The New Motown: The Best Albums Outta Atlanta

What's the deal folks?!  This is one that has been greatly anticipated and asked about.  This is where we celebrate the reigning capital of hip-hop, the notorious "A", or Atlanta.  Over the last twenty years, the A has been really flourishing in every aspect: entertainment, sports, culture, and more.  Everything moves and shakes around Atlanta. From the days where a young visionary named Jermaine Dupri had his sights set on having the A being the next big thing when he discovered Kris Kross and establishing So So Def Records to when two young fresh-outta-high school teens named Andre and Big Boi completely turned the music world on its ear with their debut album, Atlanta was destined for greatness.  Let's not mention their teams of the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Thrashers, all of which have been successful at some point.  Let's also not mention the NUMEROUS shows that originate out of Atlanta such as the highly successful show of the same name,, as well as the ever ratchet, yet sophisticated, Real Housewives Of Atlanta, and all the Tyler Perry movies.  We could go on and on about the evolution of the A, especially its music.  Instead, we'll concentrate on the best albums to come from the new Mecca of Black music.

25. Killer Mike- Pl3dge

Killer Mike has been establishing himself as one of the south's most hungry and focused lyricists over the past decade and some change.  With his Grand Hustle debut, Pl3dge, he continues the same tenacity that made prior albums such as I Pledge Allegience To The The Grind (I and II) and Monster such very dope releases.  One can't deny cuts like "Ric Flair" and "Ready, Set, Go", as they are quintessential verbal ass kickings from the guy who would become one half of arguably the most feared duo in all of hip-hop, Run The Jewels.  This album proved that he stood among his peers as one of the best out.

24. B.O.B.- The Adventures Of Bobby Ray

Atlanta by way of Winston-Salem, NC (Tre-4 stand up!) lyricist B.O.B. has been compared to artists such as Wyclef Jean and Andre 3000 in terms of being conceptual, yet genre-blending, emcees.  A prime example would be his fairly eclectic debut, B.O.B. Presents...The Great Adventures Of Bobby Ray.  While his heart is undeniably hip-hop, he utilizes different styles for different sounds and quite an array of influences.  The album spawned two huge singles in "Nothin' On You" featuring a new up-and-coming artist at that time named Bruno Mars and the Hayley Williams of Paramore-assisted "Airplanes", and the album itself scored double platinum units, making it his highest selling album to date.  

23. Jeezy- Seen It All: The Autobiography

The A's infamous "snowman" delivered quite the dope effort in 2014, with his fifth album, Seen It All: The Autobiography.  With his past trap classics such as Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession, Jeezy remained consistent with his approach of the streets and the glorifying of drugs.  While Let's Get It is considered one of the most definitive coke albums ever, Seen It All was definitely among his most personal albums to date.  Over fairly menacing production, Jeezy spills his heart in more of these songs, plus goes deeper into why he is in fact that "coke rapper".  Very interesting album and another high scorer for Jeezy.

22. Field Mob- Light Poles & Pine Trees

Childhood friends Shawn Jay and Smoke first caught the attention of people with their albums 613: From Ashy To Classy and From The Roota To The Toota, which was a gold-seller.  However, with their third album, Light Poles & Pine Trees, it was their attempt to expand their audience, especially being that they had just been signed with Ludacris' Disturbing The Peace Records.  the results were overall very entertaining.  They still sounded hungry and still sounded like they wanted to be the next dominant duo from the south.  They scored a fairly major hit with the Ciara featured "SO What", but also had trunks rattling with the Jamie Foxx and Luda featured "Georgia", thus making this album a knockout.  

21. Killer Mike- R.A.P. Music

The very beginnings of Run The Jewels started with this epic release from Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music.  Many have seen this as his own AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, and in many cases rightfully so, Mike goes for the throat like we had never heard him prior.  His animalistic approach to confronting government and community issues were very apparent, but also just centered on highlighting his ability to be a lyrical giant.  Arguably his best solo outing, El-P provided him the perfect backdrop for the content and material he was going for on this album, and is regarded as a slept-on classic across the board.

20. Field Mob- 613: From Ashy To Classy

Two friends named Shawn Jay and Smoke had an original charisma and chemistry that was intriguing, and with their debut 613: From Ashy To Classy, we were able to fully see their potential within the game.  An all-around searing hip-hop release, they had a certain something, and with their debut, we were beginning to figure out what 'it' was, but regardless, this album was a head-turner.  Although it wasn't the most promoted album there was, those that did manage to scoop the album up heard an album filled with a ton or promise over some knocking, speaker-ready production.

19. CHildish Gambino- Because The Internet

After scoring a major win at the Oscars for his breakout hit series Atlanta, Childish Gambino has become even more of a household name than before.  Before the show took, however, this multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian delivered a very innovative and ambitious album called Because The Internet.This album, if the animated cover doesn't distract you enough, if an album to be heard repeatedly to be able to fully absorb the richness this album actually possesses.  More of a step up than his debut, Camp, this album made Donald Glover an emcee that could be inspected, as he had his sights on success by not being boxed in by any particular genre or style.  The album ended being certified gold and showed that Glover could hold his own in this game successfully.

18. Ludacris- Release Therapy

With album number five from Ludacris, Release Therapy, Luda went to a more serious and personal place within his life and his career.  He still comes with his typical ass shakers and club fillers such as "Money Maker", as well his street penchants like the Jeezy-assisted "Grew Up A Screw Up", but he also goes for the emotions on the MJB-featured "Runaway Love", and it all balances itself into a compelling piece of work from Mr. Bridges.  He cut his hair, which typically means that a groeth has started, and with Release Therapy, we definitely saw a more mature Luda, yet the same down to earth guy with a heart that examines all parts of life.

17. Youngbloodz- Against Da Grain

Sean Paul (not the Grammy Award-winning reggae artist) and J-Bo were these two new young jacks that presented a thumping debut album in '99, Against Da Grain.  Draped in traditional southern sounds of soul and some blues mixed with thick 808s, this rather impressive debut showed the potential of what these two cats possessed.  Highlighted by the cuts "U-Way", "Shake' Em Off", and especially the standout "85", Youngbloodz showed that they belonged the ever burgeoning and flourishing southern reign of hip-hop, and this album was their launching pad.

