Album Releases by Genre
Elephunk
by The Black Eyed Peas
June 24, 2003
The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).
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Oaklandazulasylum
by Why?
June 24, 2003
This solo release from the anticon collective's Jonathan Wolf (aka Why?), also a member of cLOUDDEAD, sees the experimental rapper mixing in a healthy dose of indie guitar with beats and samples that venture from lo- to hi- fi.
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Taste The Secret
by Ugly Duckling
June 17, 2003
The sophomore effort for the quirky Long Beach-based alt-rap trio is a concept album about their alleged time spent working at a fast food chain called Meatshake. Really.
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Dying In Stereo
by Northern State
June 3, 2003
This mini-album marks the debut for the New York-based all-female hip-hop trio (think "Beastie Girls" and you won't be too far off).
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Young Miss America
by Gold Chains
June 3, 2003
Better known to the indie-rock crowd than the hip-hop community (perhaps because in his former life, he was a white, balding computer programmer), San Francisco-based Topher Lafata (aka Gold Chains) follows a series of well-received EPs and singles with this full-length debut.
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Love & Hate
by Aceyalone
June 3, 2003
This is the fourth solo LP for the West Coast alternative rapper, who was a founding member of Freestyle Fellowship.
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Politics Of The Business
by Prince Paul
May 6, 2003
A veteran of such hip-hop acts as Stetsasonic and Handsome Boy Modeling School and producer of such legendary albums as De La Soul's '3 Feet High and Rising,' Prince Paul returns with his third solo release. Almost a meta-concept album, it is loosely based on Paul's dealings with his (former) record company regarding his previous release, the 1999 concept album 'A Prince Among Thieves.' Among the guests here are Chuck D, Erick Sermon and Ice-T.
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Back Again!
by Mr. Cheeks
March 18, 2003
The former member of the New York hip-hop outfit the Lost Boyz returns with his second solo disc.
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Tomorrow Right Now
by Beans
March 11, 2003
This debut release from Anti-Pop Consortium rapper Beans continues the experimental, genre-defying approach to hip-hop of that now-defunct group, mixing intelligent lyrics with cutting-edge production.
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A Little Deeper
by Ms. Dynamite
March 11, 2003
A former member of UK hip-hop outfit So Solid Crew, Ms. Dynamite (aka Niomi McLean-Daley) earned Britain's Mercury Music Prize for this debut effort.
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Dust
by Muggs
March 11, 2003
The first true solo album for the Cypress Hill DJ includes vocal appearances by Amy Trujillo, Everlast, Josh Todd (Buckcherry), and Greg Dulli (Afghan Wigs).
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La Bella Mafia
by Lil' Kim
March 4, 2003
The third solo album from the former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member utilizes production and vocal contributions from Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Method Man.
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Street Dreams
by Fabolous
March 4, 2003
The sophomore release for the Brooklyn rapper features appearances by the ubiquitous Missy Elliott, Ashanti, M.O.P., Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg.
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Philadelphia Freeway
by Freeway
February 25, 2003
First appearing on Jay-Z?s The Dynasty, rapper Freeway finally arrives with his full-length debut, which features appearances by Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Faith Evans, Nelly, and Mariah Carey.
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Beauty Party
by The Majesticons
February 25, 2003
'Beauty Party' represents experimental hip-hop artist Mike Ladd's second album in a planned trilogy, the first being 2000's 'Gun Hill Road' by The Infesticons. Unlike its predecessor, the Majesticons disc ventures into commercial rap territory (albeit with a satirical bent), attempting to skewer contemporary hiphop by beating it at its own game.
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
by 50 Cent
February 6, 2003
If you're even reading this, you most likely already know the life story of Queens' Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), whose first attempt at rap stardom in the mid 1990s ended in a brutal attack that almost cost him his life. In recent years, however, 50 Cent was lucky enough to hook up with Eminem (who signed him) and producer Dr. Dre, which resulted in a track on the 8 Mile soundtrack and now this, his much-anticipated first full-length release.
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Selling Live Water
by Sole
January 21, 2003
This is the latest challenging release for Sole, one of the founders of the anticon collective of underground hip-hop artists.
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God's Son
by Nas
December 17, 2002
Jay-Z's mortal enemy returns with his third (!) release of 2002, which includes collaborations with Alicia Keys and 2Pac (yes, that 2Pac, who, as you may recall, died several years ago).
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Electric Circus
by Common
December 10, 2002
On his fifth album, the underground rapper ventures more into the rock, soul, and jazz territory of his influences, with production help from the Soulaquarians. An eclectic array of guests includes Prince, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier.
