The Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time

Welcome to one of our biggest undertakings! The greatest Hip Hop albums of all time! We know that new albums will be added to this list with each passing year but as of 2019 these are what we feel are the best Hip Hop albums of all time. They are presented in chronological order to show the timeline of growth within the Genre. Please enjoy the vast collection of titles presented and please dig into the Spotify playlist!

Due to all of these being Hip Hop albums, for the genre portion we are only going to list other genres(if any) that influence the overall feel of each album with Hip Hop at it's base.

80s:

Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five-The Message(Sugar Hill)(1982)

Genre: Disco, Electro, Funk, Turntablism

RUN D.M.C.-Self Titled(Profile)(1984)

Genre: East Coast, Rock

LL Cool J-Radio(Def Jam/Colombia)(1985)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore

Schooly D-Self Titled(Schooly-D)(1985)

Genre: Gangsta, Turntablism

Afrika Bambaatta And Soulsonic Force-Planet Rock(Tommy Boy)(1986)

Genre: Electro, Synth Funk

Beastie Boys-Licensed To Ill(Def Jam/Colombia)(1986)

Genre: East Coast, Rock

Run D.M.C.-Raising Hell(Profile)(1986)

Genre: East Coast, Rock

Boogie Down Productions-Criminal Minded(B-Boy)(1987)

Genre: Boom Bap, Conscious, Gangsta, Dancehall

Eric B & Rakim-Paid In Full(4th & Broadway)(1987)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Turntablism, Instrumental

Too Short-Born To Mack(Dangerous)(1987)

Genre: West Coast, Hardcore, Gangsta

Big Daddy Kane-Long Live The Kane(Cold Chillin')(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap

Biz Markie-Goin Off(Cold Chillin')(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Comedy

Boogie Down Productions-By All Means Necessary(Jive)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Rock, Boom Bap, Political, Dancehall

Eazy E-Eazy Duz It(Ruthless/Priority)(1988)

Genre: Gangsta, West Coast

EPMD-Strictly Business(Fresh)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Funk

Eric B & Rakim-Follow The Leader(UNI)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Instrumental, Turntablism

Jungle Brothers-Straight Out The Jungle(Warlock)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Jazz, House

MC Lyte-Lyte As A Rock(First Priority/Atlantic)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore

N.W.A.-Straight Outta Compton(Ruthless/Priority)(1988)

Genre: Gangsta, West Coast, Political, Turntablism

Public Enemy-It Takes  A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back(Def Jam/Colombia)(1988)

Genre: Political, East Coast, Hardcore, Conscious, Turntablism

Slick Rick-The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick(Def Jam/Colombia)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Comedy

Ultramagnetic MCs-Critical Beatdown(Next Plateau)(1988)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Abstract

Beastie Boys-Paul's Boutique(Capitol)(1989)

Genre: East Coast, Experimental, Plunderphonics

De La Soul-3 Feet High And Rising(Tommy Boy)(1989)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Abstract, Boom Bap

The D.O.C.-No One Can Do It Better(Ruthless/Atlantic)(1989)

Genre: West Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Jazz

Geto Boys-Grip It! On That Other Level(Rap-A-Lot)(1989)

Genre: Gangsta, Southern, Horrorcore

Jungle Brothers-Done By The Forces Of Nature(Warner Bros.)(1989)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, House, Jazz

Queen Latifah-All Hail The Queen(Tommy Boy)(1989)

Genre: East Coast, Pop, House, Conscious, Jazz

3rd Bass-The Cactus Album(Def Jam/Colombia)(1989)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap

2 Live Crew-As Nasty As They Wanna Be(Luke Skyywalker)(1989)

Genre: Miami Bass, Southern, Comedy

90s:

A Tribe Called Quest-People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm(Jive)(1990)

Genre: East Coast, Jazz, Boom Bap, Conscious

Brand Nubian-One For All(Elektra)(1990)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Jazz

Ice Cube-AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted(Priority)(1990)

