It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (Def Jam, 1988) by Public Enemy

There's nothing I can say about this album that hasn't already been said.  It's political hip hop at its finest.  Chuck D is one of the best emcees ever and Flavor Flav is the greatest hype man of all-time.  The Bomb Squad crafted flawless soundscapes that were a perfect fit for the confrontational nature of the lyrics.  This album changed hip hop forever and is widely recognized as one of the most important albums in music history .  On any top ten list (albums, productions, lyrics, influence, etc.), someone would really only have to think of nine because this album is a shoe in.

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (Priority, 1990) by Ice Cube

Death Certificate is a classic too, but this album inspires me in ways that go further than music.  The Bomb Squad’s frantic production style provides Cube the perfect platform to rail against racial discord.  As a person of color, the material speaks volumes to me.  The closing lyrics of the title track say it best: “I said it before and I’ll still taunt it/Every motherfucker with a color is most wanted."