Rap (Reference)

The reference list includes records that have been obtained and/or rated (in blue) as well as many other records that have been recommended from various sources.

Above the Law [1990– ]

• Black Mafia Life [1993, Warner Brothers]

Aceyalone

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

Aesop Rock

• Float [2000, Mush]
• Labor Days [2001, Def Jux], A–
• Daybreak [2001, Definitive Jux, EP], U
• 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

Afros [1990– ]

• Kickin' Afrolistics [1990, Ral]

Ahmad

• Ahmad [1994, Giant], B+

Akrobatik [1998– ]

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

AMG

• Bitch Betta Have My Money [1992, Select]

Amil

• All Money Is Lega [2000, Roc-a-Fella]

Anti-Pop Consortium [2000– ]

• Tragic Epilogue [2000, 75 Ark]
• Arrhythmia [2002, Warp], B

Antoinette

• Burnin' at 20 Below [1990, Next Plateau]

Arabian Prince

• Tha Underworld [1992, EMI America]

Arrested Development [1988–1996]

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

Ashanti [2002– ]

• Ashanti [2002, Murder Inc.]

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+
• Headshots: Se7en [1997–99, Rhymesayers, 2 CD]
• 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+(***)

Audio Two [1988–1992]

• What More Can I Say [1988, Atlantic/First Priority]
• I Don't Care: The Album [1990, Atlantic/First Priority]

Automato

• Automato [2004, Coup de Grace], A–

Automator

• A Much Better Tomorrow [1996–2000, 75 Ark], A–
• Dan the Automator: Wanna Buy a Monkey? A Mixtape Session [2002, Sequence]

Eric B. and Rakim [1985–1992]

• Paid in Full [1987, 4th & Broadway]
• Paid in Full: The Platinum Edition [1987, Island, 2 CD], B+
• Follow the Leader [1988, UNI], A–
• Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em [1990, MCA]
• 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–

Bahamadia

• Kollage [1996, Chrysalis]

Afrika Bambaataa (1960– )

• Planet Rock: The Album [1982–84, Tommy Boy]
• Looking for the Perfect Beat: 1980–1985 [1980–85, Tommy Boy], A–
• Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere) [1986, Tommy Boy]
• Lost Generation [(1996), Hot Productions], A–

Lloyd Banks

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

David Banner

• Mississippi: The Album [2003, Universal]

MC Paul Barman

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

Rob Base (1967– )

• w/D.J. E-Z Rock: It Takes Two [1988, Profile]

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

Beat Dominator

• Bass Station Zero [1994, Pandisc]

The Beatnuts

• The Beatnuts [1994, Violator]
• A Musical Massacre [1999, Relativity]
• Classic Nuts, Vol. 1 [(2002), Loud]

Miri Ben-Ari

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

Big Daddy Kane

• Long Live the Kane [1988, Cold Chillin']
• Taste of Chocolate [1990, Cold Chillin']
• The Very Best of Big Daddy Kane [(2001), Rhino], B+

Big L

• The Big Picture [2000, Priority]

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– ]

• Bridging the Gap [2000, Interscope]
• Elephunk [2003, A&M], A–
• Monkey Business [2005, A&M], B+(*)

Black Moon [1993– ]

• Enta Da Stage [1993, Nervous]

Black Rob

• Life Story [2000, Bad Boy]

Black Sheep [1990– ]

• A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing [1990, Mercury]

Blackalicious [1994– ]

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

Blackstreet [1994– ]

• Another Level [1996, Interscope]

Kurtis Blow (1959– )

• Kurtis Blow [1980, Mercury], B
• The Breaks [1980, Mercury]
• Party Time? [1983, Mercury]
• The Best of Kurtis Blow [(1994), Mercury]
• 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection [(2003), Mercury]

Blowfly (1945– )

• Oldies but Goodies [1978, Weird World]
• The Best of Blowfly: An Anthology [(1996), Pandisc]
• For President [Oops]

Blueprint

• 1988 [2005, Rhymesayers], A–

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

• E 1999 Eternal [1996, Sony International]

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+
• Sex and Violence [1992, Jive]

Boom Bip

• Circle [2000, The Leaf Label]
• Seed to Sun [2002, Lex]

The Brand New Heavies [1991– ]

• The Brand New Heavies [1992, Delicious Vinyl]

Brand Nubian [1989– ]

• One for All [1990, Elektra], A–
• In God We Trust [1993, Elektra], B
• Everything Is Everything [1994, Elektra], B
• Foundation [1998, Arista]
• The Very Best of Brand Nubian [1990–98, Elektra/Rhino], A–

Break Bread [2004– ]

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

Brokin English Klik [1993– ]

• Brokin English Klik [1993, Capitol]

Brooklyn Funk Essentials

• Cool and Steady and Easy [1995, Groovetown]

Brotha Lynch Hung

• Season of Da Siccness [1995, Black Market]

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–

Foxy Brown (1979– )

• Chyna Doll [1999, Def Jam]
• Broken Silence [2001, Def Jam]

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–

Joe Budden

• Joe Budden [2003, Def Jam]

Busdriver

• Busdriver & Radioinactive With Daedelus: The Weather [2003, Mush], B–
• Fear of a Black Tangent [2005, Mush]
• Road Kill Overcoat [2007, Epitaph], B+(**)

