Classic Rap Albums

[knowldge]

What does it take to make a classic rap album? Is it just great lyrics and beats? Or does does it consist of more such as flow, vocabulary used, guest appearences, subjects/topics touched on the album, length of the album, number of songs on the album, etc. Which component matters the most? Also do all classic (rap) albums consist of the same mix? Or is it different for West, East, South, Midwest?

[Lord Funk]

Hard to say. But there was a great piece by one of the guys from The Roots in The Source years and years ago, where he explained the difference between 'a classic' and 'a masterpiece'.

Basically, he argued that 'a classic' album is one that changed the artform, changed the game, hit heights noone had thought of before.

'A masterpiece', on the other hand, is a perfect album in a given field - not exactly breaking new ground, but a perfect example of how good it can be.

I kinda like that.

[Tanjential]

that classic/masterpiece shit is a cool idea. efil4zaggin/the chronic=classic whereas all eyez on me=masterpiece

or even classic=the chronic, masterpiece=doggystyle

also, it's not just good beats and good lyrics, it's a cohesive artistic statement, the context and juxtaposition of the tracks, the concept behind the album as a whole and nuances.

-T

[GangstaBoogy]

I'd say it takes 2 things.

1. The WHOLE album has to be good. Not just the first half or ever other song.
2. Has to have replay value. If I get tired of the album in 3 weeks it can't be a classic. If I'm still listening to the album 5-10-15 years later (ex: "Doggystyle), then we have ourself a classic.

[BIGG-A]

"classic album" All eyez on me.
whole cd/production was groundbreaking. Music expanded people to up there game.

[Tanjential]

In my opinion, AEOM is a masterpiece cause it's just a great example of a kind of music that had already existed for like 4 years.

-T

[Lunatic]

Dogg Food--> Masterpiece.

[MIAMI4LIFE]

The Chronic and Doggystyle to me are the 2  biggest classic west coast albums of the 90's...