Rap

Aceyalone

• Accepted Eclectic [2001, Ground Control], A–
• Haiku D'Etat [2001, Meanstreet], A–
• Love and Hate [2003, Project Blowed], A–

Aesop Rock

• Labor Days [2001, Def Jux], A–
• Bazooka Tooth [2003, Definitive Jux, 2 CD], B+
• Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives [2005, Definitive Jux], B+
• None Shall Pass [2007, Definitive Jux], B

Ahmad

• Ahmad [1994, Giant], B+

Akrobatik [1998– ]

• Balance [2003, Coup D'Etat], A–
• Absolute Value [2008, Fat Beats], B+(*)

Anti-Pop Consortium [2000– ]

• Arrhythmia [2002, Warp], B

Arrested Development [1988–1996]

• 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life [1992, Chrysalis], B

Atmosphere [1998– ]

• Overcast! [1997, Rhymsesayers Entertainment], A–
• Lucy Ford [2001, Rhymesayers Entertainment], A–
• God Loves Ugly [2002, Fat Beats], A–
• Seven's Travels [2003, Rhymesayers/Epitaph], B+
• You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having [2005, Rhymesayers], B+(***)
• When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold [2008, Rhymesayers], B+(***)

Automato

• Automato [2004, Coup de Grace], A–

Automator

• A Much Better Tomorrow [1996–2000, 75 Ark], A–

Eric B. and Rakim [1985–1992]

• Paid in Full: The Platinum Edition [1987, Island, 2 CD], B+
• Follow the Leader [1988, UNI], A–
• Don't Sweat the Technique [1992, MCA], B+
• The Best of Eric B. and Rakim (20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection) [1987–92, Hip-O], A–

Afrika Bambaataa (1960– )

• Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 [1980–85, Tommy Boy], A–
• Lost Generation [(1996), Hot Productions], A–

Lloyd Banks

• The Hunger for More [2004, Interscope], B+

MC Paul Barman

• It's Very Stimulating [2000, Wordsound], A–
• Paullelujah! [2002, Coup d'Etat], A–

Beans

• w/William Parker, Hamid Drake: Only [2006, Thirsty Ear], B+(*)

The Beastie Boys [1984– ]

• Licensed to Ill [1986, Def Jam], A–
• Paul's Boutique [1989, Capitol], B+
• Check Your Head [1992, Capitol], B
• Ill Communication [1994, Grand Royal], B–
• Hello Nasty [1998, Grand Royal/Capitol], B+
• Beastie Boys Anthology: The Sounds of Science [1991–99, Grand Royal/Capitol, 2 CD], A–
• To the 5 Boroughs [2004, Capitol], A–
• The Mix Up [2007, Capitol], B

Miri Ben-Ari

• The Hip-Hop Violinist [2005, Universal], B+(*)

Big Daddy Kane

• The Very Best of Big Daddy Kane [(2001), Rhino], B+

Big Moe

• Purple World [2002, Priority], B+

Big Punisher (1971–2000)

• Capital Punishment [1998, Loud], B
• Yeeeah Baby [2000, Loud], B+

Black Eyed Peas [1998– ]

• Elephunk [2003, A&M], A–
• Monkey Business [2005, A&M], B+(*)

Blackalicious [1994– ]

• A2G [1999, Quannum Projects, EP], A–
• Nia [2000, Quannum Projects], A
• Blazing Arrow [2002, MCA], A–
• The Craft [2005, Anti-], A–

Kurtis Blow (1959– )

• Kurtis Blow [1980, Mercury], B

Blueprint

• 1988 [2005, Rhymesayers], A–

Boogie Down Productions [1986–1992]

• Criminal Minded [1987, Sugar Hill], A–
• By All Means Necessary [1988, Jive], B+
• Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop [1989, Jive], B
• Edutainment [1990, Jive], B+

Brand Nubian [1989– ]

• One for All [1990, Elektra], A–
• In God We Trust [1993, Elektra], B
• Everything Is Everything [1994, Elektra], B
• The Very Best of Brand Nubian [1990–98, Elektra/Rhino], A–

Break Bread [2004– ]

