OK, so last time I gave you a rundown of the albums that Entertainment Weekly had deemed “The New Classics.” I even provided their ranking. Now, it’s time for me to gripe about who I think was snubbed, in terms of hip-hop.
The Roots – I’m shocked and appalled that The Roots didn’t make a single appearance on the list. Myself, I’d lean toward Game Theory or Do You Want More?!!??!, but I’m open to Phrenology or The Tipping Point. But shame on EW for leaving them off the list completely.
The Beatnuts – I’ve come to realize that apparently I’m the sole living fan of The Beatnuts. Street Level is their best effort and I’d have been slayed to see that on the list. But still, I’m implored to note it as a snub.
Little Brother – The Listening is a classic album. It’s easily one of the best hip-hop albums in the past decade. This snub is major.
Mobb Deep – The Infamous is almost slept on now. Most people only remember Mobb Deep because of “The Takeover” and G-Unit, but I put The Infamous on a few weeks back and that album still bumps.
Common – Common should have made the list. Either Resurrection, One Day It’ll All Make Sense or Be—any of them are as classic as Eminem’s offering.
GZA/Genius, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon – Each of these three Clansmen offered up brilliant debuts and at least one of them has earned a spot on the “New Classics” list.
The Pharcyde – Their debut is a hands-down classic.
Mos Def – An equally impressive debut.
Ghostface – Easily the most consistent emcee over the past decade. The Pretty Toney Album or Fishscale would have been fine with me.
Now, some of you may think that some my snubs might be a bit underground, but when debuts from the Arcade Fire and Interpol are considered “new classics,” I don’t see why Little Brother is excluded.
Next up… more snubs.
