Let’s go back to an era when us Hip Hop fans were just as excited about copping a compilation album than any other album. There were many my older brother and I snatched up at Sam Goody. However, there’s two I would like to discuss that dropped within four months of each other; Ryde or Die Vol.1 and Violator: The Album.
Ruff Ryders released Ryde or Die Vol. 1 on April 27, 1999. At the time, Jay-Z and his Roc-A-Fella team was, by some, consider the front runners on the East Coast. However, the Double-R was challenging the throne with this project.
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Some of the album’s memorable cuts were “Down Bottom,” “What Ya Want,” and “Jigga My Nigga.”
Swizz Beatz, Ruff Ryders inhouse producer, handled most of the album’s production
Ryde or Die Vol. 1 atop both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
Chris Lighty released Violator: The Album through Violator Records the following August. The artists that contributed such as Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, and Big Pun, among others, were from Violator Management company, ran by Lighty and Mona Scott.
DJ Scratch, Havoc, and Swizz Beats, among others contributed production.
Some of the album’s memorable jams were “Vivrant Thing,” “I Want To Fuck You,” and “Heavy Weights.”
Violator: The Album was a success on the charts, peaking at the number 8 spot on the Billboard 200. It atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified Gold.
The one remarkable thing about the compilations were they had dope titles, but didn’t have to make songs surrounding it. That gave the executive producer the freedom to put whatever track on the project from whatever artist — from big names to no names. Some turned out dope, some didn’t. Either way, it’s nothing like a good ole compilation.
RIP Chris Lighty, Big Pun, and DMX.
Which was the Better Compilation, Ryde or Die Vol.1 or Violator: The Album?
Polls Are Closed!!
Ryde or Die Vol.1 – 80%
Violator: The Album – 20%