A few Tuesday’s ago (May, 19th to be exact) we saw album releases from Busta Rhymes, Method Man/Redman, & of course, Eminem. This was so far the biggest release date of 2009. All three acts that I mentioned are veterans in the game and well respected by their peers. Another thing they have in common: They’re all over the age of 30. If you think about it, most of Hip-Hop’s elite are over the age of 30. I guess it’s no longer a young man’s game. So I was thinking, since you see a lot of lists with titles such as “25 Hottest Celebs Under 25” or “40 Richest Under 40”, why not The Best 30 Rappers Over 30? But for this list, we got set some ground rules. #1 of course is the most obvious; you gotta be over the age of 30 (That throws out people like Weezy, Lupe, Drake, & T.I.). #2, you have to be 30 as of this list (Both The Game & Joe Budden will be 30 this year, but aren’t as of yet). #3, you got to be active and releasing records with new material that’s relevant (Rakim & Big Daddy Kane are legends but they don’t make this list). Other than that, the only requirement is being 3-0 or older. So, here’s it: The Best 30 Rappers Over 30 (Ordered from oldest to youngest). 30 is the new 20! Did I forget anybody? (Update: Fabolous replaces Beanie Sigel)

Ice Cube (June 15, 1969) – 39
Jay-Z (December 4, 1969) – 39
Raekwon (January 12, 1970) – 39
Q-Tip (April 10, 1970) – 39
Redman (April 17, 1970) – 39
Ghostface Killah (May 9, 1970) – 39
Fat Joe (August 19, 1970) – 38
Scarface (November 9, 1970) – 38
DMX (December 18, 1970) – 38
Method Man (April 1, 1971) – 38
Snoop Dogg (October 20, 1971) – 37
Common (March 13, 1972) – 37
Busta Rhymes (May 20, 1972) – 37
Black Thought (October 3, 1972) – 36
Eminem (October 17, 1972) – 36
Bun B (March 19, 1973) – 36
Nas (September 14, 1973) – 35
Mos Def (December 11, 1973) – 35
Andre 3000 (May 27, 1974) – 35
Styles P (November 28, 1974) – 34
Big Boi (February 1, 1975) – 34
Jadakiss (May 27, 1975) – 34
50 Cent (July 6, 1975) – 33
Talib Kweli (October 3, 1975) – 33
Rick Ross (January 28, 1976) – 33
Cam’ron (February 4, 1976) – 33
Kanye West (June 8, 1977) – 31
Ludacris (September 11, 1977) – 31
Young Jeezy (October 12, 1977)- 31
Fabolous (November 18, 1977) – 31

Why focus on “The King Of Atlanta”? Well, think about it: When Nas & Jay was battling for the crown of NYC a few years back, it was a forgone conclusion that the winner would also be the top dog in Hip-Hop. If you’ve been under a rock for the last few years, you’ll notice that New York isn’t leading the pack in the Hip-Hop world anymore…the South is. For a least 7 years. Most of the hottest rappers in the South are from Atlanta (The city that birthed the name “Dirty South”). So with the previously mentioned logic: If a rapper is the “King of Atlanta”, doesn’t THAT mean he runs Hip-Hop? Well, probably not, but you get what I’m saying. ATL has a lot competition, but who’s the best? Who’s the actual “King of Atlanta”? Not saying who had the best career but who actually has a claim to the crown RIGHT NOW (Shout out to the homie Believe for bringing this subject up and arguing with me about it…constantly). - B-Easy [Update: Damn! You people went crazy with the e-mails. I guess putting Soulja Boy on the list opened up a can of worms. We added 7 more Atlanta rappers to the list. I think that's all of them now...and yes, we know OJ Da Juiceman, Alfa Mega, & Yung LA aren't listed...]

T.I. (King)

Albums: 6
Years Active: 2001 – Present
Crew: P$C; Grand Hustle
The self-proclaimed “King” who has been using this title ever since 2001’s I’m Serious. Considering his track record, can you deny his claim? The only dent in his armor is the fact that he hasn’t had a “real” Hip-Hop battle. You can’t call Lil’ Flip real competition and Luda sorta murdered him on Young Buck’s “Stomp”.

Young Jeezy (King)

Albums: 3
Years Active: 2005 – Present
Crew: CTE; USDA
Like T.I., Jeezy helped usher in Atlanta’s whole “Trap” movement and made it popular, very profitable, and became the face of the movement. Jeezy not only moved into the South’s forefront, but he crafted his own lane in Hip-Hop. One reason why he could not be the King of Atlanta may be the lack of creativity to make an album that will really connect with Hip-Hop fans who balk at drug laced rhymes.

Andre 3000 (King)

Albums: 6 (with Outkast)
Years Active: 1993 – Present
Crew: Outkast
3 Stacks is in a place where a lot of MC’s can’t go. He can drop a few verses a year and still be largely considered as THE best in the South as well one of Hip-Hop’s elite. But this is also a double-edged sword. Like in most leagues, to get that MVP title, you gotta play a certain amount of games. In the past few years, Andre hasn’t played half a season.

Big Boi (Knight)

Albums: 6 (with Outkast)
Years Active: 1993 – Present
Crew: Outkast; Purple Ribbon All-Stars
As ½ of Outkast, Big Boi was an integral part in building the Southern Hip-Hop landscape as we see it today. His body of work is great but he was always #2 in his own group (And maybe even overshadowed by Andre 3000). While it’s no question on talent, are you really anticipating his upcoming album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty? We all love Big Boi, but we’re talking about his status right now. Yeah, it hurt us too.

Killer Mike (Pawn)

Albums: 3
Years: 2000 – Present
Crew: Grind Time Rap Gang
Ever since his debut on Outkast’s “Snappin’ and Trappin’”, you could tell how Mike earned his name. He is probably the most underrated on this list. Mike’s I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II last year showed that this ATLien could still make good music. The reason he isn’t ranked higher is probably because this division is tough and while he has way than enough talent to challenge for the crown, Killer Mike’s place in history is not set in stone.

Ludacris (King)

Albums: 7
Years: 2000 – Present
Crew: Disturbing Tha Peace
Luda has been reppin’ Atlanta and the South hard for a minute now. He’s ripped through countless notable cameos as well as collecting numerous Gold & Platinum plaques. While many question Ludacris’ dedication to the game when he started getting calls from Hollywood, his recent releases show that everybody still loves Chris

Gucci Mane (Knight)

Albums: 4
Years: 2005 – Present
Crew: So Icy Entertainment
I know what you’re thinking…you guys can’t be serious. Hear us out first. With his mixtape game, Gucci has the STREETS on lock. I don’t care what side of the A you are in…Gucci is getting played in 3 out of 10 cars. We all know why Gucci can’t be king. He will never wow you with his lyrics, but he will entertain you with ignorance.

