Alas! We have reached the TOP 10 of the GREATEST Hip-Hop Albums of the 21st Century. I've revisited so much awesome music in compiling this countdown - so thank you. But before we crack the top 10, no list is complete without an extensive list of honorable mentions. There are so many albums I wanted to include but couldn’t for different reasons. As such, I have three categories of honorable mentions. These are all great projects that should undoubtedly be streamed everywhere.
Great albums that just missed the cut:
- Below the Heavens - Blu & Exile
- Watch the Throne - Kanye West & Jay-Z
- KOD - J. Cole
- Take Care - Drake
- Because the Internet - Childish Gambino
- The Lost Boy - Cordae
- Alfredo - Alchemist & Freddie Gibbs
- 3001: A Laced Odyssey - Flatbush Zombies
- Violent By Design - Jedi Mind Tricks
- Food & Liquor - Lupe Fiasco
- Hell Hath No Fury - Clipse
- Like Water For Chocolate - Common
- XXX - Danny Brown
- Dicaprio 2 - J.I.D.
- PRhyme 2 - PRhyme
- Legends Never Die - R.A. the Rugged Man
- Book of Ryan - Royce da 5'9
Great albums that just didn't contain enough "hip-hop":
- Stankonia - Outkast
- Speakerboxx/The Love Below - Outkast
- Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager - Kid Cudi
- Swimming -Mac Miller
- The Divine Feminine - Mac Miller
- The Tipping Point - The Roots
- 808’s and Heartbreak -Kanye West
- Elephunk - Black Eyed Peas
Great EP's that just lacked length:
Hell Can Wait - Vince Staples
Streams of Thought Vol. 1 - Black Thought
Streams of Thought Vol. 2 - Black Thought
Revenge of the Dreamers II - Dreamville
Untitled unmastered. - Kendrick Lamar
Kids See Ghosts - Kids See Ghosts
I highly suggesting checking all of these projects out! But now, without further ado...
10. Testuo & Youth - Lupe Fiasco
Lyricism: 9/10 Production: 9/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 28
Designation: Classic
While it may not be Lupe Fiasco’s most heralded album - I argue that Testuo & Youth is without a doubt his most complete, fully-conceptualized and artistic project; ever. The album follows an awesome seasonal aesthetic - with interludes Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring that set the tone for each part of the album. Beyond this solid concept, Lupe does perhaps his best rapping to date - finally free from studio oversight I talked about earlier in this countdown with The Cool. Some of the features are aggressive, production can be choppy at times… but that’s nitpicking. This album is a momentous achievement of hip-hop. I’m unsure if the hip-hop community has deemed it a “classic” yet, but here is my stamp of approval.
Also, I just have to mention again how clever of a wordsmith Lupe is. He went viral for Adoration of the Magi, one of the highlights of the album for the chorus - that people soon pieced together was referencing different iconic albums in music history:
"Why you ready to die? You just a baby
Why them tears up under your eyes? You just a baby
Keep your head up in the sky, you just a baby
Quit chasing money, never mind, you just a baby"
In each line, he is referencing album covers in which the artists are depicted as babies (Biggie's Ready to Die, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III, Drake's Nothing Was The Same, and Nirvana's Nevermind). Seriously, this is legendary shit. Lupe Fiasco is a god tier rapper, and a god tier artist. And Testuo & Youth is his best work. It's always a rewarding listen and should always be in your rotation.
Notable tracks: Mural, Blur My Hands, Dots & Lines, Chopper, Deliver, Adoration of the Magi
9. DAYTONA - Pusha T
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 8/10
Overall: 28
Designation: Classic
DAYTONA is a masterclass of hip-hop. Although it loses points for it’s short run time (it’s only 7 tracks) it cracks the top 10 for being an instant classic - something not seen often in the modern day hip-hop world. One could even argue DAYTONA is perfectly constructed; in a climate where fans are constantly complaining about album “filler” and “too many features”, Pusha T delivered us what might be one of the most focused albums ever made in hip-hop. So focused that he dedicated the last track, Infrared, to diss Drake - baiting him into starting a beef with him and then releasing The Story of Adidon - a scathing track that not only revealed Drake had a son he was neglecting, but spoiled his marketing plan with Adidas. On top of this, he paints Drake as a deadbeat dad “tap-dancing for the white man” like Drake’s father before him… even finding an old picture of Drake in blackface and using it as cover art.
It’s evidently clear that The Story of Adidon was part of the plan all along with the release of DAYTONA. He played Drake like a fiddle. And we haven’t even begin to discuss the music yet. Similar to just about every album in this top 10 - the album represents an S-tier rapper at their absolute best; Pusha T floats effortlessly from track to track in a flow state only few modern-day MC’s can occupy. This is truly the project where he masters his style. Subject matter, lyricism, and persona are all on point - and Kanye’s production takes him to unprecedented heights. The only critique: We want more.
