Madvillainy (2004)

Now let me go back about 4 years. A product of two of the most exciting figures in hip-hop today, MF DOOM and Madlib, Madvillainy is a modern masterpiece. Constructed of 22 tracks, many clocking in at 2 minutes or less and lacking a chorus, the album’s disregard for convention is refreshing — especially at a time when independent hip-hop is in a bit of a creative lull. MF DOOM’s entire presence is incredible: his off-kilter flow, his laid back delivery, his wordplay, and his obscure lyrics, which somehow walk a thin line between realness and nerdiness. Not to be outdone, Madlib proves himself to be an unequivocal genius. Madvillainy showcases some of the most brilliant uses of samples in recent memory, perhaps ever.