June is Black Music Month, and Rock The Bells has curated 10 Hip-Hop albums from various era's to enjoy in celebration.

Please Don't Cry - Rapsody, 2024

One of the year's best albums so far, and one of Rapsody's best and most introspective. Tackling subjects such as sexuality and self- love, Please Don't Cry features Phylicia Rashad Baby Tate, Alex Isley, Erykah Badu and more.

Good Kid, M.A.A.d City - Kendrick Lamar, 2012

This is Kendrick Lamar's third album, and his breakout to many. Containing the hits "Bitch Dont Kill My Vibe", and "Swimming Pools", Good Kid, M.A.A.d City stands the test of time and is an early example of K. Dot's genius.

Done By The Forces Of Nature - The Jungle Brothers, 1989

The Jungle Brother's sophomore album stand as one of the greats from its era. "Beyond THis World", "Beeds On A String", "What U Waitin' 4" and "J.Beez Comin Through" are just a few of the bangers on a perfect album.

KOD - J. Cole, 2018

J. Cole took his peers in Hip-Hop to task for glamorizing drugs and self destructive content on 2018's KOD. The producer and MC shined on "KOD", "Photograph", and "Brackets". Once again Cole takes the road less travelled and acts outside of the box and group think.

We Could Get Used To This - The Alliance, 1988

One of Hip-Hop's lesser talked about classics, We Could Get Used To This by The Alliance Of MC's remains one of '88's best, which is no easy task in such an incredible year. "Bustin' Loose", "We Could Get Used To This", and "Ready Set" are just a few of the standouts from the Alliance's only full length release.

Follow The Leader - Eric B. And Rakim, 1988

No sophomore jinx for the God MC. A year after changing the game with their debut Paid In Full, Eric B. & Rakim return with Ra's brother Stevie Blass on live instrumentation. "Follow The Leader", "Lyrics Of Fury", "No Competition", and "The Microphone Fiend" are amongst the bangers on this '88 masterpiece.

All Hail The Queen - Queen Latifah, 1989

The Queen's debut with the late great 45 King on production. "Princess Of The Posse", "Inside Out", "Dance For Me", "Wrath Of My Madness", and "Come Into My House" established Latifah as a force in Hip-Hop, and an incredible MC, while giving a glimpse into her skillset as a singer. Check out the classic that started it all.

Bigger And Deffer - LL COOL J, 1987

LL's ground breaking sophomore album only gets better with time. Containing the hits "I'm Bad", "I Need Love", "Go Cut Creator Go", and "357 Breakdown", Bigger And Deffer doubled down on LL's declarations of being Hip-Hop's hardest MC, which he boldly proclaimed on his 1985 debut, Radio.

The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, 1982

1982's full length follow up to the song that forever changed the genre. The Furious 5 continue their social commentary with the remake of "It's A Shame" by The Detroit Spinners, while dropping the electro classic, "Scorpio". They also showcase their harmonizing skills on "She's Fresh". Re examine this classic, or check it out for the first time.

Criminal Minded - Boogie Down Productions, 1987

The one that ushered in an era, and further escalated the infamous "bridge wars". From the album cover to the mixture of poetic wordplay and dancehall flavor, Criminal Minded embodies everything that makes KRS-One one of Hip-Hop's most dynamic and versatile MC's.