62 Best Hip Hop Albums of All Time

Queen Hill arrived on the scene as a member of the legendary trio The Fugees (more on that group later). When she decided to step out on her own and deliver her first solo LP, the world got treated to an all-time classic. This LP props up black women as a whole and speaks on the issues that plague them daily (dealing with one’s sexuality and sense of identity, for instance). Lauryn Hill mashed up several genres and came away with an amazing hodgepodge of songs that inspired an entire generation of women to pursue their musical dreams.

The debut LP from the collective trio of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock is an East Coast gem that still knocks to this very day. The clever amalgamation of rap/hip-hop, rock & roll, and reggae influences played the background perfectly while KRS-One released a flood of hard-hitting bars. Songs like “South Bronx” and “The Bridge is Over” are monumental hits off of this monumental LP. Thankfully, the rest of the songs on offer here are just as phenomenal as those undisputed hip-hop gems.

Mafioso rap sounds so legit whenever Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah deliver it. Both of these Wu-Tang affiliates mastered that art and inspired a generation of fellow MCs to follow in their footsteps thanks to this certified classic. The production is ace, the skits are actually worth listening to, and the songs themselves are top-tier 36 Chambers material. From front to back, Only Built for Cuban Linx… provides listeners with a rugged trip through a life filled with gangland activities and unmatched machismo.

GZA is truly “The Genius.” He put his proficiency for intelligent raps on full display on his debut LP, Liquid Swords. RZA truly got in his production bag and blessed this LP with some of the finest beats he’s ever created. Thankfully, GZA’s flows perfectly stayed in the pocket for each banger as he broke down the trials and tribulations of a hood upbringing. When the opening notes to “4th Chamber” kick in, every rap head in the vicinity has no choice but to rock an ugly scowl while they bump their head in place.

Run DMC’s unmatched synergy can be dissected in full just by listening to this seminal LP. Run and DMC go back and forth like the fast & furious tandem they are over masterful beats/cuts from Jam Master Jay. “Peter Piper,” “It’s Tricky,” and “My Adidas” are peak Run DMC. And one can’t forget the mega hip-hop/rock & roll crossover hit that is “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith. Raising Hell is required homework for any modern-day MC who wants a lesson or two about mastering the art of rap.

As soon as that quarter drops, everyone knows what’s coming next. 50 Cent’s blockbuster album starts with a bang and doesn’t slow down the whole way through. The man known as Curtis Jackson caused a bootlegging frenzy upon release and broke into the mainstream consciousness due to the greatness of this LP. “In da Club” is just one of the many solidified bangers that have pushed this album to legendary status and signified Fif’ as one of the best to ever do it.

Queensbridge’s very own Havoc and Prodigy (RIP, King!) catapulted themselves to a higher level of hip-hop excellence once their second album offering hit the streets. The Infamous offers gritty descriptions of two young men making their way through a life filled with plenty of turmoil. Both MCs brought furious young energy to each track and did it all while dropping street knowledge on the back of classic beats. “Shook One, Pt. II,” “Survival of the Fittest,” and “Give Up the Goods” are just three of the reasons why this album will always stay in rotation.

Noted producer Prince Paul helped form the soundscape for De La Soul’s debut album. It was released during a time when gangsta rap was all the rage, yet it still managed to garner plenty of attention and praise thanks to a deviation in theme and sound. The colorful cover itself is iconic and so are the songs that match that image’s super cool vibe. Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo have always been a winning trio – jamming to joints like “The Magic Number” and “Me, Myself, and I” do a good job of convincing everyone of that undisputed fact.

Detroit’s premier wordsmith built up a strong catalog of songs with his first two albums. But things truly took a turn for the better once Eminem released The Marshal Mathers LP. Em’s slick wordplay and outlandish disses for the world at large are in fine form here. Songs like “Stan” showcase a version of Em that’s willing to delve into the sorts of topics that are rarely mentioned within hip-hop. The rest of The Marshal Mathers LP hits all the high notes that fans have come to champion about one of rap’s certified GOATs.

