The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 2010s

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.

1. 1
   My Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyKanye West

   My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

   Kanye West · 2010 · Hip-Hop

   A maximalist, operatic statement that reassembled Kanye's career after public disgrace, stacking lush production, A-list guests and raw confession. Ambitious to the point of excess and almost flawless. Frequently named the best album of its decade.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
2. 2
   good kid, m.A.A.d cityKendrick Lamar

   good kid, m.A.A.d city

   Kendrick Lamar · 2012 · Hip-Hop

   A self-described 'short film' about growing up in Compton, structured as a cohesive narrative with cinematic detail. Dense, melodic and replayable, it confirmed Kendrick as the leading rapper of his generation. A modern classic.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
3. 3
   To Pimp a ButterflyKendrick Lamar

   To Pimp a Butterfly

   Kendrick Lamar · 2015 · Hip-Hop

   An ambitious fusion of hip-hop, jazz, funk and spoken word, wrestling with race, fame and self-worth. Challenging on first listen and richer with every return. Widely considered a landmark of the 2010s.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
4. 4
   YeezusKanye West

   Yeezus

   Kanye West · 2013 · Hip-Hop

   A jarring, industrial-leaning art-rap statement of minimalist aggression. Bold and divisive. A creative swerve.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
5. 5
   DAMN.Kendrick Lamar

   DAMN.

   Kendrick Lamar · 2017 · Hip-Hop

   A sharp, Pulitzer-winning blockbuster balancing introspection and hits. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
6. 6
   Take CareDrake

   Take Care

   Drake · 2011 · Hip-Hop

   A moody, introspective record that defined the blend of rap and R&B in the 2010s. Atmospheric and influential. Widely held to be his best.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
7. 7
   2014 Forest Hills DriveJ. Cole

   2014 Forest Hills Drive

   J. Cole · 2014 · Hip-Hop

   An introspective, samples-driven record that went platinum with no features, a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Earnest and acclaimed. His defining album.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
8. 8
   Flower BoyTyler, the Creator

   Flower Boy

   Tyler, the Creator · 2017 · Hip-Hop

   A lush, melodic turn toward introspection and self-acceptance, beautifully produced. Warm and acclaimed. The album that elevated him.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
9. 9
   IgorTyler, the Creator

   Igor

   Tyler, the Creator · 2019 · Hip-Hop

   A bold, genre-blurring break-up record of synths, soul and falsetto, far from his early shock-rap. Inventive and award-winning. His masterpiece.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
10. 10
    AstroworldTravis Scott

    Astroworld

    Travis Scott · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A widescreen, psychedelic rap record of immersive production and big guests, anchored by 'Sicko Mode'. Atmospheric and huge. His defining album.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
11. 11
    4:44Jay-Z

    4:44

    Jay-Z · 2017 · Hip-Hop

    A mature, confessional late peak of reflection and soul samples. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
12. 12
    The Life of PabloKanye West

    The Life of Pablo

    Kanye West · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling, gospel-tinged collage of a record. Messy and acclaimed. A divisive peak.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
13. 13
    Section.80Kendrick Lamar

    Section.80

    Kendrick Lamar · 2011 · Hip-Hop

    A conceptual early peak of social commentary and craft. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
14. 14
    Run the Jewels 2Run the Jewels

    Run the Jewels 2

    Run the Jewels · 2014 · Hip-Hop

    A ferocious, politically charged peak of the El-P and Killer Mike partnership, hard-hitting and sharp. Urgent and acclaimed. Their best.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
15. 15
    Atrocity ExhibitionDanny Brown

    Atrocity Exhibition

    Danny Brown · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A harrowing, experimental record of addiction and anxiety over abrasive, art-damaged beats. Singular and acclaimed. A bold high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
16. 16
    Some Rap SongsEarl Sweatshirt

    Some Rap Songs

    Earl Sweatshirt · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, lo-fi art-rap peak of fractured loops. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
17. 17
    Summertime '06Vince Staples

    Summertime '06

    Vince Staples · 2015 · Hip-Hop

    A stark, cinematic double-album debut. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
18. 18
    PinataFreddie Gibbs & Madlib

    Pinata

    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib · 2014 · Hip-Hop

    A gritty, soulful collaboration of tough rhymes over Madlib's dusty loops. Cohesive and acclaimed. A modern boom-bap gem.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
19. 19
    BandanaFreddie Gibbs & Madlib

    Bandana

    Freddie Gibbs & Madlib · 2019 · Hip-Hop

    A dazzling sequel of intricate flows and beat-switching production. Sharp and acclaimed. A modern classic.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
20. 20
    DaytonaPusha T

    Daytona

    Pusha T · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A lean, seven-track peak of coke-rap craft and Kanye's beats. Tight and acclaimed. A modern high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
21. 21
    DS2Future

    DS2

    Future · 2015 · Hip-Hop

    A bleak, hypnotic trap peak of codeine-soaked atmosphere. Influential and beloved. A genre landmark.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
22. 22
    CultureMigos

    Culture

    Migos · 2017 · Hip-Hop

    A blockbuster trap peak, home to 'Bad and Boujee'. Catchy and huge. A commercial landmark.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
23. 23
    SwimmingMac Miller

    Swimming

    Mac Miller · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A warm, jazzy late record of growth and vulnerability. Soulful and poignant. A beloved turning point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
24. 24
    Because the InternetChildish Gambino

    Because the Internet

    Childish Gambino · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, conceptual rap record about identity and the online age. Inventive and dense. A turning point in his music.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
25. 25
    Awaken, My Love!Childish Gambino

    Awaken, My Love!

