Hard Core is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil' Kim, released on November 12, 1996, by Undeas Recordings, Big Beat Records, and Atlantic Records. After achieving success with the hip hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A. and their album Conspiracy (1995), Kim began working on her solo album with the Notorious B.I.G. serving as the executive producer. She collaborated with a number of producers, such as Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Stevie J., David "Ski" Willis and Jermaine Dupri, among others. Other rappers, including Jay-Z, Lil' Cease and Puff Daddy were featured on the album.
Donald Lamont, professionally known by his stage name Donald-D, is an American rapper and record producer from the Bronx, New York. He is a member of the Universal Zulu Nation, a member of the B-Boys, and is best known as a member of Ice-T's Rhyme Syndicate.
The Notorious K.I.M. is the second studio album by American rapper Lil' Kim. It was released on June 27, 2000, by Atlantic Records and was her first album on her new label Queen Bee Entertainment. It debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 235,000 copies in its first week, achieving Lil' Kim's highest peak and biggest first-week sales, and reached the top of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. A commercial success, The Notorious K.I.M. was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 2, 2000. It was the best-selling female rap album in 2000 with sales of over 1.4 million copies in the United States. To date, The Notorious K.I.M. has sold 4 million copies worldwide.
"Hello" is a song written and performed by American rappers and former N.W.A members Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and MC Ren. It was released in 2000 via Priority Records as the third and final single from Ice Cube's sixth solo studio album War & Peace Vol. 2 . Produced by Dr. Dre, with Mel-Man serving as co-producer, it features backing vocals from Traci Nelson.
Urban Legend is the third studio album by American rapper T.I., released on November 30, 2004, through Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. The album debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, selling 193,000 copies in its first week of release. It also debuted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and the Top Rap Albums charts.
Guerillas in tha Mist is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Da Lench Mob, who originally appeared on Ice Cube's debut solo album, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted. The titular "Guerillas in tha Mist" was a hit at the release of the album. The album was produced by Ice Cube, who is also featured throughout the album though uncredited. The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200, number 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 18, 1992, indicating US sales of over 500,000 units. The single "Freedom Got an A.K." peaked at number 7 on the Hot Rap Songs.
Bow Down is the debut studio album by American West Coast hip hop supergroup Westside Connection. It was released on October 22, 1996, through Lench Mob Records and Priority Records. The recording sessions took place at Ice Cube's house studio, Westsiiiiide Studios, in California, except for the song "Gangstas Make the World Go Round", which was recorded at Treehouse Studios in South Africa. The production was handled by Bud'da, Quincy Jones III, Binky Mack, and Ice Cube, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Allfrumtha I and the Comrads.
Muddy Waters is the third studio album by American rapper Redman. It was released on December 10, 1996, through Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at Mirror Image and Rockin' Reel Recording Studios in New York City. Production was handled by Erick Sermon, who also served as executive producer, Rockwilder, Jerry Duplessis, Pras, Ty Fyffe, and Redman himself. It features guest appearances from Erick Sermon, Jamal, Keith Murray, K-Solo, Method Man, Napalm and Rockwilder. The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on February 12, 1997 for exceeding shipments of 500,000 copies. The album spawned three charted singles: "It's Like That", "Whateva Man" and "Pick It Up" and a promotional single "Smoke Buddah".
Sons of the P is the second studio album by American hip hop group Digital Underground. It was released on October 15, 1991, via Tommy Boy Records. Main recording sessions took place at Starlight Sound in Richmond, with additional recordings done at Unique Recording Studios in New York, Axiom Recorders in Tampa and The Disc Ltd. in Detroit. Production was handled by D.U. in-house production team credited as The Underground Production Squad, with Atron Gregory and member Shock G serving as executive producers. It features contributions from George Clinton, Stretch and Treach.
