1994

Hip hop in 1994 was a landmark year that saw the genre reach new heights in both lyricism and production. This was the year of Illmatic, where Nas redefined storytelling with razor-sharp bars over some of the best beats ever assembled. At the same time, The Notorious B.I.G. dropped Ready to Die, bringing a raw, cinematic take on street life that made him an instant legend. OutKast put the South on the map with Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, proving that hip hop had no regional limits.

Favourite tracks from Album

N.Y State Of Mind
Lifes A Bitch
The World Is Yours
One Love
Represent

Nas

Illmatic

Illmatic is more than just an album it’s a cinematic glimpse into life in Queensbridge during the late '80s and early '90s. Nas vividly captures the struggles of growing up in an environment plagued by poverty, violence, and the crack epidemic.

His storytelling is unmatched, effortlessly painting pictures of street life, survival, and the desperation that surrounded him. Beyond its lyrical depth, Illmatic stands as a production masterpiece.

With beats from legends like DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q Tip, and Pete Rock, the album is drenched in gritty, jazz-infused instrumentals that perfectly complement Nas’s introspective rhymes.

Every track is a piece of a larger narrative, making the album feel like a seamless journey through the mind of a young poet navigating the chaos of his surroundings.

MC Eiht

We Come Strapped

MC Eiht’s We Come Strapped is the definition of raw, unfiltered West Coast gangsta rap. From start to finish, this album captures the gritty realities of street life with no gimmicks just hard-hitting rhymes and sinister, stripped down beats.

Eiht’s signature laid back yet menacing delivery is on full display, and Slip’s production keeps things dark and moody, perfectly complementing the storytelling.

Tracks like All for Money stand out, with smooth jazz influenced guitars layered over haunting keys, making the song both chill and eerie at the same time

The album doesn’t rely on flashy features or over the top hooks just straight, no nonsense gangsta rap with a heavy dose of realism.

For anyone who appreciates that pure, authentic West Coast sound, We Come Strapped is essential listening.

Eiht proves why he was one of the most respected voices coming out of Compton in the ’90s, delivering an album that’s both street savvy and sonically unforgettable.

Favourite tracks from Album

Def Wish lll
All For The Money
Compton Cyco
Niggaz Make The Hood Go Round
Nuttin But The Gangsta

Favourite tracks from Album

Gimme The Loot
Machine Gun Fuck
Warning
Juicy
Big Poppa

The Notorious B.I.G

Ready TO Die

Biggie’s Ready to Die is one of the greatest debut albums in hip hop history plain and simple.

From the moment Things Done Changed kicks in, you can feel the raw emotion, the hunger, and the storytelling genius that made Biggie a legend. This album captures the highs and lows of street life, painting vivid pictures of struggle, success, paranoia, and ambition.

What makes Ready to Die so special is Biggie’s ability to switch effortlessly between different moods and styles. You get the grimy, unapologetic street tales on Gimme the Loot and Warning, the smooth, radio friendly flow on Big Poppa and Juicy, and then the dark, introspective moments like Suicidal Thoughts.

Biggies storytelling is unmatched every track feels like a movie playing out in your head.

The production is top tier, blending boom bap beats with soulful samples, creating a sound that still holds up today. Biggie’s delivery is flawless, his flow effortless, and his charisma undeniable

OutKast

Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

OutKast’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik is more than just a debut album it’s a statement. In 1994, when hip hop was dominated by the East and West Coasts, André 3000 and Big Boi came through with something fresh, unapologetically Southern, and completely original.

This album helped put the South on the map in a way that few before them had, proving that Atlanta had something to say.

whether they were speaking on the hustle, life in the South, or just having a good time. Big Boi brought the raw street perspective, while André’s introspective and poetic approach balanced it out perfectly.

This album wasn’t just about representing Atlanta it was about proving that the South could stand toe to toe with New York and L.A. in terms of lyricism, originality, and musicality. The chemistry between Dre and Big Boi was undeniable, and their style, slang, and swagger gave the world a whole new perspective on Southern rap

Favourite tracks from Album

Ain't No Thang
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Call of da Wild (Featuring Goodie Mob)
Git Up, Git Out (Featuring Goodie Mob)
Hootie Hoo