Bushwick Bill

• Phantom of the Rapra [1995, Rap-a-Lot]

BWP

• The Bytches [1991, Ral], B–

Candyman (1968– )

• Ain't No Shame in My Game [1990, Epic]

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–

Capital Tax [1993– ]

• The Swoll Package [1993, MCA]

Cappadonna (1969– )

• The Pillage [1998, Columbia], B
• The Yin and the Yang [2001, Epic/Razor Sharp]

Cash Money and Marvelous [1988– ]

• Where's the Party At? [1988, Sleeping Bag]

Neneh Cherry (1964– )

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

Chill Rob G

• Ride the Rhythm [1990, Capitol]

Chubb Rock (1968– )

• And the Winner Is ... [1989, Select]

Clipse [1999– ]

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

Cold Crush Brothers

• Fresh Wild Fly and Bold [(1996), Tuff City]

Common

• Common Sense: Resurrection [1994, Ruthless]
• 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+(***)

Company Flow [1996– ]

• Funcrusher Plus [1997, Priority]

Compton's Most Wanted [1989– ]

• When We Wuz Bangin' 1989–1999: The Hitz [(2001), Capitol]

Cookie Crew

• Born This Way [1989, FFRR], B

Coolio

• It Takes a Thief [1994, Tommy Boy]
• Gangsta's Paradise [1995, Tommy Boy], B+
• My Soul [1997, Tommy Boy]
• 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

Criminal Nation [1990– ]

• Release the Pressure [1990, Nastymix]

Cut Chemist

• w/Shortkut: Live at Future Primitive Sound Session [1998, Ubiquity]
• w/DJ Shadow: Brainfreeze [1999, Sixty Seven]
• Product Placement [(2001), One29]

Cypress Hill [1991– ]

• Cypress Hill [1991, Ruffhouse], B
• Black Sunday [1993, Columbia]
• Skull and Bones [2000, Sony]

Chuck D (1960– )

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

Da Brat (1974– )

• Anuthatantrum [1996, Sony]

Da Lench Mob [1992– ]

• Guerillas in Tha Mist [1992, Atco]

Dälek

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

Dana Dane

• Dana Dane With Fame [1987, Profile]

Danger Doom

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

Das EFX [1992– ]

• Dead Serious [1992, East West]
• The Very Best of Das EFX [(2001), Rhino]

Dead Prez [2000– ]

• Let's Get Free [2000, Relativity], B+
• Turn Off the Radio: The Mixtape Vol. 1 [2002, Full Clip]
• 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–

Def Jef

• Just a Poet with Soul [1989, Atlantic]
• Soul Food [1991, Atlantic]

Definition of Sound

• Experience [1996, Fontana]

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+
• Stakes Is High [1996, Tommy Boy]
• 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

• To Tha X-Treme [2004, Rap-A-Lot]
• 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–
• Sons of the P [1991, Tommy Boy]
• The Body-Hat Syndrome [1993, Tommy Boy], B
• Who Got the Gravy? [1998, Interscope]
• No Nose Job: The Legend of Digital Underground [(2001), Tommy Boy]

Diplo

• Florida [2004, Big Dada]

The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy [1990–1993]

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

Divine Styler

• Spiral Walls Containing Autumns of Light [1991, Giant]

Dizzee Rascal

• Boy in Da Corner [2003, Matador], A–
• Showtime [2004, XL]
• Maths + English [2007, XL], B+(**)

DJ Faust

• Man or Myth? [1998, Bomb Hip Hop]

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

• He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper [1988, Jive]
• And in This Corner . . . [1989, Jive]
• Homebase [1991, Jive]
• Greatest Hits [(1998), Jive]
• The Very Best of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince [1986–93, Jive/Legacy], B+(***)

DJ Kool (1959– )

• Let Me Clear My Throat [1996, American]

DJ Magic Mike (1967– )

• The Cheetah's Bassest Hits [(1993), Cheetah]

DJ Muggs

• Muggs Presents . . . The Soul Assassins, Chapter 1 [1997, Columbia], U

DJ Quik (1970– )

• Quik Is the Name [1991, Profile]
• Way 2 Fonky [1992, Profile]
• Balance and Options [2000, Arista]
• Born and Raised in Compton: The Greatest Hits [1991–2000, Arista/Profile/Legacy], B

DJ Red Alert

• We Can Do This [1988, Next Plateau]

DJ Screw

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

DMX

• And Then There Was X [1999, Def Jam]

D-Nice (1970– )

• Call Me D-Nice [1990, Jive/Novus]
• To Tha Rescue [1991, Jive/Novus]

D.O.C. [1989– ]

• No One Can Do It Better [1989, Ruthless]

Dr. Dooom

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

Dr. Dre (1965– )

• The Chronic [1992, Death Row]
• 2001 [2000, Interscope], B–

Dr. Octagon

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

Downtown Science

• Downtown Science [1991, Def Jam], A

DPZ [2002– ]

• Turn Off the Radio: The Mixtape Volume 1 [2002, Full Clip]

Dream Warriors [1988– ]

