The Platform is the debut studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on May 23, 2000, through Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at Audio X in Burbank, D&D Studios in New York, Can Am Studios in Tarzana and Threshold Studios in Santa Monica. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Joey Chavez, E-Swift, KutMasta Kurt and T-Ray. It features guest appearances from Aceyalone, B-Real, Everlast, and Likwit Crew members Defari, Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia and Tha Alkaholiks. The album represents a movement of several California underground hip hop artists away from the violence and misogyny of gangsta rap, towards a more traditional, conscious form of rap.
The New Danger is the second studio album by American rapper Mos Def, released on October 12, 2004, by Rawkus and Geffen Records. It is the follow-up to his breakthrough solo effort Black on Both Sides (1999), after which he devoted more time into his film and stage career.
God's Son is the sixth studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on December 13, 2002, by Ill Will and Columbia Records. Production took place during 2001 to 2002, and was handled by several producers, including Salaam Remi, Chucky Thompson, Ron Browz, Eminem, and The Alchemist. Partly inspired by the death of his mother in early 2002, God's Son covers lyrical themes such as religion, violence, and his own emotional experiences. It has been recognized by critics as some of Nas' most personal work.
Devin Derico Copeland, better known by his stage name Devin the Dude, is an American rapper known for his unique rapping style and his 2002 songs "Lacville '79" and "Doobie Ashtray".
My Way is the second studio album by American singer Usher. It was released on September 16, 1997, by LaFace Records in North America. The album features guest appearances from Monica, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil' Kim. The album was supported by three singles, all multi platinum-selling: "Nice & Slow", "My Way", and "You Make Me Wanna...".
Hannicap Circus is the debut solo studio album by American rapper Bizarre. It was released on June 28, 2005 via Sanctuary Urban. Production was handled by several record producers, including Hi-Tek, Mr. Porter, Eminem and Erick Sermon. It features guest appearances from D12, Young Miles, Big Boi, Devin the Dude, Dion Jenkins, Fatt Father, King Gordy, Obie Trice, Raphael Saadiq, stic.man, Sindee Syringe, and Torrey Holloway.
My Homies is the fifth studio album by an American rapper Scarface. It was released March 3, 1998, by Rap-A-Lot and Virgin Records. The album features production by Mike Dean, Mr. Lee, N.O. Joe, Scarface, and Tone Capone. Upon its release, My Homies peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, becoming a certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as of April 6, 1998. The album features guest performances from 2Pac, Master P, Ice Cube, Devin the Dude, B-Legit, UGK, Too Short, Do or Die, and Willie D. Scarface appeared solo onto two out of thirty songs, while performing with others on thirteen and does not contribute vocals on fifteen. The sequel to the album, My Homies Part 2, was released on March 7, 2006.
Neighborhood Watch is the third studio album by American hip hop trio Dilated Peoples. It was released on April 6, 2004, through Capitol Records. Recording sessions took place at D&D Studios in New York, at Soundproof Recordings, at the Nodd Factor in Houston, at Larrabee West in West Hollywood, at Ameraycan Studios in North Hollywood, and at Record Plant in Los Angeles. Production was handled by members Evidence and DJ Babu, as well as Alchemist, Joey Chavez, Kanye West, Nucleus, Rob "Reef" Tewlow and DJ AM. It features guest appearances from Defari, Devin the Dude, J. Rocc, Kanye West, Phil Da Agony and Planet Asia.
Ciara: The Evolution is the second studio album by American singer Ciara, released on December 5, 2006, by LaFace Records. The album is separated into five sections, with each showcasing a different side of Ciara's artistry. The first features crunk&B and uptempo records, which mainly deal with feminine independence, while its successor, entitled The Evolution of Music features ballads dealing with the positives and struggles of love. The Evolution of Dance features dance tracks, The Evolution of Fashion deals with self-expression, while the last, entitled The Evolution of C, features tracks that discuss how Ciara has evolved as a person since the start of her career.
Good Girl Gone Bad is the third studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on May 31, 2007, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Rihanna worked with various producers on the album, including Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Neo da Matrix, Timbaland, Carl Sturken, Evan Rogers and Stargate. Inspired by Brandy's fourth studio album Afrodisiac (2004), Good Girl Gone Bad is a pop, dance-pop and R&B record with 1980s music influences. Described as a turning point in Rihanna's career, it represents a departure from the Caribbean sound of her previous releases, Music of the Sun (2005) and A Girl like Me (2006). Apart from the sound, she also endorsed a new image for the release going from an innocent young woman to an edgier, more mature look.
