One for All  (Audio CD) 
by Brand Nubian

Alongside acts such as Public Enemy and X-Clan, the Brand Nubian quartet (DJ Alamo and MCs Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar) helped introduce a whole new generation to Five-Percenter philosophies and conscious pride. Their 1990 debut was filled with the smooth production and syrupy flows that made the Nubian brand of Afrocentricity accessible and funky. Singles "All for One," "Slow Down," and "To the Right" highlight One for All, though some of the album's up-tempo efforts sound a little dated; "Wake Up," "Step to the Rear," and "Drop the Bomb" also shine. Alongside the wit and wisdom, though, the Nubian trio dropped some lyrical gaffes as well. Throughout One For All, there are plenty of unfortunate references to "hittin' skins," "cave-dwellin'" Caucasians, and hardcore homophobia. Despite its weaker moments, One for All is still one of the most impressive and definitive documents from hip-hop's "conscious" era. --Hua Hsu