The House That Dre & Suge Built: The Best Albums From Deathrow Records

What's good cats?!  I'm back with another label salute list that I'm sure will create more talk and will generate water cooler conversations much like the last few have.  This salute goes to a rather infamous label that was more known for its controversial in-house practices than music, but the music they did come out with helped define the nineties, and put gangsta rap to iconic levels.  It made stars such as Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, made Dr. Dre a legend, and made 2Pac an official icon in music.  Like it or not, this label took the fire away from the previously dominant east coast for a while and made the east completely step their entire game up.  This is Deathrow Records.  With that, let's go!

10. Lady Of Rage- Necessary Roughness

Virginia's own Lady Of Rage made serious noise with her hit from the incredible soundtrack of Above The Rim (see later) "Afro Puffs", buzz was heavy about a debut album from this very lyrically sincere emcee.  Speculation was put to rest when she delivered her debut album, Necessary Roughness.  With no Dr. Dre influence, this album was one of the hardest albums of 2007.  Heavy east coast influenced, Rage thoroughly let loose on cuts like the title track, "Some Shit", and "Super Supreme", and even fit in a dis cut towards Foxy Brown on the cut "The Set Up".  Definitely one of the more sleeper albums not just from the label, but in all of the game during that time period.

9. Various Artists- Gang Related OST

If there was one thing Deathrow was known for and it's delivering tremendous soundtracks.  The first on the list is the soundtrack to 2Pac's movie, Gang Related.  Dropped in the latter stages of success for Deathrow, this was one of the last true bangers of the label.  This double album was filled with heat from Deathrow artists and a few posthumous cuts from Pac.  Standouts were a plenty and sold two to three times platinum units.  Cuts like the G'd out "Way Too Major" and the ominous "Staring Through My Rearview" were classic Deathrow-laced cuts and proved to be a big album and a big soundtrack during this time.

8. Tha Dogg Pound- Dogg Food

The first time we heard Daz & Kurupt was on Dre's iconic debut The Chronic (see later), then again on Snoop's just as legendary debut Doggystyle (again, see later).  It was only a matter of time before we had something from these two cats, and it was definitely worth the wait.  Released during the heart of the now-infamous "East Coast/West Coast" war that ultimately claimed the lives of Pac and Biggie, they were going after the east with cuts like "New York, New York" but were also serving out G-funk and that ever apparent gangsta shit with dope cuts like "Smooth", "Reality", and the playful first single "Let's Play House".  This album was one of the more successful album to appear from the camp and officially put Daz and Kurupt on the map, especially with over three million units sold.

7. Makaveli- Don Kiluminati: The 7-Day Theory

The first posthumous album from 2Pac was a monster.  Going beyond the east coast/west coast war, 2Pac (at this time known by his alias Makaveli) went IN on enemies such as Biggie, De La Soul, Nas, and Jay-Z on this album.  Deeper than that, this was the most vicious and venomous album in his entire collection. While capitalizing off the mega success of All Eyez On Me (see later), this album was released just after his unfortunate death.  What resulted was incredible cuts like "Toss It Up" (which included a Dr. Dre dis), arguably the biggest single of his career "Hail Mary" ( beyond "California Love"), and the RAW "Bomb First".  A highly influential album to this day, this stands as one of the single best Shakur album ever recorded.

6. Various Artists- Murder Was The Case OST

Another soundtrack that hit hip-hop hard was the soundtrack for the short film of Snoop's cut on Doggystyle, Murder Was The Case.  Released during his first-degree murder trial, this album was not a good look in that regard, but as an album as a whole, this album was one on the strongest soundtracks during that era.  With little to no flaws, tremendous performances from the likes of Snoop, Tha Dogg Pound, and DJ Quik really highlighted the soundtrack.  The biggest highlight was the reunion on wax between Dre and former NWA brother Ice Cube for the thrilling and vicious "Natural Born Killaz".  Fantastic soundtrack and overall VERY dope album.

