Though he never quite blew up nationally like some of his peers, Spice 1 is a legendary gangsta rapper who influenced an entire generation of street-centric MCs. Growing up in the Bay Area city of Hayward, he started rhyming in his teens, eventually hooking up with Too Short who helped him land a deal with Jive Records. His self-titled debut album (not counting the super-rare Let It Be Known) hit the scene in 1992 and was gobbled up by a fast-growing audience of heads who liked their hip-hop with a large serving of gunplay and ghetto storytelling. Spice's unique vocal style showcased an uncanny ability to twist and contort his flow, alternating speed and delivery somewhat like E-40, occasionally adapting a weird stutter and also flirting with ragamuffin-type reggae patois. Produced by E A Ski and Ant Banks, the bass-heavy beats still knock with authority, ideal for bumping in the scraper while heading to your local sideshow. Highlights include the P-Funk stylings of "Young N***a" and "In My Neighborhood," the cowbell-laced dealer saga "Money Gone," the boozy single "187 Proof."