30 Great Rap Albums Missing From Spotify
Everybody (that reads the Internet) has heard about Spotify: the music streaming service with millions of songs instantly available on your computer and mobile device. Yet for every great CD in Spotify’s collection, there's a great or classic album that’s mysteriously missing, whether due to licensing issues, records being out of print, or other behind-the-scenes paperwork. Lately, Spotify has been adding more pieces of music to their growing catalogue, but there's still work to do. Hopefully, they can consider including these Top 30 Rap Albums Missing From Spotify.
Cannibal Ox – Cold Vein
No matter where I am on the face of this earth, Cold Vein immediately transports me to New York City. Cracked pavement, clenched teeth, balled up fists, asteroids colliding; There are a million images that come to mind when I think of this album, but as the pinnacle of both Vordul Mega and Vast Aire’s rhyming abilities, Cold Vein is a gust of cold wind that makes you shiver from the opening sample of The Big Chill.
El-P’s ear-crunching drums sound like robots trampling buildings, Vordul sounds dementedly possessed (rumor has it that he freestyled a majority of his verses off the dome), and Vast floats constant quotables over the entire project. It’s perhaps the zenith of Def Jux’s reign over underground hip-hop as the harbor of stony, metallic rap until Kanye and friends threw a backpack on the whole thing a short time later. An undeniable classic in more ways than one, Cold Vein is that icy hint of blue that the little green Spotify icon is in sore need of.
(Bonus: if you bought the physical CD you know all about the hidden final track as well.)
No matter where I am on the face of this earth, Cold Vein immediately transports me to New York City. Cracked pavement, clenched teeth, balled up fists, asteroids colliding; There are a million images that come to mind when I think of this album, but as the pinnacle of both Vordul Mega and Vast Aire’s rhyming abilities, Cold Vein is a gust of cold wind that makes you shiver from the opening sample of The Big Chill.
El-P’s ear-crunching drums sound like robots trampling buildings, Vordul sounds dementedly possessed (rumor has it that he freestyled a majority of his verses off the dome), and Vast floats constant quotables over the entire project. It’s perhaps the zenith of Def Jux’s reign over underground hip-hop as the harbor of stony, metallic rap until Kanye and friends threw a backpack on the whole thing a short time later. An undeniable classic in more ways than one, Cold Vein is that icy hint of blue that the little green Spotify icon is in sore need of.
(Bonus: if you bought the physical CD you know all about the hidden final track as well.)
Organized Konfusion - Stress: Extinction Agenda
Organized Konfusion’s famous sophomore album is the reason this list was birthed. The duo of Monch and Prince Po proved deadly on their 1991 debut, but it wasn’t until three years had passed that they would release their magnum opus, filled with paranoia, pressure, and vivid descriptions of life in the ghetto. One of the illest intros of all time has Pharoahe moaning from the depths of everyday hell with anguish straining his vocal chords; it encapsulates the entire experience depicted throughout the record.
Pharoahe continued to be an MC that influenced generations of rappers after him (Internal Affairs isn’t on Spotify either) with his quirky, attention-arresting rhyme patterns while Po was more direct with his cadences, and together the two meshed techniques to create a seamless balance over riotous, hard-hitting production. This is as close to a flawless rap album as any.
Organized Konfusion’s famous sophomore album is the reason this list was birthed. The duo of Monch and Prince Po proved deadly on their 1991 debut, but it wasn’t until three years had passed that they would release their magnum opus, filled with paranoia, pressure, and vivid descriptions of life in the ghetto. One of the illest intros of all time has Pharoahe moaning from the depths of everyday hell with anguish straining his vocal chords; it encapsulates the entire experience depicted throughout the record.
Pharoahe continued to be an MC that influenced generations of rappers after him (Internal Affairs isn’t on Spotify either) with his quirky, attention-arresting rhyme patterns while Po was more direct with his cadences, and together the two meshed techniques to create a seamless balance over riotous, hard-hitting production. This is as close to a flawless rap album as any.
Fat Joe – Jealous One’s Envy
Imagine this: Fat Joe Da Gangsta setting off his album with KRS-One over a Diamond D beat. I’d take that one song over any Don Cartagena album that Spotify has to offer. Alas, life isn’t fair, so Spotify has deprived us of Joe’s first couple projects, which helpfully reflected his membership in D.I.T.C. as well as his superior rhyming skills at the time (at least superior to whatever he’s Instagramming these days).
It’s not that Fat Joe was such a remarkable rapper, but Jealous One’s Envy touches on a variety of subjects, from “Envy” to “Dedication” to “Success,” the latter of which DJ Premier remixed and included on the album. That video is also a stockpile of cameos from young MC’s on the come-up at the time, including Raekwon, Nas, Big L and others. Fat Joe wisely underwent a transformation after D.I.T.C. disbanded and was able to switch up his image to be that pop-friendly chubby guy in bright jackets, but Spotify could use more “Bronx Tale” than “Make It Rain.”
Imagine this: Fat Joe Da Gangsta setting off his album with KRS-One over a Diamond D beat. I’d take that one song over any Don Cartagena album that Spotify has to offer. Alas, life isn’t fair, so Spotify has deprived us of Joe’s first couple projects, which helpfully reflected his membership in D.I.T.C. as well as his superior rhyming skills at the time (at least superior to whatever he’s Instagramming these days).
It’s not that Fat Joe was such a remarkable rapper, but Jealous One’s Envy touches on a variety of subjects, from “Envy” to “Dedication” to “Success,” the latter of which DJ Premier remixed and included on the album. That video is also a stockpile of cameos from young MC’s on the come-up at the time, including Raekwon, Nas, Big L and others. Fat Joe wisely underwent a transformation after D.I.T.C. disbanded and was able to switch up his image to be that pop-friendly chubby guy in bright jackets, but Spotify could use more “Bronx Tale” than “Make It Rain.”