Cee-Lo (Pawn)

Albums: 7 (2 solo, 3 with Goodie Mob, & 2 with Gnarls Barkley)
Years: 1995 – Present
Crew: Goodie Mob; Gnarls Barkey
Why is Cee-Lo Green on this list? Yeah, he’s been on a grind of a different type as of late but he’s doing a lot better than the other members of Goodie Mob. He has immense talent both with rapping and singing but can ½ of Gnarls Barkley really be the King of ATL?

Pastor Troy (Pawn)

Albums: 15 (13 solo & 2 with D.S.G.B)
Years: 1998 – Present
Crew: D.S.G.B.
This guy used to be the “People’s Champ”, he actually was Gucci Mane before Gucci Mane. He made his mark beefing with Master P (Troy lost because his paper wasn’t long enough). Despite carrying around a championship belt, his reign was cut short because others (Archie Eversole, Miracle, & Drama) raped his style and made him irrelevant. It also did not help the fact that some of his recent albums were not  that good.

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (Knight)

Albums: 2
Years: 2007 – Present
Crew: S.O.D.
Don’t laugh, you may hate Soulja Boy but you can’t deny the buzz this kid had on him. Plus, lately a lot of Atlanta rappers including Gucci Mane and Jeezy have rallied around the youngster as well as jumping on songs with him. While his last album may have bricked, Soulja Boy may have time to turn it all around and surprise us all.

Young Dro (Knight)

Albums: 1
Years Active: 2001 – Present
Crew: Grand Hustle; P$C
I don’t what it is about Dro that makes people still pull for him three years after his debut. Besides when he was Fantasia’s main squeeze, Dro has really stayed on the low. But then again, people still mentioning Young Dro as one of the South’s mentionable is saying something. “Shoulder Lean” still shuts down the clubs too. Dro!

Lil’ Scrappy (Pawn)

Albums: 3 (2 solo & 1 with Trillville)
Years Active: 2003 – Present
Crew: G’$ Up Click
Remember years back when Scrappy was know as the “Prince of Crunk”? Lil’ Jon doesn’t own the airwaves anymore and Crunk is basically dead (No matter what a gold chain says). A lotta people thought when Scrap hooked up with 50 Cent & G-Unit his star would rise. That album flopped and now nobody cares.

Gorilla Zoe (Pawn)

Albums: 1
Years Active: 2007 – Present
Crew: Block Ent.
When Zoe joined the Atlanta based Boyz N Da Hood in 2007, he immediately pulled a “Jeezy” and soon released a solo album around the same time of the group’s release. While he landed a hood hit or two, that album tanked and pushed back he often delayed sophomore album (Which really isn’t anticipated).

Yung Joc (Knight)

Albums: 2
Years Active: 2003 – Present
Crew: Block Ent.
When Joc first came out, “It’s Goin’ Down” had the city on smash! He later got ridiculed for being a “ringtone” rapper with songs like “Coffee Shop” & “I Know You See It”. But even with this, he’s still got a Platinum plaque plus made “Forbes’ Richest Rappers List” in 2006. He’s one hit away from a comeback.

B.o.B. (Knight)

Albums: 0
Years Active: 2005 – Present
B.o.B. may not have an album out but the buzz is pretty good. After appearing on the cover of XXL’s “Class of ‘09” issue while being co-signed by some Hip-Hop’s elite, the future looks pretty bright for Bobby Ray Simmons. Musical talent and the “something different” factor will always be a good look. You can’t really count him out (or in) until his official debut drops.

Unk (Pawn)

Albums: 2
Years Active: 1998 – Present
Crew: Big Oomp Camp
Unk was Soulja Boy before Soulja Boy…until Soulja Boy (Get it?). Yeah, no one is still doing the “Walk It Out” but he did make the city proud closing out the 1st BET Hip-Hop Awards as well as having a new dance move every month (”Two Step”!). Real talk though; now a days no one really check for DJ Unk.

Stat Quo (Pawn)

Albums: 0
Years Active: 2002 – Present
Stat and Atlanta has always had a weird relationship. While he once had a coveted spot on Shady/Aftermath, he never really had no presence in the city. After parting ways with Eminem & Dr. Dre, his mixtape game is better but maybe too late.

Some people say Hip-Hop is dead. Others say it’s just dead to the people who liked it for the wrong reasons. Me personally, I feel that Hip-Hop will never die as long as I got love for it, but I can see how the feeling can get a little hazy in the current climate. So, to get back to the essence of the culture, we have compiled 26 Things Every Hip-Hop Head Should Do Before They Die (In no particular order). In the list, we give you ways to claim your Hip-Hop junkie status (But PLEASE don’t take this too seriously). Thanks to the rest of the nappyafro crew for helping me get this list together and I hope to get more suggestions to add to the list. Oh yeah, we already know that there are only 21 reasons listed here…that probably means it’s more to come.

Blast “Fuck Tha Police” at least once in your lifetime

The song may be 20 years old, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t any less relevant. With Sean Bell, Jena 6, and a lot of other incidents, this song still gets me hype. So yeah, bump this one in you ride, out you window…whatever; bucking the system is Hip-Hop.

Own at least 5 legitimate classic Hip-Hop records (see our Classic Material for some suggestions)

You can’t say, “I still haven’t heard the whole Illmatic yet”, and be a Hip-Hop head. Or “Damn, I didn’t know there was there was a skit where Biggie got dome on Ready To Die”. Whatever bitch! In this day and age of illegal downloading, you still gotta own some Hip-Hop classics (ATLiens, Illmatic, The Chronic, Paid In Full, The Blueprint, The Low End Theory, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, etc.). MP3’s don’t count and you get extra points for vinyl.

Attempt to make beat

Look, we’re not asking for a masterpiece here or for you to become the new Pete Rock and make a sequel for “T.R.O.Y.”. Just like we think every Hip-Hop Head should kick at least one freestyle, we think the producer side is just as fair game. So whether it be Pro Tools, a MPC, or Fruity Loops; get to it.

