Welcome back for another installment of The Top 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of the 21st Century. We are now getting into the nitty-gritty; the twenty remaining albums on this list are what I consider the very best of the genre. All of these projects - to me - are A. I. R. Always. In. Rotation.
Also, just allow me to say this: Thank you. The feedback I’ve gotten from doing this countdown has been way more positive than I expected. It has sincerely brought me some much-needed comfort. For those who don’t know, I’m currently in a battle with cancer that at times rips my mind apart. Ranking these albums - which largely contain my favorite music of all time - has brought me such clarity about myself and my purpose in life. Revisiting these tunes that were very much the soundtrack of my childhood helps me to remember who I am. So thank you, friend, for allowing me the opportunity to be creative and the opportunity to rediscover my identity and gain comfort in this shitty time. Now without further ado…
20. Bandana - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 8.5/10
Concept: 8/10
Overall: 26.5
Designation: Needs More Time
Despite being released in only 2019, Freddie Gibbs earns a top 20 spot on this list because of the god-level ability he displays on Bandana. Freddie Gibbs rhymes like he is in a trance throughout Bandana - and his style meshes perfectly with Madlib’s meandering and whimsical production. Gibbs always rises to the challenge. He’s a rapper who is in the fucking zone right now, and he knows it. He perfectly embodies this persona in Half Manne Half Cocaine and Freestyle Shit. Check out him shredding the Tiny Desk.
The dude is absolutely feeling himself, and he should be. Also - seeing Madlib work live is so fucking cool. Bandana - to me - is a classic. Still waiting on the hip-hop community to concur, but meanwhile, here is my stamp of approval.
Notable tracks: Freestyle S**t, Half Manne Half Cocaine, Crime Pays, Massage Seats, Palmolive, Flat Tummy Tea, Education
19. GO:OD AM - Mac Miller
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 8.5/10
Overall: 26.5
Designation: Needs More Time
This one is tough. While GO:OD AM may not be dearly-missed Mac Miller’s best album, it is almost certainly the purest distillation of “hip-hop” Mac ever put out. It can be easily argued that The Divine Feminine, Swimming, or even Circles are better overall albums that this one - but GO:OD AM features the best rapping of Mac’s entire life. Perfect Circle/Godspeed is a track that is both uplifting and gut-wrenching. It’s Mac’s most honest track ever - and is almost prophetic in the way he predicts his own death and contemplates his legacy in hip-hop. I’m moved to tears nearly every listen.
The gems of this album don’t stop there. Songs like Brand Name, 100 Grandkids, and Clubhouse are classic Mac while Break the Law may be one of the hardest songs ever recorded. Here’s a great interview of him talking about the album, music, life, depression, and more. I miss him.
Notable tracks: Doors, Brand Name, 100 Grandkids, Clubhouse, Break the Law, Perfect Circle / God Speed, Cut the Check
18. Mm.. Food - MF DOOM
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 9/10
Overall: 27
Designation: Classic
Finally, the late great MF DOOM makes his first appearance on this list. For those who know me, you know that I am a die hard DOOM fan, and very much consider him the best rapper - ever. See, a lot of people can rhyme as well as DOOM, but no one can quite rhyme better than him. And that’s the mark of a top tier MC. (Don’t worry, the RAP TIER LIST is coming soon).
Mm. Food is a lot of things. It’s one of DOOM’s most playful albums, and also one of his best - top 3 by my count. Spoiler alert. Mm.. Food utilizes the 'food' motif in a way that no other rapper could successfully. This is because of DOOM’s persona. He paints himself as a super villain; just having fun wreaking havoc on track to track. It’s humorous, it’s inventive - it’s DOOM. But just when you think you can pin down the super villain, he surprises you. Kon Karne is one of the most honest and pleasant tracks the artist has ever put out. Vomitspit is one of the most impressive manipulations of the English language ever recorded. At the height of his power DOOM was untouchable… and Mm.. Food is a testament to that.
Notable tracks: Hoe Cakes, One Beer, Deep Fried Frenz, Kon Karne, Guinnesses, Rap Snitch Knishes, Vomitspit, Kookies
17. Late Registration - Kanye West
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 8.5/10
Concept: 9.5/10
Overall: 27
Designation: Classic
And as the first domino falls - so does the second. Kanye makes his first, and long-awaited, debut on this list. Those who know me know I was also a huge fan of Kanye. My fandom has since wavered; an inability to separate the art from the artist is at fault. That being said, I am hoping the best for Kanye West - the human being. I hope he finds peace and love and clarity and everything he seeks in this world. But if his latest projects are any indication of his current mind state, I will happily pass on them.