Group Home - Livin' Proof
DJ Premier’s yin to Pete Rock’s yang (Center Of Attention is on Spotify, although it’s sort of hidden), Livin’ Proof is one of those albums where the beats are imprinted in your memory long after the disposable rhymes fade away. “Suspended In Time” conveys the song title’s mind state, “Up Against The Wall” is escapism in pure form, and “Supa Star” is like the feeling you get on a long subway ride.
Livin’ Proof is evidence of Premier’s vintage sonic depth, as the drums are always gritty and his samples are sprinkled lightly in between the raps of Melachi and Lil’ Dap. If only the obligatory albums that the “homies of the rap stars” put out once their friends blow up had beats even close to what Primo was doing on here, a lot more of them would be tolerable.
DJ Premier’s yin to Pete Rock’s yang (Center Of Attention is on Spotify, although it’s sort of hidden), Livin’ Proof is one of those albums where the beats are imprinted in your memory long after the disposable rhymes fade away. “Suspended In Time” conveys the song title’s mind state, “Up Against The Wall” is escapism in pure form, and “Supa Star” is like the feeling you get on a long subway ride.
Livin’ Proof is evidence of Premier’s vintage sonic depth, as the drums are always gritty and his samples are sprinkled lightly in between the raps of Melachi and Lil’ Dap. If only the obligatory albums that the “homies of the rap stars” put out once their friends blow up had beats even close to what Primo was doing on here, a lot more of them would be tolerable.
Souls of Mischief - 93 ‘til Infinity
Some of the most complex rhymers to ever pick up microphones came from the Hieroglyphics crew, including Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual, and the four members of Souls of Mischief: A-Plus, Opio, Phesto D, and Tajai. The title track is ubiquitously known amongst hip-hop heads, but the entire album is covered with complex rhyme schemes that continue to reward repeated listens.
One cool thing about the album is how they kept production and features all in-house, even stretching some tracks to six, seven and eight verses. The free-form structures of the songs give the entire project a liberating feel, and the heavy woven writing of each rapper adds layers to every verse. Together with Freestyle Fellowship, Souls of Mischief brought the density of East Coast rhymes into the fold of breezy Westside raps and forever changed how the world viewed Oakland hip-hop. For all the anger that Spotify’s gaps incur within me, this absence just makes me sad…
Some of the most complex rhymers to ever pick up microphones came from the Hieroglyphics crew, including Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual, and the four members of Souls of Mischief: A-Plus, Opio, Phesto D, and Tajai. The title track is ubiquitously known amongst hip-hop heads, but the entire album is covered with complex rhyme schemes that continue to reward repeated listens.
One cool thing about the album is how they kept production and features all in-house, even stretching some tracks to six, seven and eight verses. The free-form structures of the songs give the entire project a liberating feel, and the heavy woven writing of each rapper adds layers to every verse. Together with Freestyle Fellowship, Souls of Mischief brought the density of East Coast rhymes into the fold of breezy Westside raps and forever changed how the world viewed Oakland hip-hop. For all the anger that Spotify’s gaps incur within me, this absence just makes me sad…
Dr. Dre – The Chronic
Arguably the greatest rap album of all time (it’s easily one of the most influential), The Chronic is the glaring omission of Spotify’s kingdom. 2001 is on there; even that subpar Dr. Dre Presents…The Aftermath compilation is on there (Nas and KRS kill that Group Therapy track though).
If I were a West Coast purist, I’d be calling the Spotify offices every day irate as the Mad Rapper about this. The only consolation I can offer when you search for The Chronic and it doesn’t show up is to bump No One Can Do It Better instead (after all, D.O.C. is rumored to have written a handful of Dre’s rhymes on The Chronic). Besides that, you better have this loaded up on your phone or computer at all times because that empty Spotify search is gonna burn your soul.
Arguably the greatest rap album of all time (it’s easily one of the most influential), The Chronic is the glaring omission of Spotify’s kingdom. 2001 is on there; even that subpar Dr. Dre Presents…The Aftermath compilation is on there (Nas and KRS kill that Group Therapy track though).
If I were a West Coast purist, I’d be calling the Spotify offices every day irate as the Mad Rapper about this. The only consolation I can offer when you search for The Chronic and it doesn’t show up is to bump No One Can Do It Better instead (after all, D.O.C. is rumored to have written a handful of Dre’s rhymes on The Chronic). Besides that, you better have this loaded up on your phone or computer at all times because that empty Spotify search is gonna burn your soul.
Showbiz and AG - Runaway Slave
Big L’s first rap appearance is hardly the takeaway from this stunning debut LP from Show and AG. This record just doesn’t get old. The drums smack in your head so hard that they’re practically leaking back out of your ears by the end of every track. ’92 was a definitive year for the DITC crew: First the Soul Clap EP dropped, showcasing equal parts Show’s production skills and AG’s rhyming prowess.
Then Finesse dropped the stupid “Yes You May” remix with Big L (Stretch and Bobbito must have fit that beat into every single show they did), and September 22nd saw both Stunts, Blunts and Hip-Hop and Runaway Slave forever change the rap landscape. Andre was killing it (though he was criminally underrated), but Diamond and Showbiz laid the foundation for digging in the crates that became the blueprint for East Coast boom bap production. If I could choose one album from this list to throw on Spotify, it’d be this one.
Big L’s first rap appearance is hardly the takeaway from this stunning debut LP from Show and AG. This record just doesn’t get old. The drums smack in your head so hard that they’re practically leaking back out of your ears by the end of every track. ’92 was a definitive year for the DITC crew: First the Soul Clap EP dropped, showcasing equal parts Show’s production skills and AG’s rhyming prowess.
Then Finesse dropped the stupid “Yes You May” remix with Big L (Stretch and Bobbito must have fit that beat into every single show they did), and September 22nd saw both Stunts, Blunts and Hip-Hop and Runaway Slave forever change the rap landscape. Andre was killing it (though he was criminally underrated), but Diamond and Showbiz laid the foundation for digging in the crates that became the blueprint for East Coast boom bap production. If I could choose one album from this list to throw on Spotify, it’d be this one.