Kick a freestyle over Lil’ Wayne’s “A Millie”

When Lil’ Mama and Jigga did it, it was good. When Asher Roth, Ne-Yo, Jadakiss, and Fabolous did it, it still was good. When Bow Wow, Amil, Dolla, or all the others (Who shouldn’t have) did it, it really opened the doors to the average Joe Schmoes. Yeah, this beat may been done to death, but its okay if you freestyle over it now. Hell, when foreigners take the immigration test, you HAVE to freestyle over “A Milli” to get citizenship in the United States. No lie.

Celebrate mother’s day with a classic mother’s day song (”Hey Mama”, “Dear Mama”, etc.)

When Mother’s Day roles around, what are you bumping? “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men? Hell no! “So Alone” by Men At Large? Wrong! If you a Hip-Hop Head, you better be bumping 2Pac’s ode to Afeni Shakur, Jay-Z’s “I Made It” or a million other Hip-Hop songs dedicated to Mothers.

Listen to beef songs between rappers and decide who won (2Pac vs. subliminal Biggie jabs, Jay-Z vs. Nas, etc.)

I personally know people who got into a fight purely based on the Biggie vs. 2Pac feud. I even know people who stopped speaking based on the DJ Quik and MC Eiht battle (Yeah, MC fucking Eiht!). But these kinda debates are what make Hip-Hop so great right? So be it Nas vs. Jay, LL vs. Canibus, or even Pastor Troy vs. Master P; listen to the records and pick a side…NOW!

Use an Auto-tune device at least once.

T-Pain brought it back, Weezy fell in love with it, and Kanye did whole album with it. Why not you? Snoop Dogg used it, Tony Yayo used it, Gucci Maine used it, Royce Da 5’9” used it (I think that covers all the bases doesn’t it?). Almost everybody has used it, so go head, put a little T-Pain on that shit, and go crazy with it! “I puuuutttttttttttttt oooonnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!”

Own a Boombox, or at least an iPod with Boombox style speakers

Even though Radio Raheem may not have been a real character, our love for his devotion is no less. This is probably the only time where an “iPod version” won’t get points deducted. For extra credit: Get some five finger rings and a dookie rope chain, and take you boombox to your local street corner.

Do some sort of graffiti in a public place (try not to get locked up)

Out of all the elements of Hip-Hop, Graffiti is by far the most overlooked. You don’t have to be Chris “Daze” Ellis to give back to this almost forgotten art by bombing in a public place. Just remember these tips: Your house doesn’t count, it’s probably better to wait until its dark, and nappyafro.com will not be responsible for legal fees.

Visit the birthplace of Hip-Hop (Bronx, NY)

You probably heard about the recent purchase of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in Bronx, New York for $7 million (The place where Kool Herc hosted his first parties eventually leading to the birth of Hip-Hop music in the early 1970’s). Well, even if you don’t have that kinda bread, you still can visit (It kinda like a pilgrimage to the homeland right?).

Kick a freestyle in a cipher/or battle

Okay, let’s be clear: We mean a straight freestyling! No, “Oh you mad cause I’m stylin’ on you” sucker punching. No, “Look at his face now!” bullshit either. I think a lot of people have forgotten that it’s all about the lyrics and it should always stay that way. So yeah, at least one time you should kick a freestyle in a cipher or in a battle just to see how it feels. It’s sad to say, Eli Porter may not be “The best maine!”, but even he knows this.

Learn at least a verse from “Rapper’s Delight” & a verse off Paid In Full

Okay, we can explain this in two parts: The reason you need to at least learn a verse from “Rapper’s Delight”? It marks a huge landmark for the culture and is probably considered to be the song that first popularized Hip-Hop in the United States and around the world. The reason you need to learn a verse from Paid In Full the album? Well, since that is arguably Rakim & Eric B’s best, you might need to show love seeing as if it wasn’t for Rakim, we all might still be rapping like Kurtis Blow (No disrespect).

Own a pair of Adidas or Adidas suit

We all love Air Force 1’s & Dunk’s, but you can’t forget to show some love for the original Hip-Hop shoe of choice (Jordan’s are still the shit though). Run DMC popularized them, but you can extend the legacy (Extra credit if you rock the tracksuit too).

Attempt to breakdance & pop lock

Yeah, we’re really don’t have a problem with “Whoop Rico” or even old standards like the “Harlem Shake” or “Bankhead Bounce”, but if you really wanna do it big like a Hip-Hop head should, you gotta try to land a “6-Step” or “Helicopter” (Yeah, the handstand thing!). And hell, even my Mom can do “The Robot”.

Scratch a record

Don’t get it twisted, novices will fuck up a record doing this one (Ain’t no way around it). But this gives props to the DJ. My first record? Oh, I think it was Jade’s “Don’t Walk Away” with me scratching some LL Cool J’s “Bad” over it. What?

Get into an argument about Hip-Hop

For the regular Hip-Hop Head, you probably already do this anyway. Me personally, I get into arguments about Hip-Hop with people I barely know. “Is Jay-Z a biter?”, “Why Tupac is not that great?”, “Is God’s Son better than Stillmatic?”…Don’t get me started on that one.

Drum out a beat at a lunch table

Before hopeful  beatmakers had MySpace pages and were putting their beats on YouTube, the first place they would test out the skills was during lunch period (People still do this). What’s more Hip-Hop than beating on a table while someone freestyles?

See these movies: Style Wars, Beat Street, Krush Groove & at least know who O-Zone & Turbo are.

This one is about research. You remember when Ginuwine did the broom routine at the end of “None Of Ur Friends Business” music video? Yea, he didn’t make that up. Watching these movies is kinda like watching an adult’s baby videos. “Wait a minute; The Cool Kids didn’t invent that style?”

Attend a big music festival/concert (Rock The Bells, Hard Knock Life Tour, Up In Smoke, etc.)

While you may have to sit through a few musical acts you don’t care about, the big music festival/concert is still very enjoyable. Besides getting some live music; you also feel that you share something with most of the people around; the love of Hip-Hop. Now, let’s hope nobody starts shooting…

Educate a youngster about Hip-Hop

When my nephew tells me that Weezy is the best and come at me kicking some Lil’ Wayne rhymes, I think it’s my duty to explain that while Wayne is good, all those line you just spoke of contain rhymes that where originally lines from Jay-Z, Outkast, UGK, and Nas. We all should give back like this every once in a while.

Attend your favorite artist’s concert/show

Years ago, I had a chance to drive 3 ½ hours to see The Notorious B.I.G. Yeah, I had to go to school early the next morning. Yeah, my friend’s car was a piece of shit that constantly broke down. And yeah, I probably didn’t have enough money. But, every time I think about it, I feel like somebody punched me in the nuts for missing my only chance to see Biggie. So if your favorite rapper comes to your area, make it a mission to go see them.