• Break Bread EP [2004, Peanuts and Corn], B+

Brother Ali

• Shadows on the Sun [2003, Rhymesayers Entertainment], A–
• The Undisputed Truth [2007, Rhymesayers Entertainment], B+(***)

Brother Reade

• Rap Music [2007, Record Collection], A–

Buck 65

• Weirdo Magnet [1988–96, Warner Music Canada], A–
• Language Arts [1997, Metaforensics], B+
• Vertex [1999, Metaforensics], A–
• Man Overboard [2001, Metaforensics], A
• Synesthesia [2001, Warner Music Canada], A–
• Square [2002, Warner Music Canada], A
• Talkin' Honky Blues [2003, Warner Music Canada], A+
• This Right Here Is Buck 65 [2005, VP], A–
• Secret House Against the World [2005, Warner Music Canada], A–
• Situation [2007, Strange Famous], A–

Busdriver

• Busdriver & Radioinactive With Daedelus: The Weather [2003, Mush], B–
• Road Kill Overcoat [2007, Epitaph], B+(**)

BWP

• The Bytches [1991, Ral], B–

Canibus

• Can-I-Bus [1998, Universal], B+

Cannibal Ox

• The Cold Vein [2001, Def Jux], B+

Capital D

• Writer's Block (The Movie) [2002, All Natural], A–
• Insomnia [2004, All Natural], A–

Cappadonna (1969– )

• The Pillage [1998, Columbia], B

Neneh Cherry (1964– )

• Raw Like Sushi [1989, Virgin], A
• Homebrew [1992, Virgin], A–

Clipse [1999– ]

• Lord Willin' [2002, Arista], B+
• Hell Hath No Fury [2006, Re-Up Gang/Zomba], A–

Common

• One Day It'll All Make Sense [1997, Relativity], B+
• Like Water from Chocolate [2000, MCA], A–
• Electric Circus [2002, MCA], B
• Be [2005, Good/Geffen], B+(***)
• Finding Forever [2007, Geffen], B+(***)

Cookie Crew

• Born This Way [1989, FFRR], B

Coolio

• Gangsta's Paradise [1995, Tommy Boy], B+
• Fantastic Voyage: The Greatest Hits [1987–97, Tommy Boy], B+

The Coup [1993– ]

• Kill My Landlord [1993, Wild Pitch], B+
• Genocide and Juice [1994, Wild Pitch], B+
• Steal This Album [1998, Dogday], A–
• Party Music [2001, 75 Ark], A
• Pick a Bigger Weapon [2006, Epitaph], A

Cypress Hill [1991– ]

• Cypress Hill [1991, Ruffhouse], B

Chuck D (1960– )

• Autobiography of Mistachuck [1996, Mercury], A–
• The Peeps of Soulfunk: Tribb to JB [2007, Slamjamz], B+(**)

Dälek

• Abandoned Language [2007, Ipecac], B+(*)

Danger Doom

• The Mouse and the Mask [2005, Epitaph], A–

Dead Prez [2000– ]

• Let's Get Free [2000, Relativity], B+
• Get Free or Die Tryin': The Mixtape Vol. 2 [2003, Boss Up/Landspeed], B+

Mos Def

• w/Talib Kweli: Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star [1998, Rawkus], B+
• Black on Both Sides [1999, Priority], B+
• The New Danger [2004, Geffen], A–

De La Soul [1987– ]

• Three Feet High and Rising [1989, Tommy Boy], B+
• De La Soul Is Dead [1991, Tommy Boy], C+
• Buhloone Mindstate [1993, Tommy Boy], B+
• Live at Tramps, NYC, 1996 [1996, Tommy Boy/Rhino], B
• Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump [2000, Tommy Boy], A–
• AOI: Bionix [2001, Tommy Boy], A–
• Timeless: The Singles Collection [1988–2001, Tommy Boy/Rhino], A

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien (1972– )

• I Wish My Brother George Was Here [1991, Asylum], A–
• Both Sides of the Brain [2000, Red Urban], B+
• Eleventh Hour [2008, Definitive Jux], B+(**)

Deltron 3030 [2000– ]