• An Now, the Legacy Begins [1991, 4th & Broadway]
• Anthology: A Decade of Hits 1988–1998 [1988–98, Priority], A–

D12

• Devil's Night [2001, Interscope]
• D12 World [2004, Shady/Interscope], B+(*)

Dungeon Family

• Even in Darkness [2001, Arista], B+

Dynamix II

• Electro Bass Megamix: 1985 to Present [(1997), Joey Boy]

Eazy-E (1964–95)

• Eazy-Duz-It [1988, Ruthless], C+
• Eternal E [1995, Ruthless]

Ed O.G. and Da Bulldogs [1990– ]

• Life of a Kid in the Ghetto [1990, PWL America]

E-40

• Loyalty and Betrayal [2000, Jive]

The Egyptian Lover

• On the Nile [1984, Egyptian]

Eightball and MJG

• On the Outside Looking In [1994, Suave]

Missy Elliott

• Supa Dupa Fly [1997, Gold Mind], B
• Da Real World [1999, Elektra]
• 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+(*)
• Eminem Presents the Re-Up [2006, Shady/Interscope], U

EPMD [1987– ]

• Strictly Business [1988, Priority], B+
• Unfinished Business [1989, Priority], B
• Business Never Personal [1992, RAL]
• Greatest Hits [(1999), Def Jam]

Esham

• KKKill the Fetus [1993, TVT]
• Bootleg: From the Lost Vault, Vol. 1 [(2000), TVT]

Eve

• Ruff Ryder's First Lady [1999, Interscope]
• Scorpion [2001, Ruff Ryders/Interscope]

Everlast

• Whitey Ford Sings the Blues [1998, Tommy Boy]
• Eat at Whitey's [2000, Tommy Boy]

Eyedea and Abilities

• E&A [2004, Rhymesayers/Epitaph]

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–
• Crushin' [1987, Polygram]
• The Best Part of the Fat Boys [(1987), Sutra]
• Greatest Hits [(1991), Unidisc]
• All Meat No Filler: The Best of the Fat Boys [(1997), Rhino]

Father MC

• Father's Day [1990, Uptown]
• Close to You [1992, Uptown]

50 Cent (1976– )

• Get Rich or Die Tryin' [2003, Shady/Aftermath/Interscope], B
• The Massacre [2005, Shady/Aftermath]

Floetry [2002– ]

• Floetic [2002, Dreamworks], C+

John Forté

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

Sage Francis (1977– )

• Personal Journals [2002, Anticon]
• A Healthy Distrust [2005, Epitaph]
• Human the Death Dance [2007, Epitaph], B+(**)

Michael Franti

• Stay Human [2001, Six Degrees]

Freestyle Fellowship [1992–1999]

• To Whom It May Concern [1991, Beats & Rhymes]
• Inner City Griots [1993, 4th & Broadway]

Freeway

• Philadelphia Freeway [2003, Roc-A-Fella]
• Free at Last [2007, Roc-A-Fella]

Doug E. Fresh (1966– )

• Oh, My God! [1986, Reality]
• The World's Greatest Entertainer [1988, Reality]
• Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 [(1996), Bust It]

The Fugees [1987– ]

• Blunted on Reality [1994, Ruffhouse]
• The Score [1996, Ruffhouse], B–

Full Force

• Guess Who's Comin' to the Crib? [1987, Columbia]

Funkdoobiest [1993– ]

• Which Doobie U B? [1993, Epic]

Funkmaster Flex

• Funkmaster Flex Presents the Mix Tape, Vol. 1 [1995, Loud/RCA], B
• The Tunnel [1999, Def Jam]

Funkytown Pros [1991– ]

• Reaching a Level of Assassination [1991, 4th & Broadway]

Fu-Schnickens [1991– ]

• F.U. Don't Take It Personal [1992, Jive], B+
• Nervous Breakdown [1994, Jive], B
• Greatest Hits [(1995), Jive]

Warren G (1971– )

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

Gang Starr [1989– ]

• Step in the Arena [1991, Chrysalis]
• Daily Operation [1992, Chrysalis]
• Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr [(1999), Virgin, 2 CD], B+

Gerardo (1965– )

• Mo' Ritmo [1990, Interscope]

Geto Boys [1990– ]

• We Can't Be Stopped [1991, Rap-a-Lot/Priority]
• Uncut Dope: Geto Boys' Best [(1992), Priority]

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–
• Shaolin's Finest [2003, Epic]
• 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+
• Still Standing [1998, La Face]
• 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+(**)

Grand Puba

• Reel to Reel [1992, Elektra]

Grandmaster Flash (1958– )

• The Message [1982, Deep Beats]
• Greatest Hits [(1989), Sugar Hill]
• 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–
• Adventures on the Wheels of Steel [(1999), Sugar Hill]
• The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash [(2002), Strut]
• Essential Mix: Classic Edition [1972–97, FFRR], B+

Gravediggaz [1994– ]

• Six Feet Deep [1995, V2]
• The Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel [1997, V2]
• Nightmare in A-Minor [2002, Empire Musicwerks]

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

GZA / Genius

• Liquid Swords [1995, Geffen], U
• Beneath the Surface [1999, MCA]
• Legend of the Liquid Swords [2002, MCA]