In today’s Rap game, the female MC is a dying breed. Yea, you still see lady rappers here and there, but not like back in the day. It used to be you had to have a female in the crew, but now, it seems their not detrimental (Ex. Jay-Z dropped Amil and never replaced her). So here we at nappyafro.com decided to give our list for the Top Ten Females MC’s of All Time. Debate. Enjoy. Hate. Leave a comment at the bottom.

1. MC Lyte

Not only was she the best female MC of all-time; she could hold her own against most of the guys in her day.

2. Lauryn Hill

Before she got into the baby making business, Ms. Hill was dynamite behind the microphone.

3. Lil’ Kim

She didn’t pen all of her rhymes, but she brought “sexy” to Hip-Hop

4. Roxanne Shante

The first female to go toe-to-toe with the fellas, and sometime come out on top!

5. Da Brat

The first female to go platinum, but she wasn’t just a commercial success. Da B-R-A-T had some serious rhymes with her.

6. Queen Latifah

She was all about unity and empowerment of the Black sisters while still making in a male dominated market.

7. Mia X

Lyrically, the best artist out of the No Limit camp.

8. Rah Digga

Never got her due with Flipmode because of a pregnancy, but Digga can hold it down with the heavyweights. See “Touch It” (remix)!

9. Lady of Rage

Never really saw here full potential, but at one time she was beast to get respect on Death Row. Check out the intro on Snoop’s Doggystyle.

10. Remy Ma

Still striving to get out of Pun’s shadow and make a name for herself without Fat Joe. But don’t get it twisted; Remy is sick on the mic.

Yea, we haven’t done a list in a second and once again we narrow it down by region. What’s a must have album from the South? Think about it like this: If 2Pac or Biggie came back from the dead to find out that the South is running this rap shit, what albums would you recommend he check out to catch up? Okay, maybe that was a bad example. Anyway, after numerous fist fights, gun fights, threaten resignations, and stab wounds, we present you with The 40 Must Have Southern Albums (In no particular order but alphabetical). Let the arguments begin! (Note: If you want to see the original post, complete with pics of album covers that we was too lazy to post again, CLICK HERE).

B.G. – Chopper City In The Ghetto (1999)
Introduced the world to the word “bling bling” and continued Cash Money late 90’s dominance.

C-Murder – Life Or Death (1998)
One of the best No Limit CD’s released which happened to be his best.

Devin The Dude – Just Tryin’ Ta Live (2002)
The Dude returns to top his debut and people sleeping on him.

Devin The Dude – The Dude (1998)
Not only is this a great debut, the album cover was gangsta.

Dirty – The Pimp & Da Gangsta
Not too many have heard this one, but they were the first to come out of Alabama.

Eightball – Lost (1998)
As a team, insane…as solo artist…still insane.

Eightball & MJG – Comin’ Out Hard (1993)
A must have for anyone who likes Ball & G.

Eightball & MJG – In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1999)
Some look at this as their most mature and greatest album.

Eightball & MJG – On Top Of The World (1995)
This album marks the group’s first gold plaque.

Geto Boys – We Can’t Be Stopped (1991)
The Geto Boys DEFINED radio edit on this album.

Goodie Mob – Soul Food (1995)
This album proved that there was more talent in The Dungeon besides Dre and Big Boi.

Goodie Mob – Still Standing (1998)
Not as good as the first but still classic.

Hot Boys – Guerrilla Warfare (1999)
This album propelled the group in the Southern super group.

Juvenile – 400 Degreez (1998)
The nation was introduced to the Cash Money style on this one.

Lil’ Wayne – Tha Block Is Hot (1999)
A young Wayne finally get his spotlight.

Lil’ Wayne – Tha Carter II (2005)
Easily the best rap ablum to EVER come outta Cash Money….

Lil’ Wayne & DJ Drama – Dedication 2 (2006)
The mixtape that puts Weezy on the map…lyrically.

Little Brother – The Minstrel Show (2005)
Many might not call this a Southern album, but not only is it good, if gives a different side of the South.

Ludacris – Back For The First Time (2000)
Luva Luva showed everybody he just wasn’t a DJ.

Master P – Ghetto D (1997)
Most complete album No Limit ever made from top to bottom.

Master P – Ice Cream Man (1996)
One of the grimiest albums to ever hit the streets.

MJG – No More Glory (1997)
As a team, insane…as solo artist…still insane.

Outkast – Aquemini (1998)
Outkast’s best album.

Outkast – ATLiens (1996)
Outkast’s best album.

Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
Love Below might not be considered a Rap album but it’s all Hip-Hop to us.

Outkast – Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994)
Forget the South, this is one of the best albums ever.

Pastor Troy – We Ready: I Declare War (1999)
After this album came out, a lot of rappers from the South started rapping like the Pastor.

Project Pat – Mista Don’t Play: Everythangs Workin’ (2001)
The man behind the hooks of Three 6 gets his due.

Scarface – The Fix (2002)
One of the best Scarface albums ever.

Scarface – The Untouchable (1997)
Lyrically and musically Scarface’s best album.

T.I. – I’m Serious (2001)
T.I.’s debut, just wish he was still that guy and not the “cute” one we see today.

T.I. – King (2006)
T.I. finally lives up to a title he gave his self on his first album.

T.I. – Trap Muzik (2003)
Still T.I.’s best album hands down to date.

Three 6 Mafia – When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1 (2000)
The first platinum album for Three 6 Mafia, Hypnotize Mindz, and Memphis rap in general.

Trick Daddy – Book of Thugs: Chapter AK Verse 47 (2000)
Slept on, but TDD’s best work.

Tru – Tru 2 Da Game (1997)
The streets of New Orleans came to life on this double disc.

UGK – Ridin’ Dirty (1996)
Still was of the most praised Southern albums.

UGK – Super Tight (1994)
Gotta “Ride Dirty” with the originals, how can you not?

Young Jeezy – Thug Motivation 101: Let’s Get It (2005)
The CD lived up to all the hype and then some.

Young Jeezy & DJ Drama – Trap Or Die (2005)
One of the best mixtapes ever.

Who’s the best in the rap game? That’s a question heard on almost every block, written about in almost every urban magazine, and posted in just about ever rap related blog. While I don’t think this a terrible question, it is one that has been beat to death. Here on nappyafro.com, we’re gonna get a little more specific, and since the South has been running this rap shit in the last few years, why not start with that region.

