The 100 Most Essential Hip-Hop Albums Ever, Pt. II (1999-present)
Honoring definitive, high-quality records of rap’s illustrious history
I do not own the rights to the images in this article.
Hip-Hop is one of the most impactful cultural phenomena in American history. Its reach has expanded to business, politics, sports, fashion and cinema, though it all started with the music. Considering hip-hop’s musical importance and substantial cultural influence, I created a list of The 100 Most Essential Hip-Hop Albums Ever.
This is the second part of this list – you can read Part I here – which features the landmarks and highlights of hip-hop’s 45-year history of released albums. Before we get to the list, I have to define what an “essential” album is. Is it an album that changed the game? An album of undeniably high quality? One with staying power? Or one that is definitive of a certain sound, region, or artist?
It’s all of those things to an extent, but none of them absolutely. Considering those aforementioned factors, I aimed to create a list that would illustrate the rich history and stylistic variety of hip-hop’s finest full-lengths.
I also factored in the quality of albums. As such, albums from certain notable artists, regions and subgenres are not included because I didn’t consider them to be strong enough to merit a spot on this list. That’s of course a subjective component, but as I noted in my 50 Best Rappers of All Time list, all of these exercises contain a degree of subjectivity.
Lastly, this is not a Hip-Hop 101 article for beginners. There are a few deep cuts that negate that notion.
OK. You’ve got the particulars. Now let’s finish this thing.
Method Man & Redman, Blackout!
Released: Sept. 28, 1999
The reason: As iron sharpens iron, so did Meth and Red make each other better artists on their debut duo album. Over hard-knock, funky beats, these two characters were technically masterful and delightfully entertaining from start to finish.
Mos Def, Black on Both Sides
Released: Oct. 12, 1999
The reason: Mos Def sucked listeners in with nasally smoothness and a versatile flow, but got us to stay with sharp, insightful lyrics and an endearing heart for the People. Black On Both Sides is proudly Black and intellectually supreme, a one-man show that had audiences screaming, “Encore!”
A Tribe Called Quest, The Anthology
Released: Oct. 26, 1999
The reason: Tribe’s most vital gems are scattered throughout their beloved discography, making it difficult to pick an essential album from the bunch. Enter The Anthology, which captures the group in all their silly, heartfelt, vivrant glory.
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP
Released: May 23, 2000
The reason: The Mt. Rushmore rapper’s magnum opus is one of the bounciest, most technically brilliant albums of all time. It keeps a breakneck pace for nearly the entirety of its 72-minute, 4-second runtime, with slicing commentary and deliberately shocking punchlines that forced society to face its own hypocrisy in the mirror.
Big L, The Big Picture
Released: Aug. 1, 2000
The reason: The Big Picture not only declares Big L’s status as rap’s all-time punchline champion, it also shows his well-around artistry. Rotten Apple production soundtracks L’s creative concepts, crossover prowess, cinematic storytelling and boldly honest rhymes. Above all else, The Big Picture is indisputable proof that Lamont Coleman is one of the best pure spitters to ever live.
Eve, Scorpion
Released: March 6, 2001
The reason: Nobody could put Eve in a box; she was strong and smooth, brash and humble, gully and faithful. Scorpion was a powerhouse, bringing the full force of Eve’s dynamic artistry into cars, clubs and living room dance parties across the nation.
Jay-Z, The Blueprint
Released: Sept. 11, 2001
The reason: Jay’s second all-time classic revived soul-sampling in hip-hop with the help of a couple young fellas named Kanye West and Just Blaze. It’s the perfect crossover album, satisfying true heads and pop fans with Jay’s effortless cool and raw vulnerability.
Masta Ace, Disposable Arts
Released: Oct. 16, 2001
The reason: Masta Ace is one of the greatest MCs of all time, and Disposable Arts adds layers to his multisyllabic rhyme schemes with a wholehearted commitment to an overarching concept. The record is one of the finest examples of the magic that happens when an artist is solely focused on making great music.
Ludacris, Word of Mouf
Released: Nov. 27, 2001
The reason: Word of Mouf is the best album by a rapper you just can’t miss. Chalk-full of animated ad-libs, cheeky quotables and lyrical beasting over colorful production, Word of Mouf is one of the most fun rap albums ever made.
Nas, Stillmatic
Released: Dec. 18, 2001
The reason: Stillmatic is an incredible comeback album that found Nas one-deep in a foxhole à la John Rambo against a swarm of enemies and naysayers. Yet, it’s equally essential for Nas’ organic street poetry and old-soul musings that resonated with listeners in Queensbridge and beyond.
Cam’ron, Come Home with Me
Released: May 14, 2002
The reason: Everybody hip-hop head needs a little Dipset in their lives, and Cam’ron’s Come Home with Me is the finest album to come out of the Harlem collective. Bolstered by hit singles “Hey Ma” and “Oh Boy,” Cam’s third album is both elite crossover rap and a 15-track time capsule of the souled–out early 2000s.
Eminem, The Eminem Show
Released: May 26, 2002
The reason: Eminem’s third album is one of the most emotionally impactful albums in hip-hop history. Sober, on probation and holed up in his home studio, a clear-eyed Marshall bled his heart over pulsating production for a powerful effect.
Nelly, Nellyville
Released: June 25, 2002
The reason: With a distinct melodic flow, memorable voice and irresistible production, Nelly is perhaps the most unique rapper ever born. Nellyville is the most complete portrait of his artistry as a pimped-out sneaker head with a smooth tongue, an idealistic mind and boundless determination.
Jean Grae, Attack of the Attacking Things
Released: July 23, 2002
The reason: Jean Grae is a prime example of natural, against-the-grain hip-hop. On Attack of the Attacking Things, she’s strong, quirky, humble and humorous, with sharp insight and bars that stand tall against the best of ‘em.
Devin the Dude, Just Tryin’ ta Live
Released: Aug. 27, 2002
The reason: Devin the Dude is A-1 chill rap, with a charmingly congested delivery and funny everyman quips to boot. Just Tryin’ ta Live endures as widely relatable and perfect for a nighttime cruise.
50 Cent, Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Released: Feb. 6, 2003
The reason: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is the best smash-hit album of all time. With the Good Doctor and the Shady One at his side, 50 balanced cinematic street cuts with delectable crossover joints that everyone wanted in on.
T.I., Trap Muzik
Released: Aug. 19, 2003
The reason: Trap Muzik was a massively important pillar for the trap subgenre, not just for its drum patterns or slang but for its complete portrait of life in the trap. A 22-year-old Clifford Harris took his joy, pain and passion and produced a masterpiece that spoke for an entire culture.
G-Unit, Beg for Mercy
Released: Nov. 14, 2003
The reason: It may be easy to forget now, but G-Unit is one of the greatest rap groups of all-time. The quartet’s debut album is a tour de force, with 50’s swagger, Banks’ cleverness, Buck’s passion and Yayo’s zeal in full measure.
Twista, Kamikaze
Released: Jan. 27, 2004
The reason: Twista’s rapid-fire flow is an essential part of hip-hop all by itself. On Kamikaze, K. West supplies a lush soundbed for Twista to bounce over with appealing lyrics and awe-inspiring breathlessness.
Kanye West, The College Dropout
Released: Feb. 10, 2004
The reason: A Chicago kid named Kanye West stepped from behind the boards and into the booth to bridge the gap between Benz-drivers and backpackers. He did it by being his sly, silly, spiritual self, with heartfelt lyricism, soul-driven music and Gospel choirs that took us to church.
Royce Da 5’9”, Death is Certain
Released: Feb. 24, 2004
The reason: It’s dark, and Detroit is cold. Amidst alienation and personal trials, Nickel Nine recorded an album that is purely 313 and devastatingly grim. Oh, and features some of the best bars of his era.
The Game, The Documentary
Released: Jan. 18, 2005
The reason: The Game’s mammoth debut is an essential West Coast record. Armed with star-studded features, radio-ready hooks and A-list producers, Jayceon Taylor endeared not by merely emulating his heroes, but by injecting heavy vulnerability into hard-hitting gangsta tracks.
