Doesn't mainstream radio these days feel, whats the word, redundant? A hit song comes, you get glued, it gets overplayed, next thing you know it starts sounding mundane. Luckily, throwback playlists are always an option, and today we recommend three anniversary records from 90s Hip hop.
Can I Borrow a Dollar back in 92 was the debut album from now-prominent Chicago rapper, Common. The album's entirety was produced by the notable No I.D. (formerly known as Immenslope) and Twilite Tone, as well as additional contributions from The Beatnuts.
Being his debut, Common introduced a distinct brand of melodic rapping, containing both clever wordplay pop-culture allusions—all of which floating atop jazzy samples and laid back beats. Though the album didn't attain as much recognition as other rap giants of the time,AllMusic favored it as “underrated”, but nevertheless, a strong introduction from a new artist
Speaking of hip-hop giants, Cypress Hill also released their fourth studio record, Cypress Hill IV, in 1998. The album attained RIAA Gold, and although DJ Muggs upheld it as his own favorite, the album was considered to be the rap group's most “varied” release.
Much of its mixed reception connects to the group's creative leap into rap-metal. The album did introduce a newer, vehemently aggressive sound, and despite varying criticism, Rap Pages applauded their latest release as “a fabulous formula of speakerphone tones”, not to mention The Wire's vivid description: “They come out fighting. Red-eyed, rabid and slobbering with skunk-fueled menace... Gangsta rap's future as a musical force is secure.”
The Recipe was also released that same day, presenting West Coast rapper Mack 10's third studio album, which was also considered a “launching pad” for the rapper's newly-formed label, Hoo Bangin' Records. The album topped at #6 off the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, #15 on Billboard 200, and inevitably fashioned certified Gold, two months following its debut.
The album contained a myriad of guest appearances from prominent artists, rostering Eazy-E, MC Eiht, Master P, WC, Tray Dee, Jermaine Dupri, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Korn—and with all those artists, that makes the perfect wrap-up for a throwback playlist; locked on shuffle and stereos on blast, you'll be cruising back through the 90s in no time.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
