The moment is finally here. The Rap Debut Album Tournament (RDAT) is ready to announce seeding and play-in matchups. The 2018 RDAT is sponsored by:

• Old White Men
• Corporate Forces
• Some Tall Israeli
• Cocaine
• ‘Dro, ‘Yac and E-pills
• MTV
• Viacom
• A.O.L. and Time Warner
• Hennessey
• and Quasi Homosexuals

(This list brought to you by Yasiin Bey, a.k.a. Mos Def on “The Rape Over“)

Initial brackets were previously announced, but a late entry was presented and accepted. So without further ado, here is the official 2018 RDAT Seeding.

1. Nas – Illmatic
2. Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the 36 Chambers
3. Eminem – The Slim Shady LP
4. Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt
5. Kanye West – The College Dropout
6. 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin’
7. Black Star – Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star
8. Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die
9. DMX – It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
10. Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full
11. Run-D.M.C. – Run-D.M.C.
12. Outkast – Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
13. Redman – Whut? Thee Album
14. Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor
15. Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill
16. Black Sheep – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
17. Big Pun – Capital Punishment
18. Smif N Wessun – Dah Shinin’

There were a couple of albums that just missed the cut. Those that Just Missed the RDAT Bracket is sponsored by Lyrica, which is great for you, so long as you’re willing to risk possible swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat or neck.

Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels

I missed out when El-P and Killer Mike of Dungeon Family fame initially came together after a successful tour to form Run the Jewels. As a fan of old-school fictionalized ‘gansta’ rap lyrics (See ‘Lucifer’ by Jay-Z or ‘Shook Ones, Part II’ by Mobb Deep).

To hear it done well with a modern, up-tempo beat was a joy, especially when I heard it via National Public Radio. They are a bright light in the darkness I hear with many of the more recent rappers coming out.

That’s probably just my aged ears not ‘feeling’ the new-school stuff. That’s partially why while a great album, RTJ isn’t truly influential. I mean, who’s attempting to match and/or follow the style of RTJ? And while there are great songs, what is their timeless classic?

Public Enemy – Yo! Bum Rush The Show

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is a seminal album, featuring timeless classics like ‘Bring the Noise’ and ‘Don’t Believe the Hype’.

It doesn’t feature a solo track by Flava Flav, but it’s worth noting his contributions to the group. According to Wikipedia, when they were initially approached by Rick Rubin to sign with Def Jam, he wanted Chuck D as a solo artist.

But he demanded they sign Flava as well and for good reason. With all the seriousness that Chuck D pushes through his lyrics, Flava was a much-needed counter balance.

But to think that Flava is the ready-made joke he has become I his old age looks past his tracks like “911 is a Joke” and “Can’t Do Nuttin’ for Ya Man.”

Both of those tracks were released off “Fear of a Black Planet”, the third critically acclaimed album from a hip-hop group that Rolling Stone magazine placed No. 44 on their all-time artists list. A group that critics have called “the most influential and radical band of their time.”

Their influence is without question. But what is in question is what is their debut album. Needless to say, it was It Takes A Nation. And if you can tell me one track from Yo! Bum Rush The Show, then you’d be the first.

De La Soul – 3 Feet High And Rising

I’ve already stated my love for the Native Tongue family and all its member.

I love De La and remember a stop-action movie I made in high school using audio samples from De La Soul is Dead and the anime classic Akira.

But that’s just it. I like 3 Feet High. I love De La Soul is Dead and this is my list so it’s just not tall enough and that’s the truth.