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It Ain't Safe No More
by Busta Rhymes
November 26, 2002
Busta is back with 19 new tracks, including collaborations with Mariah Carey, Carl Thomas and The Neptunes.
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Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss
by Snoop Dogg
November 26, 2002
Snoop's sixth LP features production work from The Neptunes and DJ Premier (among others), with guest appearances by Redman, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Jay-Z, and Ludacris.
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Phrenology
by The Roots
November 26, 2002
The groundbreaking Philadelphia rap outfit returns with 13 new tracks and guest contributions from Jill Scott, Nelly Furtado, Talib Kweli and Musiq.
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The Last Temptation
by Ja Rule
November 19, 2002
The hugely successful rapper returns with another Irv Gotti-produced effort, with guest appearances from Ashanti, Nas and Bobby Brown.
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Quality
by Talib Kweli
November 19, 2002
Working with a variety of producers, the acclaimed New York rapper returns with his second album. Mos Def, Bilal and members of the Roots are among the guests.
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Under Construction
by Missy Elliott
November 12, 2002
Missy Elliott reunites once again with super-producer Timbaland on this, her fourth studio album. The lead single is "Work It," a huge success even before the album's release. Guests on the disc include Jay-Z, Ludacris, Beyonce Knowles, TLC and Method Man.
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The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse
by Jay-Z
November 12, 2002
A sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2001 album 'The Blueprint,' Jay-Z's new two-disc set is all over the map in the course of 110 minutes and 25 tracks. The roster of producers and guests includes (but is by no means limited to): The Neptunes, Lenny Kravitz, Big Boi, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Heavy D, Rakim, Beyonce Knowles, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Scarface.
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OST
by 8 Mile (Eminem)
October 29, 2002
What good's an Eminem movie without an Eminem soundtrack? It's not all Slim Shady here, though, as the soundtrack album incorporates other artists (Xzibit, Macy Gray, Jay-Z, Nas) in a mix of old and new tracks.
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Original Pirate Material
by The Streets
October 22, 2002
This is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especially Skinner) is the current flavor of the month with the UK music press.
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10
by LL Cool J
October 15, 2002
Yes, this is indeed LL Cool J's tenth album, which includes guest appearances from P. Diddy, Amerie, and Dru Hill, and production from The Neptunes and Trackmasters.
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Power In Numbers
by Jurassic 5
October 8, 2002
The Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit returns with a follow up to their 2000 debut, 'Quality Control.' Nelly Furtado guests on one track.
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Man Vs Machine
by Xzibit
October 1, 2002
This is the fourth album from the successful West Coast rapper.
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The Lost Tapes
by Nas
September 24, 2002
This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.
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I Phantom
by Mr. Lif
September 17, 2002
Indie Boston rapper Mr. Lif returns with his fourth album.
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Step Off
by ESG
September 2, 2002
The highly influential, frequently sampled, and little-known New York no-wave rap group, founded by sisters Renee, Valerie, and Marie Scroggins in 1978, return with a new album, their first in ten years.
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Eve-Olution
by Eve
August 27, 2002
Eve's third album finds the popular Philly rapper working with producers Dr. Dre, Irv Gotti and Swizz Beatz. Alicia Keys guests on one track.
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The Magnificent
by DJ Jazzy Jeff
August 20, 2002
You know him from his days supplying the beats to the Fresh Prince, but DJ Jazzy Jeff has finally stepped into the spotlight with this solo debut. Vocals are supplied by a variety of guests, including Jill Scott, Raheim, ?uestlove and J-Live.
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Trinity (Past, Present and Future)
by Slum Village
August 13, 2002
The Detroit hip-hop trio returns with a sophomore LP, following a well-received 2000 debut album. Founding member Jay Dee is no longer with the group (and has been replaced by rapper Elzhi), although he guest produces three tracks.
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Revolverlution
by Public Enemy
July 23, 2002
This 15th anniversary release for the rap veterans includes nine new tracks, supplemented by live recordings, remixes, and skits.
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Nellyville
by Nelly
June 25, 2002
The St. Louis rapper follows up the massive success of his 2000 debut LP 'Country Grammar' with 19 new tracks cut from the same cloth, including the Neptunes-produced single "Hot In Here." Justin Timberlake guests on one track.
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Masquerade
by Wyclef Jean
June 18, 2002
The third solo disc for Wyclef Jean includes remakes of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and Tom Jones' "What's New, Pussycat?" (featuring Jones on guest vocals) among its 22 eclectic tracks.
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God Loves Ugly
by Atmosphere
June 11, 2002
The Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and producer Ant offer up 18 new tracks.
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The Eminem Show
by Eminem
May 28, 2002
Working once again with producer Dr. Dre, Marshall Mathers returns with his third album.