5. Daz Dillinger- Retaliation, Revenge, and Getback

Arguably, the last critically acclaimed album from the label was Daz's solo album, Retaliation, Revenge, and Getback.  After the release of Kurt's debut, Kuruption, Daz delivered a classic Deathrow album with some of the best production from Daz ever heard.  He had been heard on albums from Tha Dogg Pound, the aforementioned Murder Was The Case soundtrack, and Above The Rim soundtrack, Daz delivered a serious album filled with incredible hits that brought you back into he early to mid-nineties when the label was basically running hip-hop.  From the ode to baby mama beef "Baby Mama Drama" to the raunchy Too Short-assisted "It Might Sound Crazy", this album is considered one of the best albums of the gangsta rap genre, and can still pull its weight against today's standards.

4. Various Artists- Above The Rim OST

If there was a seminal soundtrack to be released during the early nineties, the award would have to go to Above The Rim.  Naturally a great movie needs an equally potent soundtrack, and this was a marvelous combination.  We're all familiar with the smashes of SWV's "Anything", Warren G and the late Nate Dogg's "Regulate", and H-Town's "Part Time Lover", but other incredible cuts like Thug Life's "Pour Out a Little Liquor", "Sweet Sable's "Old Time Sake", Rage's "Afro Puffs", and Tha Dogg Pound's delightful "Big Pimpin" made this soundtrack one of the hottest of tis time and one of the most acclaimed soundtracks ever.  This album was the official exclamation point to those that thought the albums from Dre and Snoop were as far as the label would go.  Boy were those critics wrong.

3. 2Pac- All Eyez On Me

Already seen as one of hip-hop's most fiery and important emcees up to '96, 2Pac became a part of the Deathrow family after his prison stint and shortly afterwards released his label debut, All Eyez On Me.  With one of hip-hop's all-time best west coast anthems "California Love" killing things, the anticipation was apex for this album, and what resulted was the most commercially successful album of his career.  While just short of the deeply personal classic Me Against The World and the angst-ridden Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., this album was more or less a party.  This was an album that had him being free to live and free to shine as an artists and as a man.  There were hits galore on this double album and had he lived to see the full results of this album, he would be the happiest man walking at this time.  

2. Snoop Doggy Dogg- Doggystyle

Clearly the star on Dre's iconic Chronic album, a young Long Beach emcee named Snoop Doggy Dogg was seen as the next big thing in hip-hop around '93.  Easily the most anticipated debut of everyone at this time period (including a young NY upstart named Nas), he delivered his MUCH awaited Doggystyle album, and the results were everything we thought they would be and then some.  With the breakout success of "Gin & Juice" and other massive cuts like "What's My Name", "Doggy Dogg World" and the classic "Tha Shiznit", there was absolutely no stopping this seminal album.  One of the strongest debuts of all-time, many have argued that this album is even stronger than The Chronic.  Regardless of what side of the fence you're on with that, what's undeniable is the impact this album made on his career and on the game as a whole.  Still his best album, Snoop's rise to legendary status started with this legendary album.

1. Dr. Dre- The Chronic

THE album that put Deathrow in the worldwide spotlight.  Clearly one of the greatest albums, not just in gangsta rap, but in all of hip-hop's history, this album was subsequently the greatest debut album to ever emerge from the west.  While many would argue that the title of the west's greatest debut album would belong to Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, there's no denying the cultural and musical impact this album has made along the years.  Artists like The Game, YG, and ScHoolboy Q have referred to this album as one of the albums that got them started in the first place.  Absolutely no shortage of touted hits on here, it marked the start of the gangsta rap genre and became the album by which Dre would be measured.  Still among the top ten albums in hip-hop history, Dr. Dre became an icon with just this one album.

As you can see, while there weren't a lot of notable Deathrow albums, the ones that got released were substantial and quite influential.  It brought gangsta rap to the forefront and on a worldwide level.  While ever controversial and newsworthy for some of their in-house ways, there's no denying the impact Deathrow Records had on hip-hop and on popular music.  Over thirty million records sold is a testament to the strength of the label.  Until next time folks, I'm out.

Southern Pioneers: The Best From Rap-A-Lot Records

What's good kind people?!  Back with another salute to a prominent hip-hop label, and this one can easily be considered as one of the most influential southern labels in history.  Straight outta Texas, James "J" Prince founded a label that wanted emphasis on southern emcees, and it was because of him that we were exposed to legends like Scarface, The Geto Boys, and Devin The Dude.  Deemed controversial and envelope pushing, they were always considered one of the realest labels out.  Although Face and The GB's dominated the majority of the success of the label, others like Devin, Big Mike, 5th Ward Boyz, Do or Die, and DMG helped the label maintain their streetwise credibility and thus their industry respect.  With all this being said, let's get into the fifteen best albums to emerge from this label.