16. Ludacris- Word Of Mouf

On Ludacris' second album, Word Of Mouf, we fully start seeing the limitless abilities of Chris Bridges as an emcee and overall talent.  Reaching a new plateau left off from his debut, Back For The First Time, this album attempted to reach broader audiences and construct even hotter singles, and both missions thoroughly accomplished.  Standouts a plenty on this release, this double platinum, Grammy nominated album established Luda as an official star, with cuts like "Area Codes", "Saturday (Ooh Ooh)", and the riotous "Move Bitch".  Definitely among his strongest, and most consistent, efforts, Luda showed that the south had a new superstar if there were any doubts before.

15. Cool Breeze- East Point's Greatest Hit

Dungeon Family member Cool Breeze was first heard on Goodie Mob's seminal debut album, Soul Food, and helped them coin the term "dirty south".  Later he appeared on Outkast's simply divine sophomore album ATLiens and Goodie's second album, Still Standing.  It was time for Freddie Calhoun to drop his debut album, East Point's Greatest Hit, which was highly touted and gained a lot of respect.  Largely produced by Organized Noize, the album consisted of that southern thumping soul that ON was so famously known for, and was responsible for one of the most blazing posse cuts of the late nineties with the Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Witchdoctor-assisted "Watch For The Hook".  Largely slept-on, it didn't stop this album from being one hell of a debut release.

14. T.I.- Paper Trail

By the time Clifford "T.I." Harris' sixth album, Paper Trail, hit, T.I. was a bold contender for the most successful artist to emerge from the south at that particular point in time.  Averaging platinum units per album at this time, there was no stopping T.I.  Many saw this as arguably his most commercially accessible album, but it definitely continued to grow his fan base.  There were single all over the place on this release, which surely helped to make the album hit the figures it did.  With Paper Trail, T.I. became a certified star

13. Ludacris- Chicken & Beer

Ludacris was on a complete roll come his third album, Chicken & Beer.  After the breakout success of his second effort, the aforementioned Word Of Mouf, Chicken & Beer continued his momentum, with even more sureshot hits and comedic punchlines mixed with witty wordplay.  Not a serious ort completely in-depth album, the album is feel-good, partying (or chilling) hip-hop.  Besides the tremendous intro cut to the KNOCKING "Blow It Out" and the strip club anthem "P-Poppin".  More crass than his last one, this was most adult-natured release, but it was no matter.  The album earned him double platinum status, and only served to make his star appeal shine even brighter.

12. Young Jeezy- Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101

The trap genre was really starting to take off in '05.  If T.I. and Gucci Mane were the forefathers of the trap genre, Young Jeezy put it on another plateau.  His anticipated debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, is served as a trap classic, and one that could be considered one of the best coke rap albums to ever exist.  Jeezy makes the drug lifestyle seem easy and effortless with little to no consequences.  Hitting platinum status with this eponymous and engaging debut, Jeezy became the new star from the A and became someone everyone from T.I. to Jay-Z would have hits with.  One of the most rugged debuts to hit us in years.

11. T.I.- Urban Legend

With T.I.'s third album, Urban Legend, he expounds upon the momentum his prior album, Trap Muzik, left behind with even more heat attached to this album.  Many have considered this album T.I.'s overall best, with cuts like "Bring 'Em Out", the anthemic "U Don't Know Me", and "ASAP" killing the radio and the speakers at will, the album was more confident and more self-assured lyrically.  While we saw his hunger and the rawness of Trap Muzik, he saw an overall cohesive album that had highlights simply everywhere here.  If you didn't think he had arrived with Trap Muzik, you were definitely a believer with this one.

10. Outkast- Speakerboxx/The Love Below

Talk about an all-time classic.  Outkast's fifth album, Speakerboxx/The Love Below, was one of the single greatest accomplishments the south has ever produced.  While their prior treasures of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, Aquemini, and Stankonia definitely showed them as stars, this album propelled them into super-stardom.  Selling over eleven million units, thie double album was divided into halves, with Andre's half being the highly artistic The Love Below and Big Boi's half being the ultra funky and soulful Speakerboxx.  The trip, overall, was a brilliant concept by one of the most impactful and intriguing duos of all-time.  

9. Ludacris- Theater Of The Mind

We all knew Ludacris had an album on his hands that would completely be his magnum opus, from a technical, conceptual, and lyrical point of view.  He accomplished that with Theater Of The Mind, as this is unquestionably his most cohesive and most complete album ever.  Lyrically, he rounded from the occasionally somber and dark moments of Release Therapy and came out hungrier than we had heard him in years.  Over some of the most scorching production he had ever rhymed over, Luda went full circle with going back to his chip on his shoulder attitude and a need to let people know he wasn't to be screwed around with.  Mixing comedy, consciousness, sexual, and straight microphone ripping, Luda delivered the album of his career with this one.

8. Outkast- Stankonia

One would be hard grasped to try to duplicate the magnificence of Aquemini, but Outkast surely attempted to do so with their fourth album, Stankonia.  While not the organic beauty Aquemini was, it was definitely a funk-filled, gumbo-serving plate of greatness from Outkast in its own right.  Every bit the unbelievable effort as prior efforts, Stankonia put Outkast in higher echelon than before.  Utilizing different styles of rock, funk, gospel, soul, and techno, Outkast went beyond their own personal boundaries yet again and presented an album worthy of them being known as modern day legends.

7. T.I.- Trap Muzik

The album that started the trap genre.  Wanting to up the ante from his debut album, I'm Serious, he secured a new deal with Atlantic Records and he presented his sophomore album, Trap Muzik, and this T.I. at his absolute hungriest.  Mr. Harris was a hustler and every story he told was presented with such clarity and vivid detail, one could swear they were in the streets with him.  Hits like "Rubberband Man", "Be Easy" and "24s" soared this album into platinum category, but there would probably be no Gucci, Waka Flaka, Yo Gotti or Jeezy without the influence of his album.  T.I. showed he had what it took to hold Atlanta down with pride and presented himself a formidable new artist in the game.

