Top 50 Albums of the 2000's #41-50

#50 In the Ruff - Diamond District (2009)

I personally have never heard this album, but LuxDel came groveling for me to include it, so here you go.  I tell ya, girl’s got no shame…

#49 Bayani – Blue Scholars (2007)

Emotionally and politically charged, this is Blue Scholars at the top of their game.  Geo’s delivery might rub some people the wrong way, but I honestly can’t see anyone else delivering his lyrics in a more fitting manner.

#48 Hell’s Winter – Cage (2005)

Disturbing, distressing and all around depressing.  It’s a much deeper and more interesting look at Cage than any of his other efforts have provided.  El-P and Camu Tao did a hell of a job on the production, too.

#47 Labor Days – Aesop Rock (2001)

It’s abstract, it’s confusing, it’s Aesop Rock at his finest.  Somewhere in this mess is a concept album about working class people.  Finding it is the fun part.

#46 Both Sides of the Brain – Del tha Funkee Homosapien (2000)

After disappearing for almost 5 years, Del came back with a vengeance in 2000.  He’s never been more of a cynical wise-ass than he is here.

#45 God Loves Ugly – Atmosphere (2002)

This album is about as bitter and angry as hip-hop gets.  It may not be as fun of a listen as subsequent Atmosphere albums, but I’m a sucker for emotion, and this album is oozing with it.

#44 Pick a Bigger Weapon – The Coup (2006)

The Coup have been the quintessential political hip-hop act for years and with albums like this, it’s easy to see why.  This album has all the system hatred you could ever want.  Of course, it wouldn’t be The Coup without a funky bass line or two, too.

#43 The Eminem Show – Eminem (2002)

Oh, Eminem, what happened to you?  You used to be so raw and edgy.  This is an album born of controversy, and Em spills it all on how he feels about his role in hip-hop and culture.

#42 A Piece of Strange – Cunninlyguists (2006)

Despite arguably the least clever name in hip-hop, Cunninlyguists managed to put out a string of pretty solid albums in the 00′s.  Kno is at his best here on beats.  He even manages to make Immortal Technique sound alright.

#41 The Mouse and the Mask – DangerDOOM (2005)

A collaboration between MF DOOM, Danger Mouse and a block of late night comedy cartoons somehow manged to end up as one of the best albums of the decade.  It’s stupid and juvenile, but it’s also fun; and in the end, isn’t that the point of making music?