Handsome Boy Modeling School [1999– ]

• So . . . How's Your Girl? [1999, Tommy Boy], A
• White People [2004, Atlantic]

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–

Heavy D and the Boyz [1986– ]

• Big Tyme [1989, Uptown]
• Peaceful Journey [1991, Uptown]
• Heavy Hits [(2000), MCA]

Hieroglyphics

• Hiero Oldies [(1997), Hiero Imperium]
• Third Eye Vision [1998, Black Music]

The High and Mighty [1997– ]

• Home Field Advantage [1999, Rawkus]

Lauryn Hill

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

House of Pain [1990– ]

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

HWA [1990–1994]

• Az Much Ass Az U Want [1994, Ruthless]

Ice Cube (1969– )

• AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted [1990, Priority]
• Kill at Will [1990, Priority], B
• Death Certificate [1991, Priority]
• Check Yo Self [1993, Priority]
• Greatest Hits [1990–2001, Priority], B+

Ice-T (1959– )

• Rhyme Pays [1987, Sire], B+
• Power [1988, Sire]
• The Iceberg [1989, Sire], A–
• O.G. Original Gangster [1991, Sire], A
• Body Count [1992, Sire], A–
• Home Invasion [1993, Rhyme Syndicate]
• Return of the Real [1996, Rhyme Syndicate]
• Greatest Hits: The Evidence [1987–96, Atomic Pop], A–

Inspectah Deck

• Uncontrolled Substance [1999, Relativity]

Intelligent Hoodlum

• Intelligent Hoodlum [1990, A&M]
• Tragedy: Saga of a Hoodlum [1993, A&M]

Jay-Z (1970– )

• Reasonable Doubt [1996, Roc-A-Fella]
• In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 [1997, Roc-A-Fella], U
• Vol. 2: Hard Knock Lfe [1998, Def Jam]
• 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+
• The Blueprint²: The Gift and the Curse [2002, Roc-A-Fella]
• The Black Album [2003, Roc-A-Fella]
• Kingdom Come [2006, Roc-A-Fella]
• 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+
• Masquerade [2002, Columbia]
• The Preacher's Son [2003, Clef/J]
• Greatest Hits [(2003), Columbia]

Jedi Mind Tricks

• Visions of Gandhi [2003, Babygrande]

Jeru the Damaja

• The Sun Rises in the East [1994, Payday]
• Wrath of the Math [1996, Payday]

Bobby Jimmy

• Bobby Jimmy, You a Fool (The Best of Bobby Jimmy and the Critters) [(1990), K-Tel]
• Erotic Psychotic [1991, Priority]

J-Live [2001– ]

• The Best Part [2001, Triple Threat]
• All of the Above [2002, Coup d'Etat], U

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

Jurassic 5 [1995– ]

• Quality Control [2000, Interscope]
• Power in Numbers [2002, Interscope]

Just-Ice

• Back to the Old School [1986]

Juvenile

• The G-Code [1999, Cash Money/Universal]

K Solo

• Time's Up [1992, Atlantic]

Kid Frost

• Hispanic Causing Panic [1990, Virgin]
• East Side Story [1992, Virgin]

Kid 'n Play [1987–1993]

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

Kid Sensation

• The Power of Rhyme [1992, Nastymix]

Killah Priest

• Heavy Mental [1998, Geffen], A–

King Sun

• XL [1989, Zakia]
• Righteous but Ruthless [1990, Profile]

King Tee

• Act a Fool [1988, Capitol]
• At Your Own Risk [1990, Capitol]
• Ruff Rhymes: Greatest Hits Collection [1988–93, Capitol]

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 G Rap and DJ Polo [1989– ]

• Road to Riches [1989, Cold Chillin']
• Wanted: Dead or Alive [1990, Cold Chillin']
• Live and Let Die [1992, Cold Chillin']
• Killer Kuts [(1994), Cold Chillin']
• The Best of Cold Chillin' [(2000), Landspeed, 2CD]

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–
• The Best [(1987), Jive]
• Knowledge Is King [1989, Jive], B+
• Greatest Hits [(1989), Sequel]
• Funkee Funkee Wisdom [1991, Jive]
• The Jive Collection, Volume 2 [(1995), Jive], A–

Kris Kross [1991– ]

• Totally Krossed Out [1992, Ruffhouse], A–
• Da Bomb [1993, Ruffhouse]

KRS-One

• Return of the Boom Bap [1993, Jive], B+
• I Got Next [1997, Jive]
• A Retrospective [1987–97, Jive], A
• Life [2006, Antagonist], A–

Kwamé

• Featuring a New Beginning [1990, Atlantic]
• Day in the Life: A Pokadelick Adventure [1990, Atlantic]

Talib Kweli

• Reflection Eternal [2000, Priority], B+
• Quality [2002, MCA], U
• Eardrum [2007, Blacksmith/Warner Brothers], B+(***)

L.A. Star

• Poetess [1990, Profile]

Mike Ladd

• Welcome to the Afterfuture [2000, Ozone]
• Nostalgialator [2004, Definitive Jux], B
• Negrophilia (The Album) [2004, Thirsty Ear], B+

The Lady of Rage

• Necessary Roughness [1997, Interscope], B

Latin Alliance [1991– ]

