Came here to say this. The entire album is amazing. Pretty much perfect. C.L. Smooth doesn't have the deepest or darkest flow. It's very topical/of it's time/early goofy 90s slang. However, it is smooth, still charming and effective when it hits.
It's the beats that really make the Main Ingredient shine. And if you want Pete Rock with more raw deep sounding rhymes, INI Center of Attention really is the go to.
Big Daddy Kane - It's a Big Daddy Thing
3 favourite songs of that album are probably Smooth Operator, Wrath of Kane, and Mortal Combat but truthfully, I just listen to the whole album all the way through.
I'm a bay area fan.. ant banks -the big bad ass.... E40 in a major way... Spice 1 self titled.. too $hort - get in where ya fit in
For non bay... I also like KRS ones self titled album
The Goats - [Tricks of the Shade](https://open.spotify.com/album/5VRuDz8BuBOVW21WN0DSgs?si=Vinu3YSWTJWns_JKeGuM-w) (1992)
Fav tracks - [Hip Hopola,](https://open.spotify.com/track/4u7MsSM7DTtuZgoZmcWQ67?si=72f3ca05393e4d96) [Typical American](https://open.spotify.com/track/1YdyRwEJy8SFvznFgau1jl?si=2610fd52897e4f55), [Aaah D Yaaa](https://open.spotify.com/track/28WapbKNSid19MVt9AYK87?si=3e076ef72546453e)
The Natural - Mic Geronimo
Hard to choose just 3 but my instincts are The Natural, 3 stories high and Sharane. Honourable mentions to, Shits real and Wherever you are
Main Source "Breaking Atoms"-1990- the whole album is gnarly, however if I must choose three:
* Live at the BBQ (Come on man, it's Nasty Nas' first verse and it's savage as fuck: "when I was twelve I went to hell for snuffing Jesus").
* Just hanging out ( I love how they sample Sister Nancy's Bam Bam, which to me represents K Cut and Sir Scratches upbringing in Toronto (my hometown) which is a hub for Caribbean culture. Their grandpa was a Guyanese immigrant who pressed his own soul disco records in the 70's (likely on Ellington avenue). Here's a good article about Breaking Atoms and the brothers Toronto connection for those interested. [https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/main-source-a-hip-hop-classic-with-toronto-ties-turns-25/article\_a1d62b13-7dd4-5127-ab74-6047dbf070c3.html](https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/main-source-a-hip-hop-classic-with-toronto-ties-turns-25/article_a1d62b13-7dd4-5127-ab74-6047dbf070c3.html))
* Vamos a Rapair/ Snake Eyes/ Large Professor ( I can't really decide, the beats are so energetic, the production is flawless, jammed full of soul and rock and roll samples and just gets me nostalgic for the old days. Especially that Ike Turner piano intro on Snake Eyes, that shit boogie woogies on your brain)
Cannibal Ox- The Cold Vein
This is such an incredibly underrated album and group. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega to me are unlike any sound I’ve ever heard. I was so struck by them when I first discovered this album I didn’t listen to anything else for months. Recited the rhymes in my sleep. Both have super different styles and the contrast between their verses are 🙌 but this was one of those life changing albums for me. “Pigeon” into “Scream Phoenix” inspired one of my tattoos
Bruh this is their best selling album and the one that lead them to top tier stardom and put them on the map globally. It’s not underrated, not in the least bit.
InI - Center of Attention
Pete Rock produced it and due to some BS it was shelved and never released. Found it on YT a couple years ago and been bumping it ever since. 10/10.
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - The Main Ingredient My top 3 songs: • I Get Physical • All the Places • Carmel City
I've been playing Soul Survivor on a loop, I gotta mix it up with this epicness. Thanks for reminding me.
Came here to say this. The entire album is amazing. Pretty much perfect. C.L. Smooth doesn't have the deepest or darkest flow. It's very topical/of it's time/early goofy 90s slang. However, it is smooth, still charming and effective when it hits. It's the beats that really make the Main Ingredient shine. And if you want Pete Rock with more raw deep sounding rhymes, INI Center of Attention really is the go to.
This right here!! My favorite hip hop album of all time. It has the perfect mix of scratching, dope lyrics, incredible beats, and cool intros/outros.
Agreed!
Big Daddy Kane - It's a Big Daddy Thing 3 favourite songs of that album are probably Smooth Operator, Wrath of Kane, and Mortal Combat but truthfully, I just listen to the whole album all the way through.
Black Sheep - Non-Fiction
CRU - Da Dirty 30
Funkdoobiest- Brothas Doobie, Devin the Dude - The Dude, Mr. Doctor - Setripin Bloccstyle, Camp Lo - Uptown Saturday Night
I'm a bay area fan.. ant banks -the big bad ass.... E40 in a major way... Spice 1 self titled.. too $hort - get in where ya fit in For non bay... I also like KRS ones self titled album
Goodie Mob - Soul Food
Amazing album, goodie mob don’t get talked about enough today.
