CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Licensed to Ill

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Beastie Boys

Release Date March 28, 1995
When examining the over-the-top gangsta posturing of mainstream hip-hop in the past 15 years, it's easy to see why some cats neglect to pay homage to one of the golden age's finest. This album single-handedly popularized hip-hop in all aspects of mainstream music, as it was the first #1 album in hip-hop history. Rick Rubin's uncanny mix of old school party beats over highly memorable rock samples is one of the most copied formulas in hip-hop history. It stands as some of Rubin's most memorable and excellent production ever. The production isn't the only reason this album was as wildly successful as it was. King Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D were three of the most relatable emcee's in history. They were a tight-knit crew of white party-loving fratboy ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Paul's Boutique

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Beastie Boys

Release Date July 19, 1989
Respect to the Beasties for the courage to grow up. That said, however, this, their second album, was their creative zenith, at least as a straight hip hop crew. I'm obssessed with the song "high plains drifter" and am going to, at some point in my life, try everything mentioned in the song. I've already spent a night at the motel 6.....

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

All World: Greatest Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: LL Cool J

Release Date November 05, 1996
This CD I believe is filled with LL Cool J bests! From his beginning to more recent (but not too recent) stuff he's a very talented individual. The coolness of "Going back to Cali" to "Hey Lover" this cd has not only a few of my favorites but almost all of my favorites. I'd say this is definately a must have in your collection.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

What Does It All Mean? 1983-2006 Retrospective

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Steinski

Release Date May 27, 2008
"Hey, I recognize that sample from..." If you're into the whole cut-up and dub genre of music, you've probably heard Steinski for years. Maybe it was a Steinski cut, maybe it was Steinski mixed into someone else's work. Many of the actual cuts on this disk floated up to the surface over the years, but saw limited or no release. Now, amazingly, they have a wide release to the masses--what magic happened to clear all of the samples and material is unknown. Any fan will long for more, but this is a great collection that covers the ground back to the infancy of digital sampling, and inspired countless musicians. Buy this 2 disk set, its a great history, and strong sales may pave the way for more treasures.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Solid Gold Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Beastie Boys

Release Date November 08, 2005
While the songs are great, the quality is not good. It sounds like they were recorded from the original masters with nothing being done to improve the transfer. So the older songs sound tinny and grainy, which is very noticable when played on a good stereo.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

The Dana Owens Album

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Queen Latifah

Release Date September 28, 2004
the Queen suprises a lot of folks with this cd composed of all singing. With a jazzy, R&B feel to it. It takes you on a trip and doesnt bring you back until the last song is over with. Its very soothing, comforting and her voice is strong when needed and subtle yet passionate on other tracks. But throughout the Dana Owens album there is one thing for sure that not only can she rap. But she can also sing as well, it doesnt feel like a gimmick or something forced. Its a natural progression and i love it. I do hope that she does another rap album in the future, but for now. I'm very happy with this effort.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Ill Communication

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Beastie Boys

Release Date May 31, 1994
Out of the five original albums, the golden years, this stands as being their second worst. It's got plenty of cool tracks, but some of the tracks aren't great either. There isn't many horrible songs on this album besides Sabatoge (which sucks), but songs like Do It, The Scoop (?), Ricky's Theme, these songs just aren't up to snuff, and forgettable. I won't waste your time explaining ever single ________ detail or how they changed their sound They definitely, however, added more though, they tried new things and made plenty of cool experiments and new styles. Just trust me on that one. Track listing time (______!).

1.Sure Shot-They don't fail with this one. Great flute sample, and the beat is great and heavy.
2.Tough Guy ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Check Your Head

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Beastie Boys

Release Date April 21, 1992
You probally wouldn't expect much from The Beastie Boys after releasing Paul's Boutique. After all, it pretty much was a king of sampling, and there's no real way to top that album, especially since sampling wasn't going too well after the album being released. So instead of panicking, The Beastie Boys decided to employ their own beats more, and add some of their early rock influence, and live funk courtesy of keyboards.

It works, extremely well. Whether Mike D (that's my guess, since he usually played drums) or a sample was backing the beat, I can't help but feel this may be the most organic rap album as far as beats, always heavy, funky, great. Oh, and there's the percussion too. They still sample, but it's not very dominated ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Paid in Full

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Eric B. & Rakim

Release Date April 26, 2005
The duo that consists of DJ Eric B. and MC Rakim isn't referred to as a classic for no reason. This CD is one of the biggest influences for the majority of hip-hop, and it shows. The beats are vintage late 80's style. Call it a bit dated, but it blends perfectly on this CD. Rakim's rhymes are pure genius, with his word play and his perfect flow to blend in with the production. The instrumentals play an important part for Eric B., and while you don't hear Rakim's smooth rhymes, it's still really nice.

Believe the hype, this is a classic with groundbreaking beats for its time, perfect flow, and a perfect balance to top it all off.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Baby Loves Hip Hop Presents the Dino-5

CD-Charts > Music > Old School
by: Various Artists

Release Date April 01, 2008
Fun story, fun beats, fun rhyming ... can't wait to have kids so I can share this music with them.

Will put a wide smile on your face, and transport you to a happy jurassic place!