Diamond D – Stunts, Blunts and Hip-Hop
The landmark DITC album. There aren’t enough words to describe the impact, importance, and overall funkiness of this album. Sadat X and Fat Joe show up for finesse spots while Large Professor, Q-Tip, and the 45 King lend co-production with Diamond D steering the project’s sound behind the boards.
Whether it’s the basslines (“Sally Got A One-Track Mind”, “I Went For Mine”), the samples (“Step To Me”, “Red Light, Green Light”) or the no-frills raps (“A Day In The Life”), Stunts, Blunts, And Hip-Hop is a hall of fame rap album that finds Diamond D spitting with the relaxation of a street corner cipher. Why this isn’t on Spotify, then, has me confused as shit.
The landmark DITC album. There aren’t enough words to describe the impact, importance, and overall funkiness of this album. Sadat X and Fat Joe show up for finesse spots while Large Professor, Q-Tip, and the 45 King lend co-production with Diamond D steering the project’s sound behind the boards.
Whether it’s the basslines (“Sally Got A One-Track Mind”, “I Went For Mine”), the samples (“Step To Me”, “Red Light, Green Light”) or the no-frills raps (“A Day In The Life”), Stunts, Blunts, And Hip-Hop is a hall of fame rap album that finds Diamond D spitting with the relaxation of a street corner cipher. Why this isn’t on Spotify, then, has me confused as shit.
Jeru The Damaja – The Sun Rises In The East
The pioneer of conscious/backpack/whatever you want to call it rap, Jeru was one of the most respected lyricists of the early ’90s. Both militant and intelligent, his verses were packed with the kind of revolutionary force that worked the middle ground between Guru’s monotone and Biggie’s bouncy vocal inflections (Big Poppa hadn’t always been at odds with Jeru, either).
With DJ Premier branching out to produce his first full-length album outside of Gang Starr, Jeru delves deep into fiercely poetic bars, packing a potent punch of self-knowledge and social awareness in under 40 minutes. Not to knock Wrath of the Math (which is available on Spotify), but this debut LP set the tone for Jeru’s popularity on the East Coast (and who can forget that Crooklyn Dodgers cut?).
The pioneer of conscious/backpack/whatever you want to call it rap, Jeru was one of the most respected lyricists of the early ’90s. Both militant and intelligent, his verses were packed with the kind of revolutionary force that worked the middle ground between Guru’s monotone and Biggie’s bouncy vocal inflections (Big Poppa hadn’t always been at odds with Jeru, either).
With DJ Premier branching out to produce his first full-length album outside of Gang Starr, Jeru delves deep into fiercely poetic bars, packing a potent punch of self-knowledge and social awareness in under 40 minutes. Not to knock Wrath of the Math (which is available on Spotify), but this debut LP set the tone for Jeru’s popularity on the East Coast (and who can forget that Crooklyn Dodgers cut?).
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Road to the Riches
One of many classic albums produced entirely by Marley Marl, Road To The Riches was Kool G Rap’s first step along the path of becoming one of the greatest MC’s to ever grace the stage. Known for originating that multisyllabic rhyme shit that Em, Andre, and Kendrick kick these days, preemptively sparking the Mafioso rap “genre” that Nas, Raekwon and Hov later capitalized on, and generally shredding every microphone he touched, Kool Genius is an indelible part of hip-hop’s golden era. Spotify’s got love for the fantastic Live And Let Die LP, as well as Kool G’s more polished first solo 4,5,6, but his first two albums with DJ Polo are nowhere to be found on here.
One of many classic albums produced entirely by Marley Marl, Road To The Riches was Kool G Rap’s first step along the path of becoming one of the greatest MC’s to ever grace the stage. Known for originating that multisyllabic rhyme shit that Em, Andre, and Kendrick kick these days, preemptively sparking the Mafioso rap “genre” that Nas, Raekwon and Hov later capitalized on, and generally shredding every microphone he touched, Kool Genius is an indelible part of hip-hop’s golden era. Spotify’s got love for the fantastic Live And Let Die LP, as well as Kool G’s more polished first solo 4,5,6, but his first two albums with DJ Polo are nowhere to be found on here.
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising…
This is just offensive. No De La Soul Is Dead, no Stakes Is High, no De La nothing except the lukewarm Grind Date lives on Spotify. The group’s debut project is the epitome of fun on wax, hailed as one of the best rap albums of all time and serving as the introduction to one of the most original acts in hip-hop history.
Pos, Dave, Maseo and Paul took a skewed, child-like approach to rap that rippled throughout time and allowed their albums to have everything from inside jokes poking fun at the industry (and themselves) to sincere, often dark takes on problems within the communities that they inhabited, both socially and musically. They never came with lame songs on their albums, always choosing to push the envelope of subjects while Prince Paul whipped up outlandish concoctions. Young generations deserve to spin their discography every week!
This is just offensive. No De La Soul Is Dead, no Stakes Is High, no De La nothing except the lukewarm Grind Date lives on Spotify. The group’s debut project is the epitome of fun on wax, hailed as one of the best rap albums of all time and serving as the introduction to one of the most original acts in hip-hop history.
Pos, Dave, Maseo and Paul took a skewed, child-like approach to rap that rippled throughout time and allowed their albums to have everything from inside jokes poking fun at the industry (and themselves) to sincere, often dark takes on problems within the communities that they inhabited, both socially and musically. They never came with lame songs on their albums, always choosing to push the envelope of subjects while Prince Paul whipped up outlandish concoctions. Young generations deserve to spin their discography every week!
Masta Ace - Sittin On Chrome
Masta Ace is another artist whose material Spotify woefully lacks. They had the two classic Masta Ace Incorporated albums for a bit, but those projects were inexplicably taken off the service recently, so we have no “Sittin On Chrome” or “Terror” to bang via WiFi whenever we want (“Born To Roll” is on there though… Ase One had BEATS!).