This list is based on a lot of attributes, but first and foremost it’s based on lyrics (Sorry Pimp C, Master P, & Jeezy). Another is respect of the MC; how much respect is received by fans and fellow rappers (Sorry… um, Lil’ Flip). Last but not least is power and influence of the rapper (While Paul Wall and the rest of Houston did reintroduce grills, that shit don’t get you points here anymore). Here we provide you the years the rapper has been in the game, what state the rep, the reason they made the list, a suggested song that proves their rhyming ability, and all the albums under their belt.

10. Cee-Lo

Years In The Game: 12
Representin’: Atlanta, Georgia
The Reason: Hold up youngster! We ain’t talking about the Cee-Lo who goes around dressing up in costumes and mostly sings nowadays (even though that version is good too). We’re talking about the old school version that preached realness to the masses. If it’s wasn’t him rapping about “The Experience” of being Black or talking about being the failure of being a high school drop out on Outkast’s “Git Up, Git Out”, he spit that realness.
The Proof: Goodie Mob’s “Fly Away” (1998)
The Albums: Soul Food* (1995), Still Standing* (1998), World Party* (1999), Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections (2002), Cee-Lo Green… is the Soul Machine (2004), & St. Elsewhere (2006) [*with Goodie Mob, **with Gnarls Barkley]

9. MJG

Years In The Game: 14
Representin’: Orange Mound/Memphis, Tennessee
The Reason: MJG might not be as accessible or do as many guest spots as his partner Eightball, but “M J Pimpin’ G” does his thing. While he spits heavy pimp stuff, he does it with style and lyrics.
The Proof: Eightball & MJG “Armed Robbery” (1993)
The Albums: Comin’ Out Hard* (1993), On The Outside Looking In* (1994), On Top Of The World* (1995), No More Glory (1997), In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1* (1999), Space Age 4 Eva* (2000), Living Legends* (2004), & Ridin’ High* (2007) [*with Eightball]

8. Big Boi

Years In The Game: 13
Representin’: Atlanta, Georgia
The Reason: What can I say about today’s Big Boi; he’s not what he used to be. But forget about that, back in the late 90’s he was hot and one of the South’s elite. Andre may be everybody’s favorite but “Billy Ocean” still can sometimes hold his own. Don’t sleep on his contributions and the jewels spit on Outkast and Goodie Mob’s albums.
The Proof: Outkast’s “Aquemini” (1998)
The Albums: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), ATLiens (1996), Aquemini (1998), Stankonia (2000), Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), & Idlewild (2006) [with Outkast]

7. Eightball

Years In The Game: 14
Representin’: Orange Mound/Memphis, Tennessee
The Reason: The “Fat Boy” gets votes ahead MJG at number 7 for a number of reasons. Eightball is more accessible to the masses; over the years he has does countless guest appearances. Ball has a voice and flow that makes rhyming seem easy to him.
The Proof: Eightball & MJG’s “Mr. Big” (1993)
The Albums: Comin’ Out Hard* (1993), On The Outside Looking In* (1994), On Top Of The World* (1995), Lost (1998), In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1* (1999), Space Age 4 Eva* (2000), Almost Famous (2001), Living Legends* (2004), & Ridin’ High* (2007) [*with MJG]

6. Ludacris

Years In The Game: 7
Representin’: Atlanta, Georgia
The Reason: Even though Luda has always been respected in the South for his flow, it wasn’t until he outshined Jadakiss and Nas on the “Made You Look” (remix) that made the Hip-Hop world take notice. Be it metaphors or wordplay, Luda is always good for a hot 16.
The Proof: Nas’ “Made You Look” (remix)
The Albums: Back For The First Time (2000), Word Of Mouf (2001), Golden Grain* (2002), Chicken-N-Beer (2003), The Red Light District (2004), Ludacris Presents: Disturbing tha Peace* (2005), & Release Therapy (2006) [*with Disturbing tha Peace]

5. T.I.

Years In The Game: 6
Representin’: Atlanta, Georgia
The Reason: T.I.’s flow is more straightforward but once you examine it more closely you see that it’s not all that simple. Tip’s swagger for being basically unknown in 2001 and calling himself the “King of the South” is almost to Muhammad Ali status; now he’s at the top of rap royalty.
The Proof: T.I.’s “Stand Up” (2004)
The Albums: I’m Serious (2001), Trap Muzik (2003), Urban Legend (2004), T.I. Presents the P$C: 25 to Life* (2005), King (2006), T.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007) [*with P$C]

4. Scarface

Years In The Game: 19
Representin’: Houston, Texas
The Reason: “Uncle Face” is probably the most respected rapper in the game. Not only is Scarface the pioneer of Southern gangsta rap, but he also enlightened people with rough inner city lyrics. Face gave Southern Hip-Hop an identity at a time when it had none.
The Proof: Scarface’s “Guess Who’s Back” (2002)
The Albums: We Can’t Be Stopped* (1991), Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991), The World Is Yours (Face II Face) (1993), Till Death Do Us Part* (1993), The Diary (1994), The Resurrection* (1996), The Untouchable (1997), My Homies (1998), Da Good Da Bad & Da Ugly* (1998), The Last Of A Dying Breed (2000), The Fix (2002), Balls & My Word (2003), The Foundation* (2005), One Hunid** (2006), & My Homies Part 2 (2006) [*with The Geto Boys, **with The Product]

3. Lil’ Wayne

Years In The Game: 10
Representin’: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Reason: I know a lot of people will be mad that Weezy ain’t at the number 1 spot, but come on. Yes, lyrically he is arguably one of the best if not the best in the game right now. Yea, his mixtape and guest spot game is crazy. And while he did recently get voted “The Hottest in the Game Right Now”, until he starts releasing OFFICIAL classic material, he’ll get the number 3 spot based on his influence and hustle right now.
The Proof: Birdman & Lil’ Wayne’s “Army Gunz” (2006)
The Albums: Get It How U Live!!* (1997), The Block Is Hot (1999), Guerrilla Warfare* (1999), Lights Out (2000), 500 Degreez (2002), Tha Carter (2004), Tha Carter II (2005), Like Father, Like Son** (2006) [*with The Hot Boys, **with Birdman]

