25 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time
21. The Roots - Things Fall Apart
Hip-hop bands are far from uncommon, but even with the competition, The Roots stand head and shoulders above many of their more talented challengers. Formed by rapper Black Thought and drummer Questlove back in 1987, the band spent a while busking on street corners and released four albums before Things Fall Apart saw them hit the big leagues.
The album, released in 1999, stands out even today thanks to its easy incorporation of percussion-based beats and synth overtones, both of which are boosted to greatness by Black Thought's sharp and intelligent rhymes.
Top off the smooth sound and striking lyrical content with guest appearances from Common and Mos Def, and what you have is an album that perfectly balances every aspect of what makes a rap album great - clever lyrics, awesome beats, and noticeable individuality.