The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time

Submitted by podizz on Thu, 10/23/2008 - 01:53
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  1. Notorious BIG- Ready to Die-(1994) first bad boy release, only album released during his lifetime, 21 yrs old, Key Tracks: Juicy, Big Poppa, Warning.
  2. Nas- Illmatic (1994)Released 5 months earler, the 20-year-old Queensbridge native paired with producers Large Professor, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip and burst onto the scene with what would be his masterpiece. Calling the album Illmatic after his incarcerated friend Illmatic Ice, Nas originally wanted the cover to feature himself with Jesus in a headlock. Key Tracks: N.Y. State of Mind, Life's a Bitch, One Love.
  3. Dr. Dre- The Chronic- (1992), Fresh off of his split with supergroup NWA, Dre took it solo and ended up creating perhaps the best produced rap album ever of all time. The Chronic would introduce Parliament-laced G-funk to the mainstream and made Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg stars before they'd ever even released albums of their own. Key Tracks: Nuthin' but a "G" Thang, Fuck wit Dre Day, Let Me Ride.
  4. Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt- (1996) In 1996, Jay-Z blew audiences away with his debut effort and first release on label Roc-A-fella records. Sean Carter had been known as "Jazzy", a nickname that developed into his stage name Jay-Z as an homage to his musical mentor Jaz-O and to the J-Z subway lines that stop by Marcy Avenue. Jaz-O had given Jay-Z his first break by recruiting him on the 1989 song "Hawaiian Sophie." However, it wasn't until seven years later that J truly broke through, and he's never looked back since. Key Tracks: Dead Presidents, Brooklyn's Finest, Can't Knock the Hustle.
  5. Public Enemy- Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back - (1988) Chanelling the black anger and urban tension so in need of an outlet, Nation of Millions was perhaps the first truly socially conscious hip hop album. Flava Flaaaaaaav. Key Tracks: Bring the Noise, Don't Believe the Hype, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos.
  6. Wu-Tang Clan- 36 Chambers- (1993) debut album In 1993, Ghostface Killah and RZA decided to create a hip hop group whose ethos would be a blend of "Eastern philosophy picked up from kung fu movies, watered-down Nation of Islam preaching picked up on the New York streets, and comic books." Recruiting the best rappers they could find, RZA set out to produce an album layered with eerie beats, martial-arts movie clips and soul music samples. To decide who appeared on each song, he forced the Wu-Tang rappers to battle with each other. The album's title originates from the 1978 martial arts film 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin'. Key Tracks: C.R.E.A.M, Protect Ya Neck, Bring Da Ruckus.
  7. NWA- Straight Outta Compton (1988) This debut studio album pioneered gangsta rap and scared a whole lot of white people in the process. Instrumental in shifting power to the west coast, Straight Outta Compton became the first album to reach platinum status without any airplay support or major tours. Key Tracks: Straight Outta Compton, Express Yourself, F*ck The Police.
  8. Tribe Called Quest- Low End Theory 1991 Key Tracks: Excursions, Jazz (We've Got), Scenario. Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife Dawg.
  9. Snoop Dogg- Doggystyle (1993) Following the success of The Chronic, Doggystyle debuted at number one and sold over 800,000 copies in its first week, the record for a debuting artist. Key Tracks: Gin and Juice, Who Am I (Whats My Name)?, Lodi Dodi.
  10. Outcast- Aquemini-(1998) Outcast's third studio album took its name from a combination of the duo's astrological signs (Aquarius for Big Boi and Gemini for André 3000). The sythesizer-laden, distinctively Atlanta sounding record took only 2 months to go platinum. Key Tracks: SpottieOttieDopaliscious, Rosa Parks, Return of the "G".
  11. The Fugees- The Score- (1996) The second and final album of super-group Wycelf Jean, Lauren Hill and Pras. 18 million sold. Key Tracks: Killing Me Softy, Fu-Gee-La, Ready or Not.
  12. 2Pac- All Eyez on Me- (1996) All Eyez was released after Suge Knight, CEO of Death Row Records and baddest mofo on planet earth, bailed 2Pac out of jail in exchange for signing to the label. Arriving in studio to begin work hours after being released from jail, 2Pac would lay down what would become his crowning acheivement. Key Tracks: 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted, California Love, Ambitionz Az a Ridah.