6. Big Boi- Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son Of Chico Dusty

With the breakup of Outkast, many were wondering if or when we would hear solo projects from the famed, Grammy Award-winning duo.  Questions were answered in the form of Big Boi's debut, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son Of Chico Dusty.  The album was very much another version of Speakerboxx, and showed that he had the pull and the talent to be a star without the Outkast stamp labeled upon him.  The entire album is unequivocal Big Boi and is some of the most unapologetically southern sounds you'll hear to this very day.  Incredible cuts like the battle-hungry "General Patton" and the knocking and infectious "Shutterbug" help define the greatness that is this effort.  Definitely a southern classic.

5. Outkast- Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

The album that started it all.  Many call this album the album that defined a generation in the south.  Outkast's debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was as fresh to hip-hop as anything could've been in the early to mid-nineties.  Not since early Geto Boys, UGK and Eightball & MJG had we heard this kind of soul from the south, with a bit of a twist to it.  Dre and Big Boi were two kids in their late teens looking to make their names known, but not even they could've foreseen the impact this album would make, not just upon their careers but for a whole city and region.  This is still a timeless effort that stands the test of time and wins.  Nobody you look up to love in hip-hop that comes from the A probably would've been in had it not been for this album, and this officially put themselves and the A on the hip-hop map, never to be the same again.

4. Goodie Mob- Still Standing

It's not an easy job following-up something as breathtaking as Goodie Mob's debut album, Soul Food, but they did a very admirable job with Still Standing.  In many ways, many have argued this may even be better, as it was a bit more experimental with sounds and styles, all of which worked greatly.  They stick to issues close to them such as Black awareness, Black uplifting, and, for lack of a better term, staying woke.  This effort put to rest any doubts whatsoever that they couldn't repeat the same acclaim as Soul Food, as they showed that the Goodie boys were just that damn good.

3. Outkast- ATLiens

Still feeling the sizzle off their groundbreaking debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Outkast wanted to continue their momentum with their sophomore album, ATLiens.  We knew immediately with their first single, "Elevators" that this would be a little different, although not necessarily radically, from their debut.  What we didn't expect was just how amazing this album would be.  Not only did they make an effort even better than their debut, which is saying something in itself, but this became one of their most heralded projects ever.  Bringing a futuristic soul vibe to the album, they get deeper in content and lyrically they start really coming into their own.  This album is flawless, and when people truly think and believe that this is the best album they've ever made, it's really hard to argue their stances.  

2. Goodie Mob- Soul Food

Fresh off their two appearances on Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik came Cee-Lo, Khujo, T-Mo, and Big Gipp, otherwise known as Goodie Mob.  While we got an inclination of what we were in store for with their unreal first single "Cell Therapy", what we got from their debut, Soul Food, was simply beyond stellar.  This album is considered every bit as important to the emergence of Atlanta to the forefront of hip-hop as Southernplayalistic in every way.  Raw, heartfelt, and honest, this album is far from the chilled out, feel good overall vibe of Outkast's debut.  This is more socially conscious and very poignant.  This stunning album deserved more than a gold plaque, however, this is still heralded as one of the greatest southern albums of all-time, and for a multitude of great reasons to this day.

1. Outkast- Aquemini

It's no secret that Dre and Big Boi were really becoming stars.  After the widespread acclaim of their previous two albums, it was time to present their third album, Aquemini.  Nobody quite expected the musical and artistic brilliance this album contained.  using more live instrumentation and more soulfully psychedelic tones, this album was simply ahead of its time.  Dealing with personal issues while also rhyming about self-discovery, Dre and Big Boi presented an album that's as eclectic as it is masterful and basically in another atmosphere.  The organic and lush nature of the production made for their most experimental album up to this point, but this was also a coming of age album for them in the process as men and emcees.  Basically put, one of the most fu8lfilling musical rides in hip-hop history.

Honorable Mentions

Outkast- Idlewild

Cee-Lo- Cee-Lo Green & His Perfect Imperfections

Ying-Yang Twinz- United State Of Atlanta (U.S.A.)

T.I.- King

T.I.- Trouble Man; Heavy Is The HEad

T.I.- Us Or Else

Ludacris- The Red Light District

Ludacris- Ludaversal

Disturbing The Peace- Golden Grain

2 Chainz- Based On a T.R.U. Story

Young Jeezy- The Recession

Young Jeezy- The Inspiration

Jeezy- Church In These Streets

Jeezy- TM103

Migos- Culture

Migos- YRN

Bubba Sparxx- Dark Days, Bright Nights

Bubba Sparxx- Deliverance

Killer Mike- I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II

Killer Mike- Monster

Cunninlynguists- A Piece Of Strange

Cunninlynguists- Strange Journey Vol. 2

Cunninlynguists- Strange Journey Vol. 3

Cyhi The Prince- Black Hystori Project

Youngbloodz- Drankin' Partnaz

Youngbloodz- Evcrybody Know Me

Backbone- Concrete Law

Witchdoctor- A S.W.A.T. Healing Ritual

P.A.- Straight No Chase

P.A.- My Life, Your Entertainment

Slimm Cutta Calhoun- The Skinny

Dungeon Family- Even In Darkness

Mike WILL Made It- Ransom 2

Gucci Mane- The State vs. Radric Davis

Future- DS2

Future- Honest

Waka Flocka Flame- Flockaveli

Lil' John & The Eastside Boyz- Put Yo Hood Up

Lil' John & The Eastside Boyz- Kings Of Crunk

Raury- All I Know

As you can see, there are many impactful and game-shifting efforts from so many artists from Atlanta.  Easily running the rap game to this day, the A has become the hip-hop capital of the world at this very point in time.  With more and more artists emerging from Atlanta, and new sounds continuing to evolve, don't expect them to let loose of their stronghold within hip-hop no time soon.  The A sound has influenced all regions everywhere in the nation and they haven't lost a bit of steam.  Until next time y'all!