Genre: Gangsta, West Coast, Political, Hardcore, Conscious

Public Enemy-Fear Of A Black Planet(Def Jam/Colombia)(1990)

Genre: Political, East Coast, Conscious, Experimental, Hardcore

X Clan-To The East Blackwards(4th & Broadway)(1990)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Political, Funk

A Tribe Called Quest-The Low End Theory(Jive)(1991)

Genre: Jazz, East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap

Black Sheep-A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing(Mercury)(1991)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Jazz, Boom Bap

Cypress Hill-Self Titled(Ruff House/Colombia)(1991)

Genre: West Coast, Gangsta, Latin, Boom Bap

De La Soul-Is Dead(Tommy Boy)(1991)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Satire

Del The Funky Homosapian-I Wish My Brother George Was Here(Elektra)(1991)

Genre: West Coast, Conscious, Funk, Boom Bap, Jazz

DJ Quik-Quik Is The Name(Profile)(1991)

Genre: West Coast, Gangsta, Turbtablism

Geto Boys-We Can't Be Stopped(Rap-A-Lot/Priority)(1991)

Genre: Gangsta, Southern, Horrorcore, Political

Ice Cube-Death Certificate(Priority)(1991)

Genre: West Coast, Political, Gangsta, Conscious, Hardcore

ICE-T-O.G. Original Gangster(Sire/Rhyme Syndicate, Warner Bros.)(1991)

Genre: Gangsta, West Coast, Political, Conscious

KMD-Mr. Hood(Elektra)(1991)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap, Jazz

Main Source-Breaking Atoms(Wild Pitch)(1991)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap, Turntablism, Jazz

Organized Konfusion-Self Titled(Hollywood Basic)(1991)

Genre: East Coast, Jazz, Boom Bap, Conscious

Scarface-Mr. Scarface Is Back(Rap-A-Lot)(1991)

Genre: Gangsta, Southern, Boom Bap

Beastie Boys-Check Your Head(Capitol/Grand Royal)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Funk, Rock, Punk, Experimental

Diamond D And The Psychotic Neurotics-Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop(Chemistry)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Jazz

Divine Styler-Spiral Walls Containing Autumns Of Light(Giant)(1992)

Genre: Experimental, Abstract, Spoken Word, Funk, Psychedelic Rock, Industrial, Noise Rock

Dr. Dre-The Chronic(Interscope/Death Row)(1992)

Genre: G Funk, West Coast, Gangsta

Gang Starr-Daily Operation(Chrysalis)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap, Jazz

Kool G Rap & DJ Polo-Live And Let Die(Cold Chillin)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Gangsta, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Jazz, Horrorcore

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth-Mecca And The Soul Brother(Elektra)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap, Jazz

The Pharcyde-Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde(Delicious Vinyl)(1992)

Genre: West Coast, Boom Bap, Jazz, Abstract

Redman-Whut? Thee Album(Rush)(1992)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, P Funk

A Tribe Called Quest-Midnight Mauraders(Jive)(1993)

Genre: East Coast, Jazz, Boom Bap, Conscious

Black Moon-Enta Da Stage(Wreck)(1993)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Jazz, Gangsta

Freestyle Fellowship-Innercity Griots(4th & Broadway)(1993)

Genre: West Coast, Abstract, Jazz, Conscious, Boom Bap

KRS One-Return Of The Boom Bap(Jive)(1993)

Genre: Boom Bap, East Coast, Conscious, Political, Ragga

Scarface-The World Is Yours(Rap-A-Lot)(1993)

Genre: Southern, Gangsta

Snoop Doggy Dogg-Doggystyle(Death Row/Interscope)(1993)

Genre: G Funk, West Coast, Gangsta

Souls Of Mischief-93 'Til Infinity(Jive)(1993)

Genre: West Coast, Jazz, Boom Bap, Conscious

Wu Tang Clan-Enter The 36 Chambers(RCA/Loud/Wu Tang)(1993)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore

Beastie Boys-Ill Communication(Grand Royal/Brooklyn Dust)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Funk, Instrumental, Hardcore Punk, Jazz

Big L-Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous(Colombia)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Gangsta, Jazz, Horrorcore

Common Sense-Resurrection(Relativity)(1994)

Genre: Conscious, Boom Bap, Jazz, Turntablism

Da Brat-Funkdafied(Colombia)(1994)

Genre: G Funk, Southern, Gangsta

Digable Planets-Blowout Comb(Pendulum)(1994)

Genre: Jazz, East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap

Gravediggaz-6 Feet Deep(Gee Street)(1994)

Genre: Horrorcore, East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap

Jeru The Damaja-The Sun Rises In The East(Payday/FFRR)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious

KMD-Black Bastards(Readyrock)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious, Jazz

Method Man-Tical(Def Jam)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore

Nas-Illmatic(Colombia)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Conscious, Jazz

Notorious B.I.G.-Ready To Die(Bad Boy Entertainment)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Gangsta, Boom Bap, G Funk

Organized Konfusion-Stress: The Extinction Agenda(Hollywood Basic)(1994)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious, Jazz, Hardcore

Scarface-The Diary(Rap-A-Lot)(1994)

Genre: Gangsta, Southern, G Funk

Chef Raekwon-Only Built For Cuban Linx...(Loud/RCA)(1995)

Genre: East Coast, Gangsta, Boom Bap, Hardcore

GZA-Liquid Swords(Geffen)(1995)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Conscious

Mobb Deep-The Infamous(Loud)(1995)

Genre: East Coast, Gangsta, Boom Bap, Hardcore

Ol' Dirty Bastard-Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version(Elektra)(1995)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Abstract

Smif N' Wessun-Dah Shinin'(Wreck)(1995)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore, Ragga

Bahamadia-Kollage(Chrysalis/EMI)(1996)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Jazz

Dr. Octagon-Dr. Octagonyecologyst(Bulk)(1996)

Genre: Abstract, Experimental, Turntablism, Horrorcore, Boom Bap

Ghostface Killah-Ironman(Razor Sharp/Epic Street)(1996)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Gangsta

Lil Kim-Hard Core(Big Beat)(1996)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Pop

Outkast-ATLiens(LaFace)(1996)

Genre: Southern, Conscious

Company Flow-Funcrusher Plus(Rawkus)(1997)

Genre: Abstract, East Coast, Experimental, Boom Bap, Conscious

Kool Keith-Sex Style(Funky Ass)(1997)

Genre: Hardcore, East Coast, Boom Bap

Missy Elliott-Supa Dupa Fly(The Goldmind/EastWest)(1997)

Genre: Pop, Abstract, Contemporary R&B

Sensational-Loaded With Power(Wordsound)(1997)

Genre: Experimental, Abstract, Illbient

Big Pun-Capitol Punishment(Loud)(1998)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Gangsta, Hardcore, Pop

Black Star-Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star(Rawkus)(1998)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Boom Bap, Political, Jazz, Neo Soul

DMX-It's Dark And Hell Is Hot(Rush/Def Jam)(1998)

Genre: Hardcore, East Coast, Horrorcore

Dr. Dooom-First Come, First Served(Funky Ass)(1998)

Genre: Hardcore, Horrorcore, Abstract, Experimental

Gang Starr-Moment Of Truth(Noo Trybe)(1998)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious

Lauryn Hill-Miseducation Of...(Ruffhouse)(1998)

Genre: Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B, Conscious, Boom Bap

Outkast-Aquemini(LaFace)(1998)

Genre: Southern, Conscious, Neo Soul, Funk, Experimental, Hardcore

Prince Paul-A Prince Among Thieves(Tommy Boy)(1998)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Gangsta

Slum Village-Fantastic Vol.2(Good Vibe)(1998)

Genre: Hip Hop, Boom Bap

Dead Prez-Let's Get Free(Loud)(1999)

Genre: Political, Southern, Conscious, Hardcore

Eminem-The Slim Shady LP(Aftermath/Interscope/Web Entertainment)(1999)

