On his debut album, the Virginia-bred emcee delivers an often-spectacular performance over jazzy and soulful tracks provided by some of the most skilled beatmakers of the mid-1990s.
Read moreFugees’ ‘The Score’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
So much more than the ubiquitous Roberta Flack cover you’ve heard many times before, ‘The Score’ embodies the Fugees’ winsome, albeit ephemeral, glory days.
Read more2Pac’s ‘All Eyez On Me’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Tragically, we lost 2Pac only seven months after his fourth studio affair arrived. And since his passing, he has gone on to become the most widely revered (and imitated) artist in all of hip-hop.
Read morePhil Collins’ Debut Solo Album ‘Face Value’ Turns 45 | Album Anniversary
Collins’ inaugural solo affair winds its way through several styles and musical influences, mixing mood pieces with all-out commercial smashes.
Read moreCarole King’s ‘Tapestry’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
King is one of the greatest songwriters ever and her second studio album is just one of many reasons why.
Read moreDead Prez’s Debut Album ‘Let’s Get Free’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
There is no time for subliminal messages or beating around the bush on any of these songs, and such clarity makes every social issue touched upon feel sincere and full of compassion.
Read moreCarly Simon’s Eponymous Debut Album ‘Carly Simon’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
The album introduced a voice that came to redefine what emotional intelligence could look like in popular music—particularly when articulated by a woman who refused to soften her questions for comfort.
Read moreAlice Coltrane’s ‘Journey In Satchidananda’ Turns 55 | Album Anniversary
Coltrane’s fourth studio affair is experimental and modal in nature, but also incredibly accessible—an amazing balance to bring to a new direction.
Read moreJanet Jackson’s ‘Control’ Turns 40 | Album Anniversary
‘Control’ remains a fierce, self-assured, and vibrant album that laid the groundwork for one of the most durable and dynamic pop music careers of the past four decades.
Read moreGloria Estefan’s ‘Into The Light’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary
‘Cuts Both Ways’ (1989) found Estefan breaking away from the sound of Miami Sound Machine and ‘Into The Light’ was the icing on the cake in solidifying her more adult contemporary sound.
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