The Lion King (Disney, 1994) by various

This soundtrack is solid and still holds up almost twenty years later.  Like the movie, the soundtrack covers a wide range of feelings and emotions.  Therefore, the result is an album with a wide-range of appeal.  "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," Hakkunah Mattatah," "Be Prepared"- it's all here and sequenced well.  The highlights though, which should come as no surprise, are the contributions that Sir Elton John makes to the project.  Put simply,  "Circle of Life" is epic and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is an amazing love song regardless of age or species.

Stranger in Town (Capitol, 1978) by Bob Seger

"We've Got Tonight" was used in some of the best music supervision that I've ever come across.  In a very memorable episode of The Wonder Years, Winnie gets in a car accident.  Kevin then goes to her house and waits for her to return from the hospital.  After she comes home that night, her father kindly requests that Kevin leaves.  He does, but soon after he returns.  It is then that song starts playing and Daniel Stern narrates the feelings that they have for each other.  Then he looks at her through her bedroom window, and they say, "I love you" to each other.  The camera then cuts to pictures of them as young children before the camera fades out and Seger's song continues to be heard.  It's a very poignant moment to say the least.

Life or Death (No Limit, 1998) by C-Murder

This album is pretty typical No Limit fare.  At 26 tracks long, it is a lot of music and, therefore, the consumer gets a lot for their money.  Most of the music itself is mediocre at best, but does do a fine job of representing the platinum tank and its whole movement.  In addition to guest verses from fellow No Limit soldiers throughout the album, UGK also contributes to one of the album's high points, "Akickdoe!"

Street Wars: Roc-A-Fella is an Army (N/A, 2005) by DJ P. Cutta

DJ P. Cutta put together a solid collection of Roc-A-Fella battle records.  It starts strong with Jay-Z rhyming his "Dear Summer" rap over Black Rob's "Can I Live" instrumental and his classic "Takeover" record.  Not long after, the "Drop It Like It's Hot (Remix)" comes in and Jay gets the last word on R. Kelly.  Other Roc-A-Fella artists make notable contributions (especially Beanie Sigel).  However, as far as straight rhymes, no one tops Hov.  The last strong point on the tape is the infamous "Superugly."  It's good, but not great- especially when compared to Nas' "Ether."  Overall, this is a good compilation of diss songs courtesy of the house that Dame, Biggs, and Jay built.

Armageddon (Columbia, 1998) by various

This soundtrack has solid collection of rock artists on here ranging from ZZ Top to Bob Seger.  However, the highlight of this album for me is Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."  Even aside from the fact that the record was a huge hit, I think it's a really great love song.  The opening lines of it, "I could stay awake just to hear you breathing/Watch you smile while you are sleeping/While you're far away and dreaming" grab you.  Those lyrics are so visual and I think they express love very powerfully with out sounding corny or gratuitously sappy.  If I ever get married, this song will surely get airtime at my wedding.

Backstreet Boys (Jive, 1997) by Backstreet Boys

I did own this album (I sold this along with a lot of other albums at a time when I needed money).  It is something I am embarrassed about, but that was popular music at the time when I was 10.  For what it's worth, it does hold some nostalgic value because this was the year that I really got into music and I knew not just rap, but pop too front to back from about '97-2000.  I knew everything on MTV and pop radio at the time.  Obviously, a large majority of that music has faded over the years, but those records took me outside my comfort zone and I began to learn what type(s) of music the masses do and do not respond to.

Underground Kingz (Jive, 2007) by UGK

"Man I'm a middle finger figure (figure), a million dollar mission/Poppin like Orville Redenbacher (bacher), with a whippin in the kitchen (kitchen)/Yayo like Dontrelle Willis (what?), we the trillest/On the mound, I'm holdin that whole South down, I know you feel us/We the realest walkin the planet, can't stand it/Pass away, wanna fight us/Start to swingin, wanna kill us/Blast away, wanna stab us/Get to stickin but make sure you cut us deep/'Cause I betcha we comin back a couple hundred brothers deep (oh!)/Pimp and Bun, we run the streets, which streets? Man, pick your hood/Don't matter, we represented, cross us? (yeah) We gon' get you good/Them Down South veterans (huh), ain't nobody better than/gonna tell your next of kin or your brethren, let us in cousin" 

-Bun B, "The Game Belongs to Me"

12 Songs (American, 2005) by Neil Diamond

I know very little about Neil Diamond, but when I heard he had released a critically acclaimed album produced by Rick Rubin (one of my personal favorite producers ever)- I knew I had to check it out.  I really like Diamond's songwriting ability, and Rubin's stripped down, minimalist production can be found here as well.  I was presently surprised to see how tightly arranged things are and the melodies that are used make the music very affective.

