Take the title of Run-D.M.C.’s King of Rock somewhat literally. True, the trailblazing rap crew hardly abandoned hip-hop on their second album, but they did follow through on the blueprint of their debut, emphasizing the rock leanings that formed the subtext of Run-D.M.C. Nearly every cut surges forward on thundering drum machines and simple power … Read more
Move Somethin’ is the second album by Miami hip hop group 2 Live Crew. The album was released in 1987 on Luke Records and was produced by Luke Skyywalker and Mr. Mixx. It was certified Gold and featured the singles “Move Somethin’” and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy”. The album improved on the charts from the … Read more
By All Means Necessary is the second album from American hip hop group Boogie Down Productions, released in 1988 on Jive Records. After the 1987 murder of DJ-producer Scott La Rock, MC KRS-One moved away from the violent themes that dominated his debut, Criminal Minded, and began writing socially conscious songs using the moniker the … Read more
At the end of 1986, Raising Hell was rap’s best-selling album up to that point, though it would soon be outsold by the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill. Profile Records hoped that Run-D.M.C.’s fourth album, Tougher Than Leather, would exceed the Beastie Boys’ quintuple-platinum status, but unfortunately, the group’s popularity had decreased by 1988. One … Read more
Strictly Business is the debut album by golden age hip-hop duo EPMD. It was released on June 21, 1988, by Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records around the world and BCM Records in Germany. It peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 soon after release, yet it earned an RIAA gold album certification within four months of … Read more
Candy Girl is the debut album by New Edition, released on the Streetwise label, in 1983.