The Jigga Man arrived on the scene in full mafioso garb and had the lyrics to match all that bravado with Reasonable Doubt. The very best luxury raps are littered all over this magnificent debut LP. It says a lot about an album when you can play the first five seconds of every song on it and most folks recognize it without too much effort. Listening to this album is a worthwhile experience since it successfully mirrors the high stakes that come with organized crimes and other risky endeavors.

The “Queen B” kept it all the way real and raunchy when she stepped into a hip-hop arena that tends to be dominated by the opposite sex. With Hard Core, Lil’ Kim throws all caution to the wind as she spits with the best of ‘em. While there aren’t a ton of features on this one, the guests that do appear do a great job of further strengthening Kim’s repertoire of provocative (in a good way) songs. “Big Momma Thang,” “No Time,” “Crush on You,” and “Drugs” are held up as some of Kim’s greatest songs. And as luck would have it, they all appear on this album.

The Blueprint is practically a how-to guide on how to put together an album that simply can’t be denied. With a nice mix of Kanye West and Just Blaze beats to support him, Jay-Z floats all over each track with ease and exudes his best qualities as an MC. He goes for the jugular on “Takeover,” gets super celebratory with “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” throws lyrical bouquets at the ladies with “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and goes toe to toe with Eminem on “Renegade.” This is the album that laid the foundation for some of your favorite rappers, so all praises are due to The Blueprint.

Rakim is referred to as the God MC for good reason – his furious flow and penchant for crafting bars that hit you right in the soul have afforded him the right to accept that moniker. With DJ Eric B by his side, Rakim dramatically changed the rap game with this incredible LP. The cover itself evokes dreams of making it big through one’s undefeatable hustle – thankfully, Rakim reflects that hunger for greatness through his kingly bars and delivery. Paid in Full inspired a whole generation of 90s babies to step to the mic and it’s easy to see/hear why. Never forget – “MC means move the crowd.”

Darkman X’s yin and yang qualities made millions of fans flock to him. Even though he may have found himself in the worst situations imaginable, his faith and undeniable passion inspired others to remain strong just like he did. DMX’s magnum opus It’s Dark and Hell is Hot showcases the Ruff Ryder representative’s many trials and tribulations through some of the hardest rap songs ever laid on wax. “Get at Me Dog,” “Stop Being Greedy,” and “The Convo” are just a sample of the headbangers that make this album an unforgettable trip with the Darkman himself. 

Chuck D’s socially conscious lyrics, Flavor Flav’s magnetic persona, Terminator X’s intense scratches, and The Bomb Squad’s boomin’ beats were a winning combo back in the day. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back masterfully combined all of those elements while producing an album with an unapologetic message that remains relevant to this day. “Fight the Power” and “Bring the Noise” are clear examples of the heavy hitters that define this bodacious hip-hop classic.

Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. Even though he only left the world before he could really get going, his two solo projects produced a discography full of tracks that Golden Era rap fans swear by. Biggie’s hard-hitting lyrics and flow delve into a wide range of hood tales all over his amazing debut album, Ready to Die. This classic album features songs that describe the daily lives of stick-up kids (“Gimme the Loot”), achieving one’s lofty dreams (“Juicy”), and staying ahead of those that simply want to stick you for your paper (“Warning”). Ready to Die is an autobiographical listen that perfectly encapsulates the rough and tumble upbringing of Bad Boy’s greatest MC.

The world truly sat in the hands of a young Nas when he arrived with his debut LP, Illmatic. He managed to meet the overwhelming hype attached to his name and did it with only 10 tracks. Nas’s production dream team at the time (DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and L.E.S.) created a strong array of soundscapes that allowed the Queensbridge MC to lyrically prosper. Nas’s aptitude for storytelling and smooth flows can be heard through songs like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World is Yours,” “Represent,” and “One Love.”

