Suprême NTM - J'appuie Sur La Gachette [1993]

Well, NTM (Nique Ta Mère - 'fuck your mother') are quite possibly the most famous French rap group, not least for having worked with Matthieu Kassovitz in the production of the film La Haine ('The Hatred'). This, their sophomore album (translating to 'My finger rests on the trigger'), is very entertaining - although one can still from time to time hear the odd modicum of bluesy influence in the background of the album, this is ostensibly a hip-hop album - perhaps the best point of reference would be a slightly less aggressive NWA. Although every track on here is a winner (although the interludes are perhaps a little bit too numerous), there are clearly three which stand out as the ones to recommend - 'Plus Rien Ne Va', 'Sur 24 Pistes', and 'Police'.

~170 kbps VBR

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Money Boss Players - Ghetto Chronicle Daily EP [1994]

Okay, so even more deviation from the CITA norm here. Money Boss Players seem to me to be an early gangsta rap group, and I quite enjoy it. Don't ask be to describe it further because I can't.

Re-upload notes: It's more dissonant than your NWA kinda stuff, and I like that, particularly on the opening track. There are actually a couple more tracks on this than the image suggests.

~195 kbps VBR

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Re-upload: A Tribe Called Quest - People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm [1990]

Another one that may surprise some of you, but I never promised that this music would feature exclusively metal, or indeed extreme music. This is my favourite hip hop album, as it shows a time when rap wasn't about violent lyrics, it was an extension of the blues which was largely about rhythm and having fun.

Varied bit rate, but most tracks are 128 kbps (simplistic music)

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Death Grips - Exmilitary [2011]

This free mixtape from earlier this year drives down your throat the kind of insanity phonies like Tyler the Creator can only dream of. With modern hipster legend Zach Hill at the helm, the album blends the blares of industrial punk with traditional hip hop which leads to more than satisfactory results. MC Ride's screamed lyrics flow so roughly and inadequately he sounds near demonic in his constant, pounding delivery. Zach Hill's drums remain high in the mix for most the album adding a depth and the rhythm that is so often lacking in modern sample-based rap music. On the subject of samples, this album manages to cram in masses of them, from David Bowie to Pink Floyd to Black Flag to The Beastie Boys AND the album starts with a recording from Charles Manson, how many albums can make that claim! Thankfully these high brow samples' presence does not distract from the electronic rawness and delirium that Death Grips base themselves in. This is definitely one of the most original releases you'll find this year and IT'S FREE from their website right now so you have absolutely no excuse not to try it out!  If you want a taster, the Guillotine video gives an idea of what you'll be putting yourself in for...

320kbps

Download link is on the Death Grips website.

Eminem - The Eminem Show [2004]

Whoa, whoa, slow down! Am I seriously posting an album by EMINEM, one of the most reviled popular artists of our time? Yes, I am, and that's because it's excellent. Lyrically and rhythmically, it has all the key aspects required to make good rap (although he could calm down on the swearing a bit), and is possibly the only worthwhile Eminem release.

160 kbps

Link removed due to DMCA complaint.

Miles Davis - Doo-Bop [1992]

This is underappreciated in Davis' vast catalogue, but as his last studio album, it's not only worth a listen for that alone, but it's also astoundingly good. The integration of rap stylings into it is surprisingly effective.

160 kbps

Megaupload

Run-DMC - Run-D.M.C. [1984]

Another departure from the metal - did I mention I love a lot of 80s/early 90s hip hop? This rarely stays up on any blog long, so get it quickly - it's a classic piece, and few people haven't heard the classic 'It's Like That'.

192 kbps

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