From the biggest radio hits to the underground club favorites, the early days of hip-hop featured some of the best music ever recorded. Now Tommy Boy has compiled its critically acclaimed "Essential Hip Hop" series, Volumes 1-12, into one limited edition box set. Compiled by Tommy Boy founder Tom Silverman himself, from a great assortment of hip-hop labels including many long unavailable tracks, each volume contains twelve hits plus eye-catching graphics, archival photos, and extensive liner notes. 144 songs. 1979-1991. Limited edition/numbered. Black velvet/gold foil stamp.