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HIP-HOP: TOP 10 OF 1999

Editor (emeritus), Randy Silver

For hip-hop, it was a year of quality over quantity; a year of substance over style. Veterans came up with some of the best work of their careers, newcomers made accomplished--and in a couple of cases, inspiring--splashes, and there were enough great albums that a few very good ones (Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Missy Elliott, Eve, Mos Def, Rahzel) didn't make the cut. So who did? Drum (machine) roll, please!


1. "Things Fall Apart"
The Roots
Long hip-hop's greatest live act, the Roots have finally accomplished in the studio what they've always been able to do on stage: seamlessly blend their forward-looking, intellectual, and instrument-challenging flow with a sense of history, responsibility, and melody. Read more

Our Price: $11.88 | You Save: $5.09 (30%)   


2. "A 2 G EP"
Blackalicious
Northern California has been the home of some of hip-hop's most innovative acts over the past few years, thanks largely to the Solesides/Quannum collective of DJ Shadow, Latryx, and Blackalicious. New-school funky with old-school flavor, it's just as great as Jurassic 5's 1998, self-titled EP. Read more

Our Price: $7.57 | You Save: $0.40 (5%)   


3. "Nigga Please"
Ol Dirty Bastard
Other artists occasionally act crazy; few have the record of public spectacle that make you actually doubt their sanity. Biz Markie and Kool Keith play the class clown and play with identities, respectively, but, for better or worse, the ODB lives the life--and on "Nigga Please," it translates into a devastatingly entertaining album. Read more

Our Price: $13.99 | You Save: $3.98 (22%)   


4. "A Prince Among Thieves"
Prince Paul
Long one of hip-hop's most respected men behind the boards (with De La Soul, Stetsasonic, and the Gravediggaz), Prince Paul goes high-profile on his first concept album. A street opera, "A Prince Among Thieves" is more than a collection of songs with great guest slots; it's a strong story with a killer soundtrack. Read more

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5. "Laid in Full"
M-Boogie
Left Coast DJ and producer M-boogie isn't the world's greatest mixer, scratcher, or producer, but he's got one hell of a Rolodex and great taste. His mix album, "Laid in Full," includes top contributions from the cream of the increasingly visible underground, including Peanut Butter Wolf, DJ Babu, and Mos Def. Read more

Our Price: $13.49 | You Save: $2.48 (16%)   


6. "You Can't Stop the Bum Rush"
Len
Some might consider Len too pop to be hip-hop, but with contributions from Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, and Mr. Dibbs--not to mention their own indisputably funky flavor--there's no doubt in our minds that they belong. Their first hit, "Steal My Sunshine," came via the "Go" soundtrack, but the rest of their debut album is just as much fun, and far more diverse than you'd expect. Read more

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7. "Blackout"
Method Man & Redman
Method Man and Redman spent the better part of a year on the road together before releasing "Blackout," and it shows--it's been a long time since two such commanding rappers developed a rapport as vibrant as theirs. Though they're standout stars on their own and with their respective groups (Wu-Tang Clan and Def Squad), this is no mere side project. Read more

Our Price: $16.49 | You Save: $2.48 (13%)   


8. "As The World Burns"
The Arsonists
Another group with an old-school bent--they've got ties to the Rock Steady Crew and incorporate dance routines into their live show--the Arsonists may be the most flat-out entertaining group since the young De La Soul. Few other artists plunder pop culture as well as this Brooklyn-based quintet, who make the best use of the theme from "F-Troop" heard in years. Read more

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9. "Full Clip"
Gang Starr
There's a bias against including hits packages on best-of-the-year lists, but Gang Starr have always been more about the exception than the rule. The duo of laconic truthspeaker Guru and megaproducer DJ Premier pack this retrospective with alternate takes, B-sides, and remixes, making it a must-have for any fan. Read more

Our Price: $20.67 | You Save: $2.30 (10%)   


10. "Venni Vetti Vecci"
Ja Rule
Call him the nouveau thug. Ja Rule owes a lot to the likes of DMX, but his debut album exhibits a flow, melody, and turn of lyric that shows there's more than just an idle boast or three knocking around in his shaved head. Read more

Our Price: $13.99 | You Save: $3.98 (22%)   

Honorable Mentions:

"Ruff Ryders' First Lady"
Eve
Read more


"Black on Both Sides"
Mos Def
Read more


"The Slim Shady LP"
Eminem
Read more


"So... How's Your Girl?"
Handsome Boy Modeling School
Read more


"Make the Music 2000"
Rahzel
Read more


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