Prince Paul, who originated with the aforementioned hip-hop trio De La Soul, moved onto more important projects when he created what may be the world's first rap opera. With a cast of half a dozen characters and operatic themes of heartbreak and loss, this tragedy tells the story of an up-and-coming rapper and decent kid who's pushed into the world of dealing drugs before being betrayed by his best friend. Biz Markie, Prince Paul's homeboys De La Soul, and even, inexplicably, Chris Rock make an appearance to help push the story forward, along with the infectious beats and rhymes. And even if you can't technically call this album an opera, it's at least the greatest rap concept album of all time.