1. Reasonable Doubt (1996)
You crazy, think your little bit of rhymes can play me? / I'm from Marcy, I'm varsity, chump, you're JV from the song Brooklyns Finest by Jay-Z Reasonable Doubt was the album that started it all. Jay-Zs first release in 1996 went double platinum and started the career of one of the most recognizable names in music. Before the money, cash, and clothes, he was on the streets selling drugs. His life of crime was detailed in this album. While the average music listener wont know most of the songs off this album, there are still many big names who contributed to its success, which include Mary J. Blidge, Foxxy Brown, and Biggie Smalls. Jay-Z has undoubtedly made better songs then the ones on this album, and one could even argue that it isnt his best album. However, you cant argue how timeless this album really is. If this seventeen year old album was released today it would still be relevant and game-changing. Thats the kind of impact that this album created in 1996 and still carries today. This doesnt mean that he has never topped this album. His albums are so unique and different from each other that it is hard to decipher which one is greater than another. Reasonable Doubt tops the list because in my opinion its not only one of the best debut albums ever, but also one of the most important albums of all time. 01. Cant Knock the Hustle (feat. Mary J- Blidge) 02. Politics as Usual
03. Brooklyns Finest (feat. Notorious B-I-G)04. Dead Presidents II 05. Feelin It (feat. Mecca)
06. D Evils07. 22 Twos 08. Can I Live
09. Aint No N**** (feat. Foxxy Brown) 10. Friend or Foe
11. Coming of Age (feat. Memphis Bleek) 12. Cashmere Thoughts 13. Bring It On (feat. Big Jaz & Sauce Money) 14. Regrets 15. Cant Knock the Hustle (Fools Paradise REMIX feat. Meli-Sa Morgan-)