and to anyone reading this, if they’re not standards in your library…do like Ice-T told Soulja Boy
co-sign on those Roots joints Canseco…
throw ‘em in, let ‘em go
and by standards I’m tawm bout Mount Rushmore status
OED need a walker and some rice pudding with his old school butt!!!
lol!
For real, i still bum Bumrush the Show–over Nation–by thismuch.
if we’re trying to keep it non-popular/obvious picks, i’d have to go with some Kirk Franklin and Da Truth albums…
Y’all sleepin’ on the cross movement–christian cats is puttin’ it down lyrically.
yo Teef
waddup Mayne…. Ol’ school memory? Sheeit, It took me til last year to part ways with my orange/royal blue Adidas Ewings….
My ol’ school memory splits time w/ my new school memory.
As DOPE as Low End Theory is, that PE MAY BE the best hip-hop album of all time….
Seamless, inspired, cinematic, charged….
It doesn’t get much better than that….
*******************************************************
another soffo’more joint:
De La Soul Is Dead
Yo, I’m trippin’…. I stared at Teef’s avatar so long I thought he had two seperate close ups of homegirls grill w/ just a slight difference…. It was eerie.
It had me staring…and that ain’t a grill you wanna stare at for too long….
It’s ike an eclipse….
Look….but then you gotta look away….
i can see where this post and its comments are headed…lol
What was Cube’s sophomore solo? Death Certificate?
if i decide to play some of these albums back-to-back, I may not sleep tonight
shame too, cuz she’s a hot chick otherwise…fuck it, she’d still get it
welcome to the sophomore album edition of down to our last 5 cigs
For me…excluding the obvious…
Black Sheep – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Soundbombing 2
Clipse – Lord Willin’
Common – Be
Ghost – Supreme Clientele
Bootcamp – The Chosen Few
D.I.T.C. – D.I.T.C.
50 – Guess Who’s Back
k-os – Joyful Rebellion
Gravediggaz – 6 feet deep
Blu & Exile – Below the Heavens
Step In The Arena
Dare Iz A Darkside
off topic (as usual per me), but Gang Starr had a great run, Redman, EPMD, Tribe, KRS, Nas, Jay….all artists who have had a career that spans almost two decades or more…dudes nowadays ain’t built for that…
sophomore albums should be enough of a departure from the debut to avoid being a sequel (see: Curtis Jackson’s “Massacre”…hell, “Curtis” for that matter) while showing growth and progression in production, concepts & subject matter, fluidity….
most dudes hit the glass ceiling with their debut & end up being un/intentionally formulaic with subsequent releases (if they even last that long to put out a follow up)
TSS is gonna wake up to a new Joe Budden joint
TSS is gonna go crazy
Yo AMP…trae’s restless is a 5 cig for me too…
@ shiiiiiiit
I love Life Of Joseph W. Mcvey, but i feel like he had more lyrical diversity and way more uniqueness on Still Livin’. I still put Life of… over most albums of the last 10 years
I have to weigh in on this.
Talib Kweli-The Beautiful Struggle
Fugees- The Score (Possibly mentioned, but anything Wyclef and/or Lauren Hill touches will be a classic).
ICE CUBE-War and Peace
Dead Prez-RBG (I think they come really origional with the material that they present)
Hi-Tek- Hi Teknology 2
Just to name a few…
One Be Lo – SONOGRAM
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides
Ya’ll can’t be serious…
Life After Death= Best sophomore album ever.
@ Amp
Real World= 4 Cigs (4.5 for me personally, but I’m a realist).
Diplomatic Immunity=3rd best double album ever.
Talib Kweli – Quality
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides
ATCQ – Midnight Marauders
…I’m pretty much a new head, excuse me you old fogeys.
Nas Street Disciple One Of Da Bess Double Discish ever too…
+@CONTRA, mr CONTRA …
U’re Francophone Or What …
cUz If U wAnnA Best album ISH in France … I Have NAMES !!!! come on
http://realtalkny.rawkus.com/2008/07/topic/artists/nas/album-review-nas-untitled/#comment-355321
Common Sense- Resurrection
^most impressive sophmore release, compared to the first album.
All other mentions were good 2nd album releases, but none are so ultimately superior to the first as Resurrection to Can I borrow a dollar. And I read the whole post so far before saying that.
I will add Petestrumentals to this list of great albums….
wow.. good look on the read TSS..
this post had me D.I.T.C. for summa them joints i forgot abt
@ Wit-E .. that is the sickest cruiser i have seen in a long time and w/ the way gas prices are goin… consider yourself swagga jacked
OMG WHAT A CAMEL TOE
OMG THAT BUD LOOKS LIKE PURPLE YARN
[copyrighting that name]
soul for sale – hassan mackey
reflections eternal – talib & tek
ode to the ghetto – guilty simp
more street dreams pt. 2 – loso
mista dont play – project pat
mood muzik 3.5 – joe budden
medians relief – median
infinite – eminem
deliverance – bubba sparxxx
few of my faves
list goes on…
Digable Planets – Blowout Comb
@ tss homie called Contra
your lil review is right …
but i think… drop my sh*it.
