10 of my favorite albums: most of the music I listen too stems off of this list. All of these works speak to who I am as a person by influencing my creativity and how I project it outwards in everyday life.
Nas-Illmatic
9 perfect hip hop songs with a non stop flux of clever lyricism from beginning to end. One of the most critically acclaimed rap records ever. To me, it defines what rap as a genre should be; raw, simple, and catchy beats with a catchy hook and a focus on lyrics. My appreciation for hip hop wouldn’t be present without this album.
Red Hot Chili Peppers-By The Way
One of my favorite bands. It is too hard to pick the best album but ‘By The Way’ is up there. I really appreciate the way they blend funk and rock. The four main members are very talented musicians and influence the way I play music.
Outkast- Aquemini
Another one of my favorite rap albums. Andre 3000 is at his best in this album. He has a unique storytelling ability.
Jay-Z – Reasonable doubt
Jay-z’s first album. In my opinion it is his best. His focus on rapping rather than being a pop star is what separates this from most of his other works.
Pink Floyd-Wish You Were Here
Very tough pick between all of their amazing albums. Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands. I like them for their unique sound and musical ability. They were using synthesizers over 30 years ago which I find to be very cool and ahead of its time.
Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap
Chance The Rapper is one of my favorite rappers out there for his ability to blend ‘melodic music’ and hip hop. It is hard to tell if he is rapping or singing most of the time.
Cortex – Troupeau Bleu
Cortex is a French jazz fusion band from the 70’s. I like their cool and funky melodies and their overall style. You can find them sampled in many modern day rap songs.
Radiohead – Kid A
While I find this album to be overall too depressing to regularly listen too, I think it is one of the most melodically rich pieces of work out there. Overall beautiful sounding.
Daft Punk – Discovery
I almost wish this album never came out because it spawned an entire genre of electronic music that is all the same and mostly meaningless music (to me). However, this is one of the firsts of its kind, has great melodies, and is very upbeat.
The Doors- The Doors
The coolest rock band in my opinion. I like the rock/blues feel that they give off.
