In tha Beginning... There Was Rap is a compilation album presented by Priority Records, released on November 25, 1997. The album featured cover versions of classic old school hip hop song done by some of hip hop's most popular acts at the time.The album was a success, peaking at 15 on the Billboard 200 and 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Less than two months after its release on January 9, 1998, it was certified gold for sales of 500,000 copies.