When that post-Spring Break monotony sets in, second semester can be a truly depressing time. The weather is not quite acceptable, work begins to pile up, and the approaching summer promises nothing but another crummy job selling burritos to ungrateful hippies. At times like this, we all wish we could abandon the horrible facts of college life and return to the carefree, sheltered days of high school. Let’s face it: what college student wouldn’t trade in his or her meager slice of adult freedom for the puny homework loads and simple joys of the early teens?

When I find myself longing for those days of youthful innocence, I do the only thing I’ve found that turns back the clock, at least for one magical evening: I host a West Coast rap night. There’s nothing like a couple of Olde English 40s and a stack of funk-laden rap records to lighten the mood and clear the mind. Even if you didn’t listen to a whole lot of rap in high school, certain albums tend to conjure up an image of simpler times.

Seeing as West Coast rap is not a very esoteric genre, you and your friends will most likely greatly benefit from this tried and true party blueprint. All you need to do is gather some friends, buy some 40s, and gather ‘round the stereo for some good, clean fun. [ed.–once I drank six 40s!] For your convenience, I’ve complied the following list of the albums that have become staples of our West Coast rap nights. While I realize that your record collection may not contain all of these classics, hopefully this list will serve as a guideline to help you determine what is appropriate music for a West Coast rap night (WCRN) and what is not.

Doggystyle, Snoop Doggy Dogg. This is a terrific album for your first WCRN. It is incredibly easy to find (I bet at least one of its four million copies is in your dorm), and you can let it play all the way through if you’re strapped for suitable tunes. If you’ve got good 40 speed, this may be the only album you need. Essential tracks: "Gin and Juice," "Who am I?," "Ain’t No Fun."

The Chronic, Dr. Dre. Also a great starter album. It’s a little more serious than Doggystyle, but will certainly contribute to any WCRN. Definitely essential if you’re concerned about honoring the forefathers of the genre. Essential tracks: "Let Me Ride," "Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thing."

The Predator, Ice Cube. You may not be aware that before Ice Cube was a big time movie star, he had a very successful career as a recording artist. This album is not only one of the genre’s finest, but also has some songs that are downright fun to listen to ("Gangster’s Fairytale 2," "It Was a Good Day"). Also essential: "Now I Gotta Wet ‘Cha."

In a Major Way, E-40. This album is considered essential by many, even though it has only one worthwhile track ("Sprinkle Me"). This fact alone should convince you that "Sprinkle Me" is perhaps the most brilliant WCRN anthem ever recorded. The bouncy beat, the poetic lyricism ("I be more hipper than a hippopotamus"), and the memory of the video’s gratuitous special effects will make this the best four minutes of your evening.

Can You Feel Me, Dru Down. Again, we have an album deemed classic on the strength of one song (the title track). Now, this one won’t make or break your party, but it will serve to diversify your playlist and impress all those hardcore West Coast afficionados. Not a great investment, but well worth picking up used if possible.

All Eyez on Me, 2PAC. This is truly a double album for the ages. Guest appearances from Method Man, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre all complement the late Tupac’s charismatic presence beautifully. As an added bonus, this is the only album on this list that I actually listened to in high school, so it carries a little extra sentimental weight for me.

Even if you don’t like the rap music, you should have a copy of this album just to appreciate the craft of a veritable poet laureate. Essential tracks: "How Do You Want It," "California Love," "I Ain’t Mad at Cha," "Heaven Ain’t Hard to Find."

You get the idea. What we’re looking for here is West Coast rap from the early to mid nineties. However, it must have a certain thuggish je ne sais quoi. For example, Del The Funky Homosapien would not qualify, despite his western residency and his popularity in the early nineties. The fact is, he’s just too cerebral. Cerebral makes you think, and that’s kind of counterproductive, given the purpose of a WCRN. And 40s. [ed.–I like 40s. Once I drank six of them!]

So, next time you’re in need of a quick trip down Memory Lane, take my advice: throw a West Coast rap night. Heck, I feel younger just thinking about it!