Notable tracks: If You Know You Know, The Games We Play, Hard Piano, Come Back Baby, Santeria, What Would Meek Do?
8. The Blueprint - Jay-Z
Lyricism: 9/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 28
Designation: Classic
Jay-Z’s The Blueprint is an album that rose tremendously during the course of creating this list. It’s easy to dismiss Jay-Z as overrated; he’s been a mainstay of the hip-hop world for so damn long. All his albums (for the most part) have been successful. He’s been a forefather of sorts and has remained in the public eye. And he’s married too Beyonce. The Jigga man has so much going for him over the years - and nearly all of it can be traced back to The Blueprint.
Featuring a young and hungry Kanye’s production, Jay-Z brings his characteristic bravado and braggadocio. Furthermore, it’s some of the best rapping he’s done in his entire career. Play Lyrical Exercise or Renegade for anyone who thinks he doesn’t have bars. There are so many iconic tracks on The Blueprint - and it utilizes an aesthetic that rappers would copy for years - just as Jay predicted.
Notable tracks: The Ruler's Back, Takeover, U Don't Know, Hola' Hovito, Heart of the City, Song Cry, Renegade, Lyrical Exercise
7. The College Dropout - Kanye West
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 29
Designation: Classic
As you've probably guessed, Kanye shows back up again in the top 10. The College Dropout laid the foundation for one of the most prolific careers in the history of music - not just hip-hop. It features some of Kanye’s most inspired and passionate work of his entire life. It catapulted him to the top of the scene - and rightfully so. The College Dropout isn’t perfect, but I would argue that almost enhances its appeal. Hearing something so beautiful, so different, so unique - and then coming to the realization that this artist is only going to get better - that’s how Kanye first flirted with “God” status.
The trademark “soul sound” was a breath of fresh air at the time, and Ye had already perfected it by the time College Dropout was released. My favorite part about the album is that Kanye raps like he has something to prove. He had a giant chip on his shoulder when making this album and its evident. He wants to outrap every featured artist on College Dropout… and he is largely successful. It’s fun, beautiful, soulful, and hard as a hell. The College Dropout is a relic of hip-hop that changed the way the game is played.
Notable tracks: We Don't Care, All Falls Down, Spaceship, Jesus Walks, Never Let Me Down, Get Em High, Breathe In Breathe Out, Two Words, Through the Wire, Last Call
6. Graduation - Kanye West
Lyricism: 9.5/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 29.5
Designation: Classic
Now we’re getting down to the hairsplitting. Graduation gets the slightest edge over College Dropout for one main reason: There are legitimately no skips.
It’s true. I’d argue the last track, Big Brother, which is ultimately just a love letter to Jay-Z is the worst of the bunch. Drunk and Hot Girls is a little weak - but even that track features Mos Def. So we’re nitpicking here. The truth is that Graduation may very well be the best production ever featured on a hip-hop record. Like College Dropout before it (and all five of the albums following it) it changed the game. That is par for the course now. We are on hallowed ground now.
Quite honestly, Graduation should receive a 12 in production. It’s Kanye’s cleanest project - ever. It only misses out on the top five for not aiming high enough. Nevertheless, it is nearly flawless, and completely accomplishes what it set out to do. Another instant classic of the genre that will be listened to and beloved until the end of time.
Notable tracks: Good Morning, Champion, Stronger, I Wonder, Good Life, Can't Tell Me Nothing, Flashing Lights, Everything I Am, The Glory
Now we’re in the top five. Throughout the course of putting together this list, the albums in my top FIVE have never changed - just shuffled around a bit. These are the only five albums I believe are perfect scores. From lyricism to production to concept - each of these symbolize perfection. Long story short: These five artists I consider the best rappers on the planet Earth - and these are their best pieces of art.
5. good kid, m.A.A.d city - Kendrick Lamar
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 30
Designation: Classic
Kendrick Lamar's GKMC is both immaculately simple and complex. It takes the listener on a tour of Compton guided by its a youth. - exploring themes of monogamy vs. lust, religion vs. violence, and more. It is a snapshot of what it is like to grow up in Compton from Kendrick’s perspective - he rises to the challenge and delivers an earth-shattering vocal performance. The album climaxes at an incredibly emotional track Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst where Kendrick contemplates his own existence and legacy after his death. It is incredibly profound and I personally believe it’s his best song - ever.
The deluxe version of this album follows this climax with five more bonus tracks - all of which are fantastic, and even feature work from Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige. Everything Kendrick Lamar has released has been good, but GKMC, to me, reaches the highest in all three areas of lyricism, production and concept. Less than a decade after its release it is already a certified classic.