It's a Beautiful Thing is the third solo studio album by American rapper Keith Murray. It was released on January 12, 1999, via Jive Records, making it his final record for the label. Recording sessions took place at Mirror Image Recording Studios in Dix Hills, New York. Production was handled entirely by Erick Sermon, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Déjà Vu, Canibus, Erick Sermon, LL Cool J, Redman and Too $hort. The album peaked at number thirty-nine on the Billboard 200 and number nine on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US. Its single "Incredible" reached number 70 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 36 on the Hot Rap Songs.
Lyricist Lounge 2 is the fourth hip hop compilation album by American record label Rawkus Records. It was released on November 28, 2000, as the second installment of Lyricist Lounge album series, based on New York's Lyricist Lounge showcases.
Loyalty and Betrayal is the sixth studio album by American rapper E-40. It was released on October 10, 2000, by Sick Wid It Records and Jive Records.
Black Pearl is the second studio album by American rapper Yo-Yo. It was released on June 23, 1992, through EastWest Records America/Atlantic. Production was handled by DJ Pooh, Sir Jinx, Down Low Productions, DJ Muggs, Rashad Coes and DJ Bobcat, with Ice Cube serving as executive producer. The album peaked at number 145 on the Billboard 200 and number 32 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
Pleezbaleevit! is the only studio album by American hip hop trio Doggy's Angels. It was released in 2000 through Doggy Style/TVT Records. Recording sessions took place at Dogghouse Recording Studios. Production was handled by DJ Battlecat, Fredwreck, Meech Wells, D. Black, Jelly Roll and Mark In The Dark, with Snoop Dogg serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Tha Eastsidaz, Kokane, LaToiya Williams, King Lou, Layzie Bone, Mac Minister, Morticia, Nate Dogg, Ruff Dogg, Soopafly and Suga Free.
Now, That's More Like It is the second studio album by American rapper Craig G. It was released on March 19, 1991 via Atlantic Records. The album peaked at #97 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and its single "U-R-Not The 1" peaked at #16 on the Hot Rap Songs.
The Real One is the eighth and final studio album by Miami-based hip hop group 2 Live Crew. It was released on April 7, 1998 via Lil' Joe Records and, with the absence of Mr. Mixx, was produced by various producers. The album peaked at #59 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. By the time of this album, Mr. Mixx had again left the group and shortly after the release of this album, Brother Marquis left as well.
The Beginning of the End... is the debut studio album by American hip hop group UTP. It was released on May 18, 2004, through Rap-A-Lot Records. Recording sessions took place at Stone House in Los Angeles, at Studio Center in Miami, and at UTP Studios in New Orleans. Production was handled by Derek "Grizz" Edwards, Slice Tee, Donald "XL" Robertson, Ad Future, and Juvenile. It features guest appearances from Partners-N-Crime, Ms. Tee and Big Zuse.
"High Rollers" is a song by American recording artist Ice-T. It was released on January 20, 1989, through Sire Records, as the second single from the rapper's sophomore studio album Power. Recording sessions took place at Syndicate Studios West and at Entourage Studios in Hollywood, California. Written and produced by Ice-T and Afrika Islam, the single did not reached the Billboard Hot 100, however, it made it to number 76 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 9 on the Hot Rap Songs in the United States. It also peaked at number 38 in New Zealand and number 63 on the UK Singles Chart. Music video was directed by Mitchell Sinoway.
Ready to Die is the debut studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released on September 13, 1994, by Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. The album features productions by Bad Boy founder Sean "Puffy" Combs, Easy Mo Bee, Chucky Thompson, DJ Premier, and Lord Finesse, among others. It was recorded from 1993 to 1994 at The Hit Factory and D&D Studios in New York City. The partly autobiographical album tells the story of the rapper's experiences as a young criminal, and was the only studio album released during his lifetime, as he was murdered sixteen days before the release of his second album Life After Death in 1997. The album features a sole guest appearance from Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man.
Don't Sweat Me is the third studio album by American rapper and producer M.C. Shy-D. It was released in 1990 via Benz Records Inc. and On Top Records. The album peaked at number 80 on the Top R&B Albums chart, and the title track single peaked at number 16 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