Arrested Development's Favorite State: The Best Albums Outta Tennessee

What's good folks?!  Within the South, your average person mentions Atlanta or Houston as the dominant city from the South.  Atlanta being the most popular and Houston being the one with the richest legacy.  Some others may mention Miami, with contributions such as Rick Ross, 2 Live Crew, and Trick Daddy as examples, but there are a few that may actually mention Tennessee, specifically Nashville or Memphis.  The self-proclaimed "Volunteer State" hosts quite a formidable college basketball and football team, plus they're the home of the Memphis Grizzlies.  They also have a legacy that may be almost as pronounced as Houston.  The home of legends Three 6 Mafia and Eightball & MJG made Tennessee a state of notice, and made them another heavy contribution within the South.  Without further ado, let's get into the best projects from this state.

15. MJG- No More Glory

Putting out three tremendously successful and influential albums with partner Eightball, MJG went for dolo on his debut effort, No More Glory.  The album was draped in signature soul, blues, and funk, as we had already expected from MJG.  Whether it was going for the radio with the Stevie Wonder-remake "That Girl" to the confrontational title track, MJG delivered an impressive debut solo outing and silenced any doubters or critics about if he could hold it down without his partner in rhyme.

14. Three 6 Mafia- When The Smoke Clears: Sixty-Six, Sixty One

Simply put, there is no Memphis without the notorious Three 6 Mafia. Gaining their first bit of national notoriety with Chapter 2: World Domination, it was a matter of time before they attacked the world, and they did just that with When The Smoke Clears: Sixty-Six, Sixty-One.  Containing the anthems "Who Run It" and especially the UGK-assisted "SIppin' On Some Sizzurp", this album was their first taste of platinum, as well as more of an accessible sound.  The Mafia had indeed arrived.

13. Eightball- Lost

Earlier we highlighted MJG and his debut solo album, No More Glory.  As dope as that effort was, it was his partner's effort, Lost, that out-shined it.  Eightball delivered an excellent double album that was a lot more of a hit than a miss, which can be quite tricky with double albums.The self-proclaimed "fat mack" had numerous standouts and guests on the release, plus showed that he, just like MJG, could put it down on his own for dolo and had a hell of a debut to show for it.

12. Yo Gotti- The Art Of Hustle

Memphis' Yo Gotti has been a serious grinder for many years.  Primarily an underground sensation known for his mixtapes, Gotti had steadily been building a fan base by the project, and by the time his eighth album, The Art Of Hustle, hit, many felt he was bound for crossover appeal.  This was the album that officially brought him a whole new audience, as his infectious hit "Down In The DM" succeeded in obtaining a new margin of fans, plus this became his most commercially successful album to date.  Beefs with fellow Memphis native Young Dolph notwithstanding, his years of grinding and hustling paid off to where more people know who Yo Gotti is more than ever before.

11. Three 6 Mafia- Most Known Unknown

After going platinum and being being the first hip-hop act to ever win an Oscar Award for their contribution to the movie Hustle & Flow for "Hard Out Here For A Pimp", Juicy J, DJ Paul, and Crunchy Black were on a big time roll.  Although a prison stint prohibited Lord Infamous from basking in the successes, he was with the guys in spirit, and their eighth album, Most Known Unknown, definitely continued their momentum.  Arguably their most acclaimed album, the effort was a hard-hitter, and featured quite a number of guests such as Young Buck, Eightball & MJG, Paul Wall, and even Bow Wow on the cut "Side To Side".  This album scored another platinum plaque for the squad and there was really, at this time, no stopping Three 6.

10. Eightball & MJG- Living Legends

Many were surprised when Diddy made the announcement that Eightball & MJG were joining his Bad Boy family, primarily Bad Boy South.  Some were worried that their sound would be compromised for more radio spins and commercial appeal.  However, with Living Legends, we were pleasantly surprised that not much had changed, just more polished and cohesive.  Considered one of their best albums, the effort spawned some of their hardest cuts ever with "Don't Make Me" and "Don't Want Drama", plus spiting over some fiery production with guests such as T.I., Bun B, and Twista.  The album went gold and showed that they were living up to the album's title undeniably.

9. Three 6 Mafia- Chapter 2: World Domination

The crew of DJ Paul, Juicy J, Koopsta Knicca, Lord Infamous, and Gangsta Boo had been maing lots of noise throughout Memphis and the South as a while as Triple 6 Mafia and releasing albums such as Smoked Out, Locced Out, Mystic Stylez, and Chapter One: The End (the latter two were released under Three 6 Mafia).  They had created a new, darker sound than their Memphis counterparts Eightball & MJG.  Subject matter dealt with death, drugs, and violence, with some rumors of Satanism attached as well.  With Chapter 2, the crew turned their notoriety up with the riotous anthem, "Tear Da Club Up '97".  This album was their first taste of gold and was the beginning of quite the career for the crew.  God rest the dead Koopsta and Lord Infamous.

8. Tela- Piece Of Mind

Eightball & MJG weren't the only Suave House representatives to hold down Memphis, as newcomer Tela did the same.  Led by the very dope, yet slept-on "Twisted", Tela's debut album, Piece Of Mind, was among the best albums delivered within the Suave House camp.  He was better known for the strip club anthem with the aforementioned Eightball & MJG, "Sho Nuff" and "Tired Of Ballin", but there were more flaming cuts on this album.  Although he was never able to deliver quite as hard with subsequent albums such as The World Ain't Enough and Now Or Never, Piece Of Mind was a debut to be proud of and introduced Tela to the game excellently.

7. Isaiah Rashad- Cilvia Demo

In 2013, we were introduced to TDE's first southern representative, Isaiah Rashad.  Filled with promise and intrigue, he delivered his first effort, the EP, Cilvia Demo.  A highly regarded and acclaimed project, we see Rashad in some of his personal and introspective.  By the time the project is over, we completely see why TDE scooped this young Chattanooga native up, as this project showed that Rashad was a game player just based of lyricism and raw, natural talent.  Although his best work came a couple of years later with The Sun's Tirade, Cilvia Demo was a fantastic introduction to his world and it was quite the interesting ride, but one we're not afraid to hop on again.

