The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 1990s

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1. 1
   IllmaticNas

   Illmatic

   Nas · 1994 · Hip-Hop

   Ten tracks, no filler, widely held to be the greatest rap album ever made. Nas's vivid Queensbridge storytelling sits over production from Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip and Large Professor. The benchmark every lyricist measures against.

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2. 2
   Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)Wu-Tang Clan

   Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

   Wu-Tang Clan · 1993 · Hip-Hop

   A gritty, kung-fu-soaked debut that introduced nine distinct voices over RZA's raw, dusty production. It rewrote the rules for group dynamics in hip-hop and launched a dynasty of solo careers. Essential East Coast canon.

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3. 3
   Ready to DieThe Notorious B.I.G.

   Ready to Die

   The Notorious B.I.G. · 1994 · Hip-Hop

   Biggie's debut pairs cinematic street narratives with effortless flow and undeniable hooks, balancing menace and humour. The storytelling and presence are extraordinary for a first album. A New York cornerstone.

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4. 4
   The ChronicDr. Dre

   The Chronic

   Dr. Dre · 1992 · Hip-Hop

   The album that defined G-funk, pairing Dre's laid-back, synth-heavy production with a young Snoop's effortless flow. Massively influential on 1990s West Coast rap. Smooth, menacing and endlessly sampled.

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5. 5
   The Low End TheoryA Tribe Called Quest

   The Low End Theory

   A Tribe Called Quest · 1991 · Hip-Hop

   Jazz-rap perfected, marrying upright bass and crisp drums to relaxed, conscious rhymes. Hugely influential on alternative hip-hop. One of the genre's most beloved albums.

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6. 6
   The Miseducation of Lauryn HillLauryn Hill

   The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

   Lauryn Hill · 1998 · Hip-Hop

   A genre-blurring masterpiece of hip-hop, soul and reggae, deeply personal and beautifully sung and rapped. It swept the Grammys and still feels singular. One of the great solo debuts.

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7. 7
   Reasonable DoubtJay-Z

   Reasonable Doubt

   Jay-Z · 1996 · Hip-Hop

   A coolly confident debut of mafioso storytelling and effortless flow. Polished and assured. Many fans' favourite.

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8. 8
   It Was WrittenNas

   It Was Written

   Nas · 1996 · Hip-Hop

   A glossier, commercially bigger follow-up to Illmatic, home to 'If I Ruled the World'. Polished and assured. A strong second act.

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9. 9
   Me Against the World2Pac

   Me Against the World

   2Pac · 1995 · Hip-Hop

   His most introspective and acclaimed record, reflective and wounded beneath the bravado. Deeply personal. Many fans' favourite.

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10. 10
    All Eyez on Me2Pac

    All Eyez on Me

    2Pac · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling double album of West Coast swagger and contradiction, recorded in a burst of energy. Hit-laden and definitive. Peak Pac.

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11. 11
    Life After DeathThe Notorious B.I.G.

    Life After Death

    The Notorious B.I.G. · 1997 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling double album of effortless range, released days after his murder. Hit-laden and definitive. A tragic peak.

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12. 12
    DoggystyleSnoop Dogg

    Doggystyle

    Snoop Dogg · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    Snoop's debut, draped over Dre's G-funk, is effortless cool from start to finish. The chemistry between MC and producer is total. A definitive early-90s West Coast record.

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13. 13
    The Slim Shady LPEminem

    The Slim Shady LP

    Eminem · 1999 · Hip-Hop

    The breakout, introducing his cartoonish alter ego over Dr. Dre production. Shocking and brilliant. The arrival of a phenomenon.

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14. 14
    2001Dr. Dre

    2001

    Dr. Dre · 1999 · Hip-Hop

    A glossy, expensive-sounding return that proved Dre's production genius a second time, full of hits and immaculate beats. The guest list reads like a who's who. Polished West Coast perfection.

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15. 15
    AqueminiOutKast

    Aquemini

    OutKast · 1998 · Hip-Hop

    The duo's creative high point, fusing live instrumentation, funk and forward-thinking rap into a cohesive whole. Adventurous and soulful throughout. Frequently cited as their best.

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16. 16
    Midnight MaraudersA Tribe Called Quest

    Midnight Marauders

    A Tribe Called Quest · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    Warmer and punchier than its predecessor, with sharper hooks and the same jazzy ease. Many fans rate it their finest. A perfect summer-evening record.

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17. 17
    Wu-Tang ForeverWu-Tang Clan

    Wu-Tang Forever

    Wu-Tang Clan · 1997 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling, ambitious double-album sequel. Dense and acclaimed. A strong follow-up.

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18. 18
    Liquid SwordsGZA

    Liquid Swords

    GZA · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    The most coherent Wu-Tang solo album, GZA's dense lyricism over RZA's cinematic, chess-themed production. Dark and brilliant. A 90s essential.

