Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet

Still one of the funniest movie lines ever, from House Party as the party is taking off, the old neighbor leans out the window and yells,"...turn down that Public Enema." But you can't turn down Public Enemy, you have to bring it strong. Sure they didn't invent rap, but it was pretty boring until these guys came along. I know Flav is a clown, but hey "911 is a Joke" is a classic, and Chuck D is one of the coolest, smartest people you will ever meet. So, the debate can start now Fear or It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back? Hard call. You should own them both, however, "Fight the Power" and "Burn Hollywood, Burn" inch Fear ahead. I can't help but remembering Ice T saying he predicted the '91 LA riots, when you hear this record you know Chuck D was way ahead of him. This is where I wish rap was today: smart, political. Believe the hype, buy this record.

Snoop Doggy Dog - Doggystyle

Finally some love for the Gs out there. Calvin Broadus a.k.a. Snoop Doggy Dog is in my opinion the best of the gangster era rappers. His flow is smooth and relaxed, he sounds like he is having fun and there is a hint of a smile every time he pulls off some over the top violent or misogynistic rhyme. There is no doubt that Dr. Dre's The Chronic is viewed as the standard in this genre, but I would hold up Doggystle to anything Dre or Biggy or Tupac, etc. every pulled off. Of course I am sure Dre had a lot to do with Snoop's sound as he produced this record, however he ain't the one laying down the flow and in the end that is what it is all about. There is no rapper that brings a smile to your face faster than Snoop. Peace. Out.