• Deltron 3030 [2000, 75 Ark], A–

Devin the Dude

• Waitin' to Inhale [2007, Rap-A-Lot], B+(**)

Digable Planets [1991– ]

• Reachin' (a new refutation of time and space) [1993, Pendulum], B–
• Blowout Comb [1994, Pendulum], B
• Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles [1993–94, Blue Note], A–

Digital Underground [1987–1996]

• Sex Packets [1990, Tommy Boy], A–
• This Is an E.P. Release [1990, Tommy Boy], A–
• The Body-Hat Syndrome [1993, Tommy Boy], B

The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy [1990–1993]

• Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury [1992, 4th & Broadway], A–

Dizzee Rascal

• Boy in Da Corner [2003, Matador], A–
• Maths + English [2007, XL], B+(**)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince [1986–1993]

• The Very Best of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince [1986–93, Jive/Legacy], B+(***)

DJ Quik (1970– )

• Born and Raised in Compton: The Greatest Hits [1991–2000, Arista/Profile/Legacy], B

DJ Screw

• Sentimental Value [2002, Wreckless Entertainment], B+

Dr. Dooom

• First Come, First Served [1999, Funky Ass], B+

Dr. Dre (1965– )

• 2001 [2000, Interscope], B–

Dr. Octagon

• Dr. Octagonecologyst [1996, Dreamworks], B+

Downtown Science

• Downtown Science [1991, Def Jam], A

Dream Warriors [1988– ]

• Anthology: A Decade of Hits 1988–1998 [1988–98, Priority], A–

D12

• D12 World [2004, Shady/Interscope], B+(*)

Dungeon Family

• Even in Darkness [2001, Arista], B+

Eazy-E (1964–95)

• Eazy-Duz-It [1988, Ruthless], C+

Missy Elliott

• Supa Dupa Fly [1997, Gold Mind], B
• Miss E . . . So Addictive [2001, Goldmind/Elektra], A–
• Under Construction [2002, Elektra], B+
• This Is Not a Test [2003, Goldmind/Elektra], A–
• The Cookbook [2005, Goldmind/Atlantic], A–

El-P

• Fantastic Damage [2002, Definitive Jux], B+
• w/The Blue Series Continuum: High Water Mark [2004, Thirsty Ear], A–
• I'll Sleep When You're Dead [2007, Definitive Jux], B+(**)

Eminem (1972– )

• The Slim Shady LP [1999, Interscope], A–
• The Marshall Mathers LP [2000, Interscope], A
• Fuckin Yzarc [2000, (Bootleg)], A–
• The Eminem Show [2002, Aftermath], A–
• Encore [2004, Aftermath], A–
• Curtain Call: The Hits [1999–2005, Aftermath], A–
• Curtain Call: The Hits + Stan's Mixtape [1999–2005, Aftermath, 2 CD], B+(*)

EPMD [1987– ]

• Strictly Business [1988, Priority], B+
• Unfinished Business [1989, Priority], B

Fannypack [2003– ]

• So Stylistic [2003, Tommy Boy], A–
• See You Next Tuesday [2005, Tommy Boy], A–

The Fat Boys [1982– ]

• The Fat Boys [1984, Sutra], B–

50 Cent (1976– )

• Get Rich or Die Tryin' [2003, Shady/Aftermath/Interscope], B

Floetry [2002– ]

• Floetic [2002, Dreamworks], C+

John Forté

• Poly Sci [1998, Ruffhouse/Columbia], B+
• I, John [2002, Transparent], B+

Sage Francis (1977– )

• Human the Death Dance [2007, Epitaph], B+(**)

The Fugees [1987– ]

• The Score [1996, Ruffhouse], B–

Funkmaster Flex

• Funkmaster Flex Presents the Mix Tape, Vol. 1 [1995, Loud/RCA], B

Fu-Schnickens [1991– ]

• F.U. Don't Take It Personal [1992, Jive], B+
• Nervous Breakdown [1994, Jive], B

Warren G (1971– )

• Regulate . . . The G Funk Era [1994, Def Jam], A–

Gang Starr [1989– ]

• Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr [(1999), Virgin, 2 CD], B+

Gettovetts [1988– ]