  13. Notorious BIG- Life after Death. (1997)-This double album released posthumously featured guest artists 112, Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, R. Kelly, The LOX, Kelly Price, and Puff Daddy. Considered a seminal mafioso rap album, it is one of three hip hop albums to ever be certified diamond (10 million US sold). Key Tracks: Notorious Thugs, Hypnotize, Ten Crack Commandments.
  14. Eric B. & Rakim- Paid in Full-debut studio album -(1987) After Rakim responded to Eric B.'s search for "New York's top MC," the duo got to work as Rakim's friend and roommate Marley Marl allowed them to use his home studio. They would end up creating one of the most influential rap albums ever for its use of samples, internal rhyme, complex lyricism, and laid back flow. Key Tracks: Eric B. Is President, I Know You Got Soul, Paid in Full.
  15. Outcast- ATLiens-second studio album-(1996) "It's deep. So deep that listening to 'ATLiens' you might feel like drowning, but the smooth vocals of Big Boi and the earthy flows of Andre always push you back up to the surface. They are players in the truest sense of the word; not just playing for ends but playing to win in the ultimate battle of life over death, good over bad, and righteousness over evil." Steve Juon RapReviews Key Tracks: ATLiens, Wheelz of Steel, Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac).
  16. Beastie Boys- Licensed to Ill-(1986)-Debut Some fast facts: It is the first rap LP to top the Billboard 200 chart. It is Columbia Records' fastest selling debut record to date and sold over 9 million copies. Kerry King of Slayer made an appearance on the album playing lead guitar on "No Sleep 'Till Brooklyn". The '3MTA3' on the cover image of the plane spells 'EATME' when viewed in a mirror. The original title for the album was Don't Be a Faggot but Columbia Records refused to release the album and pressured Russell Simmons into having the Beastie Boys to come up with another name. Key Tracks: Fight for Your Right, No Sleep Til Brooklyn, She's Crafty.
  17. Ice Cube- AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
  18. Jay-Z- The Blueprint-(2001) 6th studio album, September 11, 2001, Produced primarily by Kanye West and Just Blaze. In spite of its release coinciding with the 9/11 attacks, The Blueprint sold over 426,000 copies in its opening week, becoming Jay-Z's fourth consecutive album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The Blueprint was reportedly cut in two weeks, with Jay-Z allegedly writing the lyrics in two days. Key Tracks: Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Renegade, Girls, Girls, Girls.
  19. Eminem- The Eminem Show (2002) Eminems fourth studio album was the first to be mainly self-produced and was the first of his albums to be released under Shady Records. The album sold 1.32 million copies in its first full week of sales and would go on to sell 19 million worldwide. Key Tracks: Without Me, Cleanin' Out My Closet, Superman.
  20. Mos Def- Black on Both Sides (1999) debut solo album, live instrumentation and socially-conscious lyrics. Key Tracks: Ms. Fat Booty, Brooklyn, Mathematics.
  21. Big L- Lifestyles ov da poor and dangerous-1995 Like Biggie Smalls' Ready to Die, Lifestyles was the only studio album to be released before it's creator was shot and killed. The tremendously underrated album introduced up-and-comers Jay-Z and Camron. Key Tracks: Put It On, M.V.P., Street Struck.
  22. Mobb Deep- The Infamous... -second album (1995), Queensbridge Key Tracks: Shook Ones Pt. II, Temperature's Rising, Survival of the Fittest.
  23. Run DMC- Run-D.M.C. debut album, (1984), Run DMC's debut effort was the first hip-hop album to have a 5-mic rating from The Source. Key Tracks: Rock Box, It's Like That, Sucker M.C.'s
  24. Bone Thugs- East 1999 Eternal, debut (1995), Released 4 months after executive producer Eazy-E's death, Eternal spawned the landmark single "Tha Crossroads", which won a Grammy, went double-platinum, and tied The Beatles' 32-year-old record (1964's "Can't Buy Me Love") for the fastest rising single on the pop charts. Key Tracks: The Crossroads, 1st of tha Month, East 1999.
