BOB'S LIQUOR STORE

Dr. Dre The Chronic (1992)

We can't talk about west coast rap without this album. There's not too many albums in this genre that has topped the impact The Chronic made. Fresh off the success of N.W.A., Dr.Dre gave us another classic that would start the domination of Death Row Records. Dre made such an impact that this classic inspired classics following it's release, as well as introduce us to future rap legends; such as Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, RBX, Nate Dogg, etc. Dr. Dre was ahead of his time with the quality production, while east coast rap albums still sounded like it was recorded in a basement. Dre to rap music was like Steve Jobs to Computers, changing the sound of hip-hop. With the backdrop of the 1992 riots and police brutality happening during the recording process, the energy gave the perfect ambience for the subject matter of the album. 

Snoop Dogg Doggystyle (1993)

One of the most highly anticipated albums of all time, Snoop Dogg left a big impression nation-wide on Dr. Dre's debut album The Chronic. Nuthin But A G Thang dominated the radio stations across the country. After The Chronic, Dr. Dre and the Dogg immediately started crafting the classic Doggystyle album. Snoop Dogg getting Dre production, he couldn't lose. A very influential album down to the artwork, skits, etc.

Ice Cube Death Certificate (1991)

Ice Cube has several classic albums but I have to put the most important one on this list. I can damn near make a list of just his material alone. One of the best story tellers from the west coast, Ice Cube's lyrics almost come alive when you listen to him. Songs like "Summer Vacation", gives you a peak into the life of a dope boy going out of town to take over a block that leads into death and incarceration. Cube is good at keeping a balance of political and gangsta. He also has one of the greatest diss songs of all-time "No Vaseline" included on the album that eviscerates the whole NWA crew he left behind to go solo.

DJ Quik Safe + Sound (1995)

DJ Quik has been making noise since the Red Tape, which led him being signed to Priority in 1991. By the time Quik dropped his third studio album, Safe + Sound, he perfected his sound. Before there was a Kanye West, we had DJ Quik on the west coast; someone who could produce and rap at a high level. Quik can do it all, he even engineered and mixed 2Pac's All Eyez on Me album.

Tha Dogg Pound Dogg food (1995)

One of the most underrated releases from Death Row Records. Daz and Kurrupt concocted a classic album with elite bars from Daz and especially Kurupt, with Daz production who production was only second to Dr. Dre himself. Independently released by Death Row, this album didn't get the recognition it deserved but it still did pretty well commercially as well as critically acclaimed.

Compton's Most Wanted Music To Driveby (1992)

NWA contemporaries, CMW kind of came out around the same time and place. DJ Unknown and DJ Slip production was less aggressive than NWA's sound, which meshed well with MC Eiht and Chill's demeanor. MC Eiht floats on the funk samples telling his gangster tales with a laid back tone colder than Ice Cube. 

Game The Documentary (2005)

This album was released around a time when the West Coast needed it. Nobody was really making noise on the West Coast at the time. Dr. Dre found a new protégé that can rap circles around MCs and tougher than anybody. Before there was Kendrick (he would an early supporter of Kendrick featuring him on mixtapes), The Game held the throne for the West Coast. With the help of 50 Cent on song structure and the production of Dr. Dre The Documentary became a classic.

Kendrick Lamar Good Kid M.A.A.D City (2012)

Another Dr. Dre protégé, Kendrick Lamar gave us a classic. Kendrick gave us a cinematic experience on the album. From beginning to end, the album tells a story of a teenager surviving a day in the hood with his homies.

Dom Kennedy Yellow Album (2012)

Although this project is considered a mixtape, this album was so good I couldn't leave it out. The Yellow Album had the summer on lock. Maybe one day Dom can put this project on streaming platforms.

Nipsey Hu$$le Victory Lap (2018)

The debut and final studio album from Nipsey Hu$$le. Due to his untimely demise in front of his store, we would never know what else he had in store for us. While he was alive he gave us a classic that went on to be Grammy-nominated. This highly anticipated album came after a decade worth of classic mixtapes such as The Marathon, Crenshaw, Mailbox Money, etc.

Suga Free Street Gospel (1997)

In 1997, Suga Free gave us the pimp handbook in audio format produced by no other than DJ Quik. This album came out during a time when gangsta rap was dominating the sound waves. Taking the baton from Too $hort, Suga Free spits some game on how to keep your pimp hand strong and keeping your hoes in check.

NWA Straight Outta Compton (1989)