Leon Back:
Kenny Powers:
1. THE COLLEGE DROPOUT, KANYE WEST (2004)
The 2004 debut from West — a revolutionarily relatable rapper who also happened to be a beatmaking genius — was accepted into the hip-hop canon instantly, no diploma needed. [holla@EW]
2. THE BLUEPRINT, JAY-Z (2001)
One of the greatest poets ever to pick up a mic released his magnum opus in 2001. One retirement and one un-retirement later, it's still his finest hour. [holla@EW]