First Family 4 Life
In 1998, while all the other thugs are popping Moët, Gang Starr and their partners in rhyme, M.O.P., are finally collecting the respect they deserve. Lil' Fame and Billy Danzenie have generated buzz before, but not untilFirst Family 4 Lifehave they been successful in putting together an end-to-end coherent album. Featuring guest shots from Heather B on "My Kinda Nigga, Part II" and Tef and Jay-Z on the firestarting "4 Alarm Blaze," the Mash Out Posse bring the rawest aural damage this side of the Mad Rapper.--Jon Caramanica