1. ILLMATIC- NAS
I don’t think there’s much of question here. Anyone who loves hip hop had their time where this was the only album that you played. From start to finish every song is a banger lyrically. It was also amazing listening to someone just get on top of beat after beat without all the production and beat changes. This album was straight flow and straight fire. Its spot as number one is solidified.
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2. READY TO DIE- NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
The only Biggie album released while he was alive was straight fire. With tracks like Big Poppa, Warning, Juicy, and Ready to Die this album was a top to bottom banger. This album could easily be number one if Nas wasn’t a better lyricist than B.I.G.
3. ENTER THE WU-36 CHAMBERS- WU-TANG
To decide who was on which tracks RZA had the members battle rap for it…so you know 36 chambers was going to be good. Wu Tangs best album did not disappoint. “Protect ya Neck” “Bring the Ruckus” and “C.R.E.A.M.” were the top tracks but this album was flooded with good songs and eerie beats.
4. THE CHRONIC- DR DRE
Dr Dre is so good he gets to be on this list twice. Unlike Wu Tang, Dr. Dre worked better on his own. Chronic was Dre’s first album after N.W.A. and introduced the world to Nate Dogg, Warren G, and Snoop Dogg. This album laid the ground for the West Coast for years to come.
5. THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP- EMINEM
There’s a lot of debate over the best Eminem album but for me theres no question. Every track on this album you know. Also unlike Slim Shady he was more serious and less jokey. He combined his jokey demeanor with raw flow and solid production behind it. This to me was Eminems true coming out party.
6. ALL EYEZ ON ME- TUPAC
While some people like “Me Against the World” better I’m all in on “All Eyez on Me.” Fresh out of jail and signed to Death Row, Tupac created a masterpiece. With songs like “Amerikaz Most Wanted” and “California Love” Tupac let it rip.
7. THA CARTER III- LIL WAYNE
Some people may question that I this Lil Wayne on this list or him at all. While he’s the best of all time in my opinion that doesnt mean he had one of the bets albums of all time. However, when you go back and look at the track listing on Tha Carter III you’ll understand. “Mr. Carter” “A Milli” “Got Money’ “Comfortable” “Lollipop” “Mrs. Officer…Need I say more.
8. STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON- N.W.A.
This album essentially started gangsta rap. It made the whole world take notice and people were scared. Maybe the most influential album on this list because it started something the world was and wasn’t ready for. This album made platinum without a major tour or any airplay support. This album put the West on the map.
9. THE LOW END THEORY- A TRIBE CALLED QUEST
I can’t lie..I know the least about this album. I have heard most of the songs and I understand the significance. It was socially conscience music with a blend of Jazz and Hip Hop. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg had something special with this one. My favorite track is either “Excursion” or “Scenario”
10. REASONABLE DOUBT- JAY-Z
While its debatable that this is Jay-Z’s best album I’m calling it. It’s not my particular favorite but I think it was his rawest effort. “Brooklyns Finest” and “Dead Presidents” headline an album full of just straight flow. His debut album blew people away to say the least.