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19. 19
    The InfamousMobb Deep

    The Infamous

    Mobb Deep · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    Bleak, brilliant Queensbridge rap, all paranoia and hard-boiled detail over dusty beats. Definitive East Coast gloom. A 90s cornerstone.

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20. 20
    Supa Dupa FlyMissy Elliott

    Supa Dupa Fly

    Missy Elliott · 1997 · Hip-Hop

    A futuristic debut with Timbaland's off-kilter beats and Missy's playful invention. Ahead of its time. A landmark of forward-thinking R&B-rap.

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21. 21
    Vol. 2... Hard Knock LifeJay-Z

    Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life

    Jay-Z · 1998 · Hip-Hop

    A commercial peak of crossover hits and street craft. Polished and huge. A breakthrough.

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22. 22
    Black on Both SidesMos Def

    Black on Both Sides

    Mos Def · 1999 · Hip-Hop

    A rich, musical solo debut spanning conscious rap, soul and rock, full of warmth and ideas. Ambitious and beloved. A genre touchstone.

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23. 23
    Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black StarBlack Star

    Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star

    Black Star · 1998 · Hip-Hop

    A warm, lyrical conscious-rap landmark of chemistry and craft. Soulful and beloved. A genre touchstone.

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24. 24
    Things Fall ApartThe Roots

    Things Fall Apart

    The Roots · 1999 · Hip-Hop

    The Roots' breakthrough, live-band hip-hop of real depth and groove. Soulful and cohesive. Their most acclaimed record.

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25. 25
    Moment of TruthGang Starr

    Moment of Truth

    Gang Starr · 1998 · Hip-Hop

    A peak of boom-bap craft, Guru's calm flow over Premier's perfect beats. Tight and beloved. Their finest.

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26. 26
    Hard to EarnGang Starr

    Hard to Earn

    Gang Starr · 1994 · Hip-Hop

    A gritty, peak boom-bap record of Premier's beats. Tough and beloved. A high point.

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27. 27
    Mecca and the Soul BrotherPete Rock & CL Smooth

    Mecca and the Soul Brother

    Pete Rock & CL Smooth · 1992 · Hip-Hop

    A warm, jazzy landmark of soulful production, home to 'They Reminisce Over You'. Lush and beloved. A 90s classic.

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28. 28
    It's Dark and Hell Is HotDMX

    It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

    DMX · 1998 · Hip-Hop

    A raw, intense debut of gravel-voiced fury and vulnerability. Powerful and huge. A late-90s landmark.

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29. 29
    TicalMethod Man

    Tical

    Method Man · 1994 · Hip-Hop

    A grimy, raw Wu-Tang solo debut. Tough and beloved. A genre highlight.

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30. 30
    Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Raekwon

    Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

    Raekwon · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    The 'purple tape', vivid Mafioso storytelling over RZA's grimy beats, with Ghostface as co-star. Cinematic and influential. A Wu-Tang high point.

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31. 31
    Operation: DoomsdayMF DOOM

    Operation: Doomsday

    MF DOOM · 1999 · Hip-Hop

    The supervillain origin story, built from soul loops, cartoon samples and DOOM's tangled, brilliant wordplay. Lo-fi and singular. The foundation of his legend.

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32. 32
    Soul FoodGoodie Mob

    Soul Food

    Goodie Mob · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    A foundational Southern hip-hop landmark of soulful depth. Warm and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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33. 33
    93 'til InfinitySouls of Mischief

    93 'til Infinity

    Souls of Mischief · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    A breezy, jazzy West Coast debut, home to its title classic. Smooth and beloved. A genre favourite.

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34. 34
    Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty VersionOl' Dirty Bastard

    Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version

    Ol' Dirty Bastard · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    A wild, unhinged Wu-Tang solo debut of pure charisma. Chaotic and beloved. A cult classic.

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35. 35
    IronmanGhostface Killah

    Ironman

    Ghostface Killah · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    A vivid, soul-sampling Wu-Tang solo debut. Sharp and beloved. A genre highlight.

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36. 36
    Hell on EarthMobb Deep

    Hell on Earth

    Mobb Deep · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    A bleak, hard-edged peak of Queensbridge gloom. Tough and beloved. A strong follow-up to The Infamous.

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37. 37
    Ridin' DirtyUGK

    Ridin' Dirty

    UGK · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    A definitive Southern rap landmark of smooth funk and street wisdom. Soulful and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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38. 38
    The DiaryScarface

    The Diary

    Scarface · 1994 · Hip-Hop

    A vivid, introspective Southern-rap peak. Sharp and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

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39. 39
    We Can't Be StoppedGeto Boys

    We Can't Be Stopped

    Geto Boys · 1991 · Hip-Hop

    A raw, influential Southern-rap landmark, home to 'Mind Playing Tricks on Me'. Dark and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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40. 40
    E. 1999 EternalBone Thugs-n-Harmony

    E. 1999 Eternal

    Bone Thugs-n-Harmony · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    A melodic, rapid-fire peak of harmonised rap. Distinctive and huge. A genre landmark.