Doggystyle is practically a West Coast party that bangs through your speakers every time you throw it on. Young Snoop tapped into the sounds of the region that raised him as he took listeners on a wild ride through the streets of L.A. Doggystyle remains an easy listen to this day thanks to many factors, which include top-notch beats from Dr. Dre, raunchy lyrics that always elicit a few laughs every time they’re heard, and a collection of L.A. MCs that ruled the 90s. Snoop Dogg came into the game like a force of nature – his continued relevance is due in part to this hard-edged album debut.

Never forget – Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothin’ to ‘eff with. That statement will always ring true no matter the time we live in. Every member of the Wu-Tang got together like Voltron to give hip-hop heads across the globe one of the grittiest records of all time. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) can get a flood of fans to flip into mosh pit mode, which should tell you just how monumental everything on that LP is. The posse cuts are out of this world and helped define the best qualities of each Wu-Tang member. “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Method Man,” “Protect Ya Neck,” and “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” are essential listening if you ever want to consider yourself a true rap aficionado.

New Jersey’s own Fugees camp ascended from their underground origins to a level of mainstream superstardom thanks to this album. All three parts of the mega trio brought their signature traits together and managed to craft undeniable jams in the process. The East Coast vibes knock extra hard on this one, as evidenced by “How Many Mics,” “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and “The Score.” “Killing Me Softly With His Song” put Lauryn Hill’s heavenly vocals front and center, which is one of the many gifts The Score gave to the world.

A Tribe Called Quest mastered the art of jazzy samples and boom-bap instrumentals when it released its third album. Hip-hop stables don’t get any better than the trio of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White. Their incredible synergy can be heard throughout every part of this album (special shout out to Tribe’s long list of friends who agreed to appear on the cover, too). Backpackers everywhere live by songs like “Award Tour,” “Electric Relaxation,” and “Lyrics to Go.” Midnight Marauders is a whole vibe that’s super chill and worth experiencing on more than one occasion.

This pick also falls into the category of “amazing third release from an illustrious hip-hop group.” Outkast already built up an amazing track record with Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and ATLiens – once they released Aquemini, it was quite evident that their superstar status had reached another level. This LP featured those signature Andre 300 and Big Boi traits that we’ve all come to appreciate, such as southern bounce, tongue-twisting flows, and thought-provoking lyrics. “Rosa Parks,” “both parts of “Da Art of Storytellin’,” and “Aquemini” all lift this project to the high heavens where only the greatest hip-hop albums reside.

Once 2Pac’s prison sentence came to an end, he aligned himself with Death Row and emerged from its studios with the album most people hold in high regard. 2Pac’s frustrations and triumphs were told in equal parts across this two-disc LP. Most double albums feel bloated and full of filler, yet All Eyez on Me stands apart from the pack thanks to a mix of strong singles and underrated B-Side cuts. “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” “How Do You Want It,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” and “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” are just a few of the bangers that define the greatness of this album.

This album is one of those ultimate knockers that cause necks to break everywhere due to excessive head bobbing. Pete Rock laid the audio groundwork for his man’s CL Smooth to lay down his most memorable rhymes. Mecca and the Soul Brother describes the everyday life of an urban NYC denizen thanks to CL Smooth’s vivid wordplay. “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” still stands tall as one of the greatest song tributes of all time. The rest of this LP exposes those who don’t know to the incredible production of Pete Rock and the slick bars that come courtesy of CL Smooth.

Dr. Dre is a noted perfectionist. Whenever he drops an album, it’s an event that brings everything to a standstill. That’s because it rarely happens since Dre works his sound until it matches the high quality established by his debut album. The G-Funk established by The Chronic inspired an army of West Coast MCs to follow in Dre’s footsteps, which should clue you into just how monumental it was. “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “Let Me Ride,” and “F**k wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’)” are the type of songs that simply can’t be denied. The Chronic is GOAT album material, no matter the coastal region.