6. Young Buck- Buck The World

G-Unit's southern general Young Buck returned with the follow-up to his highly successful debut album, Straight Outta Cashville, Buck The World.  Almost every bit as hard-hitting as his debut, he aimed to further diversify and expand his audience, much like the rest of G-Unit did with their sophomore albums like 50 (The Massacre) and Lloyd Banks (Rotten Apple).  This would ultimately be his last album under the G-Unit banner, but with bangers like "Say It To My Face", "Hold On" and "Clean Up Man", he went out with a complete and total bang.

5. Isaiah Rashad- The Sun's Tirade

After quite the formidable debut with Cilvia Demo, Chattanooga's finest, Isaiah Rashad presented his debut full-length under the TDE banner with The Sun's Tirade.  This album was an exceptional, albeit occasionally troubling and painful, look at Zay's internal struggles, especially his drug addiction, but also celebrates his triumphs and continues to find his place and his voice within this game.  Talent stretched seven feet in front of him, Rashad's future looks tremendous, and based upon this album, there's no reason why we can't expect a classic album from him, and this one is pretty damn close.

4. Eightball & MJG- On The Outside Looking In

With their second album, On The Outside Looking In, Eightball & MJG started to gain more confidence with this sophomore album, and the tales of pimping, drugs, and the streets were every bit as vivid as their debut, Comin' Out Hard, if not more.  The production on this album was very bluesy and soulful and became an album that showed the flourishing promise of who would become one of the game's most legendary duos.  Never did an act, other than UGK, make pimping sound so good out the south.

3. Eightball & MJG- On Top Of The World

By '95, Eightball & MJG had become quite the name in the south and their rep was growing per album.  They hit a new plateau with their third album, On Top Of The World, as they stick with the same formula of pimping, shit talking, riches, and the streets.  Their most fluid album up to this point, these two saw their first hit with "Space Age Pimpin", but others such as the dope posse cut "Friend Or Foe" and the cautionary "Hand Of The Devil" make this album one of the single best within their discography and their name was steadily becoming bigger by the time.

2. Young Buck- Straight Outta Cashville

G-Unit was the undisputed squad in the early millennium.  There's no denying 50 had his troops together.  While his falling out with The Game was quite newsworthy, before then he was all in with the rest of the gang.  They needed a southern representative, and they found him in Young Buck.  This Nashville native had been featured on albums from 50 and Lloyd Banks, but it was his time for dolo with his debut, Straight Outta Cashville.  One of the most genuinely knocking southern albums in recent memory, Buck aimed for the face the entire album practically.  His delivery matched with his gangsta content over some exceptional production made this album not just one of the better G-Unit albums, but one of the best albums the south had produced in years.

1. Eightball & MJG- In Our Lifetime

After a few very dope albums, Eightball & MJG hit the pay dirt in '99 with their fourth album, In Our Lifetime.  This was by far their most focused and cohesive album, and they were in full mode of establishing themselves as one of the most recognized duos in all of hip-hop.  With appearances by Outkast and Cee-Lo, Eightball & MJG brought everything they knew with them, and elevated it to where it became easily the best album they had delivered and once and for all made them the legends they always saw themselves being.  A playthrough from start to finish, these two earned their status and up until Living Legends became their most successful commercial album.

Honorable Mentions

Eightball & MJG- Space Age 4eva

Yo Gotti- I Am

Yo Gotti- Live From The Kitchen

Lil' Whyte- Phinally Phamous

Three 6 Mafia- Chapter One: The End

Various Artists- Hypnotize Minds Posse Vol. 1

Three 6 Mafia- Mystic Stylez

Tela- The World Ain't Enough

Juicy J- Stay Trippy

Young Dolph- King Of Memphis

As you can see, Tennessee has a legacy attached to it.  With up-and-comers such as Young Dolph and Blac Youngsta still proclaiming Memphis as the next big city, and still plenty more local artists waiting for their chance to shine, Tennessee is very much a state that should be mentioned within the south as respected and very much acclaimed.  Stay tuned to see what, and who, is next.  Until next time!

Five Star Kenny: Does Kendrick Lamar Belong On The GOAT List?

What's the word people?!  This article is a red hot topic of conversation, especially over the past week.  With the epic releases of good kid, M.A.A.D. City, To Pimp A Butterfly, untitled.unmastered, and his brand new opus, DAMN., many have officially placed Kendrick Lamar among the greatest to ever do it.  Does this distinction have merit?  Let's break this down.

First of all, whenever the subject of the GOAT (Greatest Of All-Time) comes up, it's almost certain to provoke emotion and arguments among especially passionate, hardcore, diehard hip-hop fans.  When publications, deejays, blog sites, and even networks such as BET and MTV have their own greatest ever lists, controversy often emerges, as the topic is one hundred subjective.  Almost universally, the primary names that get brought up as the greatest are Rakim, LL Cool J, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, and 2Pac.  Others such as Eminem, Big Daddy Kane, Common, and KRS-One have been thrown intot he hat as worthwhile contenders just barely underneath that mark (as criminal as that may be).  However, in this generation, the conversation becomes even more important, as millennials are claiming people such as Drake and Lil' Wayne as GOAT contenders. 

Let's get this straight: sales do not...I repeat DO NOT...equate for GOAT status.  While it can help in some regards, higher priorities are at play such as influence, impact, relevancy, consistency, and the ability to put out groundbreaking material.  Easily, artists such as Nas, Jay, or 2Pac instantly fit that mold.  In today's generation, the main star that now has to be fit into the conversation is Compton emcee and TDE/Aftermath artist, Kendrick Lamar.  Since his signing with Aftermath, while still a TDE artist, eyes have been on Kendrick.  His album, Section.80, was highly acclaimed for its concept and astute production. highlighting the stories of two young ladies and their struggles of finding acceptance and fulfillment within their drama filled lives.  With his TDE/Aftermath debut, good kid, M.A.A.D. City, Kendrick presented an exceptional album that had a story of a young man being a product of his surroundings, yet still maintaining a strong personal moral code about himself.  Very much a coming of age story that had him showing that there more to him than just his environment.  Over engaging production, this was considered a prodigious debut and an album worthy of classic status.  The album ultimately hit double platinum units and was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.  This album clearly presented a changing of the guard in hip-hop, especially from the west coast.

