(Note - I tried looking for my previous thread on this, but I couldn't find it; one of the problems is that "rap" is not a long enough of a search term!)

I'm soliciting opinions on some of the greatest rap albums out there. I'm trying to get into the genre but I really am not familiar with the artists enough.

My only caveat: I will *not* like it if the artist only talks about how large his genitalia is, how many b*tches he's been with, how much weed he smokes, or how many people he's killed. There's nothing creative about that at all to me (and please, let's not debate that in this thread, feel free to e-mail me if you'd like about it).

I don't have much, but I do have all of Eminem's CDs, The Chronic and The Blueprint. That's it!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input!

These are all inoffensive, critically acclaimed and well-regarded:

Wyclef Jean - The Carnival
The Fugees - The Score
Run DMC - Raising Hell
A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory

Outkast. Anything by Outkast - most notably "Stankonia" and "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below". I also enjoyed "Aquemeni" very much.

Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys - Check Your Head

Swollen Members -Balance

Chances are you'll like these canadian rappers if you like Em.

Just to clarify - I'm not offended by foul language and sexually explicit lyrics, I just think that it typically covers up a lack of talent.

... and ATLiens by Outkast

Also

Nas - Illmatic
Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Forever
Masta Ace - Disposable Arts
2 Pac - All eyez on me

<small></small>At present the wildcard * can be used in searches thus "rap*" would work.

Tried it before I posted, didn't come up. I wish it did...

Public Enemy: "It Takes a Nation of Millions" and "Fear of a Black Planet".

A Tribe Called Quest - Anthology
Eric B. & Rakim - Paid in Full
Eric B. & Rakim - Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising

The Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
Any disc by Del the Funky Homosapien
Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus
Latyrx - Latyrx (The Album)
Lyrics Born - ...later that day
Souls of Mischief - 93 til Infinity
The Roots - The Roots Come Alive!
El P - Fantastic Damage
GZA - Liquid Swords
De La Soul - De La Soul Is Dead
Aceyalone - All Balls Don't Bounce (all his discs are good, but if you can find this one - it's OOP - it's my favorite)
Hieroglyphics - Third Eye Vision (or) Full Circle

All of Atmosphere's records (overcast, lucy ford EPs, godlovesugly, sevens travels)

Anything from Jurassic 5. The Roots. The Pharcyde.

Beasties Boys License to Ill, Pauls Boutique, Check your Head, and possibly Ill Communication.

Couple I have been listening lately is....

Jay z - Reasonable Doubt & Black Album (if you look around on the internet you can find a great Remix black album by Dj Kno called the White Album)
Lyrics Born - Later that day
Dead Prez - Get Free or Die Tryin'
Atmosphere - Sevens Travels, God Loves Ugly & Lucy Ford
Brother Ali - Shadows on the Sun
Kanye West - College Dropout (come out in Feb)
Obie Trice - Cheers (Love this Album)

Forgot to mention...

Lifesavas - Spirit in Stone

MF Doom is Viktor Vaughn Vaudeville Villian
MF Doom - Opeation! Doomsday
Atmosphere - Lucy Ford
Deltron 3030
Dr Octagon - Dr Octagoncolygist
Brother Ali - Shadows on the Sun
Tech N9ne - Absolute Power
Oddjobs - Drums
RJD2 - Deadringer
Aesop Rock - Labor Days

Snoop - Doggystyle

We have the same taste. I would also add :

Mos Def - Black on Both Sides
Jeru The Damaga - The Sun Rises in the East
Blackalicious - Nia

Ooh, also forgot

Blackalicious - Blazing Arrow
Dead Prez - Let's get free
Notorious BIG - Ready to Die
Brother Ali - Rites of Passage
Main Source - Breaking Atoms
Ugly Duckling - Journey to anywhere

I will add a few: I included songs in [] by some of the lesser knowns just so you could "try" these and hopefully inspire you to buy.

My two favorite artists
J-Live ->All the Above, The Best Part[Them Thats not, Epilogue, The Fourth-Third]
Mos Def ->Black on Both Sides [Thieves in the Night(actually this is by Blackstar with MD and TK), Ms. Fat Booty ]

These are classic must haves:
Nas -> Illmatic (His flow on this album is just plain ridiculous)
Wu Tang Clan -> Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Gza-> Liquid Swords
The Roots-> Any album before Phrenology
Notorious BIG -> Ready To Die
Eric B. and Rakim ->Paid in Full
Rakewon ->Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Outkast -> any album

My favorite album of last year:
Cunninlynguists - Southernunderground [Seasons]

NWA - Straight Outta Compton - my favorite rap album of all time.

...but I haven't listened to a new rap album for 10 years. I have heard some singles.

If you want rap that has something to say and musically creative then I suggest these albums.

Digable Planets - Reachin'
Digable Planets - Blow Out Comb
Spearhead - Home
Spearhead - Chocolate Supa Highway
Michael Franti - Stay Human <-- My pick for best album of 2001
Michael Franti - Everyone Deserves Music

b.t.w Spearhead is fronted by Michale Franti.

For interested parties, Josh's original thread is here: Best Rap Albums.

Not the best but still pretty great and no cuss' words on it >> Ugly Duckling : Meat Shake

Prince Paul : Prince Among Thieves (Underrated, innovative )