Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
High School High
Big Beat (1996)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
The 1996 film High School High set out to parody films like Dangerous Minds and The Substitute, but it seemed like the indie label Big Beat had a different agenda altogether for the soundtrack. The twenty tracks assembled provided a bit of everything except humor, as the label put forth some of their roster’s best talent including R&B duo Changing Faces and the iconic rap diva Lil’ Kim. The soundtrack was also home to the unforgettable duet between Erykah Badu and D’Angelo for the remake of the Motown classic “Your Precious Love” and the debut of The Braxtons with their song “So Many Ways.”
The surprise collaboration of hip-hop double threats Pete Rock and Large Professor for the song “Rap World,” as well as the theme for Wu-Tang’s clothing label “Wu-Wear: The Garment Renaissance,” makes the LP a lasting favorite for hardcore rap fans.
LISTEN & WATCH: