80's Underground Rap: Don't Believe the Hype

.com It's hard to imagine that artists like Boogie Down Productions and Grand Puba would be considered "underground," but back in the late 1980s, rap music still didn't have the radio or press support that artists like Puff Daddy and Master P basked in a decade later. Can I Kick It? is a great showcase of hip-hop's range, even in its adolescent years. There's a great first glimpse of the Jungle Brothers and a Tribe Called Quest as they illustrate some of that Native Tongue power on "Promo No. 2." BDP criticize the educational system on "You Must Learn," while Nice & Smooth (typically) ditch the lesson and head straight to the party ("No Delayin'"). The most special gem on this disc, however, might be the infectious piano sample on Sweet Tee's "It's Like That Y'all." --Todd Levin

80s Underground Rap: Can I Kick It