Common, Be
Released: May 24, 2005
The reason: Common is essential for rapping with the spirit of those who left. On the career-rejuvenating Be, his inspiring lyrics and Kanye’s Chi-style soul are a match made in heaven.
Young Jeezy, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Released: July 26, 2005
The reason: Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 is one of the most bombastic rap albums ever made. It also stands as a pillar of trap, and if you know any hustlers, you know the album’s title is no lie.
Kanye West, Late Registration
Released: Aug. 30, 2005
The reason: Late Registration is the oft-forgotten album between Kanye’s seismic debut and the beginning of his experimental forays. This is a crime, because Late Registration is essential as the orchestral, darker component of Ye’s one-two combo in the mid-2000s. His sophomore effort perfected Civil Rights rap, while “Gold Digger” created a new kind of pop smash.
Lil Wayne, Tha Carter II
Released: Dec. 6, 2005
The reason: Tha Carter II is the best album from one of hip-hop’s most magnetic figures. Street, smooth and funky, Weezy crafted an album with both high entertainment value and impactful depth.
J. Dilla, Donuts
Released: Feb. 7, 2006
The reason: Donuts is the best instrumental hip-hop album of all time. With ear-resistible samples and fluidity throughout, the album is a testament to Dilla’s pure musical genius.
Ghostface Killah, Fishscale
Released: March 28, 2006
The reason: Purists would say Ironman and Supreme Clientele are Ghostface Killah’s most essential albums, but this mid-2000s classic is the most complete portrayal of one of the most compelling figures in rap’s lore. The sprawling, 23-track album allows Ghost the space to be everything from a top-shelf storyteller to a menacing spitter to an underrated crossover artist.
Cassidy, B.A.R.S. - The Barry Adrian Reese Story
Released: Nov. 6, 2007
The reason: Cassidy’s third album is the best example of hard-bodied, soulful Philly rap. Recorded after fateful mistakes made and a near-fatal experience, Cass’ spiritual inspiration elevated B.A.R.S. to classic status.
Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
Released: April 22, 2008
The reason: Atmosphere embodies the balance between the no-frills ethos and musical richness of the movement that was Rhymesayers Entertainment. When Life Gives You Lemons features Ant’s diverse palette of sounds and Slug’s conversational, heartfelt rhymes that sound like he’s speaking to you from the next room over.
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon: The End of the Day
Released: Sept. 15, 2009
The reason: Kid Cudi’s debut is an organic manifestation of the emotionally driven tunes that floated across dorm rooms and frat houses. Enveloped in spacy sonics, Cudi recorded some of the most beautifully vulnerable hip-hop in existence.
Fashawn, Boy Meets World
Released: Oct. 20, 2009
The reason: Fresno MC Fashawn’s debut is one of the finest examples of pure love for the craft. Over Exile’s soulful yet hard-knock soundbeds, Fashawn spits unflinching street reflections, provides wonderful encouragement to the youth and displays astonishingly naked honesty.
Preemo, Concrete Dreams
Released: May 5, 2010
The reason: It’s fitting that Mexican-American MC Preemo’s greatest album was released on Cinco de Mayo. With smooth samples to go with Pre’s suave style and sharp storytelling, Concrete Dreams is the best Latin hip-hop album of all time.
Brotha Lynch Hung, Coathanga Strangla
Released: April 5, 2011
The reason: Call it ripgut. Call it horrorcore. Whatever you call it, Brotha Lynch Hung crafted a classic for terror-themed rap. With an author’s visual imagery and a battle MC’s aggression, Lynch created an album that makes Halloween look like Scary Movie.
The Roots, Undun
Released: Dec. 6, 2011
The reason: The Roots’ concept album about a hustler’s life in reverse is the most awe-inspiring testament to the group’s incredible innovation. Backed by The Roots’ beautiful, haunting music, Black Thought makes a case to be on the Storytelling MCs Mount Rushmore.