• Latin Alliance [1991, Virgin]

Latryx

• The Album [1997, SoleSides], A–
• The Muzapper's Mixes EP [1997, SoleSides]

Leaders of the New School [1991–1993]

• Future Without a Past [1991, Elektra]

Mac Lethal

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

Lifers Group

• Lifers Group [1991, Hollywood], B
• Living Proof [1993, Hollywood]

Lifesavas [2001– ]

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

Lil' Kim (1975– )

• Notorious KIM [2000, Atlantic], B

Lil Wayne

• The Block Is Hot [1999, Cash Money/Universal]
• Da Drought 3 [2007, Mixtrap, 2 CD], U
• The Drought Is Over 2: The Carter 3 Sessions [2007, Mixtrap], U

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–
• Phenomenon [1997, Def Jam]

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

Luke

• Banned in the U.S.A. [1990, Luke]
• I Got Shit on My Mind [1992, Atlantic]

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+(**)

Craig Mack

• Project Funk Da World [1994, Bad Boy]

Madvillain [2004– ]

• Madvillainy [2004, Stones Throw], A–

Main Source [1991– ]

• Breaking Atoms [1991, EMI America]

Marky Mark

• Music for the People [1991, Interscope]

Biz Markie (1964– )

• Goin' Off [1988, Cold Chillin']
• The Biz Never Sleeps [1989, Cold Chillin']
• I Need a Haircut [1991, Cold Chillin']
• All Samples Cleared! [1992, Cold Chillin'], B+
• Biz's Baddest Beats [(1994), Cold Chillin']

Marley Marl (1962– )

• In Control, Volume 1 [1988, Cold Chillin'], B+
• In Control, Volume 2 [1991, Cold Chillin'], B
• The Best of Cold Chillin': In Control Vols. I + II [1988–91, Landspeed], U
• House of Hits [(1995), Cold Chillin']

Maroon

• The Funky Record [1988, Arb], U

Maroons

• Ambush [2004, Quannum Projects], B+

Mase (1978– )

• Harlem World [1997, Bad Boy], B+
• The Movement [1999, All Out]

Masta Ace

• Take a Look Around [1990, Cold Chillin']
• SlaughtaHouse [1993, Delicious Vinyl]
• A Long Hot Summer [2004, M3]

Master P. (1970– )

• Master P Presents ... West Coast Bad Boyz II [1997, Priority]
• Ghetto D [1997, No Limit]

MC Brains

• Lovers Lane [1992, Motown]

MC Breed

• MC Breed and DFC [1991, Ichiban]
• 20 Below [1992, Wrap/Ichiban]

MC Hammer (1962– )

• Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em [1990, Capitol]
• Greatest Hits [(1996), Capitol]

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+
• Act Like You Know [1991, Atlantic]
• Ain't No Other [1993, First Priority], B
• Bad as I Wanna B [1996, Eastwest]
• Seven and Seven [1998, Eastwest], A–

MC Serch

• Return of the Product [1992, Def Jam]

MC Shy D

• I've Gotta Be Tough [1987, Luke]

MC Solaar

• Prose Combat [1994, Cohiba]
• MC Solaar [1998, Polydor]
• Le Tour de la Question [1998, Eastwest]

McEnroe [1999– ]

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

Mellow Man Ace (1967– )

• From the Darkness Into the Light [2000, Cleopatra]

Method Man

• Tical [1994, Def Jam], B
• w/Redman: Blackout [1999, Def Jam]

MF Doom

• Operation: Doomsday [2001, Sub Verse], B+
• MM . . Food? [2004, Rhymesayers Entertainment]

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–

Mix Master Mike (1970– )

• Anti-Theft Device [1998, Asphodel]

Mobb Deep [1992– ]

• Infamous [1995, Loud]
• Hell on Earth [1996, Loud]
• Murda Muzik [1999, Loud]
• Life of the Infamous: The Best of Mobb Deep [1993–2004, Loud/Legacy], B

Pharoahe Monch

• Internal Affairs [1999, Priority]
• Desire [2007, SRC], B+(***)

M.O.P. [1996– ]

• Handle Ur Bizness [1998, Relativity], U
• Warriorz [2000, Loud], B+

Movement Ex [1990– ]

• Movement Ex [1990, Columbia]

Ms. Jade [2002– ]

• Girl Interrupted [2002, Beatclub/Interscope]

Murs [2000– ]

• End of the Beginning [2003, Definitive Jux], A–
• Murs 3:16 [2004, Definitive Jux]

Musiq

• Aijuswanaseing [2000, Def Jam]

Mystikal [1995– ]

• Mind of Mystikal [1996, Jive]
• 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

• Illmatic [1994, Columbia]
• I Am . . . [1999, Columbia], B
• The Lost Tapes [1999–2002, Columbia], B+
• God's Son [2002, Columbia]
• Street's Disciple [2004, Columbia, 2 CD], A–
• Hip Hop Is Dead [2006, Def Jam], A–

Naughty by Nature [1991– ]

• Naughty by Nature [1991, Tommy Boy]
• 19 Naughty III [1993, Tommy Boy]
• 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+(**)

Nice and Smooth [1985– ]

• Ain't a Damn Thing Changed [1985, Ral]
• Jewel of the Nile [1994, Ral]

Non-Prophets [2003– ]

• Hope [2003, Lex], B+

N.O.R.E.