  25. Wyclef Jean- The Carnival (1997) solo debut hip hop, reggae, folk, disco, soul, Son Cubano and Haitian music. The final three songs are sung in Haitian Creole. Key Tracks: Gone Till November, We Trying to Stay Alive, Guantanamera
  26. Nas- Stillmatic fifth studio album (2001) The album received a classic 5 mic rating from The Source magazine. On Stillmatic, Nas retaliated with the anticipated song, "Ether", a response to "Takeover" which insinuated that Jay-Z had stolen lyrics from The Notorious B.I.G. several times and that he had sold out. Key Tracks: Got Ur Self A..., One Mic, Ether.
  27. GZA- Liquid Swords (1995) second solo album arguably the best of the Wu Tang solo efforts Key Tracks: Duel of the Iron Mic, Liquid Swords, Shadowboxin.
  28. Busta Rhymes- When Disaster Strikes second busta album 1997 Key Tracks: Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Dangerous, Turn It Up. Reached #3 on Billboard 200.
  29. Lauryn Hill- Miseducation of Lauryn Hill solo debut 1998 fusion of Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Reggae, R&B, and Gospel. garnered ten Grammy nominations at the 41st Grammy Awards, winning five, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year. Key Tracks: Doo Wop (That Thing), To Zion, Everything Is Everything.
  30. Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) Em's third studio album was gritty, angry, and brutally honest, lashing out against critics and illustrating the troubles that his newfound fame had unearthed. The album sold more than 1.79 million copies in its first week in the US alone, making it the fastest selling solo album ever. Since its release, The Marshall Mathers LP has sold over 19 million copies to date. Key Tracks: Stan, The Way I Am, The Real Slim Shady?
  31. Wu-Tang Clan- Wu-Tang Forever The long-awaited follow-up to 36 Chambers, Forever showcased a stream-of-consciousness style of rap. Key Tracks: Triumph, Visionz, As High As Wu-Tang Get.
  32. Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995) Raekwon brought producer RZA and Ghostface Killah along for his solo debut, an album widely regarded as the pioneer of Mafioso rap, a genre later perfected by Biggie and Jay-Z (It was also the first hip hop album to name drop Cristal). It's title suggests that the music was is tough as Cuban link chain jewelry. Key Tracks: Criminology, Glaciers of Ice, Rainy Dayz.
  33. Jay-Z- The Black Album- (2003) J's 8th studio album was promoted as his last, though he would obviously return years later. This epic has been mixed with everything from the Beatles and Grateful Dead to Linkin Park and Prince. Key Tracks: What More Can I Say, Dirt off Your Shoulder, 99 Problems.
  34. Cypress Hill- Black Sunday (1993) This stoner opus marked the first time a latino group would go platinum. They would later be banned from Saturday Night Live after Muggs smoked a joint on-air and the band trashed their instruments while playing their second single "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That". Key Tracks: Insane In The Brain, Hits From The Bong, I Ain't Goin' Out Like That.
  35. De La Soul- 3 Feet High and Rising debut (1989) Produced by Prince Paul, this album takes its title from a Johnny Cash song called "Five Feet High and Rising". Key Tracks: Me Myself and I, Buddy, and Eye Know.
  36. Eminem- The Slim Shady LP- (1999)-For a kid in 6th grade, I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Eminem intruduce himself to the world. encouraging a man to murder his wife and her lover, desposing of dead wife's corpse Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment Key Tracks: Guilty Conscience, My Name Is, '97 Bonnie & Clyde.
  37. 2Pac- Me Against the World (1995) 3rd album Recorded in a matter of weeks before Pac was to go to prison on sexual assault charges, MATW would make the embattled rapper the first and only artist to ever have a number one album while serving a prison sentence. Key Tracks: Dear Mama, Me Against the World, Outlaw.
  38. Run DMC- Raising Hell Third album 1986 One of the most important rap albums ever for its success in bringing the genre mainstream, Raising Hell silenced critics who had called hip hop a passing fad. Key Tracks: Its Tricky, Walk This Way, My Adidas.