Lecrae, Church Clothes
Released: May 10, 2012
The reason: Before Church Clothes, Christian hip-hop was an underrated genre that mostly catered to a specific fanbase. Lecrae and mixtape host Don Cannon changed all that, with a faith-based, hard-bodied project that blew the doors of the church open for everyone to come in. Just the way Jesus wants.
Big K.R.I.T., Live from the Underground
Released: June 5, 2012
The reason: As the torch bearer for country rap tunes, Big K.R.I.T. put a backroads twist on the subgenre with a country brother’s soul and the swagger of a mink-wearing playa. Live from the Underground is gutbucket, buttery and so cool B.B. King himself got down.
Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city
Released: Oct. 22, 2012
The reason: Kendrick Lamar’s major label debut is immersive, cinematic and transcendent. More than a dozen years later, good kid, m.A.A.d city endures as a vivid representation of both hip-hop culture and Black experiences in modern America.
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Released: Dec. 9, 2014
The reason: J. Cole’s autobiographical album defined an entire generation of dreamers. 2014 Forest Hills Drive is heartbreaking, aspirational and ultimately grounded in the values that make life worth living.
Lupe Fiasco, Tetsuo & Youth
Released: Jan. 20, 2015
The reason: Lupe is beloved for his lyrical prowess and ability to make smart pop hits, but he’s at his best when he’s compassionate. Released amidst a hail of Chicago gunfire, Tetsuo & Youth is a stunning mural of the bleakness of poverty, despair of street violence and hope for brighter days.
Chance the Rapper, Coloring Book
Released: May 13, 2016
The reason: Indie superstar Chance the Rapper’s mixtape-that’s-really-an-album is the most joyful hip-hop ever laid down. With an abundance of spastic ad-libs, feel-good rhymes and warm gospel choirs, the aptly titled Coloring Book truly sounds like a coloring book in music form.
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.
Released: April 14, 2017
The reason: good kid, m.A.A.d city is Kendrick’s best album, but DAMN. is his biggest. Through bold explorations of the dualities of humanity, K-Dot’s third album was both deeply personal and vastly relatable. Who needed a best-album Grammy when the Pulitzer folks came calling?
Jay-Z, 4:44
Released: June 30, 2017
The reason: Jay-Z’s most recent masterpiece is the crème de la crème of grown-man rap. With incisive commentary and stunning confessions, Shawn Carter showed the world that rap isn’t just a young man’s game.
Tyler, the Creator, Flower Boy
Released: July 21, 2017
The reason: Tyler, the Creator’s success is in large part owed to his willingness to be his eclectic self. Flower Boy is jagged and lovely, youthful and mature, delightful and melancholy. The best part? It smashed the boxes we put ourselves in, all without losing focus.
Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy
Released: April 6, 2018
The reason: At the time, Cardi B’s debut was the jolt the game needed. Seven years later, it stands as a testament to sonic diversity, grin-cracking hilarity and the strength of a woman’s confidence.
Pusha T, It’s Almost Dry
Released: April 22, 2022
The reason: Pusha T revels in being a specialist who refines his premier coke rap on each successive album. His most recent effort is proof positive for this approach, with Push delivering his coca paste bars both in a defiantly brash and heavy-hearted fashion.
Killer Mike, MICHAEL
Released: June 16, 2023
The reason: “I just think timing is everything,” Killer Mike says at the outset of MICHAEL, and he’s absolutely right. This is the kind of energetic, reflective album that you could only make in your late forties. On MICHAEL, Mike delivers hard-earned wisdom with a wallop and survives the storms of life by standing firm on a rock of faith.
Tech N9ne, BLISS
Released: July 14, 2023
The reason: Tech N9ne is the best sustained independent story in rap’s history, garnering devotion from hardcore Strange Music fans and respect from high-profile collaborators like Eminem and T.I. BLISS combines the gothic style of Tech’s discography with creative musical variety as Nina portrays the most spiritually mature, complete version of himself yet. BLISS’s powerful throughline is found in its skits, which illustrate the destructive nature of humanity and the unifying power of music.
As much as anything, that kind of raw social commentary and world-changing unity are essential to hip-hop.