Upon its highly anticipated release, Nas’ second album offered convincing testament that the Queensbridge native is arguably hip-hop’s greatest and most well-rounded lyricist of all time.
Read moreMadonna’s ‘True Blue’ Turns 35 | Anniversary Retrospective
Following the success of 1984’s ‘Like A Virgin,’ Madonna’s terrific third album showcases her development into a more mature, multi-dimensionally adept talent.
Read moreCrystal Waters’ Debut Album ‘Surprise’ Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
With her debut LP, Waters’ crafted songs that left listeners not just wanting to tear up the dance floor, but also to smile from ear to ear upon indulging in the euphoric sounds on glorious display.
Read moreMeshell Ndegeocello’s ‘Peace Beyond Passion’ Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
Across her second LP, Ndegeocello effortlessly touches on third rail topics such as Christianity, racism, sexuality and homophobia, aided by her ever-smooth, fluid vocals and incisive lyrics.
Read morePete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s Debut EP ‘All Souled Out’ Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
A year before their classic debut album ‘Mecca and the Soul Brother’ surfaced, ‘All Souled Out’ & lead single “The Creator” announced the arrival of the dynamic duo.
Read moreJay-Z’s Debut Album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
While not his biggest commercial hit, the legend of Jay-Z’s debut LP has grown over the last quarter-century, as its themes have helped shape many of his albums that came afterwards.
Read moreBeyoncé’s ‘4’ Turns 10 | Anniversary Retrospective
Balancing creative control, self-expression and commercial accessibility was an important lesson for Beyoncé to learn so that she could be remembered as more than just a modern day hitmaker.
Read moreJoni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ Turns 50 | Anniversary Retrospective
The music industry is traditionally loath to put women in control of their sound and image, but Mitchell was very much in control of shaping her fourth studio affair.
Read moreGuster’s ‘Ganging Up On The Sun’ Turns 15 | Anniversary Retrospective
The band’s fifth studio album is kind of a mess…in the best possible way. Full of unexpected transitions, it’s unique in their repertoire because it has no overarching aesthetic sensibility.
Read moreBob Dylan’s ‘Blonde on Blonde’ Turns 55 | Anniversary Retrospective
Dylan has recorded all manner of music in the 55 years since his seventh studio LP was released, but he has rarely sounded as confident and self-assured as he did on this album.
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