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The Best East Coast Albums Turning 20

Allison Hazel
Posted by Allison Hazel on Aug 2
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For decades East Coast rappers have made major contributions in Hip Hop. From living legends like Jay Z and Nas to classic groups like A Tribe Called Quest and The Fugees; East Coast MC’s deliver a unique style and sound to the game.

Perhaps it’s the hard core rhymes, swift flows, and heavy-bass tracks that distinguish them from their West Coast and Southern counterparts—even till this day.

Since we’re celebrating the year 1996, a major time in Hip Hop history, here’s a list of the top East Coast albums that changed the game 20 years ago!

Lil Kim - Hard Core

Lil Kim aka “Queen Bee” made her debut in November of ’96 with the album Hard Core. Kim’s debut is considered raunchy and gangster, featuring appearances by Puff Daddy, Biggie, Jay Z, Lil Cease and more.

Jay- Z - Reasonable Doubt

Jay-Z also made his debut in 1996 with Reasonable Doubt, which is credited as “one of the greatest rap albums” by several publications.

Nas - It Was Written

Nas’ second album It was Written debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200. Popular singles include “If I Ruled the World, “Street Dreams”, and “The Message”.

Lost Boyz - Legal Drug Money

Legal Drug Money was the debut album of the Hip Hop group Lost Boyz. The album became certified Gold by the RIAA in August of 1996.

A Tribe Called Quest - Beats, Rhymes and Life

Beats, Rhymes and Life was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group.

Ghostface Killah - Ironman

Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah’s solo project Ironman has been called one of the greatest Wu-Tang solo albums. It features fellow Wu-Tang members Raekwon and Cappadonna with the production of RZA.

Foxy Brown - Ill Na Na

Foxy Brown’s debut album Ill Na Na sold 109,000 copies in the first week! The album was released a week after Lil Kim’s Hard Core and features Blackstreet, Havoc, Method Man, Kid Capri and Jay Z.

The Fugees - The Score

Known for its sampled melodies and multi-genre influences, The Score is the second and final album from Hip Hop trio The Fugees. The 13-track project earned a Grammy the following year (1997) for Best Rap album.

Photo Credit:donbleek.com

Allison Hazel

Written by Allison Hazel

Allison Hazel is a music blogger/journalist from NYC. She enjoys live music, steetwear shopping, trying new foods and traveling across the country.

Topics: Music

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