Since this is albums that my "life would be worse off without", these aren't necessarily going to be my favourites (I dislike a few of them now), but more albums which shaped my taste in music.
Eminem - The Eminem Show (2002)
The album which got me into rap. This would also be the start of a 3-4 year fairly focussed musical obsession with Eminem and D12.
2Pac - Loyal to the Game (2004)
Following Eminem's 'retirement' I quickly found myself needing a new fix of hip-hop. Ghetto Gospel was blaring from every radio at this time, and despite initial hostility, prolonged exposure drew me in to explore the depths of Pac's discography. Despite being a horrible album in which Eminem absolutely desecrates the original recordings of Pac, I can't thank this album enough for beginning my love of West Coast hip-hop and Pac.
Tech N9ne - Killer (2008)
After 3-4 years of listening almost solely to 2Pac material and being increasingly disillusioned with the way his recordings were being ruined on posthumous releases, I decided it was time to branch out again. One track from a massive album of Pac leaks and features stood out to me, a DJ One remix of
187 On A Hook, which featured a rapper with a flow I'd never heard anything near before, Tech N9ne. At this time he'd just released a new album, Killer, and I was away from home for 2 weeks with not much to do and new headphones. I was hooked. Shame that within 3 years he'd all but sell out.
Prozak - Tales from the Sick (2008)
Tech N9ne's independent label, Strange Music, at this time proved to have a wealth of treasures. The stand-out gems being Prozak and his duo with Mike E. Clark, Project: Deadman. Possibly my favourite album of all time. His ability to weave a story through rhyme is almost unrivalled, and he introduced me to darker, political rap.
Murs - 3:16: The 9th Edition (2004)
Another great discovery thanks to Tech N9ne. They were touring together in 2009. I decided to give him a try and I'm glad I did. An amazing West Coast rapped who shuns the gangster side of things and can craft an amazing story, as in
Walk Like A Man, and tackles issues largely ignored by hip-hop, such as
homophobia (the latter not on this album). Every single track on this album is a classic.
ILL BILL - The Hour of Reprisal (2008)
Yet another discovery thanks to Tech N9ne, who features on a track on this album. This is the album which got me into New York / New England underground hip-hop, and probably takes second in my list of favourite albums. An hour of perfection.
Jedi Mind Tricks - Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell (2004)
Gave this a try due to the collab track with ILL BILL, Heavy Metal Kings (which would later spawn a metal influenced rap album by the same name). Despite the lyrics at times going straying into ignorance or close-minded hatred, the overall sound and content of this album spoke to me and started yet another music love. Another thing I have to thank this album for is getting me into the supergroup Army of the Pharaohs, which is basically a collection of amazing underground rappers.
Slick Rick - The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988)
Whilst browsing the tracklist for the, then upcoming, DJ Hero game I found
Children's Story, which I'd somehow either never heard or paid attention to before. I was struck by its quaintness, and then drew in further once I started listening seriously and was drawn in by the seemingly effortless slick storytelling and delved into the rest of the album and then discography. The at times almost misogynistic themes and Teenage Love in particular were appreciated thanks to a break-up around that time.
This helped me get into smoother rap from the 80s and 90s.
Gang Starr - Step in the Arena (1991)
Already a fan of Premier thanks to his work with several rappers I like, especially ILL BILL/Non Phixion, and given my appreciation for smooth NY/New England 90s rap, I felt it best to delve into the Gang Starr discography, which further bolstered my love of this era.
Celph Titled & Buckwild - Nineteen Ninety Now (2010)
What do you get when you cross one of the greatest punchline rappers and wordsmiths around and a crate of 90s beats? Pure excellence. I
Miss Those Days.
Abdominal - Escape from the Pigeon Hole (2007)
Smooth but rapid delivery, atypical topics and a way with words that exceeds many of the so called greatest emcees out there. A very unique artist. I recommend anyone who can be arsed to read this gives him a go, and then chuck a few dollars his way
http://www.indiegogo.com/abs-broken" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .
I've gone way over the top, so will just list a few more and be done.
La Coka Nostra - A Brand You Can Trust (2010)
Everlast - White Trash Beautiful (2004)
Apathy - Honkey Kong (2011)
7L & Esoteric - Dangerous Connection (2004)
Slaine - A World With No Skies 2.0 (2011)
Non Phixion - The Future is Now (2002)
Critical Bill - Downtown the World (2007)
I certainly will! Though I know what you mean entirely, I'll probably spend an abnormal amount of time on mine too and even 'Preview' it before hitting enter as though anybody will give a toss.
. Also, I'm apparently high on caffeine so did 20 