In God We Rust (Comedy Central, 2012) by Lewis Black

As usual, Lewis Black is angry and this is material is typical of his ranting and raving.  Although some of it isn't as "political" as he usually is, it is still funny.  Comedy about Farmville and Jersey Shore is not the type of stuff that Black usually discusses.  However, I think that helps because it surprises people who are accustom to Black's social commentary.  The only flaw with Lewis Black is that his comedy has been so consistent over the past decade that it forces stuff to be topical in order for him to have new material.  But I think that's a good problem to have since, on the other hand, it shows he has always found something to talk about and that people have always found him funny.

The Colour and the Shape (Capitol, 1997) by Foo Fighters

I bought this album on my thirteenth birthday (in April '00) in preparation for seeing my first concert in the summer of 2000.  The Foo Fighters opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the former put on just as good a show as the latter.  "My Hero" is a great single and Dave Grohl gets extra props as well for directing the song's music video.

Crown Royal (Arista, 2001) by Run-DMC

Run-DMC's Crown Royal is not very good, but it does make an honest attempt to reintroduce the most influential rap group ever to the next generation.  However, the project is quite guest-heavy and D.M.C. makes minimal contributions.  Therefore, the intent of it seemingly got lost in the execution.  But this less than stellar album didn't do anything that takes away from group's legendary status in the long-run.

De La Soul is Dead (Tommy Boy, 1991) by De La Soul

This album is incredible.  As far as skits are concerned, it's flawless.  Prince Paul is not only a fantastic producer in terms of music, but also in terms of bringing the best out of De La.  "Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa" and "A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturdays"" are daring and incredible singles, and lyrically the album drops pop culture references better than most.

No Words (Windham Hill Records, 1994) by Jim Brickman

Brickman's playing has a bit more of a pop feel than other piano players.  Therefore, the music definitely has an expressive mood to it, as opposed to just technical piano playing ability.  The music connects too and so it's no surprise that "Rocket to the Moon" made it on to Billboard's Top 40.  The album is called No Words, and that's fine because they're simply not needed here.

Second Round's On Me (Shady, 2006) by Obie Trice

"Meat cleaver, leave a gas in a bitches ass/See her dreams of being an R&B singer diva/Leave her face, cut her from the waist/Ah man what a waste, of a pretty face/And this place ain't just safe, it's just straight gangsta/It ain't just New York or L.A. that pains no more/There's Latin Coun' Kings here/Southside, four, East Side and Gansen/Nuthin but ganglands and, spray paint cans/And when that van rolls up, man they ain't glancing/That window rolls down and that tre-eight's dancing/And them shooters don't miss, homie they hate chancing/Straight for the dome and it's vacate fast and/Get the fuck outta dodge 'fore that blue Dodge flashing/Red and blue lights, no ambulance, you got flattened/And this was not supposed to be no Detroit anthem/But just so ya know, if ya see them D-Boys passing"

-Eminem, "There They Go"

Midlife Vices (Comedy Central, 2009) by Greg Giraldo

Giraldo is a comic who was taken away too soon.  And Midlife Vices is proof of that aforementioned statement.  He humorously tackles social issues while making very logical points all along the way.  Topics include gay marriage, immigration, childhood obesity, and stem cell research.  My favorite joke on the album is when he talks about marriage/relationships.  He says, "You can't discriminate someone for being who they are.  I don't choose to be attracted to women.  I just happen to be attracted to women and it sucks because every 10 years or so, I have to give half my shit away and start from scratch."  R.I.P. Mr. Giraldo- one of the greatest stand-up comics to ever step up to a mic.