Notable tracks: Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Backseat Freestyle, The Art of Peer Pressure, Money Trees, Good Kid, m.A.A.d city, Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst, Compton, The Recipe
4. Madvillainy - Madlib & MF DOOM
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 30
Designation: Classic
What more can be said about Madvillainy that hasn’t already been said? It’s high art. Every time I listen to it through - I find new things - new layers of meaning on every listen. That right there is the mark of a truly great album. It grows with time. Each time you revisit it, you come with different notions, preconceptions… you are a different person. Thus each listen breeds a new insight. As a teenager, I was obsessed with the villainous persona of MF DOOM. Now, I come away marveling at the incredible structure of Madvillainy.
The only way to listen to this album is front to back, all at once. It’s structure is unlike any album I’ve came across to this day. It’s almost like you are transported inside a comic book - with DOOM himself as your tour guide. It becomes very evident after that - his superpower is his god-level manipulation of the English language… and his ability to not take himself seriously. At its very least, Madvillainy is one of the most unique albums ever made. It proves that hip-hop music can be fine art.
Notable tracks: Accordion, Meat Grinder, Raid, Curls, Money Folder, Figaro, Strange Ways, Fancy Clown. All Caps, Great Day, Rhinestone Cowboy
3. The Black Album - Jay-Z
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 30
Designation: Classic
Like I’ve stated, we are now in the “no skips” stratosphere - and no album epitomizes that than The Black Album… not even the next two albums on this list. The Black Album is pure gasoline. There’s no other way to say it. It’s got the best production of Jay Z’s LONG career, the most inspired rapping/songwriting, and the most interesting subject matter. He get surprisingly vulnerable on songs like December 4th and My 1st Song. He goes OFF on tracks like Public Service Announcement and Threat. Again, anyone who thinks Jay-Z is overrated needs to listen to The Black Album again.
Sometimes we are so used to someone’s greatness that we don’t take the time to recognize it. Jay-Z is one rapper that deserves all the recognition. From 99 Problems to Encore to Dirt Off Your Shoulder to Lucifer; there are so many iconic tracks on The Black Album. It is by far his best work and should always be in rotation. Always.
Notable tracks: December 4th, Encore, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Threat, 99 Problems, Public Service Announcement, Justify My Thug, Lucifer, Allure, My 1st Song
2. The Eminem Show - Eminem
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 30
Designation: Classic
The Eminem Show came to me at a time when I was most impressionable. I was a 2nd grader searching for an identity… something to relate to. Outside of maybe Star Wars and Dragonball Z, I didn’t have many interests, especially in music. I had a CD player my parents had gotten me for Christmas, but I shit you not, the only CD I had was a Radio Disney CD. I had no idea what music could be.
That all changed when I stole my mom’s Eminem Show CD. And thank god I did. Marshall Mathers quite literally taught me about the world. At seven years old - I was introduced to feelings I didn’t even know I had. I learned about media biases toward race, I learned about family, what it was like to grow up poor and claw your way to the top. I credit so much of my upbringing to this album. It will always have a special place in my heart. There are a couple skips, sure, but even the less-awesome tracks are still fun, interesting, and display the work of a true artist.
Eminem is a god amongst men - and The Eminem Show is his best work. He is the reason I fell in love with words and language and is the reason I do what I do today. I owe it all to him; his persona, his characterizations, his intricate rhyming patterns, his goofiness, his sadistic tendencies. All of these are turned up to 10 on Eminem Show. It’s changed the face of music forever - and turned Eminem into the Elvis Presley of hip-hop.
Notable tracks: White America, Business, Cleanin' Out My Closet, Square Dance, Without Me, Sing for the Moment, Superman, Haillie's Song, When the Music Stops, 'Till I Collapse
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
Lyricism: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Concept: 10/10
Overall: 30
Designation: Classic
And at last, we have the grand finale, the coup-de-gras of modern day hip-hop music, the symphony that is Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. This album is so widely beloved, so widely listened to already… I don’t need to tell you how great it is. But I will tell you: It is the greatest hip-hop album of the 21st century.
MBDTF is more ambitious than Graduation. It’s more lyrical than College Dropout. It’s better produced than 808’s and Heartbreak and it’s more fun than Late Registration. It’s truly got everything; fantasy, drama, comedy, spectacle, horror, sex, and mystery. It’s an opera; composed by perhaps the greatest musical mind of our generation.
I’ve been careful in what I’ve said about Kanye thus far on the countdown. People know me as quite the big fan of his. That being said, this entire list has been an exercise in restraint of not sucking Kanye’s dick. But I can’t not give him the top spot here. He deserves it. This album is everything I love about music - and I hope his next projects are equally as inspired as this one is. Maybe now that he’s ditched that Kardashian-squid he’ll go back to being the exhilarating, depraved lunatic we all know and love.
Notable tracks: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous, Power, All of the Lights, Monster, So Appalled, Devil In a New Dress, Runaway, Hell of a Life, Blame Game, Lost In the World
Thanks again for following along folks. This was a mammoth of a project but I was glad to do it. Please listen along, share, and stay tuned for what we have next!
With Love, Always.
-WTFM
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