In the two weeks since the release of Kendrick Lamar’s heralded good kid m.A.A.d. city, many pundits have lauded the technical and creative prowess of the work as nothing short of an instant classic. This could very well prove true in coming years.
While the Compton emcee’s masterpiece marinates, HNHH takes a step back to look at 10 of raps greatest, most influential debuts. Only major label, studio debuts are listed and only solo acts before 2005 at that. Otherwise groups like Wu Tang and duos like Eric B and Rakim would merit a spot, and that’s just to name a couple of hip hop’s amazing group acts. Also, only albums released between 1990 and 2005 are listed.
With all that said here is our list; an assemblage of hip hop debuts that are now canonic and with good kid m.A.A.d. city potentially joining their ranks in the future.