15. Bushwhack Bill- Phantom Of The Rapra

Everyone's favorite diminutive psychopath, Bushwhack Bill, dropped his debut solo album, Little Big Man, in '92 to mixed reviews.  Over the top with hardcore narratives and graphic violence, this album wasn't for the faint of heart.  For his second album, Phantom Of The Rapra, he slightly mellowed on the violence and did more personal tracks and introspective cuts.  The fluidity of the album was also more noticeable and it resulted in his best solo album to date.  These days, he's more tuned towards God but it was this album where we saw perhaps a glimpse into his future moral journeys.

14. Devin The Dude- Just Tryin' Ta Live

Houston's favorite stoner, Devin The Dude, is as comical as he is talented.  Starting off as half of The Odd Squad, he delivered his dope debut, The Dude, which contained the cult classic "Boo Boo'n".  Off the heels of that album came his sophomore album, Just Tryin' To Live.  Just as laid-back, if not more than his debut, this album was draped in soul and blues appeal.  However, he also collaborated with giants Dr. Dre and Texas native, the legendary DJ Premier on two cuts, thus showing his versatility.  Devin's music is the perfect music to get high to on a sunset evening in the south, and this album is as trademarked Devin as anything else he would drop.

13. Scarface- The World Is Yours

The genius that is Mr. Brad Jordan is renowned and legendary.  We saw this early on with his disturbing, yet incredible solo debut, Mr. Scarface Is Back (see later), but he had to follow that up with something equally as potent.  He arguably did so with The World Is Yours.  While seen as not quite as acclaimed as his debut, many view this album as a cult classic.  Definitely more comical and every bit as misogynistic as his debut, cuts like "Dying With His Boots On", "Still That Nigga", and "He's Dead" are still quite intense and sociopathic, while cuts like "Now I Feel Ya" are slightly more personal.  Regardless, Scarface dropped a hot one here and was another sign of things to come.

12. Get Boys- The Resurrection

After The Geto Boys broke up during the recording of Til Death Do Us Part, longtime heads were wondering if we would ever see them reunite for another album.  The answer came in '96 with The Resurrection.  Face, Willie, and Bushwhack sounded like seasoned veterans and that they never lost a step.  Still filled with brutal imagery and hood commentary, The Resurrection was touted as one of their best albums and rightfully so.  This was vintage Geto Boys and cuts like "Geto Boys & Girls" and "The World Is A Ghetto" accurately showed the iconic trio at their very best work of being fearless and non-fuck-giving.

11. Bun B- Trill

When you mention legendary southern acts, if UGK isn't one of the first that come to mind, you're not hip-hop...AT ALL.  Bun B and the late Pimp C helped blaze the trail (along with Geto Boys and Eightball & MJG) of how southern hip-hop became acclaimed.  There would be no Outkast, Goodie Mob, Luda, or T.I. without acts like these.  When Pimp C got incarcerated, we knew it would be a tough thing to keep the trill movement going, but we knew Bun would pick the ball up and keep rapping that UGK name, and boy did he with his solo debut, Trill.  Little to no cuts he did by himself, Bun showed his hunger to make his tag team partner proud.  No shortage of heat on this release, this was the first of the Trill series, and it started with a bang.  His single "Draped Up" is just southern glory!

10. Scarface- Last Of A Dying Breed

Having to follow-up two straight genuine hip-hop classics like The Diary and The Untouchable was damn near impossible.  Mr. Scarface had the unenviable task of doing so, but he definitely made a valiant effort with Last Of A Dying Breed.  While not exactly a cohesive or consistent album, the album is still a favorite of many a Scarface fan.  Cuts like the standout "Sorry For What", as well as the extra butter funky "It Ain't Pt. 2", "Conspiracy Theory", and "In My Time" are also staples of this very dope album.  Say what you will about how high or low this album is on your list of Face favorites, this album is still another example of why Face is considered one of the greatest to ever do it.

9. Big Mike- Still Serious

New Orleans' own Big Mike had been known locally as one half of The Convicts with Mr. 3-2 (he was most known for his guest verse on UGK's incredible cut "One Day" from their landmark album Ridin' Dirty).  The pressure was on for him to follow up his excellent solo debut Somethin' Serious (see later), and he did in fact deliver an equally dope album in Still Serious.  Perhaps a little more fluid than the first album, this was also more commercially successful.  Regardless, Big Mike was two for two with this heat seeker.  