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41. 41
    Black SundayCypress Hill

    Black Sunday

    Cypress Hill · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    A blunted, dark peak of stoner rap and Muggs's eerie beats. Heavy and huge. A 90s staple.

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42. 42
    Check Your HeadBeastie Boys

    Check Your Head

    Beastie Boys · 1992 · Hip-Hop

    A live-instrument pivot blending rap, punk and funk. Loose and beloved. A creative high.

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43. 43
    Ill CommunicationBeastie Boys

    Ill Communication

    Beastie Boys · 1994 · Hip-Hop

    A funky, eclectic peak, home to 'Sabotage'. Fun and beloved. A high point.

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44. 44
    People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of RhythmA Tribe Called Quest

    People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

    A Tribe Called Quest · 1990 · Hip-Hop

    A playful, jazzy debut of bohemian energy and invention. Warm and fresh. A great beginning.

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45. 45
    De La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul

    De La Soul Is Dead

    De La Soul · 1991 · Hip-Hop

    A darker, denser follow-up that rejected the hippie label. Sharp and ambitious. A grower among fans.

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46. 46
    Buhloone MindstateDe La Soul

    Buhloone Mindstate

    De La Soul · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    A jazzy, low-key peak of mature craft. Smooth and beloved. A cult favourite.

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47. 47
    Bizarre Ride II the PharcydeThe Pharcyde

    Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde

    The Pharcyde · 1992 · Hip-Hop

    A loose, funny, jazzy West Coast debut of off-kilter charm. Playful and beloved. A 90s favourite.

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48. 48
    Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)Digable Planets

    Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)

    Digable Planets · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    A jazzy, bohemian debut, home to 'Rebirth of Slick'. Cool and beloved. A genre highlight.

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49. 49
    Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes BlackPublic Enemy

    Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black

    Public Enemy · 1991 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, politically charged peak of dense production. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.

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50. 50
    AmeriKKKa's Most WantedIce Cube

    AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

    Ice Cube · 1990 · Hip-Hop

    A furious solo debut of sharp social commentary and Bomb Squad production. Raw and influential. A genre landmark.

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51. 51
    Death CertificateIce Cube

    Death Certificate

    Ice Cube · 1991 · Hip-Hop

    A furious, divisive peak of political West Coast rap. Bold and acclaimed. A landmark.

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52. 52
    The PredatorIce Cube

    The Predator

    Ice Cube · 1992 · Hip-Hop

    A furious, post-riots peak, home to 'It Was a Good Day'. Sharp and huge. A commercial high.

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53. 53
    Mama Said Knock You OutLL Cool J

    Mama Said Knock You Out

    LL Cool J · 1990 · Hip-Hop

    A hard-hitting comeback peak of braggadocio and hooks. Tough and tuneful. His best.

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54. 54
    Daily OperationGang Starr

    Daily Operation

    Gang Starr · 1992 · Hip-Hop

    A gritty, peak boom-bap record of Premier's craft. Tough and beloved. A high point.

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55. 55
    One for AllBrand Nubian

    One for All

    Brand Nubian · 1990 · Hip-Hop

    A jazzy, conscious-rap debut of warm craft. Smooth and beloved. A genre highlight.

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56. 56
    Breaking AtomsMain Source

    Breaking Atoms

    Main Source · 1991 · Hip-Hop

    A jazzy, influential landmark of sample-based production. Smooth and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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57. 57
    Lifestylez ov da Poor & DangerousBig L

    Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous

    Big L · 1995 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, punchline-heavy Harlem debut. Tough and beloved. A cult classic.

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58. 58
    The Sun Rises in the EastJeru the Damaja

    The Sun Rises in the East

    Jeru the Damaja · 1994 · Hip-Hop

    A lyrical, Premier-produced peak of dusty boom-bap. Tough and beloved. A cult classic.

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59. 59
    Enta da StageBlack Moon

    Enta da Stage

    Black Moon · 1993 · Hip-Hop

    A grimy, foundational Brooklyn boom-bap landmark. Tough and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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60. 60
    Dr. OctagonecologystDr. Octagon

    Dr. Octagonecologyst

    Dr. Octagon · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    A surreal, sci-fi art-rap landmark with Dan the Automator. Bizarre and acclaimed. A cult classic.

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61. 61
    ATLiensOutKast

    ATLiens

    OutKast · 1996 · Hip-Hop

    The Atlanta duo's spacey, soulful second album, where their Southern sound drifted cosmic and confirmed them as something genuinely singular.

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