However, it was in 2015 when history was released.  There was an obvious pressure to come just as hard, or to outdo, his incredible debut album.  The result was To Pimp A Butterfly, one of the most extraordinary albums in modern history, regardless of genre.  This album was a signifcant shift from the overall boom bap of good kid, M.A.A.D. City, as the sonic aura was that of jazz, funk, and soul with lush arraignments and live instrumentation.  We ended up seeing a conceptual and character growth of Kendrick, as he had now grown up past his Compton streets and had now become a voice for the Black community, while trying to find his own road towards destiny.  This road was often filled with moral, spiritual, and psychological conflicts, as we observed a young man, though highly flawed and often times confused, realizing his importance to change the world with a survival instinct and fiery inspiration.  The concept of the album consisted of one long poem broken down into different parts and all the stanzas coming together, as he was in an imaginary conversation with his hero, 2Pac.  A complete and unequivocal masterwork, this album became a project of legend.  It became bigger than hip-hop.  It was a cultural shifting album.  One that was on levels of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back, and Illmatic.  Within two major label albums, plus appearances on different projects consisting of artists from Big Sean (who will ever forget his benchmark-defining verse on the remix of "Control") to Beyonce on the ferocious "Freedom", Kendrick was starting to get murmurs of one of the greats already within a two album span.  Two albums, people. 

It that wasn't enough, thanks to the assistance of LeBron James (apparently a huge Kendrick fan), Top Dawg released a collection of demos and unmastered cuts left off from the To Pimp A Butterfly sessions entitled untitled.unmastered.  Although these cuts were mastered and completely mixed, these untitled cuts were just as brilliant as rough drafts.  Seen as his version of sorts as Nas' Lost Tapes in terms of it being a compilation more so than a full-length album, many had wondered what could've been if these cuts were to be fully done, finished, and properly mixed and mastered.  How much more special would To Pimp A Butterfly would've been, if that was even possible?  Think about that folks.  An album filled with unmastered and unmixed cuts was better than the majority of totally finished and mastered full-length albums to emerge in 2016.

Let's fast forward to last Friday, Good Friday 2017.  Kendrick dropped his third major label full-length album (fourth if you do want to include untitled.unmastered), DAMN.  In a past interview, he had stated that this album was "urgent" and that there would be a heavy emphasis on God on the album.  He had also stated in another prior interview that he would keep experimenting with sounds for his third album.  Both were apparent with this one.  Initially led by the street single "The Heart Pt. 4", a supposed dis towards Drake and/or Big Sean, in which he basically let people know he was back, and back he was.  Within a few weeks, he hit us with the official first single and video "Humble", a surprisingly trap-sounding cut crafted by one of the game's most in-demand and genre-shifting producers, Mike WILL Made It.  Nothing deep about this here.  It was shit talking 101, as he tells people to "Be humble, sit down".  Although many were nodding their heads along with the thumping production, some hardcore fans that had supreme praise for his use of stripped down, minimalist production choices seen him trade it for down south 808s were a little confused, especially with the rumored tracklisting for the album that looked like another historic album was in the making, with guests such as Q-Tip, Kanye, Andre 3000, and Bilal all over the mysterious yet increasingly exciting project.  Once DAMN. hit, it was none of what was expected, and that was the point.  The album was a ton more raw and fiery, over more Mike WILL Made it production, plus the concept appeared that he was tired of being the voice of the Black people and his community.  He has deeper issues that concern his relationship with God and how he feels with everything he's been trying to accomplish and grow to be, God left him hanging, thus he has no direction and he became exasperated and angry. 

With each of the three efforts, he would reinvent himself due to the conceptual nature of the album he would be creating, and he realized that importance of always keeping the listener on their toes and never placing an artist inside any type of self-conceived box.  Within three major label albums, he went from a young man trying to find himself to a conflicted leader to a stressed out, fed up man looking for peace.  What DAMN. accomplished was officially put him in the conversation of the greatest rapper alive or of this generation.  Nobody in hip-hop of this age and era has his foresight, vision, and a flair to change the game through artistic endeavors and concepts.  While artists such as J. Cole and Big K.R.I.T. use their voices to also influence change and offering social and deeply personal views upon life and society in impactful ways, Kendrick just so happens to always set a new bar for every emcee and artist to attain to.  In an age where "mumble rap" is taking over commercial radio, emcees with the need to preserve not just hip-hop culture but Black culture within music as a whole is ever so important.  This is where Kendrick comes in.  He always sets a new personal and critical benchmark for hip-hop and challengers not only emcees to step up bar for bar but also conceptually, artistically, and with a voice of change and influence.  He also challenges the listener to eat and digest his gift and his words.  Being an artist is very complex, as there's no set way to box or group one into.  One's craft is ever evolving, changing, and creating new standards, mostly due to influences such as race, politics, community issues, religion/spirituality, and family.  It's also due to internal and personal growth, as these outside factors always tend to influence internal ones.  Kung-Fu Kenny isn't afraid to have the listener know that he's a vulnerable man too, changing like you and me.  Complex, yet vision-led.

Since the peak days of Nas, Andre 3000, Kanye, and Eminem, hip-hop has been in need of a visionary.  Someone who looks outside of the realm many other than himself has placed upon this culture, and attempts to rewrite the rules and push the artistic envelope, while examining issues close and dear to his personal makeup.  Even dating back to his underground mixtape days of The Kendrick Lamar LP and Overly Dedicated, one saw an emcee that had a gift and was special, much like the ones that first heard future greats like Nas and Biggie.  Once Section.80 hit, it finally peaked its head out from underneath the covers and introduced itself to a slightly bigger audience.  Now in today's time, one's art is so closely examined and magnified, thus making it most likely polarizing in nature.  For Kendrick, his foresight as an artist and an emcee, is ever evolving and setting new standards of greatness on all these levels and more.