    Childish Gambino · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A bold pivot into psychedelic funk and soul, channelling Funkadelic on 'Redbone'. Adventurous and warm. A striking reinvention.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
26. 26
    Acid RapChance the Rapper

    Acid Rap

    Chance the Rapper · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A joyful, gospel-tinged mixtape that announced a major new voice in independent rap. Warm and inventive. A modern classic.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
27. 27
    Coloring BookChance the Rapper

    Coloring Book

    Chance the Rapper · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A bright, gospel-soaked record of gratitude and faith, a Grammy-winning streaming landmark. Joyful and assured. A defining 2010s release.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
28. 28
    Long.Live.A$APA$AP Rocky

    Long.Live.A$AP

    A$AP Rocky · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A hazy, cloud-rap peak of style and texture. Polished and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
29. 29
    Invasion of PrivacyCardi B

    Invasion of Privacy

    Cardi B · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, hit-packed debut, home to 'Bodak Yellow'. Confident and huge. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
30. 30
    Watch the ThroneJay-Z & Kanye West

    Watch the Throne

    Jay-Z & Kanye West · 2011 · Hip-Hop

    A lavish, maximalist team-up of two titans, home to 'Niggas in Paris'. Opulent and huge. A blockbuster collaboration.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
31. 31
    We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your ServiceA Tribe Called Quest

    We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service

    A Tribe Called Quest · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A poignant, accomplished final album after Phife's death. Warm and acclaimed. A fitting farewell.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
32. 32
    Nothing Was the SameDrake

    Nothing Was the Same

    Drake · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A confident, cohesive peak of melodic rap and brooding production. Polished and assured. A fan favourite.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
33. 33
    ViewsDrake

    Views

    Drake · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A glossy, sprawling blockbuster of mood and hits, home to 'Hotline Bling'. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
34. 34
    Born SinnerJ. Cole

    Born Sinner

    J. Cole · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    An introspective, soulful record of ambition and doubt. Earnest and assured. A fan favourite.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
35. 35
    untitled unmastered.Kendrick Lamar

    untitled unmastered.

    Kendrick Lamar · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A loose, jazzy collection of To Pimp a Butterfly offcuts. Sharp and acclaimed. A surprising gem.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
36. 36
    WolfTyler, the Creator

    Wolf

    Tyler, the Creator · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A more melodic, introspective step toward maturity. Bold and acclaimed. A turning point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
37. 37
    RodeoTravis Scott

    Rodeo

    Travis Scott · 2015 · Hip-Hop

    A dark, psychedelic trap debut of immersive production. Atmospheric and beloved. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
38. 38
    Run the JewelsRun the Jewels

    Run the Jewels

    Run the Jewels · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A hard-hitting debut of El-P and Killer Mike's chemistry. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
39. 39
    The Money StoreDeath Grips

    The Money Store

    Death Grips · 2012 · Hip-Hop

    A violent, exhilarating collision of punk, noise and rap that influenced a wave of experimental music. Abrasive and thrilling. A cult landmark.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
40. 40
    FacesMac Miller

    Faces

    Mac Miller · 2014 · Hip-Hop

    A sprawling, jazzy mixtape of dark introspection. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
41. 41
    DorisEarl Sweatshirt

    Doris

    Earl Sweatshirt · 2013 · Hip-Hop

    A dense, lyrical debut of dark, intricate rhymes. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
42. 42
    XXXDanny Brown

    XXX

    Danny Brown · 2011 · Hip-Hop

    A wild, abrasive breakthrough of hedonism and dread. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
43. 43
    Big Fish TheoryVince Staples

    Big Fish Theory

    Vince Staples · 2017 · Hip-Hop

    An experimental, electronic-leaning art-rap peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
44. 44
    Pink FridayNicki Minaj

    Pink Friday

    Nicki Minaj · 2010 · Hip-Hop

    A blockbuster debut of pop-rap range and personality. Polished and huge. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
45. 45
    R.A.P. MusicKiller Mike

    R.A.P. Music

    Killer Mike · 2012 · Hip-Hop

    A furious, El-P-produced peak of political fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
46. 46
    Care for MeSaba

    Care for Me

    Saba · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A hushed, grief-soaked peak of intimate Chicago rap. Tender and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
47. 47
    TelefoneNoname

    Telefone

    Noname · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A warm, jazzy debut mixtape of gentle, literate rap. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
48. 48
    Room 25Noname

    Room 25

    Noname · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, soulful peak of witty, political rap. Smooth and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
49. 49
    Grey AreaLittle Simz

    Grey Area

    Little Simz · 2019 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, soulful UK-rap breakthrough. Tough and acclaimed. A high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
50. 50
    PsychodramaDave

    Psychodrama

    Dave · 2019 · Hip-Hop

    A cinematic, deeply personal UK rap debut framed as therapy sessions. Powerful and acclaimed. A landmark British record.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
51. 51
    Gang Signs & PrayerStormzy

    Gang Signs & Prayer

    Stormzy · 2017 · Hip-Hop

    A landmark grime-and-gospel debut that topped the UK charts. Bold and heartfelt. A genre milestone.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
52. 52
    KonnichiwaSkepta

    Konnichiwa

    Skepta · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A raw, confident grime peak that defined the genre's resurgence. Sharp and influential. An award-winning landmark.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
53. 53
    Made in the ManorKano

    Made in the Manor

    Kano · 2016 · Hip-Hop

    A reflective, accomplished grime peak. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
54. 54
    FM!Vince Staples

    FM!

    Vince Staples · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A lean, sun-baked concept peak framed as a radio broadcast. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
55. 55
    Whack WorldTierra Whack

    Whack World

    Tierra Whack · 2018 · Hip-Hop

    A dazzling, fifteen-one-minute-songs art-rap debut. Inventive and acclaimed. A singular record.

    Vinyl →CD →More →