“25 Rap Albums That Got Perfect Ratings” is a list curated by HipHopWired that includes albums from Public Enemy, Run-DMC and Kendrick Lamar.
The story features “…rap albums that got perfect ratings from trusted publications along the years,” HipHopWired says. “We’re not saying all these albums are classics, but it sure does generate good discussion.”
Released in 1992, The Chronic is one album that made the list. The debut solo album for one-time N.W.A member’s Andre Young, otherwise known as Dr. Dre, featured Snoop Dogg, Kurupt and Jewell and included songs such as “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thing,” “Let Me Ride” and “Bitches Ain’t Shit.”
“The good Doctor’s debut is easily identified as universal classic by many,” HipHopWired says. “The Source, XXL and AllMusic all agreed.”
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Dropped on September 11, 2001, Jay Z’s The Blueprintsaw significant production from Kanye West (“Heart of the City,” “Izzo [H.O.V.A.],’ “Never Change,” “The Takeover”). The album held only one featured artist, Eminem on “Renegade.”
“September 11, 2001 couldn’t crush Jigga’s conquest to achieve perfect ratings in The Source, XXL and VIBE right out the gate,” the story says.
Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city Earned “People’s Respect”
Released 11 years later, Kendrick Lamar’s debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, opened at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured verses from Drake, Dr. Dre and Jay Rock. It also featured production from Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, DJ Dahi, and Hit-Boy. Fact: ScHoolboy Q is responsible for the handwriting on the album cover.
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“K. Dot earned his ‘XXL’ rating and the people’s respect on his platinum major label debut,” HipHopWired says.
As for older albums, 1986 saw the release of Run-D.M.C.’s third album, Raising Hell. Largely co-produced by members of the trio, Def Jam founder Rick Rubin also had his name all over the production credits on songs such as “It’s Tricky,” “My Adidas” and “Is It Live?”
“Both The Source and Rolling Stone recognized the album that broke down mainstream barriers for the Hip-Hop culture,” HipHopWired says.
Released in 1988, It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back was Public Enemy’s follow-up to Yo! Bum Rush the Show. Executively produced by Rick Rubin and with production work from The Bomb Squad, songs such as “Rebel Without A Pause” have been sampled by every one from Sublime to Tupac.
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“Chuck D, Flavor Flav and The Bomb Squad released one of the most important Hip-Hop albums ever created,” the story says. “Critics still fill in their dots to this day.”
Kanye West’s College Dropoutalso makes the list. Executively produced by Kanye, the 2004 album marked the producer’s debut as an emcee. College Dropout featured contributions from Jay Z, Ludacris, Common, Talib Kweli, Twista and Jamie Foxx.
“Entertainment Weekly called the Yeezy’s debut the best album of the decade,” HipHopWired puts out there. “Any challengers?“
You can see the rest of the “25 Albums That Got Perfect Ratings” at HipHopWired.
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For additional Dr. Dre coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
