#239 Boogie Down Productions, 'Criminal Minded' (1987)

This was one of the first gangsta rap records. This album is influential for multiple reasons. It’s a bridging record between ’60s & ‘70s funk and ‘90s & 2000s Hip Hop and Pop. Boogie Down Productions, comprising KRS-One, Scott La Rock and D-Nice, sampled artists such as James Brown (previously mentioned, one of the most oft-sampled artists in early Hip Hop), AC/DC, Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Honey Drippers and so many others.