• Missionaries Moving [1988, Island], A–

Ghostface Killah

• Ironman [1996, Sony], B+
• Supreme Clientele [2000, Epic/Razor Sharp], B
• Bulletproof Wallets [2001, Epic], A–
• The Pretty Toney Album [2004, Def Jam], B+
• Fishscale [2006, Def Jam], A
• More Fish [2006, Def Jam], A–
• The Big Doe Rehab [2007, Def Jam], B+(***)

The Gift of Gab

• Fourth Dimensional Rocketships Going Up [2004, Quannum Projects], B+

Gnarls Barkley [2006– ]

• St. Elsewhere [2006, Downtown/Atlantic], B+(***)
• The Odd Couple [2008, Atlantic], B+(**)

The Goats [1992– ]

• Tricks of the Shade [1992, Ruffhouse], B

Goodie Mob [1995– ]

• Soul Food [1995, La Face], B+
• World Party [1999, La Face], A–

Jean Grae

• Attack of the Attacking Things: The Dirty Mixes [2002, Third Earth], A–
• The Bootleg of the Bootleg EP [2003, Babygrande, EP], A–
• This Week [2004, Babygrande], B+
• Jeanius [2008, Blacksmith], B+(**)

Grandmaster Flash (1958– )

• Message from Beat Street: The Best of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and The Furious Five [(1994), Rhino], A–
• Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: More of the Best [1984–87, Rhino], A–
• Essential Mix: Classic Edition [1972–97, FFRR], B+

Cee-Lo Green

• Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections [2002, Arista], A
• Cee-Lo Green . . . Is the Soul Machine [2003, Arista], A–
• Closet Freak: The Best of Cee-Lo Green the Soul Machine [1995–2004, Arista/Legacy], B+(***)

Guru

• Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 [1993, Chrysalis], B+
• Jazzmatazz: Streetsoul [2000, Virgin], B

Handsome Boy Modeling School [1999– ]

• So . . . How's Your Girl? [1999, Tommy Boy], A

Scotty Hard

• w/John Medeski, Matthew Shipp: Scotty Hard's Radical Reconstructive Surgery [2004, Thirsty Ear], B+(**)

Umar Bin Hassan

• Be Bop or Be Dead [1993, Axiom], B–

Lauryn Hill

• The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill [1998, Ruffhouse/Columbia], B+

House of Pain [1990– ]

• Same As It Ever Was [1994, Tommy Boy], B

Ice Cube (1969– )

• Kill at Will [1990, Priority], B
• Greatest Hits [1990–2001, Priority], B+

Ice-T (1959– )

• Rhyme Pays [1987, Sire], B+
• The Iceberg [1989, Sire], A–
• O.G. Original Gangster [1991, Sire], A
• Body Count [1992, Sire], A–
• Greatest Hits: The Evidence [1987–96, Atomic Pop], A–

Jay-Z (1970– )

• Vol. 3 . . . Life and Times of S. Carter [1999, Def Jam], A–
• The Dynasty: Roc la Familia [2000, Def Jam], B
• The Blueprint [2001, Def Jam/Roc-a-Fella], B+
• Unplugged [2001, Roc-A-Fella], B+
• American Gangster [2007, Roc-A-Fella], B+(*)

Wyclef Jean

• Presents the Carnival Featuring the Refugee All Stars [1997, Ruffhouse/Columbia], B
• The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book [2000, Columbia], B+

Jungle Brothers [1986– ]

• Straight out the Jungle [1988, Warlock], A–
• Done by the Forces of Nature [1989, Warner Brothers], A–
• J. Beez Wit the Remedy [1993, Warner Brothers], B

Kid 'n Play [1987–1993]

• 2 Hype [1988, Select], A–
• Kid 'n Play's Funhouse [1990, Select], B+

Killah Priest

• Heavy Mental [1998, Geffen], A–

KMD [1991– ]

• Bl_ck B_st_rds [1993, Sub Verse], B+

K'Naan (1978– )

• The Dusty Foot Philosopher [2003–5, IM Culture, CD+DVD], A

Kool Keith

• Black Elvis / Lost in Space [1999, Ruffhouse/Columbia], B

Kool Moe Dee [1963– ]