The Cold Chillin’ vet’s dope concept album “A Long Hot Summer” isn’t even on there, so we’re left with the banging, albeit disheartening “Disposable Arts” and his collaboration LP with Edo. G. Masta Ace is one of the few MC’s whose crisp pronunciation and consistent conceptual tinge always add an ensnaring quality to every verse of his. Who do I need to harass via email to reinstate Slaughtahouse and Sittin’ On Chrome?
Masta Ace is another artist whose material Spotify woefully lacks. They had the two classic Masta Ace Incorporated albums for a bit, but those projects were inexplicably taken off the service recently, so we have no “Sittin On Chrome” or “Terror” to bang via WiFi whenever we want (“Born To Roll” is on there though… Ase One had BEATS!).
The Cold Chillin’ vet’s dope concept album “A Long Hot Summer” isn’t even on there, so we’re left with the banging, albeit disheartening “Disposable Arts” and his collaboration LP with Edo. G. Masta Ace is one of the few MC’s whose crisp pronunciation and consistent conceptual tinge always add an ensnaring quality to every verse of his. Who do I need to harass via email to reinstate Slaughtahouse and Sittin’ On Chrome?
Marley Marl - In Control Vol. 1
Staying with the Juice Crew theme, this Golden Era cornerstone would serve many of today’s youth as a proper introduction to one of the illest posse cuts ever put on wax. “The Symphony” is nowhere to be found on Spotify, and the legendary Marley Marl’s presence on the service is pretty light besides his “Re-Entry” album on BBE and the less-than-stellar “Hip-Hop Lives” album with KRS-One from 2007. Considering that this album’s gotten reissued multiple times, it’s an unfortunate hole in Spotify’s catalogue (peep that insanely funky “West End Mixtape Sessions” though).
Staying with the Juice Crew theme, this Golden Era cornerstone would serve many of today’s youth as a proper introduction to one of the illest posse cuts ever put on wax. “The Symphony” is nowhere to be found on Spotify, and the legendary Marley Marl’s presence on the service is pretty light besides his “Re-Entry” album on BBE and the less-than-stellar “Hip-Hop Lives” album with KRS-One from 2007. Considering that this album’s gotten reissued multiple times, it’s an unfortunate hole in Spotify’s catalogue (peep that insanely funky “West End Mixtape Sessions” though).
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Mecca And the Soul Brother
It’s usually a diss to say that a rap album puts you to sleep, but the majority of Mecca and the Soul Brother is bedtime music for all the right reasons. Pete Rock is one of few truly soulful hip-hop producers who can lend beautiful dynamics to a hard-hitting track, while CL Smooth stays true to his name throughout the breakout LP.
The Chocolate Boy Wonder is the star of the show, proving himself immortal on songs like “T.R.O.Y.” and “Skinz,” where Grand Puba shows up to kick some entertaining bars in top form. It’s a never-ending argument trying to decide whether this album is better than The Main Ingredient, but at least we can all agree that they should both reside on Spotify.
It’s usually a diss to say that a rap album puts you to sleep, but the majority of Mecca and the Soul Brother is bedtime music for all the right reasons. Pete Rock is one of few truly soulful hip-hop producers who can lend beautiful dynamics to a hard-hitting track, while CL Smooth stays true to his name throughout the breakout LP.
The Chocolate Boy Wonder is the star of the show, proving himself immortal on songs like “T.R.O.Y.” and “Skinz,” where Grand Puba shows up to kick some entertaining bars in top form. It’s a never-ending argument trying to decide whether this album is better than The Main Ingredient, but at least we can all agree that they should both reside on Spotify.
Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush The Show
Chuck D was one of the first rappers that Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons hunted down tirelessly in an effort to jumpstart Def Jam in the mid-to-late ’80s. The first result of those efforts, Yo! Bum Rush The Show, was the groundbreaking Public Enemy debut LP, packed with in-your-face anger alongside flaunty triumph raps that showcased Chuck D’s booming megaphone voice. Equal parts spruced up demos, Flavor Flav hypeman-isms, and earth-shaking production by The Bomb Squad, Yo! Bum Rush The Show is more varied in content than later PE releases. Spotify is gonna get theirs if they don’t include this masterpiece ASAP.
Chuck D was one of the first rappers that Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons hunted down tirelessly in an effort to jumpstart Def Jam in the mid-to-late ’80s. The first result of those efforts, Yo! Bum Rush The Show, was the groundbreaking Public Enemy debut LP, packed with in-your-face anger alongside flaunty triumph raps that showcased Chuck D’s booming megaphone voice. Equal parts spruced up demos, Flavor Flav hypeman-isms, and earth-shaking production by The Bomb Squad, Yo! Bum Rush The Show is more varied in content than later PE releases. Spotify is gonna get theirs if they don’t include this masterpiece ASAP.
Leaders of the New School – A Future Without A Past
January 1992 saw the release of what might be the greatest posse cut of all time – Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario,” complete with little known hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. Busta stole the song’s spotlight, setting the tone for his off-the-wall personality to eventually outshine his own group, but “Scenario” (the only song missing from Low End Theory on Spotify) situated L.O.N.S. as an eccentric creative team of Long Island natives with their own sprawling modus operandi distinct from both the jazzy grooves of Tribe and the overly satirical pull of Dres and Mista Lawnge.
A Future Without A Past strikes the balance between comedy and pensiveness, ranging from Busta’s ode to large ladies on “Feminine Fatt” to the group’s endorsement of safe sex on “Just When You Thought It Was Safe” and frustrated musings about low-wage jobs on “Too Much On My Mind.” The album feels lighthearted as each member enjoys the suspended hour and change that the album occupies, but the ills of peer pressure, traditional schooling, and neighborhood crime weigh on the group, and they end by asking “Where Do We Go From Here?” Spotify can start by introducing the humble beginnings of Busta Rhymes to their customers.