So the question is asked again, "Is Kendrick Lamar Duckworth,worthy of the title GOAT?"  It is of my belief that the title of GOAT needs more continued consistent, if not, evolving, body of work beyond a three albums stretch, even if those albums are among the most breathtaking heard in modern history.  A Tribe Called Quest delivered arguably the most mind-blowing trilogy in hip-hop history from '90 to '93 with Peoples Instinctive Travels In The Paths Of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders.  Once Marauders hit, many were calling them once of the greatest acts to exist in hip-hop.  The same relative accolades were given to De La Soul, as their first four albums were ingenious albums that solidified them as indeed on the best.  Other acts like Mobb Deep, Outkast, Nas, Eminem, The Game, and Ice Cube were considered among the very best based off how stellar their third efforts were, and as time would fast forward itself, these acts are considered legends.  So the immediate answer to the question is NO, Kendrick is not the GOAT...yet!  However, without a doubt, with DAMN., Kendrick has officially and unapologetically stamped his card as the best emcee of this generation and the standard of excellence within hip-hop.  A future legend, if he decided to hang up his mic tomorrow, he could rest upon the fact that his delivered three of the most game-changing albums of modern times, especially Butterfly (which recently got inducted into the Harvard Congress Library for landmark musical achievements via full-length recordings, alongside Illmatic, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and The Low End Theory).  At the rate he's going, with this releases, the title for GOAT within the next few years could definitely become a reality.

Land Of King James: The Best Albums Outta Ohio

What's good folks?!  This state is one of the most completely slept-on in terms of hip-hop greatness.  Although not a lot of widespread hip-hop accessibility has come from the Ohio, we first heard of Ohio's hip-hop scene in '93 with Bone Thugs N Harmony.  While Ohio is most known for the NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers and more specifically LeBron James and major WWE stars such as The Miz, Dana Brooke, Doplh Ziggler, Alexa Bliss and Dean Ambrose (let's not forget the Indians as well, and even the Browns) their hip-hop scene is mostly underground, but there has still been some fairly fantastic projects to emerge from here, not just those Thugs N Harmony.  With that, let's get into the best efforts to emerge from this state.

15. Hi-Tek- Hi-Teknology 3: Underground

Cinicnatti's best producer, Hi-Tek, dropped the third installment of his acclaimed Hi-Teknology series, and this was more of an underground approach, as he not only collaborated with vets like Raekwon, Ghostface, Young Buck, and longtime partner Talib Kweli, but also up-and-comers at that time such as Mann, Push Montana and King Chip that for the most part come off pretty well.  Although the prior two albums within the series come off more potent on an overall level, this final one was nonetheless a further exhibition of the excellent production talents of Hi-Tek and how it takes only top notch talented emcees who deserve the honor of a Tek beat.

14. Blueprint- Adventures In Counter-Culture

Longtime vet Blueprint had been receiving acclaim and a slight cult following with his previously heralded album, 1988, as well as his collab projects with enigmatic producer RJD2 as Soul Position and with fellow Columbus native Illogic as Greenhouse.  With his sixth album, Adventures In Counter-Culture, he varies with experimental sounds to create an overall formidable listening ambience.  Personal and definitely with a blue-collar aesthetic, he experiments with various sounds and styles so as to not get boxed in to one particular genre.  While most purists would snub their noses at the concept, Blueprint looks beyond this approach and views it as expanding his repertoire and reaching out to those that know the struggles and joys of self worth and affirmations of the complexities of life beyond the hip-hop community.  This is one to be open minded to, but you'll be glad you did.

13. Copywrite- God Save The King

Columbus native Copywrite has been highly regarded within the underground for a number of years, primarily because of his first two efforts, The High Exaulted and The Life & Times of Peter Nelson.  However, it was his third effort, God Save The King, that this member of The Weathermen and MHZ (Megahurtz) Legacy came into his own.  Publicly proclaiming that he would start focusing more on Christian Hip-Hop, this album was seemingly the start of that process, as there's a high sense of spirituality and God off and on throughout the album.  Although he hits hard with his traditional battle rap persona on cuts like "Yo! MTV Raps" and "Swaggot Killaz", he also delves into very personal, stirring cuts like "J.O.Y." and "A Talk With Jesus", and simply with his seemingly new direction going into more of a Christian approach with his music, this duality was nonetheless fascinating with in all reality the best album of his career thus far.

12. Hi-Tek- Hi-Teknology

After his efforts with Mood and especially his work on the timeless Black Star album and with his partner in crime Talib Kweli as Reflection Eternal, it was time for Tek to show off his production abilities in a compilation album, and he did so excellently with his debut, Hi-Teknology.  His signature sound was prevalent on cuts with the likes of Kweli, Cormega, Common, and his former homies of Mood, and the result was one of Rawkus Records most prized albums, as there was plenty of infectious treats to go around.

11. RJD2- Deadringer

One of the underground's most fascinating albums was the album from Columbus producer RJD2.  What the likes of DJ Shadow and J Dilla started with highly influential and highly epic instrumental albums, RJD2 expanded upon it with his debut full-length album, Deadringer.  There are quite a number of highlights to go around on this album, especially the title track and "The Horror", and this must be considered among the most priased instrumental albums to exist in the early millennium.

10. Blueprint- 1988

The year 1988 was truly a game-changing year in hip-hop, as it was the beginning what was pinned "the golden age", a period between '88-'94 of the most magical moments hip-hop had ever had in terms of legends such as Eric B & Rakim, N.W.A., De La Soul, Tribe, and Queen Latifah delivering their classic debuts.  It also served as a pivotal year for Columbus emcee Blueprint, as the yar also became the title of his ol' school themed debut, 1988.  A very fun and overall light-hearted album, this is an album that pays homage to that special year and how the formula 'less is more' completely applies to this album.  Fantastic effort and one that stands among the very best within his discography regardless of if he's in a collaboration or going for dolo.

9. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- Strength & Loyalty

Under a new label at the time with Swizz Beats' Full Surface Records, Bone was a trio consisting of Krayzie, Layzie and Wish for their seventh album, Strength & Loyalty.  A very decent outing, the Bone brothers were tightly unified, in spite of the departures of Flesh and Bizzy.  Nonetheless it was a cohesive project that became arguably as acclaimed as albums such as The Art Of War and BTNHResurrection.  There were quite a few highlights here and deserves the acclaim it received especially after nearly twenty years in the game.

