The Essential Hip Hop Music Album Collection

Hip hop has never been just a genre of music, but a way of life. Those that contribute to the hip hop culture are trying to tell the rest of the world the way in which they lived. It can be an ugly picture of what life can be like in the inner cities and the projects, but hip hop artists are determined to make the best of what they have been given despite the odds against them. If you are looking to get into the hip hop genre of music, we can suggest a few essential albums that encompass the scope of what hip hop or rap is all about.

Doggy Style-Snoop Dogg

Dr. Dre is famous for creating hip hop beats that just can't be compared and in Doggy Style he does what he does best. Snoop Dogg made a way to make his style unforgettable because of the grit he adds to his raps. When Doggy Style was first premiered, it opened a door for those West Coast Emcees that were looking to make a name for themselves. With the finesse of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg made his name in the hip hop genre that is still relevant today.

Tupac Shakur-Me Against The World

With his good looks and talent, Tupac was the man to beat and with his death he became an icon of the hip hop world. His music showcased the struggle of the African-American male that displayed how he could be vulnerable and cantankerous at the same time. This album has no bragging in excess nor any beefs with the East Coast rappers. He pays respect to those pioneers of the Old School East Coast rappers and it is no wonder that he led the way with his defiant yet poignant lyrics that are still imitated by hip hop artists today.

Jay-Z and Reasonable Doubt

Jay-Z was known for a style that was confident without the cockiness presented by many other hip hop artists of the day. He had lyricism that was not only witty but had a steady flow that was unified. He was happy to have Notorious B.I.G. steal the show as well as Hov, who pound for pound held his own weight. Tracks that are notable are "Dead Presidents II," "Can't Knock the Hustle" and "22 Twos." Jay-Z still holds a place in the kingpins of hip hop with his successful business acumen along with being the man that Beyonce Knowles wants to marry.

Hip hop is not for everyone and most that enjoy the music can relate to the circumstances described in each song. Though not everyone who is a fan of hip hop are from a poverty stricken hood, there are elements that each and every one of us can relate to.