  39. 50 Cent-Get Rich or Die Trying Debut album 2003, Produced primarily by Dr. Dre and Eminem and introducing 50 as well as fellow G-uniters Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, Get Rich tore up the airwaves and remains one of the best club records of all time. Key Tracks: In Da Club, Patiently Waiting, P.I.M.P.
  40. Dr. Dre-Chronic 2001- Almost a decade after releasing his landmark album, The Chronic, Dre took back to the studio to begin work on his much-anticipated follow up. Dre did not mince words about his intentions. For the last couple of years, there's been a lot of talk out on the streets about whether or not I can still hold my own, whether or not I'm still good at producing. That was the ultimate motivation for me. Magazines, word of mouth and rap tabloids were saying I didn't have it any more. What more do I need to do? How many platinum records have I made? O.K., here's the album -- now what do you have to say?" Forgot About Dre, The Next Episode, What's The Difference.
  41. Puff Daddy and the Family-No Way Out- (1997) The album was originally titled Hell Up In Harlem until the The Notorious B.I.G.'s death, the album topped the album charts in the US with 561,000 units sold in its first week of release, debuting at #1. The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Victory, Been Around the World, It's All about the Benjamins.
  42. Kanye West-Graduation
  43. Kanye West-College Dropout (2004) Ego aside, Kanye has undeniable talent. won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 47th Grammy Awards. Slow Jamz, Through the Wire, Jesus Walks
  44. Grandmaster Flash (1982) Released on Sugarhill Records DJ Grandmaster Flash and MCs Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem essentially wrote the rule book on turntablism, break-beat deejaying, and rapping. The title track was the first hip hop song to integrate socially and politically concious lyrics. Key Tracks: The Message, Scorpio, She's Nasty
  45. Beastie Boys-Paul's Boutique (1989) Production by the Dust Brothers 105 songs were sampled on the album, including 24 individual samples on the last track alone. The sampling for Paul's Boutique was uncleared, which was only possible before Grand Upright Music, Ltd. v. Warner Bros. Records Inc., the landmark lawsuit against Biz Markie by Gilbert O'Sullivan, which changed the process and future of hip hop sampling. Hey Ladies, Shake Your Rump, The Sounds of Science.
  46. The Roots
  47. Afrika Bambaataa (1986) one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying[2], and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and "Godfather" In 2007, became one of the first hop hop artists to enter the rock and roll hall of fame. Bambaataa is credited with naming hip-hop. "Hip hop" was a common phrase used by MCs as part of a scat-inspired style of rhyming, and Bambaataa appropriated it for use in describing the emerging culture, which included the four elements: the music of DJs, the lyricism and poetry of emcees, the dancing of b-boys and b-girls, and graffiti art. Universal Zulu Nation, a group of socially and politically aware rappers, B-boys, graffiti artists and other people involved in hip hop culture. This album is a collection of previous singles that had up until then never appeared on an album. Planet Rock, Looking For the Perfect Beat, Renegades of Funk.
  48. LL Cool J
  49. EPMD
  50. KRS-One or BDP
Author Comments: 

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DazzaMack02/06/2010

Podizz,

Solid list but, in my opinion, many of the important &/or greatest records released are not included: They are:
Boogie Down Productions - Criminal Minded (Regarded by many as the first gangsta rap album, including MC Ren of NWA)
Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet
Das EFX - Dead Serious & Straight Up Sewaside
LL Cool J - Radio & Mama Said Knock You Out
EPMD - Strictly Business
KRS-One - Return of the Boom Bap
Ice Cube - Death Certificate & The Predator
Onyx - Bacdafucup
Redman - Whut? Thee Album
Tone Loc - Loc'ed After Dark
Young MC - Stone Cold Rhymin'

I don't agree with 1, 2, 3 & 4 being infront of 5, 6 & 7.
I also believe that... Bone Thugs N Harmony's East 1999 Eternal, OutKast's Aquemini, Kanye West's Graduation, Eminem's Slim Shady EP, Wyclef Jean's the Carnival, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Jay-Z's The Black Album & The Blueprint, Beastie Boys's Paul's Boutique are not worthy of a top 50 album list