8. Lone Catalysts- Hip-Hop

The combination of emcee J Sands and J. Rawls came together as Lone Catalysts and they presented an incredible album, simply entitled Hip-Hop.  Rawls had been previously known for his work with Black Star and their priceless debut self-titled album, and with Sands' b-boy-like emceeing ability, these two pull off an album filled with very decent lyricism over mostly jazzy, head-nodding production.  Mostly known for the cut with Kweli, "Due Process", other cuts like the title track and "If Hip-Hop Was A Crime" also highlight an album that relies on its simplicity, and that's just completely fine with us.

7. Illogic- Unforseen Shadows

Columbus native (as we have noticed Columbus has a lot of talent), Illogic, had been known in the underground for his his rep of being a great battling emcee, and in 2000, he released his debut Unforseen Shadows, which was a fairly enjoyable album.  The entire album was produced by Greenhouse partner Blueprint, and the results were overall excellent, especially the very somber, self-depreciating "Hate In A Puddle" and the ridiculously amazing "Favorite Things" (arguably the best beat Blueprint ever constructed).  While he released several more releases by himself and with others such as Blueprint, this album truly exemplified his talent and shows that he should be on a bigger platform.

6. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- BTNHResurrection

With their fourth album, BTNHRessurection, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony attempt to continue to platinum plus momentum they had garnered in the course of all three of their prior albums.  With them having estranged member Flash-N-Bone back on the team, Wish, Bizzy, Krayzie, and Layzie go off with a renewed confidence and fire with the entire click together on a whole album for the first time ever.  Results were overall very decent and highlights were scattered around the effort.  Their penchant for hits and putting numbers on the board was obviously prevalent and it culminated with yet another platinum plaque.

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

After the success of his debut album, Hi-Teknology, Hi-Tek returned five years later for the long-awaited sequel to the effort, entitled Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip.  Aiming to go even higher than his debut, he reached out to more distinguished veterans and heavyweights such as Ghostface, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, Raekwon, Q-Tip, and The Game and with that, the production was stepped up even more as well, with blistering cut after blistering cut on this album.  While the debut was a very listenable effort that showed that he belonged in the conversation of high caliber producers, the sequel made anyone with doubts completely change their minds, as he utterly and completely out did himself on this release.

4. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- The Art Of War

After the massive success of their breakout album, E. 1999 Eternal, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony had the arduous task of repeating the same formula for their next effort, the double album, The Art Of War.  A little more aggressive and more personal than before, this album had them taking charge of their position as the innovators of their craft, as they went after everyone with whom they had issues with.  Also, behind the scenes, issues with Eazy-E's widow Tomeka Wright and group member Bizzy were weighing on the morale of the group, but was hardly noticed in some cases.  Going from the inspirational with cuts like "If I Could Change The World" to the menacing with the thunderous collab with 2Pac "Thug Luv", this album was very much a dichotomy, but also showed that Bone deserved their place among hip-hop elite, especially with a quadruple platinum effort.

3. Mood- DOOM

If there was an underground classic to emerge from the great state of Ohio, it was definitely the debut album from Cincinnati's own Mood, DOOM.  Jahson, Donte, and Main Flow were a lyrical group that had a bunch of potential to be a big force to emerge from Ohio.  Some of Hi-Tek's earliest production work came with this group, as well as one of the first nationally heard verses from Talib Kweli.  The album unfortunately really didn't make it out of Ohio in terms of mainstream accessibility, but the album was still a highly regarded album that brought a buzz to Hi-Tek and Kweli in the mid-nineties.  This album deserves way more attention and recognition than it received.

2. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- Creepin' On Ah Come Up

The album that put Bone, and Cleveland, on the map.  While garnering a local buzz with their Faces Of Death EP, it was their Ruthless Records debut, Creepin' On Ah Come Up, that garnered them nationwide attention.  Triggered by the singles "Thuggish Ruggish Bone" and the Eazy-E featured "Foe Tha Luv Of $", the album (in reality it was an EP) sold platinum units and the boys of Krayzie, Bizzy, Wish, Flesh, and Layzie were officially players in hip-hop.

1. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- E. 1999 Eternal

If there was a hip-hop act ready to proceed to the next level, it was the four (five with Flesh) Cleveland natives from E. 99th and Sinclair Avenues, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.  After reaching platinum with their debut, Creepin' On Ah Come Up, the next level was awaiting them in the form of their sophomore effort, E. 1999 Eternal.  Exceedingly darker in concept and themes, the album showed Bone at their absolutely best.  This was an album that fully exhibited just how far Bone's talents could take them, and this was apparent with their monstrous single, their definitive all-time classic "Tha Crossroads", a very somber ode to passed away loved ones, including their mentor Eazy-E.  Believe me, moments like these are few and far between, if any, as this album was mostly unrelenting and focused.  With their melodies and harmonic stylings, drugs and murder never sounded so good, thus resulting in sales upwards of ten million worldwide.  Bone was undoubtedly here.

Honorable Mentions

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- Thug World Order

Bizzy Bone- Heaven'z Movie

Krayzie Bone- Thug Mentality 1999

Copywrite- The High Exalted

Copywrite- The Life & Times Of Peter Nelson

Soul Position- 8 Million Stories

MHz Legacy- MHz Legacy

Greenhouse Effect- Life Sentences

Greenhouse Effect- Bend But Don't Break

RJD2- Since We Last Spoke

Illogic- Celestial Clockwork

Blueprint- Respect The Architect

Clouddead- Clouddead

J. Rawls- The Essence of J. Rawls

J. Rawls- The Hip-Hop Effect

Jay Are- The 1960s Jazz Revolution Again

With Ohio, the gifts are mostly underground and overlooked, but as you can see, there are several legitimate efforts that have made Ohio a talked about state, and not just because of BTNH.  They may not have hip-hop in a chokehold as of yet, but you can believe that Ohio is sitting on more bubbling talent that could continue to help Ohio make noise.  Only time will tell.  Until next time!