The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 2020s
Our pick of the essential hip-hop records released in the 2020s, ranked.
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1Mr. Morale & the Big SteppersKendrick Lamar
Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
A dense, therapeutic double album of self-examination. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.
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2Call Me If You Get LostTyler, the Creator
Call Me If You Get Lost
A maximal, globe-trotting return to rap braggadocio with lush production. Confident and acclaimed. A late peak.
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3The Off-SeasonJ. Cole
The Off-Season
A sharp, hungry return to lyrical fundamentals. Tight and acclaimed. A strong record.
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4GNXKendrick Lamar
GNX
A surprise, confident late record of West Coast energy. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong return.
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5ChromakopiaTyler, the Creator
Chromakopia
A dense, personal peak of layered production and reflection. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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6UtopiaTravis Scott
Utopia
A sprawling, maximalist trap blockbuster. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.
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7RTJ4Run the Jewels
RTJ4
A furious, timely peak of political fire and chemistry. Hard-hitting and acclaimed. Their most urgent record.
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8CirclesMac Miller
Circles
A gentle, posthumous companion of warm, melodic reflection. Tender and poignant. A beautiful farewell.
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9AlfredoFreddie Gibbs
Alfredo
A lean, luxurious collaboration with The Alchemist, tough rhymes over cinematic soul. Polished and acclaimed. A modern boom-bap gem.
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10It's Almost DryPusha T
It's Almost Dry
A sharp, luxurious coke-rap peak split between Kanye and Pharrell. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.
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11The Forever StoryJID
The Forever Story
An ambitious, lyrical peak of narrative Southern rap. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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12Savage Mode II21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Savage Mode II
A polished, atmospheric trap peak. Tight and huge. A commercial high.
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13Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertLittle Simz
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
An ambitious, orchestral UK rap landmark of identity and scope. Bold and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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14We're All Alone in This TogetherDave
We're All Alone in This Together
An ambitious, chart-topping UK-rap follow-up. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong record.