At the risk of sounding pedantic, I will say I prefer the “old” Kanye for two main reasons: First, the quality of his lyrics, and second, his passion. Listening to an album like Late Registration, a track like Touch the Sky - and then listening to a track off of The Life of Pablo or Jesus is King is astounding. You can feel the lack of passion… it’s almost as if Kanye has nothing left to say. And that may be true. It’s something no artist is safe from. They have reached the mountaintop. Where do they go from there?
I will always prefer listening to Ye rhyme about whipping his first car around Chicago to him taking soft jabs at Ray-J; I will always prefer Drive Slow to Highlights. It’s more inspired - it’s better. I don’t give a fuck about Ray-J, or Kim K, or Kylie or Kendall or any of those talentless squids. I care about the music… and that’s it. On Late Registration, it’s clear Kanye put the music first. It isn’t perfect; there’s filler, confusing production, and boring skits… but Late Registration is a classic. Believe that!
Notable tracks: Touch the Sky, Gold Digger, Drive Slow, My Way Home, Roses, Diamonds From Sierra Leone Remix, Gone
16. Jedi Mind Tricks Presents: The Best of Army of the Pharaohs - Army of the Pharaohs
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 8/10
Overall: 27
Designation: Elite
Although Nas declared hip-hop “dead” in 2006, Philadelphia’s own Jedi Mind Tricks proved hip-hop was alive and well - it just lived underground. Jedi Mind Tricks, and later-supergroup Army of the Pharaohs have put out some of the highest quality rap of the 21st century. No question. Those who are familiar with the group know. They are dark, ruthless, violent - and of course, all about the music. It’s rare to see so many artists each absolutely kill it verse by verse on a single album. Seriously, Army of the Pharaohs is like a modern-day Wu-Tang Clan on steroids. There are at least 20 members and affiliates of the crew, and each has a specific talent, style and niche in the genre. Production on these project is always top notch too boot. AOTP are very much patrons of East Coast boom bap sound - and they bring it into the 21st century as aggressively as they should.
I must admit, it feels like cheating to put a compilation album on this list, but this one is worth it. Also, AOTP’s debut album has been taken off Apple Music and Spotify for some reason. But this will do fine. Trust me, once you listen, you will understand. Battle Cry and Swords Drawn are among the jams played at every high school kickback we ever had - and Seven is considered by many an aficionado to be the greatest rap song ever recorded. Prepare yourself.
Notable tracks: Battle Cry, Time to Rock, Bloody Tears, Listen Up, Gorillas, Swords Drawn, Seven, Strike Back, Tear It Down, Dump the Clip
15. The Slim Shady LP - Eminem
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 9.5/10
Concept: 9/10
Overall: 27.5
Designation: Classic
It’s a special feat when your first project is deemed a classic by the hip-hop world. Eminem did just that - and for the rest of his career, he would be no stranger to success. There’s a reason Eminem is the megastar he is today. That reason is The Slim Shady LP. The Detroit product burst onto the scene with an album that is equal parts dark and inspiring. The man quite literally came from nothing - his childhood was fucked up and he was the product of a broken home. The Slim Shady LP catalogues his long road to success and establishes his voice and persona as a demented but impressive young force of nature; someone that should not be fucked with.
Backed by Dr. Dre’s always awesome production, Slim Shady shines on tracks like My Name Is, Guilty Conscience, and Bad Meets Evil. Still Don’t Give a F**k also could be in the conversation for the best rapping of Em’s entire career. This album is somehow fun, thrilling, scary, sad and inspiring. Sounds like a classic to me.
Notable tracks: Guilty Conscience, Brain Damage, If I Had, As The World Turns, Bad Meets Evil, Still Don't Give A Fuck
14. God’s Son - Nas
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 8.5/10
Concept: 9/10
Overall: 27.5
Designation: Classic
I may be in the minority for this, but I truly believe God’s Son is Nas’s best album outside of Illmatic. Seriously. The album starts with Get Down, one of the most gangster rap songs ever made. It makes me want to rob a bank.
Not to mention songs like Made You Look (the best UFC walk-out song, shoutout Uriah Hall), Thugz Mansion N.Y. and I Can populate this album - some of Nas’s greatest ever. God’s Son, unlike Illmatic, is extremely personal. It often feels like he’s speaking directly to you, the listener. The album is incredibly introspective and uplifting. He celebrates Black culture and individuality in a way that’s both refreshing and historically accurate. It’s no wonder he calls it God’s Son, because Nas comes off as a prophet in this can’t-miss piece of art. It’s one of the best - by one of the best.