8. Scarface- Deeply Rooted

It had been seven long years since we had heard anything from the legendary "Mr. Mr. Scarface".  While we were digging his last album, Emeritus, we knew his hunger for the game was waning.  With Deeply Rooted, not only did he go back to basics, he sounded as refreshed and as rejuvenated as ever.  Not since his stellar album, The Fix, in 2005 did we hear him sound so full of spirit.  Balancing hardcore street tales with introspection and deeply personal stories with uncompromising honesty, tracks like "Steer", "God", and the uplifting "All Bad" are defining moments for Brad Jordan, and if there were any disputes about who the real king of the south was, they died from this release.

7. Bun B- Trill O.G.

After the heartbreaking and sudden passing of tag team partner, Chad "Pimp C" Butler, the world was wondering how Bun would carry the UGK name without him.  The follow up to Trill was II Trill, and it was a very dope follow up, but it was the third and final installment in the Trill series that became his magnum opus.  Showing his versatility as an emcee, there wasn't a weak spot anywhere on this release.  From classic slab-sounding cuts like the Drake-assisted "Put It Down"and the reflective "It's Been A Pleasure" to the speakers knocking "Get Down For Mine" and "Lights, Camera, Action" and the Premo-powered "Let 'Em Know", Bun held his own as an O.G. should.  Rated five mins in The Source, this album was rightfully labeled a classic.  For goodness sake, there's a track with Pimp C AND 2Pac on there, and it's DOPE.  The Pimp is unquestionably proud.

6. Geto Boys- Grip It! On That Other Level

If there was a southern version of N.W.A. at this time, it was undeniably four cats from South Ward, Houston.  Scarface, DJ Reddy Redd, Bushwhack, and Willie D were unrelenting and fearless on this album.  Every bit as controversial and jarring as Straight Outta Compton, this was raw as raw could get.  Many see this as their best effort, and that's a credible argument.  From Bushwick's angst ridden "Size Ain't Shit" to the highly graphic "Mind Of a Lunatic" and the vicious "Trigga Happy Nigga", this album was the definition of uncompromising, and an iconic group had arrived.

5. Scarface- The Untouchable

In '97, Scarface had the arduous task of following up the landmark album that was The Diary three years earlier.  He answered with The Untouchable, which many have regarded as The Diary Pt. II.  It's a valid argument, as he had a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ethic going into the album.  While his earlier albums like Mr. Scarface Is Back and The World Is Yours were filled with images of graphic violence, schizophrenia, and depression, The Diary marked a shift in his content slightly, as his sense of paranoia was nixed for burgeoning introspection and glimpses of spirituality.  With The Untouchable, he continued it with concrete-hard cuts like "Ya Money Or Your Life" with more morbid cuts like "Faith", and the crossover smash for him, his duet with 2Pac, "Smile" to result in a platinum plaque for him.  One of the most defining albums of the nineties, Face was officially in charge, if you hadn't known it before.

4. Big Mike- Somethin' Serious

Getting shine on the Geto Boys' rather compelling Til Death Do Us Part, filling in for an absent Willie D, New Orleans native Big Mike had a sound and southern drawl that made him sound like he was an original member.  The anticipation was on for this cat to drop his solo debut, and it was worth the anticipation and then some.  Filled with the bluesy funk that the south was known for, this was one of the label's most heralded albums that wasn't Face or the Geto Boys.  Raw and honest, Big Mike's debut was acclaimed and seen as one of the best debuts from a southern artist since...well...Face's debut.  While we're familiar with the silky smooth "Playa Playa", other cuts like "On Da Real" and the standout "Daddy's Gone" made this album a prize.

3. Scarface- Mr. Scarface Is Back

When it comes to misogynistic, macabre humor, and brutal violent debuts, Scarface's debut has to be considered among the top of the list, if not THE top album.  One of the most influential of its genre, Face presented a vivid look inside the mind of a deranged lunatic with Mr. Scarface Is Back, and was as relentless as any album you had heard before.  Continuing the shock value of Grip It! On That Other Level and We Can't Be Stopped, Mr. Scarface Is Back is regardless an entertaining piece of music, if you're not utterly shocked and dismayed by the end of the album that is.  Cuts like the unapologetically violent "Diary Of A Madman", "A Minute To Pray, A Second To Die", and "I'm Dead" helped pave the way for his future status as one of hip-hop's master storytellers as well as one of the game's most honest.

