Stone Cold Rhymin'

Released on September 5, 1989, Stone Cold Rhymin’ contains 13 songs and zero curse words. The sepia-toned album cover depicts Young in profile, cradling an old broadcast microphone and looking more like a dapper doo-wopper than a hip-hop hero. In terms of playing it straight, the songs are shocking in their innocence. At the 1990 Grammy Awards, “Bust A Move” won for Best Rap Performance. It was clear that hip-hop wasn’t going to back the NY-or-nothing mentality, and New York’s ire was real. Grumpy Village Voice don Robert Christgau deigned to give Stone Cold Rhymin’ a “B+” in his letter-grade consumer guide. “His polysyllables and quick lips aren't as fresh as he thinks they are,” sniffed Christgau. Au contraire: Stone Cold Rhymin’ still sounds fresh after all these years.