• Kool Moe Dee [1987, Jive], A–
• How Ya Like Me Now [1987, Jive], A–
• Knowledge Is King [1989, Jive], B+
• The Jive Collection, Volume 2 [(1995), Jive], A–

Kris Kross [1991– ]

• Totally Krossed Out [1992, Ruffhouse], A–

KRS-One

• Return of the Boom Bap [1993, Jive], B+
• A Retrospective [1987–97, Jive], A
• Life [2006, Antagonist], A–

Talib Kweli

• Reflection Eternal [2000, Priority], B+
• Eardrum [2007, Blacksmith/Warner Brothers], B+(***)

Mike Ladd

• Nostalgialator [2004, Definitive Jux], B
• Negrophilia (The Album) [2004, Thirsty Ear], B+

The Lady of Rage

• Necessary Roughness [1997, Interscope], B

Latryx

• The Album [1997, SoleSides], A–

Mac Lethal

• 11:11 [2007, Rhymesayers Entertainment], A–

Lifers Group

• Lifers Group [1991, Hollywood], B

Lifesavas [2001– ]

• Spirit in Stone [2003, Quannum Projects], A–
• Gutterfly [2007, Quannum Projects], B+(*)

Lil' Kim (1975– )

• Notorious KIM [2000, Atlantic], B

L.L. Cool J (1968– )

• Radio [1985, Def Jam], B+
• Walking with a Panther [1989, Def Jam], A–
• Mama Said Knock You Out [1990, Def Jam], A
• 14 Shots to the Dome [1993, Def Jam], A
• Mr. Smith [1995, Def Jam], B+
• All World: Greatest Hits [(1996), Def Jam], A–

Monie Love

• Down to Earth [1990, Warner Brothers], B–

L'Trimm [1987– ]

• Grab It! [1988, Atlantic], B+
• Drop That Bottom [1989, Atlantic], B+

Ludacris

• Word of Mouf [2001, Def Jam], A–
• Chicken-N-Beer [2003, Def Jam South], A–
• The Red Light District [2004, Def Jam South], B+
• Release Therapy [2006, Disturbing Tha Peace], B

Lupe Fiasco (1981– )

• Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor [2006, Atlantic], A–
• The Cool [2007, Atlantic], A–

Lyrics Born (1972– )

• Later That Day . . . [2003, Quannum Projects], A
• Same !@#$ Different Day [2005, Quannum Projects], A–
• Everywhere at Once [2008, Anti-], B+(**)

Madvillain [2004– ]

• Madvillainy [2004, Stones Throw], A–

Biz Markie (1964– )

• All Samples Cleared! [1992, Cold Chillin'], B+

Marley Marl (1962– )

• In Control, Volume 1 [1988, Cold Chillin'], B+
• In Control, Volume 2 [1991, Cold Chillin'], B

Maroons

• Ambush [2004, Quannum Projects], B+

Mase (1978– )

• Harlem World [1997, Bad Boy], B+

MC Hawking

• A Brief History of Rhyme: MC Hawking's Greatest Hits [1994–2002, Brash Music], A–

MC Lyte

• Eyes on This [1989, First Priority], B+
• Ain't No Other [1993, First Priority], B
• Seven and Seven [1998, Eastwest], A–

McEnroe [1999– ]

• Disenfranchised [2003, Peanuts and Corn], A–
• w/Birdapres: Nothing Is Cool [2004, Peanuts and Corn], A–

Method Man

• Tical [1994, Def Jam], B

MF Doom

• Operation: Doomsday [2001, Sub Verse], B+

Mr. Lif

• Emergency Rations [2002, Definitive Jux, EP], A–
• I Phantom [2002, Definitive Jux], A
• Sleepyheads: Unreleased and Hard to Find [1995–2002, Thought Wizard], A–
• Mo' Mega [2006, Definitive Jux], A–

Mobb Deep [1992– ]

• Life of the Infamous: The Best of Mobb Deep [1993–2004, Loud/Legacy], B

Pharoahe Monch

• Desire [2007, SRC], B+(***)

M.O.P. [1996– ]

• Warriorz [2000, Loud], B+

Murs [2000– ]