Waitin' to Inhale is the fourth solo studio album by American rapper Devin the Dude. It was released on March 20, 2007, through Rap-A-Lot Records, making it his final record for the label. Recording sessions took place at The Coughee Pot, Studio 7303 and Dean's List House of Hits in Houston. Production was handled by Domo, Chuck Heat, Mike Dean, Sendar, Davey D, Picnic Tyme, Rob Quest, and Devin himself. It features guest appearances from the Coughee Brothaz, André 3000, Bun B, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg.
To tha X-Treme is the third solo studio album by American rapper Devin the Dude. It was released in 2004 via Rap-A-Lot 4 Life. Recording sessions took place at Dean's List House of Hits, Noddfactor Studios, The Craft, and M.A.D. Studios in Houston. Production was handled by D-Boy, Domo, Cory Mo, Mike Dean, Oonoe Blass, Rob Quest, Bigg Tyme, Davey D, Luster Baker, Mike B., Mr. Mixx, Tone Capone, with J Prince serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from 8Ball, Erica Marion, KB and Man Child.
Penicillin on Wax is the debut studio album by American New York-based rapper Tim Dog. It was released on November 12, 1991 via Ruffhouse Records. Production was handled by several record producers, including Ced-Gee, TR Love and Moe Love from Ultramagnetic MC's, Bobby Crawford, Louis Flores, and Tim Dog himself. Fellow rapper Kool Keith made guest appearances on two tracks.
Paper Trail is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist T.I., released September 30, 2008, on Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. He began to write songs for the album as he awaited trial for federal weapons and possession charges. Unlike his past albums, he wrote his lyrics down on paper, which he had not done since his debut album, I'm Serious (2001).
Landing Gear is the fifth solo studio album by American rapper Devin the Dude. It was released on October 7, 2008 via Razor & Tie. Recording sessions took place at the Coughee Pot in Houston. Production was handled by Rockstar, Cozmo, Domo, C-Ray Sullivan, Destrukshon, D. Hatter, D. Washington, Chuck Heat, Luster Baker, Rob Quest, and Devin himself. It features guest appearances from 14K, Dee-Rail, G Monee, Joseph Edwards Jr., L.C., Snoop Dogg, Tony Mack and Young Malice. The album peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200, number 9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 5 on the Top Rap Albums in the United States.
Pulse is the seventh studio album by American singer and songwriter Toni Braxton. It was released on May 4, 2010, by Atlantic Records. Her first album in five years and served as Braxton's debut for the Atlantic label, after signing a new record deal. Production for the album took place during September 2008 to March 2010 and was handled by several record producers, including David Foster, Harvey Mason, Jr., Frank E, Oak Felder, Lucas Secon, Simon Franglen and Stargate. Pulse features up-tempo songs and R&B ballads with production varying from smooth to dance-based styles.
The Gates Mixed Plate is the tenth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, which was released on July 27, 2010. It is the third album in the rapper's "Collabos" series, following the 2009 album Sickology 101. The album's name is in reference to the Kansas City Bar-B-Q restaurant Gates Bar-B-Q. The album's first single, "O.G." further references the restaurant.
Ghetto Dope is the debut studio album by American hip hop group 5th Ward Boyz. It was released in May 1993 through a joint venture between O.G. Dewey Forker's Underground Records and J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot Records with distribution via Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at Jungle Style Studios and at Digital Services in Houston. Production was handled by John Bido, Mike Dean, N.O. Joe, and J. Prince, who also was serving as executive producer together with Edward Russell and O.G. Dewey. It features guest appearances from Bushwick Bill, Devin the Dude and Scarface. Member Richard "Lo Life" Nash was absent on the project due to his imprisonment.
One for the Road is the eighth studio album by American rapper Devin the Dude, released on October 15, 2013, by Coughee Brothaz Music and eOne Music. The album was supported by the single "Probably Should Have" released on September 12, 2013. One for the Road was met with positive reviews from music critics, and also debuted at number 36 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
SremmLife is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on January 6, 2015, by Ear Drummer Records and Interscope Records. The album was supported by five singles: "No Flex Zone", "No Type", "Throw Sum Mo" featuring Nicki Minaj and Young Thug, "This Could Be Us" and "Come Get Her".