• God's Favorite [2002, Def Jam]

Northern State [2002– ]

• Hip Hop You Haven't Heard [2002, Northern State, EP]
• 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]

• N.W.A. and the Posse [1987, Priority]
• Straight Outta Compton [1988, Priority], B+

Rodney O.

• Everlasting Hits: The Best of Rodney O. and Joe Cooley [(1995), Priority]

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+

Shaquille O'Neal

• Shaq Fu: Da Return [1994, Jive]

Onyx [1993– ]

• Bacdafucup [1993, Ral]

Orishas [2000– ]

• A Lo Cubano [2000, Universal]

OutKast [1992– ]

• Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik [1994, LaFace]
• ATLiens [1996, LaFace]
• 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

• The Devil Made Me Do It [1990, Tommy Boy]
• Sleeping with the Enemy [1993, Scarface]
• Guerrilla Funk [1994, Scarface]
• Sonic Jihad [2003, Guerrilla Funk], A–

Man Parrish

• The Best of Man Parrish: Heartstroke [1996, Hot Productions]

Peanut Butter Wolf

• My Vinyl Weighs a Ton [1999, Copasetik]

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–
• The Best of PM Dawn [(2000), V2]

Poor Righteous Teachers

• Holy Intellect [1990, Profile]
• Black Business [1993, Profile], B

Positive K

• The Skills Dat Pay Da Bills [1992, Island]

Prince Paul (1967– )

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

Prodigy

• H.N.I.C. [2000, Loud]

Professor Griff

• Pawns in the Game [1990, Luke]

Professor X

• Years of the 9, On the Blackhand Side [1991, 4th & Broadway]

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
• Greatest Misses [(1992), Def Jam]
• 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
• There's a Poison Goin' On ... [1999, Atomic Pop]
• 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–

Puff Daddy (1970– )

• No Way Out [1997, Bad Boy]

Q-Tip (1970– )

• Amplified [1999, Arista], A–

Quad City DJ's [1996– ]

• Get On Up and Dance [1996, Atlantic]

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
• Black Reign [1993, Motown]
• Order in the Court [1998, Motown]

Raekwon

• Only Built 4 Cuban Linx [1995, Loud]

Rahzel

• Make the Music 2000 [1999, MCA]

Rakim

• The 18th Letter / Book of Life [1997, Uptown/Universal, 2 CD]
• The Master [1999, Universal]

The Real Roxanne

• The Real Roxanne [1988, Select], A–

Redman

• Whut? Thee Album [1992, Chaos]
• Muddy Waters [1996, Def Jam], B
• Doc's Da Name 2000 [1998, Def Jam], B+
• Malpractice [2001, Def Jam]

Rhymefest

• A Star Is Born [2005, All I Do]
• Blue Collar [2006, J/All I Do], A–

Busta Rhymes (1972– )

• The Coming [1996, Elektra], B
• When Disaster Strikes [1997, Elektra]
• Total Devastation: The Best of Busta Rhymes [(2001), Elektra/Rhino]

RJD2 (1976– )

• Dead Ringer [2002, Definitive Jux], B+
• Since We Last Spoke [2004, Definitive Jux]

Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth [1991–1995]

• All Souled Out [1991, Elektra]
• Mecca and the Soul Brothers [1992, Elektra]
• The Best of Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth (Good Life) [(2004), Elektra/Rhino]

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

• Brand New Second Hand [1999, Big Dada]
• Run Come Save Me [2001, Big Dada], B+
• Dub Come Save Me [2002, Big Dada]

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

• RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo [1998, V2]
• The RZA Hits [(1999), Razor Sharp/Epic], B+
• Birth of a Prince [2003, Sanctuary]

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–

Scarface

• Mr. Scarface Is Back [1991, Rap-A-Lot]
• The Diary [1993, Rap-A-Lot]
• The Fix [2002, Def Jam South]
• Greatest Hits [(2002), Virgin]

Schoolly-D

• The Adventures of Schoolly D [1987, Rykodisc]
• Saturday Night [1987, Jive]
• Welcome to America [1994, Ruffhouse]
• Jive Collection Series, Vol. 3 [(1995), Jive]
• A Gangster's Story: 1984–1996 [1996, CTRA]
• The Best of Schoolly-D [(2003), Jive]

7L & Esoteric

• Bars of Death [2004, Babygrande], U
• 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–
• Greatest Hits [(1995), Cold Chillin']

2nd II None [1991– ]

• 2nd II None [1991, Profile]

Shazzy

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

Screwball [1999– ]

• Y2K [1999, Tommy Boy]

Beanie Sigel

• The Truth [1999, Def Jam]

Sir Mix-A-Lot (1963– )

• Mack Daddy [1991, Def American]
• Return of the Bumpasaurus [1996, Warner Brothers]
• Beepers, Benzos and Booty: The Best of Sir Mix-A-Lot [(2000), Rhino]

69 Boyz

• Nineteen Ninety Quad [1994, Rip-It]

Pipi Skid

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

Slick Rick (1965– )