2. Bun-B

Years In The Game: 19 or 15 (depends on who you ask)
Representin’: Port Arthur, Texas
The Reason: Before Weezy started killing the game with his hustle, another Southern heavyweight was doing it. In the years Pimp C was locked down, Bun-B hit up everybody from Lil’ Jon to Beyonce with guest spots. While he is wildly overlooked as a lyricist, Bun-B is always a constant for a good verse.
The Proof: UGK’s “Murder” (1996)
The Albums: The Southern Way* (1988), Banned* (1992), Too Hard To Swallow* (1992), Super Tight* (1994), Ridin’ Dirty* (1996), Dirty Money* (2001), Trill (2005) & Underground Kingz* (2007) [*with UGK]

1. Andre 3000

Years In The Game: 13
Representin’: Atlanta, Georgia
The Reason: The standard for the Southern MC for over a decade. “3 Stacks” is still a mystery to us: rap music sometimes bores him but he’s still so good at rapping. While he dresses weird he gets a pass in almost any hood for being fresh. Andre’s rap style is simple yet complex, insightful yet not preachy. He is secure enough with himself to be able to rap about anything under the sun and at the end of the day, isn’t that what rapping is about?
The Proof: Goodie Mob’s “Thought Process” (1995)
The Albums: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), ATLiens (1996), Aquemini (1998), Stankonia (2000), Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), & Idlewild (2006) [with Outkast]

With the rise of digital downloads and MP3 players, the album cover doesn’t mean as much as once was. Back in the past, the album cover meant a lot. It could catch you eye in the store; sometimes it even made you wanna buy the album. It was art, and it was sometimes part of the message and the music. Now, album covers are an after thought; rappers really don’t try to do anything creative anymore. Today, we pay homage to the album covers we liked (In no particular order).

Straight Outta Compton

Artist: NWA
Year: 1988
B-Easy: This album cover marked the public arrival of NWA. It was basically saying, “Welcome to our world.” It also had a view of a person who just got robbed. Eazy-E with the gun set it off too.

The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory

Artist: 2Pac (as Makaveli)
Year: 1996
P-Body: When that shit first came out, it was very different, and rebellious for the rap world. Basically Pac wanted to let people know that the media crucified his career. I give much props to whoever drew the cover, I think it said inside the booklet. I’ll have to check, but dope pic. (R.I.P. Tupac)

Stakes Is High

Artist: De La Soul
Year: 1996
B-Easy: This cover is probably my favorite of all. De La Soul has always gone against the grain. In a world where rappers constantly take pictures with their cars for their album covers, this cover is refreshing. You can even say it’s more like a rock album cover than a rap cover.

Death Certificate

Artist: Ice Cube
Year: 1991
P-Body: This shit right here fits the concept of the CD. Yo Cube, I wanna kill Uncle Sam too! Definitely dope cover.
B-Easy: This is Ice Cube before his Are We There Yet days. What other way better can you say fuck the U.S. than this? Cube had a toe tag on Uncle Sam! What’s even better is that this fit the whole message of the album.

Ready To Die

Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Year: 1994
P-Body: Masterpiece. That nigga BIG said he is born ready to die. I guess we all should since that’s what’s going to happen to us anyways. I really dig this cover. (R.I.P. Biggie)
B-Easy: Some people said Biggie bit off of Nas’ Illmatic, but I say fuck that, this was awesome in it’s own right. It’s simple and was different for it’s time. This also was the beginning of the whole Bad Boy style (Mostly black & white).

The Grey Album

Artist: Danger Mouse (with Jay-Z & The Beatles)
Year: 2004
B-Easy: Okay, okay, I know this wasn’t an official album but fuck it, this is our list! Let’s be real; Jay-Z hasn’t really had an awesome album cover. To me, this is his best album cover. I like the art; it’s simple and to the point.

Soul Food

Artist: Goodie Mob
Year: 1995
P-Body: Very dope cover. Classic album and much underrated in my book. Anyway the cover speaks for itself about the whole LP; very dope shit.
B-Easy: I think most rappers would be scared to pray on their album cover (Not that shit Jeezy do to look like Pac either). This cover showed a real aspect of the southern rapper and how food and praying are a everyday thing.

We Can’t Be Stopped

Artist: Geto Boys
Year: 1991
P-Body: That cover was really trill and had a meaning at the same time.
B-Easy: First of all, the story behind this cover is crazy. The album cover is a graphic picture of Bushwick Bill in the hospital after he shot himself in the eye after his girlfriend refused to shoot him. These guys was at the hospital taking pictures for an album cover! That’s enough to get on this list.

Let’s Get Free

Artist: dead prez
Year: 2000
B-Easy: When this album came out, Loud Records put a sticker on the cover to hide this “offensive” picture. This cover fits dead prez all the way; it was controversial and powerful at the same time. I’d hang this up at the crib; it’s art.

This month we list Hip-Hop’s Top 10 Most Influential Movie Bad Guys. The reason we narrowed it down to thugs, criminals, & drug dealers is because then we’d open the door to Superfly, Dolemite, Goldie from The Mack and other characters from famous blaxploitation films. While they have had influence over Hip-Hop artists, they sometimes are just the same character with different names. On this list we just wanted the toughest and hardest of the movie characters that had the most influence on rap.

10. Frank White (King Of New York – 1990)

A lot of you young kids might not know this, but Biggie didn’t make up the name Frank White, it came from the movie King of New York. In the movie Frank White (played by Christopher Walken) is released from Sing-Sing prison after serving a number of years for drug trafficking. Appalled by the crime and poverty that have infected his old neighborhood, White makes a bid for redemption by eliminating his competitors and using their money to finance a new South Bronx hospital for the needy. Doing this, he becomes a hero to the poor. With all that said, Biggie was the one who brought this character to Hip-Hop, and that’s enough to get number 10.

9. Deebo (Friday – 1995)

Who doesn’t remember Tiny Lister’s character Deebo. As with many other phrases at the height of the first Friday movie’s popularity, the name “Deebo” found its way into the slang vernacular of junior high- and high school-aged teenagers in the form of a verb, as a euphemism for robbery, playing off of the character’s ability for punking out people and bullying in general. The character was basically a symbol for the neighborhood bully from your childhood. You see Tiny Lester in a number of Hip-Hop videos playing this role as well the phrase that follows one of Deebo’s knock outs; “You got knocked the fuck out!”

8. Tommy “Buns” Bundy (Belly – 1998)

Many people thought the role of Tommy Buns was just DMX playing himself; it wasn’t much of a stretch in terms of acing ability. But hell, Tommy was still one of the most ignorant killers around. What about the speech he gave Nas’ character Sincere (while smoking weed), “I’m smoking weed, running stop signs, these fucking pigs can’t see me!” Tommy was also all about the money; fuck a book, religion, whatever; “Get money!” Some people would’ve preferred to have Ox on this list, but I give it to Tommy because he dodged getting killed.