2. Geto Boys- We Can't Be Stopped

The album that officially put Bushwhack, Face, and Willie on a worldwide platform.  Seen as one of the most disturbing, yet influential albums to ever emerge from the south, H-town's finest hit paydirt with the iconic hit "My Mind's Playing Tricks On Me".  Every bit as controversial as their prior effort, Grip It! On That Other Level, they tackle areas such as paranoia with the aforementioned cut, blatant misogyany  on the albeit hilarious Willie D solo cut "Ain't A Gentleman", the morbidly humorous Bushwhack solo cut "Chuckie", and dissing award shows on "Trophy".  Other engaging cuts like "Gotta Let Your Nuts Hang" and "Another Nigga In The Morgue" made this album one of the most talked about hip-hop releases ever released and still is a staple in the gangsta rap arena.

1. Scarface- The Diary

The best album to ever emerge from Rap-A-Lot is also one of the most defining moments in hip-hop history.  Face's third album, The Diary, is a wonderfully executed masterpiece that started to show a method behind the madness, and also started to show a morbid sense of spirituality on certain tracks.  While his playful charm was evidenced on "Goin' Down", he was back to his insightful yet very vivid storytelling ways on cuts like "The White Sheet", the highly introspective title track, and his huge hit "I Seen A Man Die". This was Face at his finest hour and has since earned him a place among the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop.  

Honorable Mentions

Do Or Die- Picture This

Scarface- My Homies

Bun B- II Trill

Devin- The Dude

Ganksta NIP- Interview With A Killa

DMG- Rigormortiz

Seagram- Souls On Ice

5th Ward Boyz- Rated G

Almighty RSO- Doomsday: Forever RSO

Yuknouth- Thugged Out: The Albulation

Z-Ro- Crack

Z-Ro- Let The Truth Be Told

The legacy of Rap-A-Lot is that J Prince put together cats from in and around his neck of the woods and make some of the realest music one could imagine.  An undisputed innovator in southern hip-hop, Rap-A-Lot made it possible for today's southern giants to have room in the game.  You can't beat that.  That's all for now, see you in a minute.

Grand Music: The Best Albums From Babygrande Records

What's up my people?!  Long time no see.  I've had several of you ask about my label salutes and how come there have not been any follow-ups since my last one.  Sometimes life happens, and I had to tend to it.  In fact I still am, but I would forget that doing these pieces is a bit of therapy and a release for me.  Definitely appreciate the love and the acclaim my salutes have been getting.  For right now, I'm back and will bring you more label salutes and other pieces on a regular basis.  This salute goes to a very strong underground label that goes back to 2001.  Acts such as Jedi Mind Tricks, Outerspace, 7L & Esoteric, and others have laid claim to this label and have released some of the game's most prized yet horrendously slept-on albums.  This label, Babygrande, is still going strong, but now we have to highlight the best albums to come from this amazing label.  With that being said, let's begin.

20. Canibus- Mic Club

One of hip-hop's most vicious emcees has been Canibus.  Say what you will about how things went down between him and LL, as well as his fledging "beef" with Eminem, Can is a lyrical war machine,  but his problems have always been centered around getting the right kind of production to match his ferocity.  With Mic Club, this was a decent turnaround from albums in the past such as his mediocre debut, Can-I-Bus, his follow-up 2000 B.C., and especially the baffling C True Hollywood Stories.  This was a listenable album and one that he can firmly be proud of.

19. Various Artists- Dreddy Kruger Presents Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets Indie Culture

Ever wondered what cats like Planet Asia, Sean Price, Aesop Rock, and MF Doom would sound over production from the likes of RZA, 4th Disciple, Cilvaringz, or Bronze Nazareth?  This question was thoroughly answered in the form of Wu-Tang Meets Indie Culture, which put Wu-Tang producers with underground giants like the aforementioned plus others like Cannibal Ox, J-Live, R.A. The Rugged Man, Ras Kass, and Casual.  The results were mostly very dope, and made for at times a damn intriguing and prodigious listening experience.  It really didn't get any crazier than the RZA/MF Doom collabo "Biochemical Equation".

