Street Jams: Hip-Hop from the Top, Vol. 1

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Rhino's first attempt at archiving old-school rap of the early '80s, Street Jams: Hip-Hop From the Top, Vol. 1 succeeds by balancing a few undeniable classics (tracks that everyone should have in their collection) with more obscure inclusions that fanatics will appreciate as well. The classics on this debut volume are "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow, "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, and "Friends" by Whodini. Alongside these are some great obscurities that many rap fans had only heard of, including "One for the Treble (Fresh)" by Davy DMX, "Adventures of Super Rhyme" by Jimmy Spicer, and "Request Line" by Rock Master Scott. Though it misses a few crucial artists (Spoonie Gee, Funky Four Plus One, the Treacherous Three) and it would've been better to lean closer to the classics than the rarities, Street Jams: Hip-Hop From the Top, Vol. 1 is an excellent collection of early rap. ~ John Bush

Rolling Stone (3/19/92, p.93) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "..collects a wide variety of old-school greatest hits...lost treasures.." Entertainment Weekly (2/21/92, p.52) - Rating: B-

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