Genre: Hardcore, Horrorcore, Comedy

MF Doom-Operation Doomsday(Fondle 'Em)(1999)

Genre: East Coast, Abstract, Turntablism, Experimental

Pharoahe Monch-Internal Affairs(Rawkus)(1999)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious

The Roots-Things Fall Apart(MCA)(1999)

Genre: East Coast, Conscious, Jazz, Boom Bap

2000s

Binary Star-Masters Of The Universe(Subterraneous)(2000)

Genre: Conscious, Boom Bap

Deltron 3030-Self Titled(75 Ark)(2000)

Genre: Experimental, West Coast, Abstract, Boom Bap, Conscious

Eminem-The Marshall Mathers LP(Aftermath/Interscope/Web Entertainment)(2000)

Genre: Hardcore, Horrorcore

Ghostface Killah-Supreme Clientele(Epic/Razor Sharp)(2000)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap

Jedi Mind Tricks-Violent By Design(Superegular)(2000)

Genre: East Coast, Hardcore, Boom Bap, Abstract, Conscious

Quasimoto-The Unseen(Stones Throw)(2000)

Genre: West Coast, Abstract, Jazz, Experimental, Boom Bap

Outkast-Stankonia(LaFace/Arista)(2000)

Genre: Southern, Dirty South, Conscious, Funk, Experimental, Pop

Rah Digga-Dirty Harriet(Elektra/Flipmode)(2000)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Hardcore

Aesop Rock-Labor Days(Def Jux)(2001)

Genre: Abstract, East Coast, Conscious

Cannibal Ox-The Cold Vein(Def Jux)(2001)

Genre: Abstract, East Coast, Experimental, Conscious, Hardcore, Boom Bap

J Zone-Pimps Don't Pay Taxes(Fat Beats/Old Maid Entertainment)(2001)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Comedy

Missy Elliott-Miss E...So Addictive(Elektra)(2001)

Genre: Pop, Contemporary R&B, House

Antipop Consortium-Arrhythmia(Warp)(2002)

Genre: Abstract, Experimental, Glitch

Blackalicious-Blazing Arrow(MCA)(2002)

Genre: West Coast, Conscious, Neo Soul, Abstract, Political

Busdriver-Temporary Forever(Temporary Whatever)(2002)

Genre: Abstract, West Coast, Experimental, Jazz, Conscious, Poetry

Clipse-Lord Willin'(Star Trak/Arista)(2002)

Genre: Gangsta, Southern

EL P-Fantastic Damage(Definitive Jux)(2002)

Genre: Experimental, Abstract, East Coast, Industrial

Missy Elliott-Under Construction(Elektra)(2002)

Genre: Pop, Contemporary R&B

Mr. Lif-I, Phantom(Def Jux(2002)

Genre: East Coast, Abstract, Conscious

The Streets-Original Pirate Material(679/Locked On)(2002)

Genre: UK, UK Garage

Dizzee Rascal-Boy In Da Corner(XL)(2003)

Genre: Grime, UK

Viktor Vaughn-Vaudeville Villain(Sound Ink/Traffic)(2003)

Genre: Abstract, East Coast, Hardcore, Experimental, Glitch, Horrorcore

Dizzee Rascal-Showtime(XL)(2004)

Genre: Grime, UK

J Zone-A Job Ain't Nuthin But Work(Fat Beats/Old Maid Entertainment)(2004)

Genre: East Coast, Comedy

Madvillain-Madvillainy(Stones Throw)(2004)

Genre: Abstract, Jazz, Experimental, Instrumental

MF Doom-Mm..Food(Rhymesayers Entertainment)(2004)

Genre: East Coast, Abstract, Experimental, Plunderphonics, Jazz

The Streets-A Grand Don't Come For Free(679/Locked On)(2004)

Genre: UK, UK Garage

Edan-Beauty And The Beat(Lewis)(2005)