18. 7L & Esoteric- DC2: Bars Of Death

Underground 7L & Esoteric had been making noise with releases like Dangerous Connection and The Soul Purpose, but on their Babygrande debut, Esoteric takes his lyrical game to another level, and 7L continued to excel behind the boards.  Very much a head nodder, DC2 is one of the strongest examples of these two as a big time duo in the game. Now known for their work with Inspectah Deck as Czarface, 7L & Esoteric were building a nice following of fans. Cuts like "Graphic Violence" and the riotous "This Is War" show the talent of this Benton duo.

17. Bronze Nazareth- The Great Migration

When you mention Wu-Tang beatsmiths, besides RZA, people like 4th Disciple and True Master come to mind.  There's another cat that people should mention a lot more named Bronze Nazareth.  Hailing outta Michigan, Bronze has crafted compelling production for the likes of GZA, Afu-Ra, Black Market Milita, and many others.  Most known for work on the previously mentioned Wu-Tang Meets Indie Culture, Bronze delivered a very dope debut full-length album that is worthy of the Wu-Tang seal of approval.  While he showed he could rhyme also, his acclaim is mostly held within his boardwork, as cuts like "Poet Burial Ground", "More Than Gold", and "Black Royalty" are fire cuts that help make the album as a whole very enjoyable.

16. Jedi Mind Tricks- A History Of Violence

The most celebrated and revered act on the entire Babygrande roster and one of the most renowned groups to ever emerge from the underground is the Philly-based Jedi Mind Tricks.  They have amassed some of the most compelling albums to grace our ears ( most of which you'll see later throughout this list), and have a cult following that rivals any major label act around.  With their sixth album, A History Of Violence, they reunited with group member Jus Allah, who had left the group during the time of Legacy Of Blood, and they sounded as refreshed as ever.  Vinnie, Allah, and producer Stoupe The Enemy Of Mankind delivered an album full of conspiracy theories and violence.  Much of the same from JMT, but it still sounds authentic and passionate, and it just felt good to have the band back together.

15. Blue Sky Black Death- Blue Sky Black Death Presents The Holocaust

Cali-based production duo Kingston and Young God were a bubbling duo and were known for their apocalyptic, brooding, and  dramatic production.  They signed a deal with babygrande and their first collaborative album was with Wu-Tang student Warcloud, otherwise known as Holocaust.  The album was critically acclaimed and was known for highlighting the incredible production talents of this underground duo and the intimidating vocal stylings of Warcloud.  Cuts like "The Ocean" and "Lady of the Birds" were so good they were practically hypnotizing.

14. Hi-Tek- Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip

Cincinnati beatsmith Hi-Tek was well known throughout the early millennium.  Most notably known for his collaboration with Taleb Kweli for their nothing-short-of-beautiful debut album Train Of Thought, Tek put out his debut compilation album entitled Hi-Teknology to very decent acclaim.  The plans were for the sequel to get released on MCA Records (as Rawkus had been bought out by them), but the album was never put out.  Thankfully, Tek brought his talents to Babygrande, along with the album, and boy were ever so happy.  The sequel was just a complete and total banger, with even more star power than before.  Emcees such as Q-Tip, Nas, Raekwon, Bun B, and Jadakiss blessed this album very well and simply put, this album may have been even better than the debut.

13. Jedi Mind Tricks- Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell

Philly's finest rhyme animals followed up their very strong album, Legacy Of Blood, with their fifth album, Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell.  Every bit as acclaimed and revered as their previous material, Vinnie Paz and Stoupe brought more of the same chilling musicianship that made them among the most respected acts in all of hip-hop, not just the underground.  The album is draped with depth and darkness, yet emcees like Ill Bill, R.A. The Rugged Man, and the late Sean Price lace the album with classic b-boy battle rhymes that match toe to toe with the angst and ferocious delivery of Paz.  Definitely one of their finest moments.

12. Jean Grae- Bootleg of the Bootleg EP

One of Brooklyn's most lyrically feared emcees, Jean Grae, delivered a thorough follow-up to her tremendous debut, Attack of the Attacking Things.  With only six tracks on this release, she comes through on each and every one of them, resharpening her blades for every track and attacking the listener in different angles, much like her debut.  If there was any slight doubt about how well she would hold up after Attack..., critics were finally starting to silence and take careful note after this release.

