1.Ice Cube – “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” (1990)
In the late ‘80s, Ice Cube joined hip-hop group N.W.A. alongside Eazy-E and Dr. Dre. However, he left the group after releasing its first album and debuted his solo project “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” in 1990. With such a striking album title, Ice Cube focused on content that was seen in everyday life such as racism, poverty, police brutality and drug addiction.
2.Snoop Dogg – “Dοggystyle” (1993)
If there’s any rapper known for constantly evolving his or her sound, Snoop Dogg should be at the top of the list. Dr. Dre first took notice of Snoop when he was working on his debut album, Dre was impressed with Snoop’s sound and decided to produce the rising star’s debut, “Dοggystyle.” The album featured inspiration from ’70s legends such as Bootsy Collins and George Clinton, which helped Snoop establish his G-funk sound.
3.Tupac Shakur – “All Eyez on Me” (1996)
2Pac’s All Eyez on Me is a sprawling masterpiece whose influence and impact is difficult to measure. For years seen as a flawed album by the traditional press (a vaguely positive Rolling Stone review called his performance that of a “garden-variety thug”) All Eyez is actually undeniable: it sparked smash singles, transformed 2Pac into a superstar, and inspired a new generation of million-selling artists. The album was a prism transmitting every aspect of 2Pac, poet-thug-artist-actor-songwriter. The album is packed with songs that have gone on to become completely iconic to the culture, a collection of unforgettable moments.
4.Lauryn Hill – “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998)
After the Fugees disbanded in 1997, Lauryn Hill decided to focus on her solo career. She released her solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” in 1998 with singles such as “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.” She ended up winning a number of Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Although she released it 20 years ago, it remains her only solo project and the pinnacle of her tour shows today.
5.The Roots – “Things Fall Apart” (1999)
Long before the days as the official house band on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” The Roots were known as a superb hip-hop band that added jazz and electronic live instrumentation to back their verses. Their fourth studio album, “Things Fall Apart,” earned Grammy nominations and a win for the hit single “You Got Me” featuring Erykah Badu.