Genre: East Coast, Abstract, Experimental, Psychedelic Rock

MIA-Arular(XL)(2005)

Genre: UK, Electropop, Funk Carioca, Political, Dancehall

Quasimoto-The Further Adventures Of Lord Quas(Stones Throw)(2005)

Genre: Abstract, West Coast, Jazz, Experimental

Clipse-Hell Hath No Fury(Star Trak/Zomba)(2006)

Genre: Southern, Gangsta

Dizzee Rascal-Maths + English(XL/Dirtee Stank)(2007)

Genre: UK, Grime, Pop

Food For Animals-Belly(HOSS)(2008)

Genre: Glitch, Industrial, Noise, IDM

Jean Grae & 9th Wonder-Jeanius(Blacksmith)(2008)

Genre: Conscious

Big Boi-Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty(Def Jam)(2010)

Genre: Southern, Pop, Contemporary R&B

Earl Sweatshirt-EARL(OFWGKTA)(2010)

Genre: West Coast, Horrorcore, Hardcore, Experimental

Kanye West-My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy(Roc-A-Fella)(2010)

Genre: Pop, Art Pop

Danny Brown-XXX(Fool's Gold)(2011)

Genre: Hardcore, Experimental

Death Grips-Exmilitary(Third Worlds)(2011)

Genre: Hardcore, Experimental, Industrial, Abstract, Glitch

Shabazz Palaces-Black Up(Sub Pop)(2011)

Genre: Experimental, Abstract, Conscious, Wonky, Glitch

Death Grips-The Money Store(Epic)(2012)

Genre: Hardcore, Experimental, Industrial, Glitch, Abstract

Kendrik Lamar-Good Kid Madd City(Aftermath/Interscope)(2012)

Genre: West Coast, Conscious, Hardcore

Rapsody-The Idea Of Beautiful(It's A Wonderful World Music Group/Jamla)(2012)

Genre: Conscious, Neo Soul, Jazz, Boom Bap

clipping.-Midcity(Self Released)(2013)

Genre: Industrial, Harsh Noise, Hardcore, Gangsta, Glitch

Death Grips-Government Plates(Third Worlds)(2013)

Genre: Industrial, Abstract, Glitch, Experimental, Electro-Industrial, Hardcore, Deconstructed Club

J Zone-Peter Pan Syndrome(Old Maid Entertainment)(2013)

Genre: East Coast, Boom Bap, Conscious, Comedy

Azealia Banks-Broke With Expensive Taste(Azealia Banks/Prospect Park)(2014)

Genre: House, UK Bass, Trap, 2 Step, Ballroom, Experimental

clipping.-CLPPNG(Sub Pop)(2014)

Genre: Industrial, Experimental, Noise, Hardcore, Abstract

Shabazz Palaces-Lese Majesty(Sub Pop)(2014)

Genre: Experimental, Abstract, Glitch, Wonky

Little Simz-A Curious Tale Of Trials + Persons(Age 101)(2015)

Genre: UK Bass

A Tribe Called Quest-We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service(Epic)(2016)

Genre: Conscious, East Coast, Jazz, Political, Boom Bap

Danny Brown-Atrocity Exhibition(Warp/Fool's Gold)(2016)

Genre: Experimental, Hardcore, Abstract, Industrial, Post-Punk

Quelle Chris-Being You Is Great! I Wish I Could Be You More Often(Mello Music Group)(2017)

Genre: Abstract, Cloud, Jazz, Experimental, Conscious

Cupcakke-Ephorize(Self Released)(2018)

Genre: Hardcore, Trap, Pop, House, Conscious, Drill, Experimental

Death Grips-Year Of The Snitch(Third Worlds/Harvest)(2018)

Genre: Synth Punk, Experimental Rock, Electro Industrial

JPEGMAFIA-Veteran(Deathbomb Arc)(2018)

Genre: Experimental, Industrial

Quelle Chris And Jean Grae-Everything's Fine(Mello Music Group)(2018)

Genre: Abstract, Conscious, Experimental, Jazz