January 1992 saw the release of what might be the greatest posse cut of all time – Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario,” complete with little known hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. Busta stole the song’s spotlight, setting the tone for his off-the-wall personality to eventually outshine his own group, but “Scenario” (the only song missing from Low End Theory on Spotify) situated L.O.N.S. as an eccentric creative team of Long Island natives with their own sprawling modus operandi distinct from both the jazzy grooves of Tribe and the overly satirical pull of Dres and Mista Lawnge.
A Future Without A Past strikes the balance between comedy and pensiveness, ranging from Busta’s ode to large ladies on “Feminine Fatt” to the group’s endorsement of safe sex on “Just When You Thought It Was Safe” and frustrated musings about low-wage jobs on “Too Much On My Mind.” The album feels lighthearted as each member enjoys the suspended hour and change that the album occupies, but the ills of peer pressure, traditional schooling, and neighborhood crime weigh on the group, and they end by asking “Where Do We Go From Here?” Spotify can start by introducing the humble beginnings of Busta Rhymes to their customers.
Juggaknots - Clear Blue Skies
Anybody familiar with the Internet and underground rap (that term sounds so cliché now) circa 2003 felt the flames being fanned by the resurfacing of an obscure but acclaimed album from 1996 called Clear Blue Skies. Originally released solely on vinyl via the renowned Fondle ‘Em Records (brainchild of founder and owner Bobbito A.K.A. Cucumber Slice), it was shelved and rereleased with 11 new tracks in 2003, causing diehard fans of Breezly Brewin to cheer for their hero once more.
Breezly is considered an MC of the highest order, capable of every vocal trick, metaphor, punchline, or breathless flow that one can recall being impressed by. He spits with the ease of a lip-packed pitcher, deftly going over, under, or through the beat to get his point across and grab the listener’s ear. Mostly thanks to his abilities (all respect due to Queen Herawin, Buddy Slim, and DJ Boo), Clear Blue Skies stands as a testament to the sheer power of undiluted underground rap at it’s finest. Good luck finding a copy of the original, though. Spotify won’t even let us enjoy the 20 track rerelease!
Anybody familiar with the Internet and underground rap (that term sounds so cliché now) circa 2003 felt the flames being fanned by the resurfacing of an obscure but acclaimed album from 1996 called Clear Blue Skies. Originally released solely on vinyl via the renowned Fondle ‘Em Records (brainchild of founder and owner Bobbito A.K.A. Cucumber Slice), it was shelved and rereleased with 11 new tracks in 2003, causing diehard fans of Breezly Brewin to cheer for their hero once more.
Breezly is considered an MC of the highest order, capable of every vocal trick, metaphor, punchline, or breathless flow that one can recall being impressed by. He spits with the ease of a lip-packed pitcher, deftly going over, under, or through the beat to get his point across and grab the listener’s ear. Mostly thanks to his abilities (all respect due to Queen Herawin, Buddy Slim, and DJ Boo), Clear Blue Skies stands as a testament to the sheer power of undiluted underground rap at it’s finest. Good luck finding a copy of the original, though. Spotify won’t even let us enjoy the 20 track rerelease!
Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
Everybody knows “Passing Me By” and some people might remember that one time that Fatlip was on Jackass, but far less people are acquainted with Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, Pharcyde’s debut album that preceded their better-known work with Dilla in ’95.
Producer J-Swift (who later broke from Pharcyde after claiming that he wasn’t properly compensated for his work) laced the group with his own palette of infectious rhythms for the West Coast rappers to get silly over. The album finds Bootie Brown, Imani, Slimkid3 and Fatlip spilling their rambunctious but loveable antics onto songs about messing with girls and making fun of other crews. This and Labcabincalifornia are slamming pieces of work that Spotify just isn’t as fun without.
Everybody knows “Passing Me By” and some people might remember that one time that Fatlip was on Jackass, but far less people are acquainted with Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, Pharcyde’s debut album that preceded their better-known work with Dilla in ’95.
Producer J-Swift (who later broke from Pharcyde after claiming that he wasn’t properly compensated for his work) laced the group with his own palette of infectious rhythms for the West Coast rappers to get silly over. The album finds Bootie Brown, Imani, Slimkid3 and Fatlip spilling their rambunctious but loveable antics onto songs about messing with girls and making fun of other crews. This and Labcabincalifornia are slamming pieces of work that Spotify just isn’t as fun without.
Queen Latifah - All Hail The Queen
In today’s garbage-filled environment of male artists degrading women (hi Chris Brown), perhaps kids could use a prescient lesson from Queen Latifah on black-on-black crime, sexism, and “The Pros” of dancing to the music. With the honorable DJ Mark the 45 King handling production, Queen Latifah began her rap career on Tommy Boy Records after being signed by Dante Ross.
The album is packed with Latifah’s trademark positivity and upbeat attitude, although it doesn’t always find the Queen rhyming at her sharpest. A good amount of her Flavor Unit collective isn’t present on Spotify either, including The Almighty RSO, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz, and Apache. All Hail The Queen was important not only for female MC’s, but for the development of the Native Tongues crew as well, which she joined along with Monie Love.
In today’s garbage-filled environment of male artists degrading women (hi Chris Brown), perhaps kids could use a prescient lesson from Queen Latifah on black-on-black crime, sexism, and “The Pros” of dancing to the music. With the honorable DJ Mark the 45 King handling production, Queen Latifah began her rap career on Tommy Boy Records after being signed by Dante Ross.
The album is packed with Latifah’s trademark positivity and upbeat attitude, although it doesn’t always find the Queen rhyming at her sharpest. A good amount of her Flavor Unit collective isn’t present on Spotify either, including The Almighty RSO, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz, and Apache. All Hail The Queen was important not only for female MC’s, but for the development of the Native Tongues crew as well, which she joined along with Monie Love.
