I remember hearing this album for the first time on the school bus in, like, 94.

A new kid from Detroit—a girl nevertheless—claimed the seat on the other side of the aisle across from me. She was strapped with headphones and the Walkman cassette. Extra batteries and all.

I asked what she was listening to, and she I. Stop, eject, and out popped Enter the 36 Chambers. A quick tape exchange and a flood of mixtapes to follow. My whole appreciation of hip-hop changed forever. Still a favorite, 30+ years later.