Best album where

[dead prez]

the rapping completely outshines the production & vice versa, & when it's dead even or close.

I'd say uhh SSLP to the first cause like a lot of the beats I wouldn't give the time of the day if they had another rapper over it, but he made them work. Like Eminem rapping over premo & pete rock beats wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting, and if another rapper rapped over those beats it'd be corny & horrible.

Uh to the second question LUM I guess or even Ridin Dirty but I actually think the rapping to the latter is great so I wouldn't mention that. & LUM persona really shines over those trippy ass beats, it just wouldn't work with a more skilled rapper I guess.

Uh illmatic to the last question maybe 60-40 in his favor which is incredible cause the beats are great. I'd say Game Theory too, I used to think the production outshined him than vice versa now it's pretty even. Oh yeah unpopular but I think Gibbs did just as good as his beats in pinata & Cold Vein rapping is just as good as the beats.

[Trimss]

What's Lum?

[dead prez]

Meant to say mista thug isolation, lil ugly mane is the rapper.

Anyone else think we're past the era where rappers are retardedly good that them being able to make good albums of generic beats is over.

[SajN]

What's Lum?

One little ugly man.

[TRSL]

Production > Lyrics: Slum Village - Fantastic, Vol. 2
Dead even: Madvillainy

[KillahBee]

Where rapping/lyrics outshine the production?

Dr Dooom - First Come, First Served. I actually think the beats on here are a decent backdrop, but Kool Keith carries this thing.
Same with Raekwon - Immobilarity, the best rapping of Rae's career is right here, (listen to Casablanca) why didn't he hook up with RZA or even 4th Disciple on this?

Soul on Ice and Here to Save You All are others that are usually brought up in this kinda topic

Where production outshines the rapping/lyrics?

Lil B - 6 Kiss. Some of the best beats I've heard in years are on this thing, I don't mind Lil B at all, but this production, especially the first half, whewwww

Champion Sound is another one, The Unseen is also immaculately produced, but Quasimoto is an acquired taste

Where rapping and production is equal?
Hell Hath No Fury, Supreme Clientelle, The Black Album

I'd also agree with all the ones mentioned so far

[Solace]

What's Lum?

One little ugly man.

No mercy from SajN today I see.

[GladHeAteHer]

I'd say in The Chronic the production is way better than the rapping and it's more known for the beats than rapping. The whole g-funk thing.

[Slim Fiasco]

Production over rapping is easily Group Home's Livin' Proof.

About the same is Snoop's Doggystyle.

As for rapping over beats, I don't really know, I think MMLP has quite better rapping than beats, Big L's debut, and maybe God Loves Ugly. Oh and, the Black Star album.

[Amadeo]

I love the SSLP beats.

I love the My Name Is instrumental and similar songs where there's basically just a bassline and a drum pattern with a little piano/synth here and there. No unnecessary bullshit.

It's also easier to get a clean mix when you have less sounds going on so it's a win-win. That's partly why Dre's shit always sounds cool because he doesn't use too many instruments.

[EminemInsider]

I love the SSLP beats.

I love the My Name Is instrumental and similar songs where there's basically just a bassline and a drum pattern with a little piano/synth here and there. No unnecessary bullshit.

It's also easier to get a clean mix when you have less sounds going on so it's a win-win. That's partly why Dre's shit always sounds cool because he doesn't use too many instruments.

Same. I love how you can hear all the subtleties thanks to the beats not being oversaturated.