Kurious - Constipated Monkey
The first time I heard Kurious rhyme was his terrific guest appearance on MF DOOM’s “?” from the indomitable Operation: Doomsday. He does more than just hold his own alongside Metal Face (in itself an impressive feat), but I had no idea that he had proven himself five years prior on A Constipated Monkey. Released on Bobbito and Pete Nice’s Hoppoh imprint under Columbia Records, A Constipated Monkey is a gem from start to finish, brimming with the indispensable swing of The Beatnuts and The Stimulated Dummies on the boards.
Kurious doesn’t digress into many different styles throughout the 61 minutes of music, allowing for funny interjections and well-placed loops to bolster his performance (Wiz Khalifa fans might want to check “I’m Kurious” for reference). Catering to underground heads and dance enthusiasts alike, A Constipated Monkey has singles and dusty deep cuts for fans of all kinds to enjoy.
The first time I heard Kurious rhyme was his terrific guest appearance on MF DOOM’s “?” from the indomitable Operation: Doomsday. He does more than just hold his own alongside Metal Face (in itself an impressive feat), but I had no idea that he had proven himself five years prior on A Constipated Monkey. Released on Bobbito and Pete Nice’s Hoppoh imprint under Columbia Records, A Constipated Monkey is a gem from start to finish, brimming with the indispensable swing of The Beatnuts and The Stimulated Dummies on the boards.
Kurious doesn’t digress into many different styles throughout the 61 minutes of music, allowing for funny interjections and well-placed loops to bolster his performance (Wiz Khalifa fans might want to check “I’m Kurious” for reference). Catering to underground heads and dance enthusiasts alike, A Constipated Monkey has singles and dusty deep cuts for fans of all kinds to enjoy.
Akinyele - Vagina Diner
Consistently left out of conversations about the best East Coast rappers of the 90’s, Akinyele was not without a career full of highlights, most notably being the raunchy sex rap anthem “Put It In Your Mouth” (Does Hot 97 still play that record?) His inaugural album was entirely produced by none other than the Large Professor, making it one of the few full lengths to be handled entirely by Extra P.
The now out of print Vagina Diner finds Ak slicing through tracks like “The Bomb” with it’s curling horns and “No Exit” with it’s mellow bass and stimulating electronic jigs. Together, Akinyele and Large Pro crafted a succinct statement of the East Coast aesthetic that doesn’t sound dated to this day. It certainly would get a lot more play than Spotify’s offerings of Aktapuss and the Put It In Your MouthEP (although “Fuck Me For Free” is still a ringing anthem).
Consistently left out of conversations about the best East Coast rappers of the 90’s, Akinyele was not without a career full of highlights, most notably being the raunchy sex rap anthem “Put It In Your Mouth” (Does Hot 97 still play that record?) His inaugural album was entirely produced by none other than the Large Professor, making it one of the few full lengths to be handled entirely by Extra P.
The now out of print Vagina Diner finds Ak slicing through tracks like “The Bomb” with it’s curling horns and “No Exit” with it’s mellow bass and stimulating electronic jigs. Together, Akinyele and Large Pro crafted a succinct statement of the East Coast aesthetic that doesn’t sound dated to this day. It certainly would get a lot more play than Spotify’s offerings of Aktapuss and the Put It In Your MouthEP (although “Fuck Me For Free” is still a ringing anthem).
8ball & MJG - On Top Of The World
Atlanta and Houston have always been the go-to hubs for timeless rap music from the south, whether it was UGK and Scarface via Texas or Outkast and Goodie Mob via Georgia. Memphis, on the other hand, hasn’t always gotten a fair shake, even though they’ve produced the likes of seminal artists such as Three 6 Mafia and 8ball & MJG. Rap-A-Lot and LaFace Records might have been hogging the spotlight, but Suave House steadily released top quality rap albums, so it’s a shame to see 8ball & MJG’s first five albums totally unavailable on Spotify.
On Top Of The World contains Southern benchmarks like the sultry “Space Age Pimpin’,” the cruising “On Top Of The World,” and the menacing “Pimp In My Own Rhyme.” All praises due to Three 6 for representing Tennakey so bountifully on Spotify, but hopefully the service can wisen up and includes this pioneering group of space age pimps as well.
Atlanta and Houston have always been the go-to hubs for timeless rap music from the south, whether it was UGK and Scarface via Texas or Outkast and Goodie Mob via Georgia. Memphis, on the other hand, hasn’t always gotten a fair shake, even though they’ve produced the likes of seminal artists such as Three 6 Mafia and 8ball & MJG. Rap-A-Lot and LaFace Records might have been hogging the spotlight, but Suave House steadily released top quality rap albums, so it’s a shame to see 8ball & MJG’s first five albums totally unavailable on Spotify.
On Top Of The World contains Southern benchmarks like the sultry “Space Age Pimpin’,” the cruising “On Top Of The World,” and the menacing “Pimp In My Own Rhyme.” All praises due to Three 6 for representing Tennakey so bountifully on Spotify, but hopefully the service can wisen up and includes this pioneering group of space age pimps as well.
Beatnuts – Intoxicated Demons: The EP
Whose drums knock harder than these? Runaway Slaves is close, Hank Shocklee’s drums were atomic, and Dre’s mixes were squeaky clean, but I’ll be damned if Psycho Les and Juju don’t have the most hypnotic production techniques in all of hip-hop. As the only Latino members of the Native Tongues, the Beatnuts are recognized for being undeniably dope with the beats, enjoying the lyrical proficiency of Kool Fashion (later known as Al’ Tariq) for their first two albums.
Intoxicated Demons and their next release Street Level are the ultimate highs for drum break junkies and loop digging addicts alike, so it aches to see their first three projects missing from Spotify, but the Classic Nuts Vol. 1 collection does a good job of collecting some of their best work onto one compilation.
Whose drums knock harder than these? Runaway Slaves is close, Hank Shocklee’s drums were atomic, and Dre’s mixes were squeaky clean, but I’ll be damned if Psycho Les and Juju don’t have the most hypnotic production techniques in all of hip-hop. As the only Latino members of the Native Tongues, the Beatnuts are recognized for being undeniably dope with the beats, enjoying the lyrical proficiency of Kool Fashion (later known as Al’ Tariq) for their first two albums.
