In 1987, we get a diversity of style from political rage (Public Enemy, e.g.) to the roots of West Coast gangsta rap (Ice-T), through romance rap (“I Need Love”), playful rap for the younger audiences (Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince), and the emergence of what would become some of the most influential artists of the genre (Eric B and Rakim).
Still, I could only find 6 albums worthy of a “Best of the Year” entry.
6. MC Shan Down by Law. Produced by Marley Marl and containing the song, “The Bridge,” which led KRS-One to write the diss track “The Bridge is Over”. Other key songs include Down By Law and Kill That Noise.
5. Bigger and Deffer by LL Cool J. Key tracks: I’m Bad and I Need Love (one of rap’s earliest romantic ballads). The cover was shot in front of the NYC High School that Mr. Smith dropped out of–a wise choice on his part.
4. Yo! Bum Rush the Show by Public Enemy. This is probably the worst of P.E.’s first six albums. Which means that it’s still amazing. They hadn’t quite perfected their unique sound yet, but you can hear its roots in cuts like “Too Much Posse” and “You’re Gonna Get Yours.” People are STILL copying what Public Enemy did here.
A bit of trivia: Vernon Reid of Living Colour provided some guitar licks for the album.
3. Rhyme Pays by Ice-T. Everyone says NWA created Gangsta rap. But Ice-T scooped them. Best cuts: 6 ’N the Morning, Squeeze the Trigger. NWA’s indie EP also came out this year, and it wasn’t as good as this Ice-T album.
2. Criminal Minded by Boogie Down Productions. BDP’s second album tackled a wide variety of relevant topics: Drug abuse, AIDS, black-on-black violence, and the U.S. Government’s complicity in all of it. And it even had a dis track. When you think of BDP, this album probably has the song you’re remembering: “9mm Goes Bang,” “Bridge is Over,” and “South Bronx.” In particular, “9mm” is one of the first (maybe even the first) rap song to glorify guns. Scott LaRock was killed after this album was recorded, which ultimately led to BDP losing a major record deal and KRS-One rebranding himself.
1. Paid in Full by Eric B and Rakim. This isn’t just the best album of this year, it’s one of the best albums of all time. Key tracks: All of side one, and much of side two. I mean, the whole thing is phenomenal.
Honorable Mentions: A few good-but-not-great albums from 1987
- Rock the House by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Their debut. I think Fresh Prince went on to be an actor or something.
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