Greumsy Greums TM
” Language barriers with, Hotel Impala (Vol.1) is everything to expect from a great Hip-Hop album today. Instead of succumbing to the trends set by Soprano and Booba-like, anger-management-needing rappers dominating the scene, Baloji stayed true to the definition of what an artist should be, resulting in a heartfelt, intellectually stimulating, insightful, exciting and enjoyable chef-d’oeuvre. He exhibits unparalleled cadence, especially on the profound intro to “Tout Ceci Ne Vous Rendra Pas le Congo” and outstanding thematic consistency in every single track, earning each and every cig that this album gets, and setting the bar extremely high for his sophomore/sequel effort (Vol.2). I doff my greums to you Mr. Baloji, and congratulations on the birth of the big one. ”
http://rapidshare.com/files/63761131/Baloji_-_Hotel_Impala_2007_VBR_www.FRap.ru.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/63756245/Baloji_-_Hotel_Impala_2007_VBR_www.FRap.ru.part2.rar
http://mtv-content.vcommerce.com/products/fullsize/319/33424319.jpg
Ooowhh & Hip-Hop Lives !
Francophonie Stand Up ! No Inferiority, Yes We Can !
ps : If you need/want to learn French with a music teacher, now you know which album bought !
Please @ Gotty, add this mine ! thx.
All I know is Untitled better get at least 4 cigs and a refry from TSS. For me I see no reasons why this won’t end up being a personal classic.
cunninlinguists…..i’m with u on that one for sure source1, good pick
Bill Withers — Just As I Am
Bob Marley — Catch A Fire, Kaya, he needs his own category for me
Damian Marley — Welcome To Jamrock
2Pac — All Eyez on Me
Etta James — 20th Century Masters
The Jimi hendrix Experience — Electric Ladyland
Otis Redding — Otis Blue
Mos Def — Black on Both Sides
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I could go on and on to infinity … or maybe 30 more
@ TC
I’m torn my dude. I dunno wether to give the best sophomore album to Life After Death or The Score. Tough decision IMO.
Other huge improvements as far as sophomore albums are concerned,
Fabolous – Real Talk
The Roots – Do You Want More?!!!!??!
Common Sense – Resurrection
ATCQ – Low End Theory
Piece Of Strange form Cunninlynguists is one of the best HH album ever.
All those who don’t know it MUST check it.
MF Doom – Operation: Doomsday
Lootpack – The Anecdote
Busta Rhymes – The Coming
ODB – 36th Chamber: Dirty Version
Company Flow-Funcrusher Plus
Mood-Doom
Nas-It was written
D.O.C.- No One Can Do It Better
Mobb Deep-Hell on Earth
Ghostface Killah-BigDoe Rehab/Supreme Clintele
Raekwon-Only Bulit 4 Cuban Linx…(niggaz)
southernunderground >>> a piece of strange
ya’ll niggas is trippin
@ TC
That Biggie was a double album… that’s cheating….kinda….
OK, it is and it isn’t…….
I still say It Takes A Nation Of Millions was condensed into the length of one CD, so I give that major props… when that joint was over, it felt like leaving the cinema after a fly ass movie….
The Score was the shit, but I just can’t put that above PE’s joint either…. but then again…. this is all based on personal preferences and all joints listed are GIANTS in this shit….
Oops, bad reference…. Go Patriots!!!
Compared to Can I Borrow A Dollar, Resurrection is like an underground, I just got dropped from my major label release.
It’s just so unbelievably different from the Can I, it’s almost like the first one was a rough draft or something.
luv that album. I think that might be the quintessential reppin’ my city album, too. You really have to be from Chicago to appreciate some of the punchlines and references to get it fully.
Yo Gotti,
Here’s a thought for a fresh entry:
Albums that best emody the city/section the artist is reppin.
for me:
1. Resurrection – Common
2. Illmatic–Nas
3. Southernplayalistic… (or ATLiens) Outkast
4. Organix- The Roots (philly stand up!)
5. Chronic – Dr. Dre
6. Innercity Griots – Freestyle Fellowship
^ that’s a dope idea that can also be an exercise in name-dropping artists that are synonymous with their hometown, or, who is the best mouthpiece for their stomping grounds. Like, Too $hort & Oakland.
@ OED
Not disagreeing with you about PE’s second LP, but The Score was an album that groups of people all over the world have in common. Can you say that the time in which this album was released had something to do with it, yes… but no as well.
I remember standing in Blockbuster Music (yes… I’m old.) and while looking through the hip-hop section there was an asian dude listening to the album when a little girl that had to be like 13 or 14 walk her mom over to the album and basically beg her to purchase that LP for her (it wasn’t really a big deal to me because I had owned the album for months now at the time, plus a brotha copped that on the release date just off the buzz that I received from the Fu-Gee-La [Maxi-Single] that I had purchased also).
if wer addin mixtapes id list the biggie rap phenomenon, pac rap phenomenon, & blue eyes meets bedstuy.
Innercity Griots – Freestyle Fellowship
heavy co-sign. I was in LA at the time that dropped and I’ll be damned if that album didn’t reflect my mood.
Mood Muzik 1!
BLUE EYES MEETS BEDSTUY
YES YES YES YES
calm down Greums. I have my reasons for picking that album.
redman… can’t believe mans world wide don’t love this guy… complete and utter fucking ledge
one album comes to mind quick…
Blackstar..
easily gets 5 cigs