Intoxicated Demons and their next release Street Level are the ultimate highs for drum break junkies and loop digging addicts alike, so it aches to see their first three projects missing from Spotify, but the Classic Nuts Vol. 1 collection does a good job of collecting some of their best work onto one compilation.
Prodigy – H.N.I.C.
H.N.I.C. marks P’s first solo departure from Havoc after four consecutive Mobb Deep albums, and it proved more than formidable. His partner shows up for a couple production duties, but it’s Alchemist who shines on hip-hop standards like “Trials of Love” and the instantly recognizable “Keep It Thoro.”
Rockwilder and Just Blaze even come through for a song each, further lending weight to the claim that Prodigy was considered one of the best to ever do it at his peak, but H.N.I.C. was his last flicker of heat, save a couple guest verses (Cam’s “Losin’ Weight” and Cormega’s “Thun & Kicko come to mind). The album’s 2007 sequel doesn’t pack the same punch for me that other people seem to love, and his prison bid only set him back further.
Nonetheless, P in his prime was untouchable off slang and drawling, slurred speech alone. I’d pay a dollar every time I needed to hear “You Can Never Feel My Pain” on Spotify; it’s that good.
H.N.I.C. marks P’s first solo departure from Havoc after four consecutive Mobb Deep albums, and it proved more than formidable. His partner shows up for a couple production duties, but it’s Alchemist who shines on hip-hop standards like “Trials of Love” and the instantly recognizable “Keep It Thoro.”
Rockwilder and Just Blaze even come through for a song each, further lending weight to the claim that Prodigy was considered one of the best to ever do it at his peak, but H.N.I.C. was his last flicker of heat, save a couple guest verses (Cam’s “Losin’ Weight” and Cormega’s “Thun & Kicko come to mind). The album’s 2007 sequel doesn’t pack the same punch for me that other people seem to love, and his prison bid only set him back further.
Nonetheless, P in his prime was untouchable off slang and drawling, slurred speech alone. I’d pay a dollar every time I needed to hear “You Can Never Feel My Pain” on Spotify; it’s that good.
Special Ed - Youngest In Charge
Want to know why old heads are so harsh on youngins like Chief Keef and Joey Bada$$? Easy: at 16 years old, Special Ed made Youngest In Charge, an entertaining slice of Brooklyn life from a kid in 1989. His catchy flows aren’t too popular with the youths of today, but his simplistic rhymes have a lot more lasting power nearly 15 years later than a majority of songs on the radio today.
He sounds confident, knowledgeable and street smart (“I’m talented, yes I’m gifted / never boostin’, never shopliftin’”) on his hit “I Got It Made,” sounding like a slower paced Rakim over an idyllic Howie Tee beat. “I’m The Magnificent” follows, with a bubbly guitar sample that anchors the track and reminds us how Ed is just a carefree teenager dropping effortless jewels. Compared to the hyper-paranoia and distrust that many of today’s young artists portray, Ed’s charming debut is a warm welcome into his mind and personality that stays with you long after you stop listening.
Want to know why old heads are so harsh on youngins like Chief Keef and Joey Bada$$? Easy: at 16 years old, Special Ed made Youngest In Charge, an entertaining slice of Brooklyn life from a kid in 1989. His catchy flows aren’t too popular with the youths of today, but his simplistic rhymes have a lot more lasting power nearly 15 years later than a majority of songs on the radio today.
He sounds confident, knowledgeable and street smart (“I’m talented, yes I’m gifted / never boostin’, never shopliftin’”) on his hit “I Got It Made,” sounding like a slower paced Rakim over an idyllic Howie Tee beat. “I’m The Magnificent” follows, with a bubbly guitar sample that anchors the track and reminds us how Ed is just a carefree teenager dropping effortless jewels. Compared to the hyper-paranoia and distrust that many of today’s young artists portray, Ed’s charming debut is a warm welcome into his mind and personality that stays with you long after you stop listening.
M.O.P. – Firing Squad
The strength of Mash Out Posse's discography is another gaping hole in Spotify's collection. The group’s first six albums are missing (I mean, DAMN). Primo's beats are bleak but flammable when combined with the incendiary lyrical threats of bodily harm by Lil’ Fame and Billy Danze. M.O.P. does a salacious job of describing guns, pipes, and various means of violence otherwise rendered lifeless by rappers lacking the group's animated intensity.
I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually prefer their slight lack of yelling on their first album To The Death with the traditional boom bap production of DR Period instead of the abrasive energy that they were later known for over Premier’s beats; often times it felt like posturing compared to the calmer likes of Guru and Group Home (*ducks glass bottles*). I’m the first to admit that “Ante Up” makes me want to punch somebody in the face every time I hear it, however.
Ed. Note – In hindsight, this probably should have been written in all-caps.
The strength of Mash Out Posse's discography is another gaping hole in Spotify's collection. The group’s first six albums are missing (I mean, DAMN). Primo's beats are bleak but flammable when combined with the incendiary lyrical threats of bodily harm by Lil’ Fame and Billy Danze. M.O.P. does a salacious job of describing guns, pipes, and various means of violence otherwise rendered lifeless by rappers lacking the group's animated intensity.
I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually prefer their slight lack of yelling on their first album To The Death with the traditional boom bap production of DR Period instead of the abrasive energy that they were later known for over Premier’s beats; often times it felt like posturing compared to the calmer likes of Guru and Group Home (*ducks glass bottles*). I’m the first to admit that “Ante Up” makes me want to punch somebody in the face every time I hear it, however.
Ed. Note – In hindsight, this probably should have been written in all-caps.
Master P - The Ghetto's Tryin To Kill Me!
I’m not sure what’s more iconic: the cover image of Master P getting ridden something nice, or the unforgiving rawness of this album’s sound. The Ghetto’s Tryin To Kill Me! finds the Ice Cream Man boasting about giggety giggety nines and fucking your girlfriend after leaving flowers at your gravesite (just so no one is mistaken about how real Percy keeps it on here).
