TOP 10 ALBUMS THAT MADE ME WANNA BE AN MC.

So, I was thinkin about this for a bit the other day, and this is what I came up with.  Now, although I was already exposed to hip hop, it wasn't until I heard these particular albums, that I began to seriously write my rhymes, or even attempt a freestyle, with intention like an MC does.  Now, mind you, there were alot of different albums/tracks that I loved and that even helped mold my style, delivery, and even content, BUT, if I had to comprise which 10 albums that inspired me to becoming an MC, this would be it.  It wasn't until I heard these albums that I actually practiced becoming an MC, in addition to being an artist.  So here they are, in no particular order: 

Rakim - The 18th Letter

This really has no need for explanation.  It's Rakim Allah, the GOD. 

Mad Skillz - From Where???

I felt this album was wayyy underrated and Skillz, set in motion in me, a hunger to be an MC.  His rhymes, delivery, punchlines, and even his voice, just had me on that Nod Factor.

The Beatnuts - Street Level

This whole album is perfect.  Juju and Fash, had a tenacious, tough guy sound, with good solid rhymes.  This album had become influential in that stand-offish nature I write my rhymes. 

Gang Starr - Hard To Earn

Guru had the knowledge, but, the monotone voice is what made me focus on what he was sayin.  I admit Dj Premier, had alot to do with this album and in terms of production and rhymes, this would easily be in my top 5.  Guru reminded me to say something. 

Common Sense - Resurrection

Common, had a sort of slurred, stuffy nose sounding voice, but, his rhymes were perfectly fit into his beats.  Communism, was so clever to me, and that sort of challenging writing, and rhyming, is something I still try to do, to this day. 

DMX - Its Dark and Hell Is Hot

From the Intro, to the last track, DMX had my attention.  That voice is perfect.  I took acid the first night I heard this album, and listened to it straight thru.  Completely blew my mind.  I wanted to be this type of MC, not necessarily content wise, but, just sheer tenacity.

Xzibit - 40 Days and 40 Nights

I think XZIBIT gets alot of credit for his unique voice, but, his rhymes were on point.  I bumped this album alot, and the aggressive battle rap style, coupled with the voice, has always impressed me. 

Makaveli The Don Killuminati - The Seven Day Theory

Tupac is an icon.  I don't need to explain this.  I had arguments about this, and some people try to sell me on the fact pac wasn't lyrical, but, he had such an influential way of writing, rhyming, speaking, and entertaining.  That has never left me, and pretty much changed my perception of what I do, whether its art, music, or even raise my kids....I am trying to understand, relate, influence, and inspire. 

Young Bleed - My Balls and My Word

This album, I can listen to over and over.  His laid back voice, delivery like he's fallin asleep and wakin up before the next snare, and his rhymes, all helped me develop a love for the southern sound and that particular flow.

The Roots - Do You Want More?!!!??!

The Roots, have numerous albums that are just good solid albums, but, this particular album made me feel like I was cool.  Black Thought, and Malik B, had me on the party or live concert vibe.  The entire album has a whole kinda, freestyle sound to it.  This album always reminds me to have fun with my rhymes and not always be so serious. 

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