7. Bobby Johnson (South Central – 1992)

“OG” Bobby Johnson is probably the only character on the list who tries to makes a change for the better. But of course, that’s not what we talking about here. Bobby Johnson (played by Glenn Plummer) was the founding member of the Deuces. It’s not so much what he did, but the legend he had while he was in prison and when he got out. We all have heard stories of hood legends; Bobby Johnson was this. South Central may not be one of the best movies, but this character gave the movie some notice.

6. The Corleone Family (The Godfather trilogy – 1972, 1974, & 1990)

Yea I know, the Godfather family should be higher right? Naw, some of the influence for rappers comes from real life mobsters like Gotti and the mafia in general. But still, you can’t deny Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone (Jay-Z has referred to himself as “Young Vito”). These films have too many references in Hip-Hop to name. But think about it; any time you see a guy sitting behind a desk smoking a cigar, or anytime you hear him say something about “family” (We not talking his baby mother either), you know where he got it from.

5. Alonzo Harris (Training Day – 2001)

Denzel Washington’s first role as a villain and he killed it. A lot of people talked about dirty cops and Alonzo showed it to them. He was a different type a gangster being that he wasn’t respected for doing gangster shit, but because he had a badge. The soundtrack to the movie as well as roles for Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre gave this movie the stamp as far as being Hip-Hop approved. Do you remember Lil’ Scrappy’s video for “No Problem”? On “Why”, Jadakiss rapped, “Why’d Denzel have to be crooked before he took it?”

4. Bishop (Juice - 1992)

Tupac Shakur’s character Bishop was crazy and relatable. He wasn’t your Nino Brown or Scarface, he was just a dude from around the way. You saw him get crazy with power and you probably know somebody in the hood like him. I guess Tupac playing this role had a lot to do with the influence. Some would say that Tupac played this role for most of his career.

3. O-Dog (Menace II Society – 1993)

O-Dog (played by Larenz Tate) helped popularize the thug lifestyle idolized by black youths in the early nineties. He epitomized what gangster rappers want to be; he didn’t give a fuck and he is crazy. I sometimes see The Game trying to do this in his rhymes (”it’s the sequel to Menace and Oh Lord he done went O-Dog”) or even 50 Cent (“have a young nigga buckin’ shit like he O-Dog.”). Don’t forget Jay-Z referencing O-Dog on “Girls Girls Girls” remix (“or now I get around, like the late Makaveli on Pirelli twenty inches, or Caine and O-Dog’s stick-up tape from Menace.”)

2. Nino Brown (New Jack City - 1991)

Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of Nino Brown is still praised by rappers 16 years later. Just ask Lil’ Wayne; where did his label get the name “Cash Money” from? (Nino Brown’s gang) Why is his album named “The Carter”? (Nino Brown’s apartment complex turned crackhouse) Biggie even named one of his Junior M.A.F.I.A. sidekicks Nino Brown.

1. Tony Montana (Scarface – 1983)

Of course Al Pacino’s Montana is number one; who else did you expect? How many times have you watched Cribs and seen a rapper hold up a Scarface DVD or memorabilia? Yea, I lost count a long time ago too. The come up story of Tony appeals to almost every thug rapper in the world of Hip-Hop. Be it Juelz Santana being pictured at a desk with a mountain of coke for XXL or Nas rapping about a blimp that says “the world is yours”, the references are too many to name.

Honorable Mentions:
Alejandro Sosa (Scarface – 1983)
Keyser Söze (The Usual Suspects – 1983)
Nicky Santoro (Casino – 1995)
Henry Hill, Jimmy Conway, & Tommy DeVito (Goodellas – 1990)
Sonny (A Bronx Tale – 1993)
Ox (Belly – 1998)

Welcome to first edition (1 of 3) of The Greatest. It is here where we will list the top…anything. It could music videos, sports teams, rappers, or even video girls. This is the way it works: everyone here at nappyafro makes a list, we combine it and add it based on numbers (if you ranked number 10 you get 1 point, 9 gets 2, 8 gets 3, 7 gets 4, and so forth. So with out further delay…

10. Jim Jones

King Jerm: One word….BAAALLLLLIN!!! Everybody and their grandmother was doing the “Fadeaway”.
B-Easy: Okay, hit song complete with catch phrase and dance move: CHECK. Hip-Hop beef with a rap legend to build up publicity: CHECK. Great album sales and an above average album: …well, two out of three ain’t bad.

9. Busta Rhymes

B-Easy: Bussa Bus year started with The Big Bang, the release of his first Aftermath album. Even after the death of his bodyguard, shot at his video shoot, Busta still tried to bring back that “New York Shit”. He even told the young boys to step it up (You know you heard him at the BET Hip-Hop Awards).

8. The Game

King Jerm: I know he’s a name dropper and all, but he does it so well.
B-Easy: Chuck Taylor delivered a good album without Dr. Dre (Doctor’s Advocate), got a hundred niggas together to do one song (“It’s Okay (One Blood) (remix)”), and proved to 50 that he just might be okay without G-Unit after all. Now, about sellin’ five million albums…

7. Ludacris

King Jerm: Chris Bridges came back from acting this year more serious and with less hair. He tried to show the world he could really go for that “Number One Spot”. Did he get? No, he got number 7.

6. Young Jeezy

Blood: Yep, the snowman makes it into the top 10 MC’s’ of 2006. With some of the catchiest lyrics of any year, Jeezy is proving that he is going to be here for a while.

5. Andre 3000

Blood: When Dre decides to rap he proves that he is about the illest one doing it, period, no room for discussion on that matter. If he had rapped more on Idlewild he would have definitely landed in the 1st or 2nd spot. But because of his raw uncut lyrics that he spit on the few tracks that he chose to rap on, he got a top 5 spot.
King Jerm: Check out “Walk it Out” remix, “Hollywood Divorce”, & “Mighty O”.

4. Nas

B-Easy: When Nas declared Hip Hop Is Dead, the world took notice (You know you heard Jeezy, T.I., & Ludacris). But if anybody noticed, he was also on he grind, coming out from under his rock and doing a bunch of cameos (He did songs with Diddy, The Game, DJ Clue, Hi-Tek, & Busta Rhymes). Oh yea, he dropped his best album since God’s Son too.