• The Great Adventures of Slick Rick [1988, Def Jam]
• The Ruler's Back [1991, Def Jam], B+
• The Art of Storytelling [1999, Def Jam], B

Slum Village [1999– ]

• Fantastic, Vol. 2 [2000, Good Vibe]

Snoop Dogg (1972– )

• Doggystyle [1993, Interscope]
• Tha Last Meal [2000, Priority]
• Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss [2002, Priority]

Snow

• 12 Inches of Snow [1993, East West]
• Greatest Hits of Snow [(1997), Elektra]

Son of Bazerk

• Bazerk Bazerk Bazerk [1991, Soul]

Sonic Sum

• The Sanity Annex [2000, Ozone]

Soulja Boy Tell Em (1990– )

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

Souls of Mischief [1993– ]

• '93 'til Infinity [1993, Jive], A–

Bubba Sparxxx

• Dark Days, Bright Nights [2001, Beatclub/Interscope]
• Deliverance [2003, Beatclub/Interscope], B+

Spearhead [1994– ]

• Home [1994, Capitol], B+
• Chocolate Supa Highway [1997, Capitol], U

Special Ed (1974– )

• Youngest in Charge [1989, Profile]

Speech

• Hoopla [1999, TVT]

Spoonie Gee

• The Godfather ... Rap [1987, Tuff City]

Steady B

• Going Steady [1989, Jive]

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+(*)
• Rapper's Delight: Hip Hop Remix [1980, Sugar Hill]

Sunz of Man

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

Sway and King Tech

• Best of The Wake Up Show Free Styles, Vol. 2 [(1996), All City], U
• This or That [1999, Interscope], A–

Swollen Members

• Balance [1999, Battle Axe]

SWV [1992– ]

• It's About Time [1992, RCA]

Skatemaster Tate

• Do the Skate [1991, 4th & Broadway]

Third Bass [1987–1995]

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

Three Times Dope

• Original Stylin' [1989, Arista]

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
• Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: The Player Years 1983–1988 [1983–88, In-A-Minute]

Total [1996– ]

• Kim, Keisha and Pam [1998, Bad Boy]

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–
• Midnight Marauders [1993, Jive]
• Beats, Rhymes and Life [1996, Jive]
• The Love Movement [1998, Jive]
• The Anthology [1999, Jive], A–

Trick Daddy

• Book of Thugs: Chapter AK Versus 47 [2000, Atlantic]

TTC

• Ceci N'est Pas un Disque [2002, Big Dada]

2 Black 2 Strong [1991–1992]

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

Two Kings and a Cipher

• From Pyramids to Projects [1991, Bahia]

2 Live Crew [1986– ]

• As Nasty as They Wanna Be [1989, Luke]
• 2 Live Crew's Greatest Hits [(1992), Luke]

2Pac (1971–96)

• Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. [1993, Atlantic]
• Me Against the World [1995, Interscope]
• All Eyez on Me [1996, Death Row]
• Greatest Hits [(1998), Interscope]
• Better Dayz [2002, Interscope, 2 CD], B–

UGK [1994– ]

• Too Hard to Swallow [1992, Jive]
• Ridin' Dirty [1996, Jive]

U-God

• Golden Arms Redemption [1999, Priority]

Ultramagnetic MC's [1988–1993]

• Critical Beatdown [1988, Next Plateau]

Unsung Heroes [1996– ]

• Unleashed [2000, 75 Ark], U

US3 [1993– ]

• Hand on the Torch [1993, Blue Note], B
• Broadway and 52nd [1997, Blue Note]

UTD

• Manifest Destiny [2004, Illson Media]

U.T.F.O. [1984–1989]

• UTFO [1985, Elektra]
• The Best of U.T.F.O. [(1996), Select]

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

• Escape [1984, Jive]
• Greatest Hits [(1990), Jive]
• Jive Collection Series, Vol. 1 [(1995), Jive]
• Funky Beat: The Best of Whodini [1983–96, Jive/Legacy], B+(**)

Saul Williams

• Saul Williams [2004, Fader]

World Class Wreckin' Cru

• Turn Off the Lights [1991, Creative Funk]

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+
• Iron Flag [2001, Loud]
• Legend of the Wu-Tang: Wu-Tang Clan's Greatest Hits [1993–2001, BMG Heritage], A–
• 8 Diagrams [2007, SRC/Universal/Motown], A–

Mia X

• Unlady Like [1997, No Limit], U

X-Clan [1989–1992]

• To the East, Blackwards [1990, 4th & Broadway]
• X-Odus [1992, Polydor]

The X-Ecutioners

• Built From Scratch [2002, Loud], U
• Scratchology [2003, Sequence], B+

Xscape [1993– ]

• Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha [1993, So So Def/Columbia]
• Off the Hook [1995, So So Def/Columbia]

Yo Yo (1971– )

• Make Way for the Motherlode [1991, East West], B+
• Black Pearl [1992, East West], B
• You Better Ask Somebody [1993, East West]
• Total Control [1996, East West]

Young Jeezy

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

Young MC (1967– )

• Stone Cold Rhymin' [1989, Delicious Vinyl]

Z Man

• Dope or Dog Food [2004, Red Urban]

Zion I [1998– ]

