With the past success of Time is Illmatic and inevitable box office winner in Straight Outta Compton, it’s clear that are still plenty of classic rap albums that need their own documentary.
Raekwon is prepping the release of his Purple Tape Files film to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…and we know the hip-Hop world will eat it up.
So here’s our humble suggestions on fifteen more rap albums that need their own documentary.
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Photo: Death Row Records/Interscope/Ken Nahoum/Edge Films
Jay Dee & Madlib (Jaylib) – Champion Sound (2003)
Why: J Dilla’s legacy can be immortalized even further.
The notoriously reserved Madlib probably has some great stories from the album’s recording sessions the public should know.
2Pac – All Eyez On Me (1996)
Why: Because, GOAT.
From his release from prison to his untimely death a little more than a year later, Pac managed to not waste a day making history.
Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt (1996)
Why: Hov fought for these masters.
Jigga’s favorite album was allegedly created while he was still knee-deep in the criminal world. His transition into a credible rapper would be an interesting documentation.
The Fugees – The Score (1996)
Why: Blood was thicker than water.
The multi-platinum album exceeded all expectations and was shrouded in scandal well before Empire was even a twinkle in Hollywood’s eye.
Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
Why: Separate but equal.
Although the group’s named remained intact, there rumors then that was a riff in the creative process. And they still won Grammy Album of the Year.
Ice Cube – Death Certificate (1991)
Why: Unfinished business.
You do know there’s more to where Straight Outta Compton will leave off at, right? #NoVaseline.
LL Cool J – Radio (1985)
Why: The OG kid rap star.
Before Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris or any other Hip-Hop young’n, there was 16-year-old James Todd Smith. Today, kids actually stop him in the streets and ask him does he rap.
DJ Quik – Under The Influence (2002)
Why: Created against all odds.
After losing two of his homies to violence and being dropped from his label, Quik went the independent route to arguably create his best work to date.
2Pac – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)
Why: The final ride.
How Pac recorded this in a week most likely still puzzles those who were on hand to witness it.
Public Enemy – Fear Of The Black Planet (1990)
Why: If anything, to see white suits reaction when John Wayne was dissed.
After It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Chuck D and the boys switched their game up and still came through with the win.
Geto Boys – We Can’t Be Stopped
Why: Trill.
Do you see that album cover? That’s 100 percent authentic.
Young Jeezy – Thug Motivation 101 (2005)
Why: BMF
No one had been able to incorporate Atlanta’s organized Black crime ring into their rap stories before SnowGlo hit the scene.
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Why: All that hoopla about recording in Hawaii…
The credits on “All of the Lights” alone reads like a “We Are the World” type record. This footage should have been unearthed. Ditto for Watch the Throne.
Rap Albums That Need Their Own Documentary