Notable tracks: Get Down, The Cross, Made You Look, I Can, Thugz Mansion N.Y., Book of Rhymes, Dance, Heaven
13. Shadows on the Sun - Brother Ali
Lyricism: 9.5/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 9/10
Overall: 27.5
Designation: Elite
This album is one that is incredibly close to my heart. I remember first hearing Shadows on the Sun my sophomore year of high school. This was time when acne had started blistering from every pore on my young face. I was growing fast - and thinning out. I was skinny and awkward, none of my clothes fit me, and I’ll even admit I didn’t really have any friends at school. I was the new kid, one who was very much in my shell and eager for someone to understand and accept me for who I was.
The first time I heard Brother Ali’s Forest Whitiker, I cried tears of joy. It was almost as if Ali was speaking directly to me; elucidating my internal desires in a way that I didn’t quite know how to communicate yet. See, Brother Ali is an albino man. He is out-of-shape, odd-looking, and sees himself as an outcast. But Forest Whitiker celebrates this diversity. It celebrates the oddball in all of us; the ugly kid who can’t quite gain the confidence to assert himself among others.
This has obviously been a difficult few months for me. Between being isolated due to Covid, getting diagnosed with cancer and then going through six rounds chemotherapy on my own - I have lately felt like an outsider again. I’ve been privileged with a great family and a great group of friends, but there’s nothing that can prepare you for the isolation of cancer. I knew this album would be on this list near the top, but I was not emotionally ready to revisit it. Now, listening to Forest Whitiker, and all of Shadows on the Sun for that matter, with my head bald and eyebrows fried - I feel just as uplifted as I did back then. Brother Ali’s spirit moves me to tears. I am thankful the genre of hip-hop can lend itself to this positivity; this healing power that can bring catharsis to struggling people’s lives.
For anyone out there who has ever felt different, isolated, or unwelcome - Brother Ali is for you. He's a poet. Here's some footage of Brother Ali performing an alternative version of Forest Whitaker that will lift you up.
Notable tracks: Room With A View, Prince Charming, Win Some Lose Some, Bitchslap!, When The Beat Comes In, Blah Blah Blah, Forest Whitiker, Dorian, Victory!
12. Vaudeville Villain - Viktor Vaughn
Lyricism: 9.5/10
Production: 8.5/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 28
Designation: Classic
The villain is back. MF DOOM’s (Viktor Vaughn’s) Vaudeville Villain is perhaps the most successful example of the use of 'persona' in all of hip-hop. That is - inhabiting a different character through your rhymes. DOOM was a man who loved to create and flesh out different characters, and Viktor Vaughn is his best one. Vaudeville Villain paints a picture of a young, cocky rapper - probably a character based on DOOM himself in his early career. It’s just so damn cool to watch DOOM effortlessly MC this album completely in character. It is true performance art.
To me, DOOM is a modern-day Shakespeare, and Vaudeville Villain is one of his greatest works. Despite dropping in 2003, tracks like Can I Watch? and Saliva are timeless pieces of music that you can pick up different stuff on in every listen. Trust me - they’ve been in my rotation for nearly a decade.
Notable tracks: Vaudeville Villain, Lickupon, The Drop, Raedawn, Can I Watch?, Saliva, A Modern Day Mugging, G.M.C.
11. The Shining - J Dilla
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 9/10
Overall: 28
Designation: Classic
At 36 minutes of runtime - the late great J Dilla just misses out on the top 10. But that’s okay. His work has been featured all over this list, and it’s no secret he’s among the greatest of all-time when it comes to production. The Shining, although short, is the purest translation of J Dilla's talent working behind the boards. It is utterly unique - and could not have been made by anyone else on planet Earth besides the man, Dilla, himself. That is a true testament to greatness at one's craft. He left us far too soon.
Dilla's smooth soulful style pairs perfectly with vocal appearances by hip-hop royalty like Busta Rhymes, Common, Black Thought and more. Honestly, the production on this album is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard. So Far to Go may take the cake in that department. I'm no musical genius - but even I had to jump on the instrumental. Here's me fucking around with it ~ 5 years ago, if you're interested: https://soundcloud.com/dannyoung/all-i-wanna-do
In a rare move - Dilla actually spits himself on Won’t Do - a highlight on an album filled with unforgettable tracks. A short runtime is the only thing that hurts this project’s standing. It is a remarkable piece of art that transcends the genre of hip-hop. J Dilla is and will always be a legend for the quality of work he produced on albums like The Shining. It's all-time head bobbing music; enjoy it thusly.
Notable tracks: E=MC2, Love, Baby, So Far To Go, Jungle Love, Over the Breaks, Dime Piece, Love Movin', Won't Do
Thanks for reading! I have chemotherapy all next week but I will try and push out the top 10 by next weekend. Download the official playlist and listen along with us! ^
With Love, Always.
Dan (WTFM)
Comentários