• End of the Beginning [2003, Definitive Jux], A–

Mystikal [1995– ]

• Unpredictable [1997, Jive/No Limit], A–
• Let's Get Ready [2000, Jive], A–
• Prince of the South . . . the Hits [1995–2004, Jive/Zomba], A–

Nas

• I Am . . . [1999, Columbia], B
• The Lost Tapes [1999–2002, Columbia], B+
• Street's Disciple [2004, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
• Hip Hop Is Dead [2006, Def Jam], A–

Naughty by Nature [1991– ]

• Poverty's Paradise [1995, Tommy Boy], B

Nelly

• Country Grammar [2000, Universal], A
• Nellyville [2002, Universal], A–
• Sweat [2004, Universal], A–
• Suit [2004, Universal], B+

NERD [2002– ]

• In Search of . . . [2002, Virgin], A
• Seeing Sounds [2008, Interscope], B+(**)

Non-Prophets [2003– ]

• Hope [2003, Lex], B+

Northern State [2002– ]

• Dying in Stereo [2002, Northern State], A–
• All City [2004, Columbia], A–
• Can I Keep This Pen? [2007, Ipecac], A–

Notorious B.I.G. (1972–97)

• Ready to Die [1994, Bad Boy], B+
• Life After Death [1997, Bad Boy, 2 CD], B+
• Born Again [1999, Bad Boy], B+

N.W.A. [1986–1991]

• Straight Outta Compton [1988, Priority], B+

Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968–2004)

• Return to the 36 Chambers [1995, Elektra], B+
• N***a Please [1999, Elektra], B
• The Definitive Ol' Dirty Bastard Story [1995–99, Elektra/Rhino], B+

OutKast [1992– ]

• Aquemini [1998, LaFace], A–
• Stankonia [2000, LaFace], A
• Big Boi and Dre Present . . . OutKast [1994–2000, La Face], B+
• Speakerboxx / The Love Below [2003, Arista, 2 CD], A–
• Idlewild [2006, LaFace/Zomba], A–

Overweight Pooch

• Female Preacher [1991, A&M], B+

Paris

• Sonic Jihad [2003, Guerrilla Funk], A–

The Perceptionists [2005– ]

• Black Dialogue [2005, Definitive Jux], A

The Pharcyde [1990– ]

• Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde [1992, Atlantic], B–

P.M. Dawn [1988– ]

• Of the Heart, of the Soul, and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience [1991, Gee Street], A
• The Bliss Album [1993, Gee Street], A–
• Jesus Wept [1995, Gee Street], A–
• Dearest Christian, I'm So Very Sorry for Bringing You Here. Love, Dad [1998, Gee Street], A–

Poor Righteous Teachers

• Black Business [1993, Profile], B

Prince Paul (1967– )

• Psychoanalysis: What Is It? [1997, Tommy Boy], B+
• Prince Paul Presents a Prince Among Thieves [1999, Tommy Boy], A–

Psalm One

• The Death of Frequent Flyer [2006, Rhymesayers Entertainment], B+(***)

Public Enemy [1982– ]

• Yo! Bum Rush the Show! [1987, Def Jam], A–
• It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back [1988, Def Jam], A+
• Fear of a Black Planet [1990, Def Jam], A
• Apocalypse 91 . . . The Enemy Strikes Black [1991, Def Jam], A
• Muse Sick-N-Hour Mess Age [1994, Def Jam], A–
• He Got Game [1998, Def Jam], B+
• Power to the People and the Beats: Public Enemy's Greatest Hits [1987–98, Def Jam], A
• Revolverlution [1989–2002, Koch], A–
• New Whirl Odor [2005, SlamJamz], A–
• Rebirth of a Nation [2006, Guerrilla Funk], A
• How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul??? [2007, Slamjamz, CD+DVD], A–

Q-Tip (1970– )

• Amplified [1999, Arista], A–

Quasimoto [2000– ]

• The Unseen [2000, Stones Throw], B

Queen Latifah (1970– )

• All Hail the Queen [1989, Tommy Boy], A–
• Nature of a Sista' [1991, Tommy Boy], B