11. Apathy- Eastern Philosophy

Connecticut's own Apathy is quite nasty lyrically.  Known in the underground for collabs with the likes of JMT and Styles Of Beyond, the Demigodz member dropped his eagerly anticipated debut full-length album Eastern Philosophy, and it was vicious.  Equipped with one of the hardest intros you'll hear to this day, Apathy brought it on every track and cuts like "The Winter" and "Can't Leave Rap Alone" were standouts as they exhibited his big time knack for painting pictures with his lyrics, while also channeling his battle ready hunger.  While other releases like the searing Honkey Kong and Wanna Snuggle were definite head-nodders, this one may be placed as his best work to this day.

10. GZA- Protools

The eldest member of the notorious Wu-Tang Clan is Brooklyn's Genius aka GZA.  Considered one of the most revered and respected members of the Wu, his '95 album Liquid Swords is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the entire nineties and is still seen as a genuine hip-hop classic. Albums that followed such as Legend Of The Liquid Sword, Beneath The Surface, and his collaboration with Cypress Hill's DJ Muggs, Grandmasters, were all very strong and very enjoyable, but didn't quite touch the mastery Liquid Swords delivered.  With his first album in three years, Pro Tools brought a much needed classic Wu-Tang flavor for the masses and on cuts like the knocking "Pencil", "7 Rounds", and the 50 Cent-dis "Paper Plates", GZA showed that, even at near fifty years young, he still was a master orator and a respected emcee.

9. Army Of The Pharaohs- The Torture Papers

You almost couldn't find a bigger group of emcees collectively than the crew known as Army Of The Pharaohs, which consisted of over fifteen members including Jedi Mind Tricks, Outerspace, Chief Kamachi, Celph Titled, and 7L & Esoteric.  Their debut album, The Torture Papers, was definitely hardcore and sounded like another JMT album.  This album pulled zero punches, and gave even less fucks.  Headache-inducing and neck-cramping, this album is as riotous as it gets, and there's enough venom to please everyone.  Cuts like "Battle Cry" and "All Shall Perish" are bleak but fierce.  While not as widely known as Wu-Tang, they're arguably as lyrically feared.  If not, they should be.

8. Jedi Mind Tricks- The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological, and Electro-Magnetic Manipulation...

Vinnie Paz and Stoupe were introduced to us on a full-length scale with this album, considered their debut album.  With one of the longest album titles in hip-hop, this album became the precursor to their later phenomenal and acclaimed work, with haunting production and lyrics touching on physics and biology.  The darker themes wouldn't emerge until their seminal second album (see later), but this album was incredible and remains one of their most prized possessions.  Even Black Thought comes through and spits his usual dosage of fury on "Get This Low".

7. Jean Grae- This Week

The ever-special Ms. Grae.  Seen and regarded as one of the most lyrically praised emcees around, this Brooklynite had already earned tons of love, but it was This Week that even more people grew to know who this young lady was.  Arguably her most cohesive album to date, Jean Grae displayed versatility as well as vivd rhymes that were both introspective and reflective, yet still had time to commence to lyrically knocking heads off with more battle hungry material on the album such as "Style Wars" (this along with a few others were previously heard on her aforementioned Bootleg of the Bootleg EP) and "Fyre Blazer".  

6. Jedi Mind Tricks- Legacy Of Blood

The legacy of JMT was starting to really build at this point in '04.  They had delivered some critically acclaimed music and was amassing a huge cult following, especially overseas.  With Legacy Of Blood, they go with much more cleaner, filtered sound, however it will still very JMT, and that's all that mattered.  Standouts include the incredible duet with Killah Priest "Saviorself", the GZA-assisted "At The Eve Of War", and "Me No Shalto".  Many have labeled this as their weakest effort, but nothing could be further from the truth.  This album is to JMT what Tical 2000: Judgement Day was to Method Man: much of the same brooding nature, just more accessible in production and in themes.  Thus another win for JMT.