Big Willie Style (Columbia, 1997) by Will Smith

Will Smith was on the verge of movie superstardom when this album was released, but this project proved that the Fresh Prince could still rap.  With top-notch production from the likes of L.E.S., Trackmasters, and Jazzy Jeff, Mr. Smith created a great upbeat album.  The singles are great, but even some of the deep cuts here are great too such as "Candy" and "Chasing Forever."  Nas gets major props as well for ghostwriting some of Big Willie Style's standout material.

Norman Rockwell is Bleeding (Comedy Central, 2008) by Christopher Titus

This is a very personal album, and Titus' storytelling abilities are absolutely fantastic.  It's a stand-up album delivered by way of anecdotes more so than just straight-forward jokes.  I very much admire Titus' honesty in his delivery.  In my opinion, he is one of the most open comics ever.  Clearly, he has turned his struggles into something with great artistic value and that is something to be greatly admired.  Norman Rockwell is Bleeding is a masterpiece and it  comes across as a comedic catharsis for its creator.

One Hunid (Underground Railroad, 2006) by The Product

One Hunid is proof that Hip-Hop isn't dead.  Willie Hen and Young Malice can both really rap and they hold their own alongside the southern Hip-Hop legend.  Although this album isn't quite as powerful as Geto Boys' Resurrection; it does come close.  Alchemist provides outstanding production and lyrically these guys are great.  Scarface is obviously a talented A&R, in addition to an amazing rapper.  Keep in mind that Ludacris was the first act that he signed to the Def Jam South imprint years earlier.

Good Day to Cross a River (Comedy Central, 2006) by Greg Giraldo

This is one of my favorite albums ever.  Giraldo certainly battled with his own demons, but he has no reservations about making observations in regard to American society and culture.  Giraldo's passing was certainly tragic, and his skillful comedic abilities will be missed.  He was a Harvard law student, which should come as no surprise, considering how smart his material is.

It's Bad For Ya (Eardrum, 2008) by George Carlin

Carlin's last album was a good one.  He had the cynic with a bleeding heart type of approach to humor- which is my favorite coming from him.  With him being 70, he tackles things like aging and death.  However, the strongest material comes at the end of the album when he discusses religion and patriotism.  It's funny and smart; George Carlin's forte.

Bottoms Up (Ingrooves, 2012) by Obie Trice

"I don't suffer the whispers of these envious niggas/Mad cuz his nuts not in my Denim/Wanna be him so much the send slugs to kill him/And keep it on the hush not to become a victim/Vicious, niggas I rid them/I spit, piss on the statistics on that bullshit/I pull up muzzle yell, send the bezel berg back to here/I'mma thug, I'mma clap him till he fail and he fall/I'mma ball, I'm a beast, I'm the streets/I'm the reason you a broad, I'mma boss, I'm me/Obie bout that change, get rich fast/The Claude Van Damme of the game: Kick ass/Trapped until a nigg get out of 'Caine/And bounce back like whiplashes/And dump my cigar ashes on you asses/It's still Trice and Mathers all that matters/Call that other madness, past us/This is passion"

-Obie Trice, "Going Nowhere"

The Battle of Los Angeles (Epic, 1999) by Rage Against the Machine

Overall, I prefer Rage's two previous albums to this one.  However, this is still a great piece of work.  I love the George Orwell and the 1984 references.  Michael Moore directing two music videos for the project is cool, and I think it's a true testament to the band's popularity and skill that this album opened against Mariah Carey and still managed to take the top spot on the album chart its opening week.

Spice (Virgin, 1996) by the Spice Girls

Okay, I know this album is, for the most part, really terrible.  However, I got this album when I was like ten because my next door neighbor had it and we'd listen to it sometimes when the two of us would be hanging out.  In hindsight, "Wannabe" is a bad song, but it does have a catchiness to it.  The other song that I came to appreciate later (e.g. when I hit puberty) was "2 Become 1" because it was five pretty girls singing about sex and in '98 Ginger Spice posed for Playboy too.

Totally Committed (Warner Bros., 1998) by Jeff Foxworthy

Foxworthy's material is pretty typical here.  There aren't really any surprises as far as content, but it is what Jeff does best.  My favorite routines here is about security in "Protect Our Stuff" and "You Can't Give Rednecks Money" where frivolous spending is discussed.  The album also ends on a high note with some of the best "You Might Be a Redneck" jokes of Foxworthy's career (If you thought the Unibomber was a wrestler; If you think fast food is hitting a deer at 65 miles an hour).