The West Coast influence is apparent (he’s sipping gin and juice from the jump) but this was the project that began to bridge his California inspirations and his down south aspirations. Later albums Ice Cream Man and Ghetto D solidified Miller’s legacy as the Tank Colonel of No Limit Records’ army, but this marked the beginning of his outstanding run.
I’m not sure what’s more iconic: the cover image of Master P getting ridden something nice, or the unforgiving rawness of this album’s sound. The Ghetto’s Tryin To Kill Me! finds the Ice Cream Man boasting about giggety giggety nines and fucking your girlfriend after leaving flowers at your gravesite (just so no one is mistaken about how real Percy keeps it on here).
The West Coast influence is apparent (he’s sipping gin and juice from the jump) but this was the project that began to bridge his California inspirations and his down south aspirations. Later albums Ice Cream Man and Ghetto D solidified Miller’s legacy as the Tank Colonel of No Limit Records’ army, but this marked the beginning of his outstanding run.
Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus
Many of you might know El-P for his astounding work last year with Killer Mike on R.A.P. Music, or maybe for his own apocalyptic albums Cancer 4 Cure and I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (if you haven’t listened to both of those albums by now, please go do so immediately). He was something of a last Mohican at Def Jux when they went under, but only after taking part in the cult classic Funcrusher Plus alongside Bigg Juss and Mr. Len. Company Flow was rooted in the graffiti culture of bombing trains, as Juss and El-P took two radically different approaches to rhyming, with El Producto sounding more traditional then Big Juss’ stream of consciousness raps.
With it’s comic book looking cover and it’s exploding sonics, Funcrusher Plus didn’t make a lot of sense to first time listeners until it set in upon rewinds, but one spin of “8 Steps to Perfection” sums up how ridiculously talented the group was together. EL-P has gone on to have a strong solo career while Bigg Juss and Mr. Len have faded into limbo, but try to find Mr. Len’s Class X album to hear a majority of Funcrusher Plus in better quality and without the idiosyncratic, somewhat distracting cuts of the original.
Many of you might know El-P for his astounding work last year with Killer Mike on R.A.P. Music, or maybe for his own apocalyptic albums Cancer 4 Cure and I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (if you haven’t listened to both of those albums by now, please go do so immediately). He was something of a last Mohican at Def Jux when they went under, but only after taking part in the cult classic Funcrusher Plus alongside Bigg Juss and Mr. Len. Company Flow was rooted in the graffiti culture of bombing trains, as Juss and El-P took two radically different approaches to rhyming, with El Producto sounding more traditional then Big Juss’ stream of consciousness raps.
With it’s comic book looking cover and it’s exploding sonics, Funcrusher Plus didn’t make a lot of sense to first time listeners until it set in upon rewinds, but one spin of “8 Steps to Perfection” sums up how ridiculously talented the group was together. EL-P has gone on to have a strong solo career while Bigg Juss and Mr. Len have faded into limbo, but try to find Mr. Len’s Class X album to hear a majority of Funcrusher Plus in better quality and without the idiosyncratic, somewhat distracting cuts of the original.
Chubb Rock - The Mind
One of the most intellectually honed rappers of all time is the inimitable Chubb Rock. After dropping out of the Ivy League college Brown University as a pre-med student, Chubb teamed up with super-producer Howie Tee for his debut album Chubb Rock Featuring Hitman Howie Tee (could they have chosen a more awkward title?).
A string of potent albums followed until 1992, culminating with Chubb’s full-length work alongside The Trackmasters on I Gotta Get Mine Yo! It wasn’t until 5 years later that he would make his comeback with The Mind, a slight update of his early 90’s material that wasn’t quite a creatively risky departure from his previous work but knocked nonetheless. Chubb mixed the sonorous enunciation of Chuck D with the overpowering knowledge darts of KRS-One and more than a sprinkle of Ras Kass’ wit to put together a truly masterful final effort.
One of the most intellectually honed rappers of all time is the inimitable Chubb Rock. After dropping out of the Ivy League college Brown University as a pre-med student, Chubb teamed up with super-producer Howie Tee for his debut album Chubb Rock Featuring Hitman Howie Tee (could they have chosen a more awkward title?).
A string of potent albums followed until 1992, culminating with Chubb’s full-length work alongside The Trackmasters on I Gotta Get Mine Yo! It wasn’t until 5 years later that he would make his comeback with The Mind, a slight update of his early 90’s material that wasn’t quite a creatively risky departure from his previous work but knocked nonetheless. Chubb mixed the sonorous enunciation of Chuck D with the overpowering knowledge darts of KRS-One and more than a sprinkle of Ras Kass’ wit to put together a truly masterful final effort.
Biz Markie - The Biz Never Sleeps
The tilted piano of “Just A Friend” is unmistakable, but the album that it dropped on doesn’t get as much notice as Biz Markie’s 1988 staple debut Goin’ Off. With the mad scientist in full effect on the cover, The Biz Never Sleeps departs from Marley Marl’s previous full-fledged responsibilities on the beats and instead finds Markie experimenting with his own production techniques.
His rapping also extends into drunken, off-kilter elocution that might have later influenced RZA’s garbled delivery, and the result is a somewhat obnoxious but ultimately endearing foray into creative control for the Diabolical Biz.
The tilted piano of “Just A Friend” is unmistakable, but the album that it dropped on doesn’t get as much notice as Biz Markie’s 1988 staple debut Goin’ Off. With the mad scientist in full effect on the cover, The Biz Never Sleeps departs from Marley Marl’s previous full-fledged responsibilities on the beats and instead finds Markie experimenting with his own production techniques.
His rapping also extends into drunken, off-kilter elocution that might have later influenced RZA’s garbled delivery, and the result is a somewhat obnoxious but ultimately endearing foray into creative control for the Diabolical Biz.
