This album not only solidifies Rakim's status as a legend but also reflects the overall state of American rap during that period. A lot was happening then. It was the golden era (in my opinion and that of millions of others) in the fifty-year history of hip-hop culture. Since the early 90s, many legendary albums were released, recognized as milestones in the genre...

Over these 50 years, few have influenced hip-hop like Nas, and half a century is certainly an impressive span. Born on September 14, 1973, in New York City as Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, he emerged as a genius. His debut album, "Illmatic" from 1994, remains for me and many others the best rap album in the history of the genre. I dare say I'm lucky...

2Pac. War and peace in one body. Love and hatred in one heart. Fire and water in one mind. From "Keep Ya Head Up" to "Hit 'Em Up." I agree with most that it's his most honest album in his body of work. The most honest when you consider the kind of person he was, could be, and ultimately became after his release from prison when he joined Death Row...

So I dove in and got lost. This is so atmospheric. One of my favorite albums from the mid-'90s. I'm loving what Mr. Cheeks, the author of the majority of the rhymes, is doing. He could be considered the frontman of the group. I read some reviews of this album. In many cases, Mr. Cheeks was praised, but with a note that he's not a top-tier rapper, as if the reviewers...

What came out of it? A steamroller. A steamroller that ran over me countless times. Every time I play this album, I hear the roar of a powerful engine behind me, and I know it's already coming for me. So why do I do it? Because it's worth it. Tha Dogg Pound is killing it and taking no prisoners. It's a massive energy dose...