The Real Roxanne

• The Real Roxanne [1988, Select], A–

Redman

• Muddy Waters [1996, Def Jam], B
• Doc's Da Name 2000 [1998, Def Jam], B+

Rhymefest

• Blue Collar [2006, J/All I Do], A–

Busta Rhymes (1972– )

• The Coming [1996, Elektra], B

RJD2 (1976– )

• Dead Ringer [2002, Definitive Jux], B+

The Roots [1993– ]

• Illadelph Halflife [1996, DGC], B+
• Things Fall Apart [1999, MCA], A–
• The Roots Come Alive: Open Access [1999, MCA], B+
• Phrenology [2002, MCA], A–
• The Tipping Point [2004, Geffen], A–
• Home Grown! The Beginners Guide to Understanding the Roots Volume One [(2005), Geffen], B+(*)
• Home Grown! The Beginners Guide to Understanding the Roots Volume Two [(2005), Geffen], B+(**)
• Game Theory [2006, Def Jam], A–
• Rising Down [2008, Def Jam], A

Roots Manuva

• Run Come Save Me [2001, Big Dada], B+

Run-DMC [1982– ]

• Run-DMC [1983–84, Arista/Legacy], A
• King of Rock [1985, Arista/Legacy], A–
• Raising Hell [1986, Arista/Legacy], A–
• Tougher than Leather [1988, Arista/Legacy], B+(***)
• Together Forever: Greatest Hits [1983–91, Profile], A
• Down with the King [1993, Profile], B
• Greatest Hits [1983–93, Arista/BMG Heritage], A

RZA

• The RZA Hits [(1999), Razor Sharp/Epic], B+

St. Lunatics [2001– ]

• Free City [2001, Uptown/Universal], A–

Salt-N-Pepa [1985– ]

• Hot, Cool and Vicious [1986, London], B+
• A Salt with a Deadly Pepa [1988, London], B–
• Black's Magic [1990, London], A
• Very Necessary [1993, Polygram], A–

7L & Esoteric

• A New Dope [2006, Babygrande], A–

Roxanne Shanté

• Bad Sister [1989, Cold Chillin'], A
• The Bitch Is Back [1992, Livin' Large], A–
• The Best of Cold Chillin' [1984–92, LandSpeed], A–

Shazzy

• Attitude: A Hip Hop Rhapsody [1990, Elektra], B

Pipi Skid

• Funny Farm [2004, Peanuts & Corn], A–

Slick Rick (1965– )

• The Ruler's Back [1991, Def Jam], B+
• The Art of Storytelling [1999, Def Jam], B

Soulja Boy Tell Em (1990– )

• Souljaboytellem.com [2007, ColliPark Music/Interscope], B+(**)

Souls of Mischief [1993– ]

• '93 'til Infinity [1993, Jive], A–

Bubba Sparxxx

• Deliverance [2003, Beatclub/Interscope], B+

Spearhead [1994– ]

• Home [1994, Capitol], B+

Stereo MC's [1990– ]

• Connected [1993, Polygram], A–

Stetsasonic [1986–1992]

• In Full Gear [1988, Tommy Boy], B+

The Streets

• Original Pirate Material [2002, Vice/Atlantic], A
• A Grand Don't Come for Free [2004, Atlantic], B+
• The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living [2006, Vice/Atlantic], A–

Subtitle [2003– ]

• Young Dangerous Heart [2005, Gold Standard Laboratories], B+

The Sugarhill Gang [1979– ]

• Rappers Delight: The Best of Sugarhill Gang [1979–85, Rhino], B+(*)

Sunz of Man

• The Last Shall Be First [1998, Red Ant], B–

Sway and King Tech

• This or That [1999, Interscope], A–

Third Bass [1987–1995]

• The Cactus Album [1989, Def Jam], A–
• Derelicts of Dialect [1991, Def Jam], B

Timbaland and Magoo [1997– ]

• Welcome to Our World [1997, Blackground], A–
• Under Construction Part II [2003, Blackground/Universal], A–

Tone-Loc

• Loc-ed After Dark [1989, Delicious Vinyl], B+

Too Short (1966– )

