25. Tha Carter III (Lil Wayne)
Lil Wayne’s triumph of an album would take over the world in 2008 and beyond. This album was in opposition to much of modern rap. Still, it somehow became wildly popular. It then proceeded to completely change the direction of hip-hop for good. Lil Wayne was at the height of his unconventional creativity with this album — and ultimately it would never be matched.
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24. Like Water For Chocolate (Common)
Although not his most commercially successful album, “Like Water For Chocolate” was a masterclass in soulful lyrics and production. Common’s storytelling, social awareness, and song making ability are on full display with this album. There’s no denying that “Like Water For Chocolate” oozes hip-hop that makes you feel good. Common is widely respected by those in the game, to be sure. Still it’s surprising Common hasn’t enjoyed more mainstream reverence considering his talent.
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23. Black On Both Sides (Mos Def)
After the release of the group album “Blackstar” with Talib Kweli, Mos Def would create an album that piles on the infectious beats and effervescent rhymes. His political awareness and sultry song writing provided much needed creativity into hip-hop at this time. “Black on Both Sides” solidified Mos Def as one of the most talented stars pushing hip-hop forward ahead of the new millennium.
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22. Madvillain (Madvilliany)
The collaboration between MF Doom and Madlib was an unlikely pairing. With that said, it would produce one of the most important albums to come out of the underground. A hypnotic take on hip-hop, it melded the duo’s distinctive talents — Doom’s cerebral raps and Madlib’s unconventional beat — into something both charming and mystical. Both Doom and Madlib were unshakeable creatives who were unpredictable in the best way possible.
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21. Only Built For Cuban Linx (Raekwon)
A concept album that features both Wu-Tang members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, “Only Built For Cuban Linx” is a stunning, cinematic album. One of the best albums to come out of the Wu-Tang camp, there’s so much character and detail in this album that it could be mafioso blockbuster if turned to the silver screen. We’re hoping that sort of adaptation can soon become a reality down the line.
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20. The Marshall Mathers LP (Eminem)
After the monumental success and popularity of Eminem’s major label debut, “The Slim Shady LP” he went in a more transgressive and autobiographical direction for this follow up. With songs about his struggles with fame, his personal life, and everything in between, this was a closer look into the mind of Marshall Mathers. Although this album still had the horrorcore and cartoonish elements that made Eminem such a unique figure, it was an album that would change the trajectory of hip-hop and music in general.
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19. AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (Ice Cube)
Fresh off leaving the West Coast super group, N.W.A., Ice Cube would drop one of the most ferocious and impactful albums in hip-hop history. Entirely produced by the Bomb Squad, the production unit from Public Enemy, this album was funky, hard hitting, political, and riveting. Ice Cube was a force to be reckoned with. This album shows his talents as a writer, and an understanding of the importance of his voice.
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18. The Infamous (Mobb Deep)
“The Infamous” would become the cornerstone of hardcore New York hip-hop. It was a true spiritual successor to Nas’s classic “Illmatic”. Gritty, bare bones beats coupled with lyrics that were brutally raw; this was New York gangster rap bottled up and sold to the masses. Both Havoc and Prodigy were masters of their craft, and were able to make history with their 2nd album. In the process, it would heavily influence the next generation.
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17. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (DMX)
DMX’s magnum opus “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” focuses on many of his trials and tribulations. Through some of the tracks, we’re left with a few of the most influential songs ever in the genre of hip-hop. “Get at Me Dog,” “Stop Being Greedy,” and “The Convo” are just a few of the classic songs that make this album an unforgettable experience in hip-hop. Simply put, it could never be duplicated.
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16. Paul’s Boutique (Beastie Boys)
After the monumental success of “Licensed to Ill” the Beastie Boys left Def Jam behind to find their own identity. The group wanted a place in hip-hop where they could shake off the frat boy aesthetic and just be themselves. After running into the Dust Brothers in a nightclub in Los Angeles, the Beastie Boys found the backdrop to their next album. Using eclectic samples and funky bass lines, the Beasties concentrate on tall tales rather than boasting or dissing. In the process, it makes this an incredibly fun and interesting listen.
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15. Doggystyle (Snoop Dogg)
After making his debut on Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”, Snoop Dogg was ready to take over hip-hop…and eventually the world. Entirely produced by Dr. Dre, this g-funk laden album was the perfect backdrop to Snoop’s charismatic gangster lyrics. “Doggystyle” would define West Coast hip-hope — becoming one of the most influential albums to come out of that era.
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14. All Eyez On Me (2Pac)
After getting out of prison, 2Pac was focused — and angry — ahead of his magnum opus. This attitude was channeled into creating a double album with 27 tracks of non stop verbal gymnastics. Tupac had grown into his true self, and knew exactly who he was. The result is an epic record of G-funk and gangsta rap that managed to take on the mainstream. To this day, we’ve never seen anyone like the late Tupac, with his combination of prose, energy, and on-stage charisma.
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13. 3 Feet High & Rising (De La Soul)
The debut album from De La Soul would change the trajectory of hip-hop forever. Essentially, it influenced a whole new generation of rap fans. From the samples, the characters, the comedy, the birthplace of the hip-hop skit, the light heartedness, and the uniqueness of it all makes this a truly magnificent album. Even though De La Soul may have more focused and poignant albums that came after this one, “3 Feet High & Rising” will always be extremely important to the progression of hip-hop.