5. Canibus- Rip The Jacker

After a few albums of mediocrity, Canibus started to fill in the very important missing link that he needed: fitting and capable production.  While the aforementioned Mic Club served as a very decent turn for the cat that had to audacity to challenge LL Cool J and Eminem, it was the Stoupe-laced Rip The Jacker that officially became the album of his career.  With the trademarked haunting and melodic production stylings of Stoupe through the entire album, Can's insightful, yet razor sharp, lyrics made this album a knockout.  We wished this would've been his official debut, instead of the lackluster Can-I-Bus, and with cuts like "Poet Laureate II" and "Showtime At The Gallows", Can finally got a taste of what it was like to have a critically acclaimed album.

4. Immortal Technique- Revolutionary Vol. 1

The phenomenon of Immortal Technique was something that was intensely needed in that era of 2001.  The Peruvian Bronx native made tremendous waves with his debut, Revolutionary Vol. 1, which was filled some of the most politically and socially charged angst since Public Enemy in their heyday.  From the opening intro, the SICK "Creation & Destruction" (him rhyming over CNN's "LA, LA" remix), you're enthralled with the no-fucks-giving attitude of IT mixed with his highly intelligent and culturally aware lyrics.  This album, quite frankly, was ahead of its time, as in today's society, albums like this are so valued and so very much needed.  For God's sake, peep "Poverty Of Philosophy" if you don't believe me.

3. Jedi Mind Tricks- Visions Of Ghandi

With a following building more and more, JMT delivered the excellent, Visions Of Ghandi, which was as far removed from who Ghandi was as you would ever picture.  Ghana was a man of non-violence, and this certainly has tons of violent imagery, but Ghandi was also about liberation and freedom, which makes this album "free" and "liberated" from what was dominating radio at that time of 2003.  While not quite as chilling as Violent By Design, this was very musical.  Stoups's production, although still very dark, experimented with Latin music and samples that were quite profound.  This is considered an definitive underground treasure.

2. Immortal Technique- Revolutionary Vol. 2

Following up IT's Revolutionary Vol. 1 was a very hard feat, as his debut was I mentioned, was/is incredible.  However, he managed to do so with the equally exceptional sequel.  Much more of the same as the first in the series, IT tackled 9/11, poverty, anti-religion, the prison system, and the corruption of politics and media with such vigor and intensity that you could feel it through your own body.  However, he mixes the intense with the depressing ("Harlem Streets") and the informative ("Industrial Revolution"), and gets creative with the ode to the drug industry "Peruvian Cocaine".  One of the most anti-establishment albums in modern history, Immortal Technique delivered a gem of an album that reverberates even more now than it did in 2003.

1. Jedi Mind Tricks- Violent By Design

Wanting to put a distinctive and undisputed mark in hip-hop, Jedi Mind Tricks delivered the follow-up to their acclaimed aforementioned The Psycho-Social..., Violent By Design.  This marked the first union of Jus Allah with the group, but the most newsworthy item was the breathtaking production by Stoupe.  While he was was raising ears with their debut, this album mixed very atmospheric, ethereal sounds with chilling samples and Latin sprinkles.  Definitely more violent in imagery and anti-establishment than their debut, the emcees tackle religion and even slight bits of homophobia, but this remains among the most brutal releases in the early part of the millennium, and without question, one of the most exceptionally produced albums you'll hear sixteen years later.  Tracks like "Sacrifice" and the exquisite "Deer Hunter" are just immaculate-sounding.  Do yourself a favor, if you have slept on JMT up to this point, it's not too late to peep their releases, but just know Violent By Design is their unquestionable benchmark.

Honorable Mentions:

Blue Sky Black Death & Jean Grae- Evil Jeanius

Jus Allah- All Fates Have Changed

Blue Sky Black Death & Hell Razah- Razah's Ladder

Army Of The Pharoahs- The Unholy Terror

Outerspace- Blood & Ashes

Wisemen- Wisemen Approaching

Army OF The Pharaohs- In Death Reborn

Cilvaringz- I

Hell Razah & Shabazz The Disciple are T.H.U.G. Angels- Welcome To Red Hook Houses

M.O.P.- Sparta

Vinnie Paz- God Of The Serengeti

Vinnie Paz- Season Of The Assassin

As you can see, Babygrande has delivered some compelling, noteworthy hip-hop over the years with hopefully no plans on stopping anytime soon.  One of the most heralded labels in the underground, Babygrande is in fact a label full of authenticity and realness.  Stay tuned for more label salutes.  Until next time, which will be very soon, take it easy.