#369 Mobb Deep, 'The Infamous' (1995)

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The second album by Q-Tip-discovery, Mobb Deep, has been hailed as a cornerstone record in the East Coast rap renaissance, along with Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),’ Nas’s ‘Illmatic’ and Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Ready To Die.’ The duo had initially been drop by their label following the failure of their debut record. Due to the success of Wu-Tang’s single, ‘Protect Ya Neck,’ Loud Records was looking for a new act to sign, and Mobb Deep was it.

The production is masterful, drawing on samples from Quincy Jones, Teddy Pendergrass, Al Green, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis, amongst others. From personal experience, I can tell you that this album is better enjoyed late at night than at breakfast and paying close attention to the lyrics is a must.

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