Raising Hell
Let's not mince words:Raising Hellis one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It's not just because it equally pissed off and lightened up leagues of metalheads (the unforgettable crossover Aerosmith cover, "Walk This Way"). It's not because "Peter Piper" is the king of primary school raps which were a weird late-'80s sensation (check out Schoolly D's "B-Boy Rhyme and Riddle" and LL Cool J's "Ain't My Rhyme Ain't Done" for further research into the phenomenon). And it's not even because this is the rap album from which all samples flow, cannibalized by nearly every other rap album since its release.Raising Hellis great because it is a complete character study of Run D.M.C.: "My Adidas" is what they wore; "Son of Byrod" and "Hit It Run" is who they were; and "It's Tricky" is their 'don't try this at home' admonition to the kids at home. There are about 12 albums in rap's history that are mandatory purchases for followers--this is at least one of them.--Todd Levin