1. Jay-Z - The Blueprint. The significance of this album, the relevance of this album, the QUALITY of this album...EXCELLENT, EXTRAVAGANCE, ELOQUENCE....Mr. Carter dropped yet another classic on September 11, 2001. We all know what happened on that terrible day of Sept. 11th. From "The Ruler's Back" to "Momma Loves Me", the sounds grasp you and bring you on an emotional high. Kanye West, Just Blaze, Bink, Timbaland and Eminem all contributed to Hova's greatness on The Blueprint. Jay was going through an epic battle of words with Nas and fellow QB members Mobb Deep. He was also fighting cases in New York's judicial system. So the stress was on Jigga's mind...He just turned it into PERFECTION. Enough said.
2. Nas - Stillmatic. One of Nasir's best releases, due to the ongoing war of words with Mr. Carter. Nas' lyrical capability was ridiculous (hence the "Rewind" song where he tells a story backwards). This album also featured the poisonous "Ether", where he pounds Jay-Z with three sixteens...also "Ether" was the death blow (in some peoples' opinions) in the battle. The production ranged from Ron Browz to Large Professor and Nasir shined on tracks such as, "The Flyest", "Every Ghetto" and "You're Da Man". It recieved an XXL from XXL MAGAZINE and "5 mics" from THE SOURCE MAGAZINE. "Your arms too short to box with God. I don't kill soloists. I only kill squads..."
3. Alicia Keys - Songs In A Minor. When this young woman entered the R&B industry in 2001, she couldn't have come at a better time. She was an accomplished pianist bringing a beautiful, seductive voice and a smile that would make you drop dead. This album sold over 12 million records worldwide. She earned comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and countless others. Okay..back to the album..."Falling", "Girlfriend", "How Come You Don't Call Me", "Goodbye", "Mr. Man"...Keys put in her work on this album therefore earning her a #3 position on my Albums Of The Decade list.
4. Ja Rule - Pain Is Love. I may catch severe backlash for this one as well but WHO CARES?!?!? Ja was at the top of career during the release of this album. Also, its significant because it was his 2nd consecutive #1 album. He also had hits from his prior album, Rule 3:36, still playing on the radio. This album spawned many hits, "Down Ass Bitch" which featured the now M.I.A. Charlie Baltimore, "Always On Time" which skyrocketed Ashanti's solo career, "I'm Real" with Jennifer Lopez and "Livin' It Up" which was a pop record success. The album featured production from Irv Gotti and Lil Rob. It is one of my personal favorites and if you all remember correctly, before Curtis, WE LOVED JA RULE. Don't front.
5. Dungeon Family - Even In Darkness. This was a supergroup consisting of Goodie Mob, Outkast, Killer Mike, Cool Breeze, Witchdoctor and a few others. This album is a PURE CLASSIC in the SOUTHERN REGION. It started off with Killer Mike and BackBone on the "Presenting Dungeon Family Intro" and ended with the "2nd Generation Outro". This album was filled with "mind javeling" lyrics especially from Cee-Lo Green and Andre 3000. The albums highlights are "On & On & On", "Emergency", "Trans DF Express" and "Excalibur". If you haven't heard this, then it's obvious you were hiding under a rock for the last 10 years. Cherish this....we will never hear greatness like this again.
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