[Sonic Shakedown] Top 10 West Coast Albums of All Time

Though Hip-Hop originated in the streets of New York, the West Coast's take on rap music has always been refreshing and most importantly, funky. Stereotyped as a region of gangster rappers, the West Coast has been home to some of the most progressive underground rap artists to ever touch a mic. Today, I'll chronicle some of the best West Coast rap albums ever. Ranging in topic, age, and sound, this is all you need to go from a G-Funk newbie to Left Coast Connoisseur.

(Disclaimer: I've omitted The Chronic, because, well...even your grandma has heard it.)



Snoop Dogg - Doggystyle

Featuring the effortlessly charismatic rhymes of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's outstanding production, Doggystyle shut the hip-hop world down in 93. There's nothing to be said that hasn't already been said, Aint No Fun will still rock a backyard party today.

Here's an exclusive joint left off the album for sample clearance issues, Gz Up, Hoes Down

http://www.zshare.net/download/56484351f6974e24/





The D.O.C. - No One Can Do it Better

The very first of Dr. Dre's protege's, The D.O.C. steers clear of the gangsta rap topics of the time. Dre laced D.O.C. with some of his hardest knocking beats, which the D.O.C. proceedes to rip apart. Had The D.O.C. not damaged his vocal chords in a car accident, there may not be a Snoop or Eminem today.

Here's a sick joint off the album, It's Funky Enough
http://www.zshare.net/audio/56488389010e95c3/



The Pharcyde - Bizzare Ride II the Pharcyde

In 92, the Pharcyde crew of Imani, Slimkid3, Fatlip, and Bootie Brown brought a whirlwind of fresh air to West Coast hip-hop. With tales of rejection, pipe packing and other teen hallmarks, this jazzy hip-hop classic was the soundtrack to the lives of countless Cali youth.

Here's a groovy cut from the album, Soul Flower (Remix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/56486106057501e7/



Ice Cube - Death Certificate

After leaving the legendary N.W.A. crew and producing Amerikkka's Most Wanted with the equally legendary Bomb Squad, Ice Cube returned to Cali in 91 with the incredible Death Certificate. With Cube's razor-sharp socio-political rhymes anchored by some of the most dense and funky beats ever made, an instant classic was born.

Here's my favorite cut off the album, A Bird in the Hand
http://www.zshare.net/audio/564832201dfb5a39/




Souls of Mischief - 93 Till Infinity

A subgroup of the underground hip-hop collective, Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief released this classic in 93 featuring funky beats, complex rhymes and a much more realistic view of life on the West Coast.

Here's a banging cut off the second side, Batting Practice
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5648521194dcd6b8/




2Pac - Me Against the World

Released in 95, this album contains an emotional and unflinching portrayal of life on the streets, with a rawness and passion that is unparalleled in music. 2Pac soon became the first artist to have an album debut at #1 while incarcerated. Before Suge, California Love, and regional beef, this is the real Tupac Shakur, for all to hear.

Here's an amazing cut from the album, It Ain't Easy
http://www.zshare.net/download/564847896de32966/





Too Short - Get in Where You Fit In

Released in 1993, this album features the smooth flows of Short Dogg, and the groovy beats of Ant Banks. Short, like always, brings us more stories of pimpin in the streets of Oak Town. But it's the insanely funky beats of Ant Banks that elevates this release to classic status.

Here's a banging joint off the album, I'm a Player
http://www.zshare.net/audio/56484624fffa60b1/



Hieroglyphics - 3rd Eye Vision

The untouchable underground collective, Hieroglyphics, released this classic in May of 1998. Over a dozen different rappers have called themselves members over the years, including Del the Funkee Homosapien, cousin of Ice Cube. A glimpse of what West Coast hip-hop could be post-Pac, the sick beats and inspired rhymes still move listeners today.

Here's a banger off the album, titled No Nuts.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/564864884e25fb1a/




DJ Quik - Rhythm-al-ism

Though Dr. Dre is known for having some of the most complex and well-arranged beats on the Left Coast, I'd give more props to Quik. With his layered, musician-driven beats and immensely entertaining guest rappers, Quik is always a perfect pick to rock a party. This 98 classic features some of his most engaging production.

Here's a classic cut from the album, Down, Down, Down.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5648495627367e53/




Zion I - Mind Over Matter

Bringing classic West Coast hip-hop into the new millennium, this underground crew released this gem in 2000 with the help of the amazing production of AmpLive. Combining Hip-Hop and Drum n' Bass into an addicting mix which brings out the best of both genres, this release has earned it's spot among the greats.

Blow some trees and vibe out to this joint, Trippin
http://www.zshare.net/audio/56486234496bb793/


And if that aint enough ill West Coast bangers for you, here are five HARD to find classic songs that will surely get them 12s knockin on your next trip to Hollywood:

Warren G - Regulate Remix - http://www.zshare.net/audio/56485957c422e0f7/

Snoop - St. Ides in the LBC - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5648665888480f4c/

The Pharcyde - She Said (J Dilla Remix) - http://www.zshare.net/audio/56487932d8802e19/

Del the Funkee Homosapien - Stress the World - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5648665888480f4c/

The Dove Shack - Smoke Out - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5648821864c8bf60/


The Sonic Shakedown has just begun, bitches.