• Life Is Too Short [1988, Jive], B

T-Pain

• Epiphany [2007, Jive], B

The Treacherous Three

• Old School Flava [1993, Wrap], B+

A Tribe Called Quest [1988–1998]

• People's Instinctive Travels and The Paths of Rhythm [1990, Jive], B
• The Low End Theory [1991, Jive], A–
• The Anthology [1999, Jive], A–

2 Black 2 Strong [1991–1992]

• Doin' Hard Time on Planet Earth [1991, Relativity], B

2Pac (1971–96)

• Better Dayz [2002, Interscope, 2 CD], B–

US3 [1993– ]

• Hand on the Torch [1993, Blue Note], B

Viktor Vaughn

• (VV:2) Venomous Villain [2004, Insomniac], B+

Justin Warfield

• My Field Trip to Planet 9 [1993, Warner Brothers], A

Kanye West

• The College Dropout [2004, Roc-A-Fella], A–
• Late Registration [2005, Roc-A-Fella], A
• Graduation [2007, Roc-A-Fella], B+(***)

Whodini

• Funky Beat: The Best of Whodini [1983–96, Jive/Legacy], B+(**)

Wu-Tang Clan [1992– ]

• Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) [1993, Loud], A–
• Wu-Tang Forever [1997, Loud, 2 CD], B+
• The W [2000, Loud], B+
• Legend of the Wu-Tang: Wu-Tang Clan's Greatest Hits [1993–2001, BMG Heritage], A–
• 8 Diagrams [2007, SRC/Universal/Motown], A–

The X-Ecutioners

• Scratchology [2003, Sequence], B+

Yo Yo (1971– )

• Make Way for the Motherlode [1991, East West], B+
• Black Pearl [1992, East West], B

Young Jeezy

• Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 [2005, Def Jam], B+(***)

Various Artists

• Africa Raps [(2002), Trikont], A–
• The Beat: Go-Go's Fusion of Funk and Hip Hop [1979–2001, Liason, 2 CD], A–
• The Best of International Hip-Hop [2000, Hip-O], A–
• Cash Money Records: Platinum Hits [1997–2001, Cash Money/Universal], A–
• Crunk Hits [2002–3, TVT], A–
• Crunk Hits Vol. 2 [2004–5, TVT], A–
• Ego Trip: The Big Playback [2000, Priority], B+
• Fat Beats and Bra Straps: Hip Hop Classics [1983–93, Rhino], B+
• Fat Beats and Bra Straps: New MCs [(1998), Rhino], B+
• Global Hip Hop: Beats and Rhymes — The No World Culture [1998–2003, Manteca], A–
• Greatest Rap Hits, Vol. 2 [1981, Sugar Hill], B
• The Hip Hop Box [1979–2003, Hip-O, 4 CD], A–
• Hip Hop Greats: Classic Raps [1990, Rhino], B+
• Hip Hop 101 [2000, Tommy Boy], A–
• Loud Rocks [2000, Loud], B
• Lyricist Lounge, Vol. 1 [1998, Priority, 2 CD], B
• Lyricist Lounge, Vol. 2 [2000, Rawkus], B+
• Lyricist Lounge Presents Underground Airplay Version 1.0 [2001, Mic], B+
• Millennium Hip-Hop Party [1983–93, Rhino], A–
• Mr. Magic's Rap Attack, Vol. 4 [(1988), Profile], A
• Rawkus Presents Soundbombing [1997, Rawkus], A–
• Rawkus Presents Soundbombing II [1999, Priority], A–
• Quannum Spectrum [1999, Quannum], B+
• The Real Hip-Hop: The Best of D&D, Vol. 1 [1993–99, Coldfront], A–
• Ruffhouse Records Greatest Hits [1999, Sony], B+
• Run the Road [2005, Vice], A–
• Run the Road Volume 2 [2006, Vice], B+(***)
• The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip Hop 1979–1983 [1979–83, Stones Throw], A–
• The Tommy Boy Story Vol. 1: Tommy Boy Twelve-Inch: It's Workin! [1981–93, Rhino, 2 CD], B+(**)
• 2 Nasty 4 Radio [1990, Cold Chillin'], C+
• Yo! MTV Raps: The CD [1987–88, Jive], A–