These days, the mighty Mos Def goes by the moniker of Yasiin Bey. When he hit the streets running with his debut solo LP Black on Both Sides, everyone quickly came to realize his potential for greatness came across so well on wax. “Ms. Fat Booty” is the quintessential “A’YO MA!” anthem for New York dudes who can’t help but acknowledge a beautiful woman in motion. Plus “Mathematics,” “Hip Hop,” and “Umi Says” are also considered the best of the best on this album due to their social commentary, biting lyrics, and bombastic production. A lot of fans feel Mos Def never surpassed his first solo effort. And to be honest? We kind of agree.

The sophomore curse completely bypassed this goated collective of boom-bap hip-hop practitioners. A Tribe Called Quest made headlines with their debut LP People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, then they solidified their status as a genre mainstay with The Low End Theory. The jazzy vibes come through strong here on the likes “Excursions,” “Buggin’ Out,” and “Butter.” What makes this album so legendary are the singles that always cause a club full of 90s babies to lose their ever-loving shit once they drop – “Check the Rhime” and” Scenario.”

Kendrick Lamar shocked everyone when he dropped one of the best hip-hop albums of the 2010s, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Imagine how shocked we and everybody else were when he returned with a new LP in 2015 that differed in its messaging and soundscape. The trials of tribulations of the black community as a whole get broken down here in the most audio-pleasing manner possible – the uplifting “Alright,” the thought-provoking “The Blacker the Berry,” and the sensual “These Walls” point to that overall theme. Kendrick’s second album is effective in its storytelling, lyrical material, and varied production.

You could argue that any and damn near all of Kanye West’s discography could be considered a worthy inclusion on this list. We mention The College Dropout later on and we have a lot of love for Late Registration and especially Graduation. But in our humble opinion, Ye’s magnum opus will forever be My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. When you look at all the production collaborations and featured artists on this masterpiece, it’s still wild to fathom how Kanye brought them all together. “Monster” stands out as one of the greatest posse cuts ever made, “So Appaled” is a lyrical workout plan that every aspiring MC needs to follow, and “Dark Fantasy” is one of the hardest opening tracks on any album, regardless of genre.

The cover of this album is iconic and makes a statement from the jump – MF Doom is a sinister MC who is a hip-hop mastermind. The beats that empower Doom’s tongue-twisting delivery are immediate bangers that always send us and his fans into a frenzy. “Accordion,” “Raid,” and “America’s Most Blunted” with the illustrious Quasimoto hit hard and hit fast. “Shadows of Tomorrow” and “All Caps” also showcase Doom’s diabolical wordplay and affinity for spitting over nefarious production. MF Doom is one of the greatest to ever do it – this LP is proof of his impressive standing among the hip-hop faithful.

During the early- to mid-2000s period when Southern rap had the genre as a whole in a chokehold, Young Jeezy emerged as one of Georgia’s biggest hip-hop heavyweights. He solidified his status as an MC with plenty of longevity when he dropped his debut LP Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, which perfectly encapsulates the trials and tribulations that come with coming up in the “trap.” “And Then What,” “Soul Survivor,” “Go Crazy,” ” and “My Hood” are certified anthems that are carried by Jeezy’s commanding vocals and fire production courtesy of Shawty Redd, Jazzie Pha, Mannie Fresh, and more. This album is a hell of an introduction to Jeezy’s tutorial on making the best of the tough cards that life has dealt you.

Slum Village’s second LP is considered by many to be the gateway to the group and its goated produce Jay Dilla. Fantastic, Vol. 2 is boom-bap rap royalty due to its incredible soundscape that backs bonafide classics such as “Conant Gardens,” “Climax (Girl Shit),” and “Raise It Up.” The smooth, chill vibes brought on by “Players” showcase the diversity of Slum Village’s subject matter and Dilla’s signature sound, plus “Thelonious” will forever get its just due as one of the greatest hidden tracks on any hip-hop LP. RIP DILLA!