Allow me to first say this: This list is completely subjective. Obviously. But as a self-identified “hip-hop head” and champion of the genre since I first heard Eminem’s Cleanin’ Out My Closet in 2nd grade, there are a few elements of hip-hop music to me that stand out as most important in properly and fairly critiquing the genre. Here are those criteria.
1. Lyricism (Flow, Vocabulary, Storytelling)
Above all, I value overall lyricism as the #1 indicator of good rap music. Why you ask? There is no substitute for a good lyricist. Mumble/trap rappers can hide behind loud, bombastic production and ad-libs, but it is evident almost immediately if they cannot go bar-for-bar with some of the top rappers in the game. This, to me, is the true manifestation of talent. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t want to spend my precious time listening to some fraud that is only popular because of their image, production or marketing expertise. I wanna listen to someone with BARS. That’s what hip-hop is, at least in my book.
2. Production (Creativity, Rhythm, Innovation)
The first criterion of Lyricism is not to say that production is not valuable or important at all. In fact, on my scale, it’s the second most important element in all of rap music. As I just stated, excellent production can easily turn a trash-rapper into a chart-topper (and often does). Reflexively, great production can turn a good MC into a God MC. Especially when it is used to complement an artist’s wordplay or lyricism. That’s when you strike gold.
3. Concept (Message, Cultural Impact, Replay Value)
The third criterion of my rating scale steps back and reexamines the album as a whole. What is the message here? And is it important? This isn’t to say fun albums with no message or social function aren’t important. Sometimes the message is just, “Let’s get rowdy,” or “TURN UP!” cc. Lil Jon. Though you won’t find much of that on this particular list. This category also acknowledges the cultural impact and replay value of a specific album. Because that is quite often how hip-hop music is judged in the real world. Cream rises to the top.
And that’s it. I’m a simple man. For each of these albums I’ve given them a score from 1 to 10 and taken the aggregate to determine their place on this list. Each album has been given a designation: Classic, Elite, Excellent, Solid, or Needs More Time.
You’ll see as this list progresses, and because they are MY rankings, that some albums with the Classic designation actually grade out lower than some in the Elite or even Excellent category. Consider this conundrum my stamp of approval on these albums – whereby they should absolutely be considered as classics of the genre.
And without further ado, let the countdown begin.
50. Cilvia Demo – Isaiah Rashad
Lyricism: 6/10
Production: 6/10
Concept: 4/10
Overall: 16
Designation: Solid
Although Cilvia Demo is a just that, a demo, it still deserves a place on this list. At a 49:29 runtime, new Top Dawg Entertainment product Isaiah Rashad provided us with enough material in his first go-around to establish himself as a true up-and-comer in hip-hop for years to come. His style is free flowing, deliberate, and impressively well-developed for a young artist going into his first project. We’re all eagerly waiting on that next release, Isaiah.
Notable tracks: R.I.P. Kevin Miller, West Savannah, Soliloquy, Heavenly Father, Shot You Down
49. The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 5/10
Concept: 4/10
Overall: 16
Designation: Solid
Many Eminem fans will tell you this his best album, but I don’t necessarily agree. Despite the incredible highs of tracks like Stan, The Way I Am, and The Real Slim Shady, the buck really stops there. Low points are marked by an overabundance of skits that truly take you out of the listening experience, and it seems almost as if Eminem is caught in between wanting to be Slim Shady (raw, filthy, playful) and Marshall Mathers (calculated, emotional, serious). Perhaps this was an aesthetic choice, or perhaps, this album suffers from a lack of concept much more present in his other albums. Still though, this album represents a god MC at the top of his craft and undoubtedly deserves a spot in the annals of hip-hop.
Notable tracks: Kill You, Stan, The Way I Am, The Real Slim Shady
48. Laila’s Wisdom – Rapsody
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 7/10
Concept: 3/10
Overall: 17
Designation: Solid
To say Laila’s Wisdom is slept-on is an understatement. This album, featuring the likes of Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought, and BJ the Chicago Kid among others, was nominated for the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2017, yet still, people do not know Rapsody. If it’s any indication, or in this case introduction, she outperforms every single name listed above. Rapsody is always up to the task, and is always worth a listen.
Notable tracks: Power, Nobody, Black & Ugly, You Should Know, OooWee
47. 4:44 – Jay-Z
Lyricism: 6/10
Production: 9/10
Concept: 3/10
Overall: 18
Designation: Solid
Jay-Z’s 4:44, while a masterpiece of sound production, is not perfect. Jay puts his marriage problems in the open, dedicating the album to his wife Beyonce and apologizing for the infidelity he has put her through (allegedly). It is gorgeous, soothing and immaculate, but its short length and large subject matter can make it feel a bit rushed and lacking passion. Tracks like Smile and The Story of OJ save an otherwise lackluster project by one of the GOATs. Still though, this somewhat low rating is mostly a product of Jay-Z setting an incredibly high bar.
