When it comes to music, 1994 was a busy year. Mary J. Blige released her seminal sophomore album, My Life, Outkast dropped their debut, Sourthernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Biggie was introduced to the world, and more. Many of the hip-hop and R&B albums that came out then are still impactful today. Here’s a round up of 10 impactful albums that turn 30 this year.
Mary J. Blige – My Life
Mary J. Blige made waves with her debut album, What’s The 411, which dropped in 1992, but her sophomore album, My Life, did not disappoint either, and it turns 30 on November 28. What Mary J. did with My Life was solidify that she was here to stay. The album has a melancholy vibe, but it’s considered her breakthrough project, and is listed as one of the best R&B albums ever on several ranked lists. Mary J. was open about battling depression, drugs, alcohol, and being in an abusive relationship while recording this album, which brought us tunes like “I’m Going Down,” “Be Happy,” and “You Bring Me Joy.”
Biggie – Ready to Die
Biggie’s life was tragically cut short in 1997, but he accomplished a lot in the short amount of time that he was able to give the world his music. Ready To Die debuted on September 13, 1994 and established Biggie Smalls as “The King of New York,” and one of the craftiest lyricists in hip-hop. Posthumously, the rapper is still considered an icon.
Outkast – Sourthernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Outkast’s debut made their famous statement that “the south got something to say” by just being a sonic masterpiece. With Sourthernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Andre 3000 and Big Boi introduced to the world of possibilities of what southern hip-hop could be. They were unapologetically Black, and unapologetically Atlanta. It set the foundation for the icons they would eventually become.
TLC- CrazySexyCool
TLC had established themselves as your homegirls next door with their 1992 debut album, Oooooohhh…On the TLC Tip, but their sultry sophomore album, CrazySexyCool, turned up the heat. They delivered chart topping bangers like “Creep,” “Waterfalls,” and “Diggin On You,” and established the group as versatile legends who shaped the way future girl groups sounded.
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas
It’s the album that gave us the ultimate Christmas anthem, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and it’s that time of year again, but of course, you can also listen to it whenever you want.
Nas – Illmatic
Nas’ Illmatic is quintessential early to mid 90s New York City boom bap rap hip-hop. It still holds up as a classic album, and set the foundation for Nas becoming heralded as one of hip-hop’s greats with its crafty lyrics and jazz-influenced beats, and inspired future rappers to come.
Da Brat – Funkdafied
Funkdafied was a chart-topper almost instantly, making Da Brat the first female MC to go platinum. The album confirmed to the world that not only could women move units, but that hip-hop out of the Windy City was fresh, new, and here to stay.
Common – Resurrection
Common’s debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, didn’t make much noise, but his follow up, Resurrection, accomplished what he wanted, which was to be seen as a strong contender in the rap game. Common has stated that his sophomore album was inspired by Illmatic. Nas’ gift of storytelling inspired Common to be as vivid with his own lyrics and the rest is history. It’s the album that gave us “I Used to Love H.E.R,” one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Method Man – Tical
Method Man became the first rapper from Wu-Tang to go solo. The group had already been making noise, but with Tical, it was time for Method Man to show that he could stand on his own. The album isn’t regarded as a classic, by hip-hop scholars, but it brought us classic songs such as “Bring The Pain,” and “All I Need,” Meth’s duet with Mary J Blige, which serves as the hip-hop version of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By.”
Brandy – Brandy
Brandy had already been making waves as an actress on the hit sitcom, Thea. But she really came out swinging with her eponymous debut album that gave the world “I Wanna Be Down,” an empowering anthem about shooting your shot. The album laid the groundwork for what contemporary R&B fused with the syrupy sweetness of pop sounded like in artists who came later.
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