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In Search Of... [Second Version]
by N.E.R.D
March 12, 2002
This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. The original version, featuring mainly electronic instrumentation, was intended for release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). This new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.
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Built From Scratch
by The X-Ecutioners
January 29, 2002
The sophomore effort for the New York turnablists (following 1997's 'X-Pressions') features 20 tracks of scratching and DJ wizardry, coupled with live drums and guitar and vocals from guests such as the Large Professor.
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Tarantula
by Mystikal
December 18, 2001
The New Orleans rapper returns with his first album since the success of his 2000 single "Shake Ya Ass." The Neptunes return to produce two tracks, with Timbaland, Rockwilder, and others filling out the production duties.
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Gameface
by Master P
December 18, 2001
The once mighty No Limit empire may have fallen a bit, but Master P is still making records. This is his first under a new distribution deal with Universal.
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Iron Flag
by Wu-Tang Clan
December 18, 2001
RZA and company return to their hardcore roots for this, Wu-Tang's fourth album together.
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Stillmatic
by Nas
December 18, 2001
The New York rapper's fifth album attempts to return to the sound of his similar-titled 1994 hit debut, 'Illmatic.' Here, DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz provide the beats.
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AOI: Bionix
by De La Soul
December 4, 2001
The second installment in the "Art Official Intelligence" series (following 2000's 'Mosaic Thump') features the hit single "Baby Phat" and guest appearances from Slick Rick and Cypress Hill's B Real.
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Word Of Mouf
by Ludacris
November 27, 2001
The second full-length from the Atlanta rapper features contributions from Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Nate Dogg, Mystikal, Jagged Edge and Twista.
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Cocky
by Kid Rock
November 20, 2001
The Detroit rap-rocker may be feeling a bit like his album title after his previous effort, 1998's 'Devil Without a Cause,' went platinum. (Actually, he was feeling like that even before that happened.) Snoop Dogg and Sheryl Crow guest on a track apiece on this, his fifth album of new material.
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Genesis
by Busta Rhymes
November 13, 2001
Busta's fourth solo album includes 20 new tracks produced by the likes of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock. Guest vocalists include P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, and the Flipmode Squad.
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Party Music
by The Coup
November 6, 2001
Perhaps best known for being the album that depicted the World Trade Center towers in flames on its cover (before the events of September 11 necessitated a last-minute change of artwork), 'Party Music' is the fourth full-length for the ultra-political rappers.
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The Great Depression
by DMX
October 23, 2001
The fourth album for east coast rapper sees Black Key and DMX himself taking over the production reins from Swizz Beatz on all but two tracks.
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Expansion Team
by Dilated Peoples
October 23, 2001
The second album from Los Angeles rap outfit Dilated Peoples features contributions from JuJu, DJ Premier, Tha Liks, Alchemist and Da Beatminerz.
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Pain Is Love
by Ja Rule
October 2, 2001
Released after a string of successful singles and albums (including 2000's 'Rule 3:36' LP), 'Pain Is Love' features contributions from Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, and 2Pac.
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Labor Days
by Aesop Rock
September 18, 2001
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The Blueprint
by Jay-Z
September 11, 2001
The now-legendary Brooklyn rapper follows 2000's 'The Dynasty Roc la Familia' with this 13-track disc.
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Date Of Birth
by Arsonists
September 11, 2001
Brooklyn underground rappers the Arsonists are back with their self-produced second album, following their 1999 debut "As The World Burns," which was also on indie-rock label Matador. The group is now a trio, following the departures of Freestyle and D-Story.
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Digital Bullet
by The RZA
August 28, 2001
Robert Diggs, aka Bobby Digital, aka RZA, aka (well, we could go on... but we won't), best known for his production work with Wu-Tang Clan and the Gravediggaz, returns with his second solo album.
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In Search Of... [First Version]
by N.E.R.D
August 6, 2001
This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. This version is the original recording, using mainly electronic instrumentation, that was intended for a full release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). The new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.
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X.O. Experience
by Tha Liks
July 10, 2001
This is the first album for the West Coast production team / hip-hop outfit formerly known as Tha Alkaholiks (and their fourth album to date, including that previous incarnation). Xzibit, Rockwilder, Kurupt and Busta Rhymes are among the guest contributors.
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Return Of Dragon
by SisqĂ³
June 19, 2001
This is actor-singer Sisqo's sophomore effort, following his 1999 debut 'Unleash The Dragon.' (Sense a pattern here?) Teddy Riley produced the lead single, "Can I Live."