Notable tracks: The Story of OJ, Smile, Caught Their Eyes, 4:44
46. My Name is My Name – Pusha T
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 6/10
Concept: 5/10
Overall: 18
Designation: Solid
Despite his sustained success as a member of Virginia-based duo Clipse, Pusha truly came into his own as a solo artist with his 2013 project My Name is My Name. With the team of Kanye West, 88-Keys, Pharrell, Swizz Beatz and The-Dream producing this album, it was almost too big to fail. And fail it did not. Although some tracks come across as stale, perhaps over-produced, the highlights of this album are unmistakable hip-hop gold that would propel Pusha T’s career into the future and into the limelight. The features on this album are elite, and Pusha is truly at his best among all of them.
Notable tracks: Numbers on the Boards, Who I Am, Nosetalgia, Pain
45. Murray's Revenge – Murs and 9th Wonder
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 8/10
Concept: 4/10
Overall: 19
Designation: Solid
An immensely talented rapper, Murs left the Living Legends crew to link up with legendary producer 9th Wonder, and thank god he did. Murray's Revenge is an insanely clean listen front to back. Murs is truly an underrated gem of the hip-hop world and still putting out dope music to this day. Murray's Revenge suffers from a short runtime of only 32 minutes - but the negatives almost stop there. This duo - Murs and 9th Wonder - have the skill and ambition to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the rap game. Don't sleep.
Notable tracks: Murs Day, Murray's Law, Silly Girl, Barbershop, Yesterday & Today, Dreamchaser, L.A., Murray's Revenge
44. Section.80 – Kendrick Lamar
Lyricism: 8/10
Production: 5/10
Concept: 7/10
Overall: 20
Designation: Excellent
If you ask Kendrick, he will say his first studio album is good kid, m.A.A.d city, and this record was him just trying to put his voice out there and gain traction. While that may be true, it is tough to deny the cultural impact of Section.80 and the way in which in pushed Kendrick onto the scene. Even at 24, the Compton product was unafraid of altering his vocal style and experimenting with skits and storytelling; linchpins of his characteristic today. Section.80 is not perfect; production is shaky-at-best at times, but Kendrick’s message and voice are strong and consistent.
Notable tracks: F*ck Your Ethnicity, A.D.H.D., Poe Mans Dreams, Rigamortus, Blow My High (Members Only), HiiiPower
43. Born Sinner – J. Cole
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 8/10
Concept: 5/10
Overall: 20
Designation: Excellent
Jermaine Cole's second studio album is one of the more slept-on projects in all of hip-hop. Born Sinner absolutely established Cole's sound, and cemented him as a heavy-hitter in the rap scene. Seriously, since this album dropped, everyone is always eager to listen to what the North Carolina rapper will put out next. J. Cole shows incredible poise and versatility on this album, and the production is top notch for its time. It's an enjoyable listen front to back.
Notable tracks: Villuminati, Land of the Snakes, Power Trip, She Knows, Forbidden Fruit, Crooked Smile, Let Nas Down
42. The New Danger – Mos Def
Lyricism: 7/10
Production: 6/10
Concept: 8/10
Overall: 21
Designation: Excellent
Although many of hip-hop legend Mos Def’s works could be featured on this list, The New Danger takes this spot for a few reasons. First, his best work on the microphone, Black on Both Sides, and Black Star with fellow god-MC Talib Kweli were both released before 2000. And while The Ecstatic (2009)’s high points may be taller than anything on The New Danger, this project is far more consistent. Mos Def has never been afraid to shy away from the classic hip-hop sound. He is more than comfortable dabbling in soft soul samples, hardcore rock & roll and everything in between. His greatest skill on this album is definitely his versatility; what it lacks in cohesion and production, it more than makes up for in idiosyncrasy.
Notable tracks: Freaky Black Greetings, Ghetto Rock, Sunshine, The Panties, Modern Marvel
41. Doris – Earl Sweatshirt
Lyricism: 8/10
Production: 7/10
Concept: 6/10
Overall: 21
Designation: Excellent
The first installment of the countdown ends with what is perhaps Odd Future prodigy Earl Sweatshirt's most complete project to date. With the release of Doris, Earl may have been the most successful rapper ever at the age of 19. This multifaceted album features great verses from Vince Staples, Tyler the Creator, Frank Ocean, Casey Veggies, Mac Miller, and Wu-Tang’s very own RZA. Even at such a young age, Earl shines throughout even amongst all these hip-hop legends. Regardless of what you think about his music, Earl Sweatshirt's talent and love of hip-hop music is apparent and undeniable.
Notable tracks: Burgundy, Sunday, Hive, Chum, Guild, Molasses
Thus concludes this portion of the countdown. Stay tuned for next week when we reveal numbers 40-31. Also, listen to and download the playlist of all my favorite tracks from these albums here, updated weekly with each installment. Enjoy!
Comments