In this wonderful world of HIp-Hop there is probably no word more loosely thrown around than the word 'Classic', but the question I ask you is this; What's the definition of a "Classic"...?
Join me as I give my opinion on what a Classic album is.
Is it an album you simply enjoy listening to regularly? Is an album that majority of your peers seem to rate highly? Is it any album released by an iconic artist? Is it an album that sells millions of units and recieves gold or platinum status? Is it an album that is nominated for or wins a Grammy award? Is it an album that recieved a 5 mic rating in The Source Magazine?... the truth is that a Classic album can be all of or even only some of the above but not exclusive to either.
The Cambridge dictionary describes a classic as "Having a high quality of standard against which other things are judged", while the Oxford dictionary describes it as "Something that has been judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind"
Throughout my 30 year journey with and love of Hip Hop I have come to realise there are two types of 'Classics'.
Type A: The Personal Classic.
This is when you have a specific album that you deem as a classic to you but is not generally or commonly seen as a Classic by others.
It's a great album, highly regarded by most as dope but the personal impact outweighs the general / Common impact that classics like The Chronic, Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers) or Midnight Marauders undeniably had.
Below are 8 random albums out of my "Personal Classic" list just to give as an example.
All the above are undeniably dope but arguably not Classics.
Type B: The Certified Classic.
The certified Classic, or the CLASSIC classic, as I like to call it, is when the cultural, musical and in some cases, political impact made by the album in question is undeniable and stands out and above previous releases within it's genre.
It matches both descriptions given earlier by Oxford & Cambridge and became a reference point, cornerstone and a staple in Hip Hop culture.
The type of album that new fans to the genre, including those who would later become artists themselves, feel they need to listen to, spend time with and even study to become equipped to partake in this great art form.
More importantly, no matter how many years pass, no matter how many other artists and albums are released, no matter how the style of the genre adapts, the Classic Classic will always be celebrated and held as the blueprint for excellence in Hip-hop.
This is why I have a problem with the Instant Classic crowd... for an album to be a Classic Classic it will need at least a few years before this can be solidified.
Of course it can be described as a personal Classic, and equally you will know it is dope as soon as it's released BUT to be a genuine Classic, it will need time to grow.
Listed below are 12 albums from the 80s-00s, that MOST heads would describe as a 'Classic Classic'... (and before you set up to crucify me for all of the albums I havent listed, I simply chose these 12 as examples, there are obviously dozens of others we could discuss along with these).
Four Classics from the 80's:
Four Classics from the 90s:
Four Classics from the 00s:
As I said, the above 12 would more than likely be considered by most to be Classics.
Truth be told, there are many albums out there that I don't personally enjoy that much or rate that highly but I recognise them as Classics none the less.
This comes with understanding this genre and understanding that you dont particularly have to personally like an album to recognise it as a Classic
So the next time you or someone around you calls an album a classic... you have the choice to agree whole heartedly or politely disagree but don't forget to give your reasons why.
Thanks for reading.... this has been "Definition of A Classic".... In the Spotlight.
