The Sun Rises in the East is the debut album by American hip hop rapper Jeru the Damaja, released May 24, 1994, on Payday Records.

The album cover depicts the World Trade Center on fire only one year after the 1993 bombing of the North Tower.

[1][better source needed] The Sun Rises in the East was well received by most music critics upon its release.

[2] Melody Maker named The Sun Rises in the East "bloody essential", calling it "hypnotic and chilling as a blues party on Pluto" and "another step forward for hip hop.

"[11] NME said that "Jeru is more original than most [rappers]",[7] while The Source remarked that "the music both contrasts and complements his disjointed flow and deep poetical lyricism.