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12. Midnight Marauders (A Tribe Called Quest)
The all mighty A Tribe Called Quest found their full stride on their 3rd album “Midnight Marauders”. The funky bass lines, eclectic jazz samples were a perfect pairing with Phife Dawg and Q-Tip’s lyrics. One of the most important albums to come out in the early ’90’s — and would no doubt go on to influence a new generation of rappers and producers. “Midnight Marauders” has everything you could want in a hip hop album — from beats, rhymes, and a peek into the world of A Tribe Called Quest.
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11. Paid In Full (Eric B. & Rakim)
Their debut album would be the starting point and benchmark for lyrical density and complex rhymes. Rakim’s methodological approach to his delivery and rhyming was innovative and fresh. At the same time, Eric B’s soulful production was just as noteworthy. Eric B. & Rakim opened people’s eyes to what is possible in hip-hop, and would go on to influence most if not all rappers that came after.
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10. To Pimp a Butterfly (Kendrick Lamar)
There’s many directions Kendrick Lamar could have gone after releasing the highly praised sophomore album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”. However, no one could have foreseen the brilliance of “To Pimp A Butterfly”. This all-encompassing album was an exercise in masterful musicianship, song writing, and rapping. It created a world for the listener to venture into. The nostalgic revivalism and vanguardism was apparent — along with the odes to all Lamar’s influences that came before him. The depth of personal and political lyrics accompanied by the depth of music makes this an extremely important album for hip-hop.
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9. The Blueprint (Jay-Z)
Jay-Z’s lyrics and his choice of production on this album were immaculate. The unapologetic rhyming and soul sample filled beats made this a tight and consistent offering from one of rap’s brightest stars. Featuring production from a young Kanye West, Just Blaze, Bink, and Eminem, this would mark a resurgence in sampling in mainstream hip-hop. Not to mention that in 2019, the album was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
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8. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Kanye West)
Only Kanye West could create such a grandiose album that would have a massive impact on hip-hop and music as a whole. Kanye’s vision came to life in the best way, and he was able to curate a cast of musicians to help him manifest that vision. Some notable collaborators were RZA, Charlie Wilson, Nicki Minaj, T.I. Drake, Common, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Elton John, Justin Vernon, Seal, Beyoncé, Kid Cudi, Alicia Keys and many more. The way he blended so many different sounds and themes together in a meaningful way makes this a top album in hip-hop history.
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7. Stankonia (Outkast)
Outkast became household names thanks to their fourth studio album, “Stankonia” — which implemented a wide range of genres including gospel, rock, electro, funk and more. Big Boi and Andre 3000 took the road less traveled and experimented with their sound. The duo ended up creating one of the most important albums in hip-hop history. Their lyrics were whimsical, emotional, political, cartoonish, and so much more. There were very few boundaries that they didn’t push on this album, and hip-hop was better for it at the turn of the century.
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6. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (Public Enemy)
The group’s sophomore album was bold, loud, in your face, and impactful. Everything you would expect from Chuck D, Flavor Flav and the Bomb Squad. The politically charged lyrics and fast-paced beats demanded attention from the masses while giving them more than just entertainment. They proved hip-hop could be political and outside the boundaries of what was the norm. Songs like “Rebel Without A Pause”, “Bring The Noise”, and “Don’t Believe The Hype” are examples of furious momentum of dense and chaotic funk-infused hip-hop.
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5. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (Lauryn Hill)
Although this album is composed of R&B, neo soul, and reggae sounds and backdrops, this is undoubtedly one of the greatest contributions to hip-hop. Lauryn Hill had already established herself as an extremely talented member of the group “Fugees” — especially with their 1996 album “The Score”. When “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” dropped, she cemented herself as a mega-star — and one of the greatest talents hip-hop had to offer. The songwriting was immaculate as she touched on subjects such as motherhood, the Fugees, reminiscence, love, heartbreak, and God.
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4. Life After Death (The Notorious B.I.G.)
Biggie’s second album was monumental. To follow up his debut with a double disc featuring smash hits such as “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems” — while also bringing ‘mafioso’ rap to the mainstream — was legendary. B.I.G. took over the world with “Life After Death” — and unfortunately was murdered 16 days before the album dropped. He ultimately didn’t get to see how well received the album was. “Life After Death” also set a benchmark for double albums that so few rappers would ever be able to reach.
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3. Enter The WuTang — 36 Chambers (Wu-Tang)
Another debut album, but from a group of largely unknown rappers hailing from Staten Island. They came in guns blazing with gritty, raw and unfiltered production and rhymes. It was then paired with the member’s affinity for kung fu flicks and violence. All eight members of the Wu-Tang brought their own distinct voice and character that made you want to listen to every single verse and marvel at their cutthroat lyrics. This album was a masterclass in beats, rhymes, and in your face hip-hop.
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2. The Chronic (Dr. Dre)
The golden standard for hip-hop albums in terms of production quality and establishing a sound that would influence mainstream music for decades after its release. Dr. Dre went big on his debut solo album and introduced a superstar before releasing his own solo album with Snoop Dogg. Songs like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Dre Day” are cemented in hip-hop legacy. Both tracks sound as if they could come out today and blow our minds.
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1. Illmatic (Nas)
The perfect album. Not a second is wasted in this certified hip-hop classic from 1994. In an era of bloated hip-hop albums when 20+ tracks was the standard, Nas chose just 10… and got straight to the point. No filler, no duds, just pure hip-hop seeping out every track. Nas’s debut album featured production from hip-hop legends such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Large Professor. All of these giants perfectly matched his poetic street rhyming sensibilities. There hasn’t been a hip-hop album released since that has matched the lyrical density, undeniably funky/hard-hitting production, and the focused precision of the artist.
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