3. T.I.

Blood: With the success of King and some of the best songs that T.I.P. has written in his 4 albums, he has showed growth that will only bring him closer and closer to the top of any list that measures an artist. He has become one of the best songwriters in the game to go along with the lyricist that he came into the game as.“King Of The South” Shawty!

2. Lil’ Wayne

Blood: There are 2 guys who claim to be “The Best Rapper Alive”, Wayne happens to be one of them. With The Dedication 2 and Like Father, Like Son both dropping in ’06 right on the heels of The Carter 2 Wayne is definitely coming for that number one spot. Example:
“Lil’ Wayne right from Kims’ corner store/
Chopper wake a Nigga ass up like the morning show/
Put me in the game, and I see’em callin audibles/
Hearts beating fast, better work on your cardio”
King Jerm: Nobody was hungrier and all over the place than Weezy was this year.

1. Jay-Z

B-Easy: When word leaked out that Jay-Z would be releasing an album and coming out of retirement this year, the Hip-Hop world went into frenzy. Either you hated Hov coming back or you praised him for it. You couldn’t help seeing this man on TV (Budweiser & NBA Live commercials), you heard about his concerts (seven cities in one day!), and Barbara Walters wanted to talk to him (Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006). All this while dropping a 4.5 mic album (okay, it’s The Source, I know), and betting out T.I. for the top selling Rap album of ’06. Jay-Z shows Hip-Hop that you don’t have to be under 30 to be the best in Hip-Hop.
Blood: Who else but the other self proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” could top off this list. Lyrically it doesn’t get any better than Jay-Z. Even with an album that is not as good from start to finish as his usual efforts, he still proves to be:
“Superman in the booth”. Example:
Kingpin of the Ink pen/
Monster of the double entendre/
Coke is still my Sponsor…/
Huh, the Cola/
Yeah, Hova still getting it in with soda”
King Jerm: It’s Hovie Baby!

Welcome to first edition (1 of 3) of The Greatest. It is here where we will list the top…anything. It could music videos, sports teams, rappers, or even video girls. This is the way it works: everyone here at nappyafro makes a list, we combine it and add it based on numbers (if you ranked number 10 you get 1 point, 9 gets 2, 8 gets 3, 7 gets 4, and so forth. So with out further delay…

7. (Tie) Release Therapy by Ludacris/Separate But Equal by DJ Drama & Little Brother

7. Release Therapy by Ludacris

B-Easy: Chris Bridges uses his fifth album to aim for the top spot and be taken more seriously, might need use a better first single than “Money Maker” next time. But overall, with songs like “Mouths To Feed” & “Slap” that shows artistic growth, this IS his most serious album. That album cover still is trash though.

7. Separate But Equal by DJ Drama & Little Brother

King Jerm: This is probably overall one of the best offerings in the Gangsta Grillz series. This album makes you wonder why they didn’t put some of this heat on their debut to the masses.

6. Doctor’s Advocate by The Game

B-Easy: A Game album without a Dr. Dre beat? Say it ain’t so! But The Game still delivers a solid album and jumps the sophomore slump. Yea, he still name drops, but you can’t deny the skill. Game brings back the all-star producers (Kanye, Just Blaze, Storch, Hi-Tek, Swizz, etc.), so as always, his beats are bangin’. Check out stand-out tracks: “Compton”, “Remedy”, & “Wouldn’t Get Far” feat. Kanye West.

5. Like Father, Like Son by Birdman & Lil’ Wayne

Blood: I was torn between making Rick Ross #5 and giving Baby & Weezy honorable mention, but because of the number of just bangin’ ass tracks on Like Father, Like Son, I gave the N.O. duo the nod. With Wayne at the apex of his game, he came through with some of the most memorable bars of the 4th quarter of 2006.
“Army Gunz” – “and around here you are gonna need a chooper/And I’m a need a lawyer, and you gone need a doctor”

4. Dedication 2 by DJ Drama & Lil’ Wayne

B-Easy: How slow is 2006 when we have to resort to putting mixtapes on the list? The iPod King gets with Weezy a second time to make clearly best mixtape of 2006. Lil’ Wayne rides everyone beats from T.I., 2Pac, & Dem Franchise Boyz while giving the fans bangers such as “Dedication 2″ & “Cannon (AMG remix)”. Dedication 2 is what started Weezy’s stellar year in proving himself one of the best lyricists to date.

3. The Inspiration by Young Jeezy

Blood: And yes the top album of 2006 came from the “Snowman”. Song for song it was hard to deny Jeezy from the top slot. Some say that he can’t rap BUT Jeezy makes Street Anthems that are some of the best SONGS being made today.

2. Hip Hop Is Dead by Nas

King Jerm: “Retro” Nas on this album. It seems as if he is trying to take it back to the essence again. Nas gives his fans some of his best music. Well, not his best, but best in a while.

1. (Tie) Kingdom Come by Jay-Z/King by T.I.

1. Kingdom Come by Jay-Z

King Jerm: Jay-Hova comes back with his third out of retirement album. This one aimed more at the older crowd that has grown up with him. He isn’t going for the clubs with this one, just the grown and sexy. Might be a little hard for the youngsters to digest.
Blood: It was hard to make S. Carter #2, but when I compared Kingdome Come with the album that I selected as the best from 2006, there were fewer tracks that I skip on the #1 offering of 2006. Jay being the “Pinnacle of Lyricism” made placing him in the silver medal spot a tough decision, but with a couple of tracks that I personally didn’t feel I had to make the “Best Rapper Alive” #2. Sure to become classic tracks: “Lost One”, “Do U Wanna Ride”, “Kingdome Come”, & “Beach Chair”

1. King by T.I.

B-Easy: If you lead the league for the most of the year, you should always win the award, and this album did just that. I always felt King got shorted because when the talk of Hip Hop sucking this year came up, the only thing people said about this album, is that it was the only one to go platinum in ’06. But in actuality T.I. proves why he truly is the “King Of The South” by showing his versatility. The street (”I’m Talkin’ To You), the lyrical (”You Know Who”), the commercial (”Why You Wanna”), & the ugly (”Stand Up Guy”). T.I.’s King IS arguably the best Hip-Hop album of the year.
Blood: On his 4th album, T.I. proved that he was really just getting started. King proved to be the best yet from the “King of the South” (some might argue for Trap Muzik). On King, T.I. evolved from a lyrical heavy weight to being one of the best song writers in Hip-Hop. Album featured Chart toppers: “What You Know”, “Why You Wanna”, “Live In The Sky”, & “Top Back”