• Mind Over Matter [2000, Ground Control]

Various Artists

• Africa Raps [(2002), Trikont], A–
• Bad Boy's Greatest Hits [(1998), Bad Boy]
• Bass 4 Bassheadz, Vol. 1: 100% Bass Satisfaction [1996, Priority]
• The Beat: Go-Go's Fusion of Funk and Hip Hop [1979–2001, Liason, 2 CD], A–
• Beats and Rhymes: Hip Hop of the '90s, Part I [(1997), Rhino]
• Beats and Rhymes: Hip Hop of the '90s, Part II [(1997), Rhino], U
• Beats and Rhymes: Hip Hop of the '90s, Part III [(1997), Rhino]
• The Best of B-Boy Records [(2002), Landspeed, 2 CD], U
• The Best of International Hip-Hop [2000, Hip-O], A–
• Big Phat Ones of Hip-Hop, Vol. 1 [(1995), Boxtunes]
• Cash Money Records: Platinum Hits [1997–2001, Cash Money/Universal], A–
• Chuck D Presents: Louder Than a Bomb [1999, Rhino]
• Crunk Hits [2002–3, TVT], A–
• Crunk Hits Vol. 2 [2004–5, TVT], A–
• Def Jam Classics Vol. 1 [1989, Def Jam]
• Def Jam Classics Vol. 2 [1990, Def Jam]
• Def Jam Music Group Inc.: 10th Year Anniversary [(1995), Def Jam, 4 CD]
• Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment [2002, Cartoon Network/Rhino]
• Diggin' in the Crates, Vol. 1: Profile Rap Classics [(1994), Profile]
• Ego Trip: The Big Playback [2000, Priority], B+
• '80s Underground Rap: Can I Kick It? [(1998), Rhino]
• '80s Underground Rap: Can You Feel It? [(1998), Rhino]
• Fat Beats and Bra Straps: Battle Rhymes and Posse Cuts [(1998), Rhino]
• Fat Beats and Bra Straps: Hip Hop Classics [1983–93, Rhino], B+
• Fat Beats and Bra Straps: New MCs [(1998), Rhino], B+
• Freestyle Greatest Beats: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 [(1993), Tommy Boy]
• Freestyle Greatest Beats: The Complete Collection, Vol. 3 [(1994), Tommy Boy]
• Freestyle Greatest Beats: The Complete Collection, Vol. 4 [(1994), Tommy Boy]
• Freestyle Latin Dance Hits, Vol. 2 [(1995), K-Tel]
• Freestyle Latin Dance Hits, Vol. 3 [(1997), K-Tel]
• The Funky Precedent [1999, Loosegroove/No Mayo]
• The Funky Precedent, Vol. 2 [2001, Matador]
• 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–
• Judgment Night [1993, Immortal/Epic], U
• Kurtis Blow Presents the History of Rap, Vol. 1: The Genesis [(1997), Rhino]
• Kurtis Blow Presents the History of Rap, Vol. 2: The Birth of the Rap Record [(1997), Rhino]
• Kurtis Blow Presents the History of Rap, Vol. 3: The Golden Age [(1997), Rhino]
• 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+
• M-Boogie: Laid in Full [1999, Blackberry]
• Millennium Hip-Hop Party [1983–93, Rhino], A–
• Mr. Magic's Rap Attack, Vol. 4 [(1988), Profile], A
• MTV: The First 1000 Years: Hip-Hop [1982–98, Rhino], U
• New Millennium Hip-Hop Party [(2000), Rhino]
• No More Prisons [1999, Raptivism]
• Old School Rap, Vol. 3 [(1996), Thump]
• Pass the Mic: The Posse Album [1996, Priority], U
• Phat Rap Flava '95 [1995, Cold Front]
• Profilin': The Hits, Vol. 1 [1999, Arista]
• 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+(***)
• Solesides' Greatest Bumps [2000, Quannum Projects, 2 CD], U
• Solesides' Greatest Bumps 2 [2000, Quannum Projects]
• Straight from the Hood [1991, Priority]
• Street Jams: Electric Funk, Vol. 1 [(1992)]
• Street Jams: Electric Funk, Vol. 2 [(1992), Rhino]
• Street Jams: Electric Funk, Vol. 3 [(1994), Rhino]
• Street Jams: Electric Funk, Vol. 4 [(1994), Rhino]
• Street Jams: Hip-Hop from the Top, Vol. 1 [(1992), Rhino]
• Street Jams: Hip-Hop from the Top, Vol. 2 [(1992), Rhino]
• Street Jams: Hip-Hop from the Top, Vol. 4 [(1994), Rhino]
• Strength Magazine Presents Subtext [1999, London/Strength]
• Super Rap: Original Rap and Hip-Hop From Harlem's P & P Records [(2002), Landspeed]
• Take a Bite outta Rhyme: A Rock Tribute to Rap [2000, Republic]
• The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip Hop 1979–1983 [1979–83, Stones Throw], A–
• This Is Bass [1989, Hot Productions]
• Tommy Boy Essentials: Hip Hop Vol. 1 [(2001), Tommy Boy]
• 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 [1997, Def Jam]
• Yo! MTV Raps: The CD [1987–88, Jive], A–