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Gorillaz
by Gorillaz
June 19, 2001
Forget concept albums; this is a concept band. Formed by Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Blur's Damon Albarn, Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori, and the Tom Tom Club's Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz (with visuals by "Tank Girl" creator Jamie Hewlett), the Gorillaz are a "virtual" hip-hop outfit of cartoon characters based somewhere in the future. Hey, we don't make this stuff up; we just report it.
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Devil's Night
by D12
June 19, 2001
Also known as the Dirty Dozen, D-12 consists of six (yes--we know that's not a dozen) Detroit-based rappers, including Eminem. 'Devil's Night' is their debut full-length, produced in part by Dr. Dre.
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Deep Down & Dirty
by Stereo MC's
June 12, 2001
This is the first new album for the UK act since 1992's 'Connected.'
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Malpractice
by Redman
May 22, 2001
Redman's long-delayed fifth album was produced by Erick Sermon and features 23 new tracks. Guests include George Clinton, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Method Man, and Scarface.
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Miss E... So Addictive
by Missy Elliott
May 15, 2001
This is the third album for Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, and it again features the acclaimed production work of Timbaland. Guests include Busta Rhymes, Redman, Method Man, Ludacris, Eve, Jay-Z, and Ginuwine.
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Stay Human
by Michael Franti & Spearhead
May 15, 2001
San Francisco's Michael Franti (formerly of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) and Spearhead mix rap, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, and trip-hop with intelligent and opinionated lyrics on these 22 tracks.
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The Electric Mile
by G Love & Special Sauce
April 24, 2001
The first album from the Philly trio since 1999's Philadelphonic features guest appearances from Medeski Martin & Wood keyboardist John Medeski and Morphine drummer Billy Conway.
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Sneak Attack
by KRS-One
April 24, 2001
KRS-One returns to the solo recording scene with his first new album since 1997's 'I Got Next.'
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Until The End Of Time
by 2Pac
March 27, 2001
A double album of previously unreleased tracks from the late rapper Tupac Shakur, bringing his total of posthumous releases to four (with a fifth planned for Fall 2001). The songs were recorded during the sessions for 1996's 'Makaveli.'
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Scorpion
by Eve
March 6, 2001
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Crown Royal
by Run-D.M.C.
February 27, 2001
The legendary rappers' first album since 1993's 'Down With The King' includes guest appearances from Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Third Eye Blind's Stephen Jenkins and Sugar Ray.
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My World, My Way
by Silkk The Shocker
February 27, 2001
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Tha Last Meal
by Snoop Dogg
December 19, 2000
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Restless
by Xzibit
December 12, 2000
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Ghetto Postage
by Master P
November 28, 2000
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The "W"
by Wu-Tang Clan
November 21, 2000
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Plain Rap
by The Pharcyde
November 7, 2000
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Stankonia
by Outkast
October 31, 2000
Featuring the hit singles "B.O.B." and "Ms. Jackson," 'Stankonia' was a commercial and critical hit for the innovative Atlanta hip-hop duo of Dré and Big Boi.
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Eat at Whitey's
by Everlast
October 17, 2000
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Let's Get Ready
by Mystikal
October 10, 2000
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Rule 3:36
by Ja Rule
October 3, 2000
The New York rapper rose to the top of the charts with this sophomore effort, produced by Irv Gotti.
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Bridging the Gap
by The Black Eyed Peas
September 26, 2000
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The Ecleftic 2 Sides II a Book
by Wyclef Jean
August 22, 2000
The second solo release from the former Fugee features guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Youssou N'Dour, and Kenny Rogers (yes, that Kenny Rogers).
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G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time
by LL Cool J
August 22, 2000
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Art Official Intelligence (Mosaic Thump)
by De La Soul
August 8, 2000
The rap outfit's first album since 1996's 'Stakes Is High' is the first in a planned trilogy.
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Greatest Hits: The Evidence
by Ice-T
August 8, 2000
This 16-track best-of collection includes most of the original gangster's hits, including "I'm Your Pusher," "O.G.," and "Colors," as well as the previously unreleased "Money, Power, Women." However, the disc omits his work with Body Count.
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2000 BC
by Canibus
July 18, 2000
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Quality Control
by Jurassic 5
June 6, 2000
Although Los Angeles-based rappers Jurassic 5 formed in 1995, 2000's "Quality Control" is their first full-length release.
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The History of Rock
by Kid Rock
May 30, 2000
A collection of previously unreleased Kid Rock tunes and other miscellany, including demos and re-recorded tracks from early in his career.
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The Marshall Mathers LP
by Eminem
May 23, 2000
The second full-length from Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) garnered two Grammys for the rapper and became the fastest-selling rap album in history.
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The Platform
by Dilated Peoples
May 23, 2000
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