What makes a classic hip-hop album or record?

This weighty question has been at the heart of countless debates dating back to the early 70’s when the genre’s forefather, Kool Herc, was break-spinning funk jams like the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache” in the Boogie Down Bronx. The emotional, cerebral and sometimes nasty debate over which hip-hop albums are worthy of being deemed classics has been a topic of discussion for hip-hop aficionados around the world. For some, a great hip-hop album or record is a faithful, poetic snapshot of the era it was released and the emotions and nostalgia it stirs up. There are those beat-centric cats who look for innovative sounds that further expand and challenge the template and scope of hip-hop coupled with profound lyrics; while for others a great hip-hop album or record is one that induces some serious ass shaking or head nodding. As far as I’m concerned, a memorable hip-hop album has all the above criteria. It touches the listener on every level and is without an expiration date.

Classic Rhymes is not about counting down the best hip-hop albums. That’s like having to pick only one of your children to love while overlooking the great qualities that the others possess. Hip-hop is way too broad and complex of an art form to reduce to a top five or 50 list of “best” albums (no doubt some would disagree….vehemently). And not for anything, but how many times can the argument over the number one hip-hop album of all time be rehashed? No, really?

With Classic Rhymes we’re not so much concerned about who is on top, as we are with those many artists who have made a mark in the legacy of hip-hop, and the recording of their standout albums. Through interviews with Classic Rhymes, mcs and producers relive the recording of some great albums. Some that are known by many and others that navigated under the radar.

Since this is my blog, obviously the album choices I make are based on what I like to bump, but in the same token I can ensure you that all the albums featured, hate ‘em or love ‘em, have made some contribution to the growth of hip-hop. So if there’s an album you think should be covered, let me know!

Peace!
Alex