The Tunnel (album)

The Tunnel is the debut studio album by American hip hop artist Cormega, released on July 23, 2002, through Legal Hustle Records. After years of delays and label issues, Cormega independently released the album, establishing his reputation as a respected lyricist and storyteller within the New York hip hop scene.

The album features production from various notable producers, including The Alchemist, Large Professor, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Buckwild. The Tunnel is known for its gritty, street-level narratives, introspective lyricism, and classic boom-bap sound. Guest appearances include rappers Nas, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and Ghostface Killah, among others.

Critical reception of The Tunnel was generally positive, with many praising Cormega's lyrical ability and the album's overall production quality. It is considered a significant independent hip hop release and a defining work in Cormega's discography, solidifying his position as a key figure in the East Coast hip hop movement. The album’s title is a reference to the tunnel connecting Queens and Manhattan, emblematic of Cormega's Queensbridge roots and the album's themes of navigating the complexities of city life.