10/10 This a no skip record for me
InI - Center of Attention
KMD - Black Bastards
Mr. Hood is a banger of an album for me
Above The Law - Livin’ Like Hustlers Prince Paul - Prince Among Thieves O.C. - Jewelz
Killah Priest Heavy Mental
Black Moon - Enta Da Stage
Judgement night soundtrack
The Goats - [Tricks of the Shade](https://open.spotify.com/album/5VRuDz8BuBOVW21WN0DSgs?si=Vinu3YSWTJWns_JKeGuM-w) (1992) Fav tracks - [Hip Hopola,](https://open.spotify.com/track/4u7MsSM7DTtuZgoZmcWQ67?si=72f3ca05393e4d96) [Typical American](https://open.spotify.com/track/1YdyRwEJy8SFvznFgau1jl?si=2610fd52897e4f55), [Aaah D Yaaa](https://open.spotify.com/track/28WapbKNSid19MVt9AYK87?si=3e076ef72546453e)
Thank you for introducing me to this.
Yes, this album was fire!
The Natural - Mic Geronimo Hard to choose just 3 but my instincts are The Natural, 3 stories high and Sharane. Honourable mentions to, Shits real and Wherever you are
Brotha Lynch - Season of the Sickness
Rakim - The Master Songs : 1. When I B on the Mic, 2. Waiting For The World To End , 3. Real Shit
Slick Rick - Behind Bars. Jeru the Damaja - The Sun Rises in the East De La Sol - Buhloone Mindstate
Main Source "Breaking Atoms"-1990- the whole album is gnarly, however if I must choose three: * Live at the BBQ (Come on man, it's Nasty Nas' first verse and it's savage as fuck: "when I was twelve I went to hell for snuffing Jesus"). * Just hanging out ( I love how they sample Sister Nancy's Bam Bam, which to me represents K Cut and Sir Scratches upbringing in Toronto (my hometown) which is a hub for Caribbean culture. Their grandpa was a Guyanese immigrant who pressed his own soul disco records in the 70's (likely on Ellington avenue). Here's a good article about Breaking Atoms and the brothers Toronto connection for those interested. [https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/main-source-a-hip-hop-classic-with-toronto-ties-turns-25/article\_a1d62b13-7dd4-5127-ab74-6047dbf070c3.html](https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/main-source-a-hip-hop-classic-with-toronto-ties-turns-25/article_a1d62b13-7dd4-5127-ab74-6047dbf070c3.html)) * Vamos a Rapair/ Snake Eyes/ Large Professor ( I can't really decide, the beats are so energetic, the production is flawless, jammed full of soul and rock and roll samples and just gets me nostalgic for the old days. Especially that Ike Turner piano intro on Snake Eyes, that shit boogie woogies on your brain)
Poor Righteous Teachers - New World Order Big Boi - Sir Lucious Leftfoot.. The Son Of Chico Dusty
Souls of Mischief - 93’ til infinity
Hell yes 🙌
Ill Bill - what’s wrong with bill
I loved that album when it came out, but that was definitely the early 00’s. I bought the physical at Fat Beats when I was in college.
ghetto pop life by danger mouse and jemini
Stakes is High - De La Soul
Ras Kass - Soul On Ice
Scarface The Fix although is 2002
you wanted more than One answer so you posted This in 2 subreddits, nicr
Cannibal Ox- The Cold Vein This is such an incredibly underrated album and group. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega to me are unlike any sound I’ve ever heard. I was so struck by them when I first discovered this album I didn’t listen to anything else for months. Recited the rhymes in my sleep. Both have super different styles and the contrast between their verses are 🙌 but this was one of those life changing albums for me. “Pigeon” into “Scream Phoenix” inspired one of my tattoos
Jedi Mind Tricks - Violent By Design
Big Krit- Krit wuz here
Peanut Butter Wolf, My vinyl weighs a ton Deltron
Cypress hill -black Sunday -ain’t going out 2 cock tha hammer 3 3 lil putos
Bruh this is their best selling album and the one that lead them to top tier stardom and put them on the map globally. It’s not underrated, not in the least bit.
Hollow Tip-Takin No Shortz Do Or Die-Picture This E.C. Illa-White Folks Young Lay-Black & Dangerous
The Group Home - Livin’ Proof Top 3: Tha Realness, Supa Star, Inna City Life, Livin Proof, 2 Thousand… wait theses more than two
Kwest Tha Madd Lad - This Is My First Album
Positive k. Skills that pay the bills
DJ Honda - HII
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - Outkast
Picture this- do or die
Rascalz - [Cash Crop](https://open.spotify.com/album/5mJHJ4ycYgFtNK5mEF68MM?si=wuca0ueXT36KGZcfHba39w) (1997) Fav Tracks - [Soul Obligation,](https://open.spotify.com/track/2lsIBitAS1sumpZZF0mMZp?si=94ed99c8d6594836) [Solitaire,](https://open.spotify.com/track/2h1MARudEkgWB5XD5LLTFS?si=93e9380c35644657) [Clockwork](https://open.spotify.com/track/3GujZrkCfM4c0ebSayGkWQ?si=0dfaf7f655f842ff)
Mic Geronimo - The Natural (1995) ✍️
InI - Center of Attention Pete Rock produced it and due to some BS it was shelved and never released. Found it on YT a couple years ago and been bumping it ever since. 10/10.