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Today in Hip-hop: Throwback Albums

This day in Hip-hop recognizes the anniversaries of three iconic albums, and if you've been keeping track with our retrospect features, you already know that this marks another installment to the perfect throwback playlist, and come on, we know we all need one.

Expansion Team (2001)

  • An underground Hip-hop group kicks off this installment with the notable second studio album from West Coast's Dilated Peoples, which represents the combined talents of Evidence, Rakaa, and DJ Babu. Widely claimed as the rap group's most memorable collective, the album lists their hit-single, “Worst Comes to Worst”, as well as showcasing the production skills of DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Da Beatminerz, Questlove of The Roots, Juju from The Beatnuts. A myriad of guest appearances flood the album, such as Black Thought, Guru from Gang Starr, and Tha Alkoholiks.

 

Smif-n-Wessun: The Album (2007)

  • Recognizing an album from iconic Hip-hop duo, Smif-n-Wessun rosters Tek and Steele, two-eights of another rap supergroup, Boot Camp Clik. Released under Duck Down Records, The Album breaks a two year silence following the duo's previous album, gathering much attention and acclaim, with much applause linking to the single, “Stomp”. The album boasts magnum opus production from Swedish producer/rapper Ken Ring, who teams with Norwegian producer Tommy Tee. Feature artists include Joell Ortiz, Loudmouf Choir, and Rock of Heltah Skeltah.

 

Life Goes On (2007)

  • Breaking the rap group continuity, this day in Hip-hop also acknowledges the fourth album from Southern rap sensation, Trae tha Truth—Trae for short. Released under Rap-A-Lot Records, as well as affiliate labels, Ice Age, Atlantic, and Asylum Records, the album showcases appearances from several notable talents including Jadakiss, Slim Thug, Yung Joc and Jody Breeze. Cash Money Kid, Lil Wayne also appears on the record with the critically-acclaimed single, “Screwed Up”.

By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com