My Secret Public Journal Live (Comedy Central, 2007) by Mike Birbiglia

This is a really funny album.  Birbiglia is just as much a story teller as he is a comedian.  Wether discussing a celebrity golf tournament where he was surprised to be the celebrity or his parents accidentally downloading pornography, Mike doesn't miss a beat.  His delivery is very unique and he presents himself as an oddball in a very good way.  To some degree, this album is a bit self-indulgent.  However, its okay because that doesn't happen too often and it doesn't overshadow his talents as a writer, performer, and comedian.

Laugh at my Pain (Codeblack, 2011) by Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is my new favorite comedian.  He has an unbelievable knack for telling detailed stories about his own life instead of relying on more common topics like sex, race, and politics.  Like the title suggests, Kevin takes pain from his own experiences-most noticeably his father's drug addiction, and turns them into funny anecdotes while injecting his very laid-back, humble, and friendly personality into near flawless comedic timing and delivery.  The only thing with audio recordings of his stand-up is that some of his humor is sight-driven, and obviously that is missing on an album as opposed to a DVD or Blu-Ray.

Rap Phenomenon II (N/A, 2004) by 2Pac

Personally, I put this right up there with The Don Kiluminati and Me Against the World, in terms of my favorite material from Pac.  Obviously, his raps are timeless, but, in some cases, production sounds dated.  But DJs- Vlad, Dirty Harry, and Green Lantern do a superb job of blending Pac's rhymes over more modern beats.  The numerous interludes (Sway's was especially cool) shows the unconditional admiration that Hip-Hop will forever have for Tupac Shakur- one of the genre's most memorable figures ever.

Guess Who's Back? (Full Clip, 2002) by 50 Cent

"Niggas wanna shine like me (me), rhyme like me (me)/Then walk around with a 9 like me (me)/They don't wanna do it, 3 to 9 like me/And they ain't strong enough to take 9 like me/Aiyoo, you think about shittin' on 50... save it/My songs belong in the Bible with King David/I teach niggas sign language, that ain't def son/[click, click] you heard that? That mean RUN/Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stun on, pa/Pull through, I'll throw a fucking cocktail at ya' car/From the last shootout, I got a demple on my face/It's nothin', I could go after Mase's fanbase/Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out/Hit my wisdom tooth *huck-too* spit it out/I don't smile a lot, cause ain't nothin' pretty/Got a purple heart for war, and I ain't never left the City/Hos be like "Fitty, you so witty"/On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P.Diddy/You got fat while we starve, it's my turn/I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn/Won't learn"

-50 Cent, "U Not Like Me"

Street's Disciple (Columbia, 2004) by Nas

This double album is considered by many (myself included) as one of the weaker points in Nas' extensive catalogue.  However, because it is Nas, there are still some very strong records.  "These Are Our Heroes" and "Virgo" featuring Doug E. Fresh and Ludacris are great.  "Thief's Theme" is also a standout and wise choice for a single.  The cons unfortunately outweigh the pros on this album though as a lot of the production comes across and mediocre.  And just like every double rap album of all original material not called Life After Death, the set could easily be cut in half.  Personally, I prefer quality over quantity.

Back at One (Motown, 1999) by Brian McKnight

Now Brian McKnight is kind of weird with his 2012 risqué single, his news about about releasing and then not releasing his "adult mixtape."  What makes this all particularly interesting is that instead of singing about graphic sex, he used to sing great love songs like the ones featured on this album.  The standout, in my opinion, is the title track and "6,8, 12" is a really gripping heartbreak song.  Long story short, Brian sounds a lot better singing about passion than he does singing about pussy.

Another Level (Interscope, 1996) by Blackstreet

I was probably around 9 or 10 years old when I first got this album, and so a lot of its qualities went unappreciated until later.  To me, at the time of purchase, the album was all about the smash single "No Diggity" with Dr. Dre.  However, in hindsight, I am able to recognize Teddy Riley's amazing abilities as a songwriter as well as a performer.  The addition of the two new members to Blackstreet was also successful on this album too.