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10. Organix (1993): If the Roots had started out in the 21st century, Organix would have been a mixtape -- the kind of full-length free download artists frequently release to kickstart their careers and build a fanbase. In fact, it functioned in much of the same way, gaining the act the attention of the major label (DGC) that would launch it to a wider audience. Much like many mixtapes, it's also frequently raw and not entirely fully structured. What it does well is introduce us to the talents of Trotter and Thompson and the original incarnation of their "legendary Roots crew." The energy and enthusiasm is undeniable, and the sheer talent displayed is equally obvious, but this is a group that is still in the process of finding its sound, making a record with the lowest production values it would ever employ. As a debut, it's extremely impressive, and as a document of hip-hop history, it's a great listen, but compared to what the group would go on to accomplish, it can't help but fall at the bottom of the list.