The D.O.C.

Produced entirely by Dr. Dre, the D.O.C.'s 1989 debut transcends coastal boundaries with razor-sharp verses and irresistible production. A car crash would basically end the D.O.C.'s reign on the mic, though this album remains a hip-hop landmark. One of the best rap records ever made and an undeniable classic.

For three cuts it doesn't matter that he says nothing fast--not only is the music funky (his favorite word), it's clever, multileveled, gut-wrenching, ear-opening. Add the raucous Michel'le cameo "Comm. Blues" and you begin to think he deserves his best-seller, message or no message. And then, zip. Except on the tongue-twisting "Portrait of a Master Piece," the funk straightens out so abruptly you soon wonder what he's got to say. The less the better, as it turns out--guess who's "Beautiful but Deadly." (Grade - B)