The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 2020s

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

1. 1
   Mr. Morale & the Big SteppersKendrick Lamar

   Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

   Kendrick Lamar · 2022 · Hip-Hop

   A dense, therapeutic double album of self-examination. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
2. 2
   Call Me If You Get LostTyler, the Creator

   Call Me If You Get Lost

   Tyler, the Creator · 2021 · Hip-Hop

   A maximal, globe-trotting return to rap braggadocio with lush production. Confident and acclaimed. A late peak.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
3. 3
   The Off-SeasonJ. Cole

   The Off-Season

   J. Cole · 2021 · Hip-Hop

   A sharp, hungry return to lyrical fundamentals. Tight and acclaimed. A strong record.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
4. 4
   GNXKendrick Lamar

   GNX

   Kendrick Lamar · 2024 · Hip-Hop

   A surprise, confident late record of West Coast energy. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong return.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
5. 5
   ChromakopiaTyler, the Creator

   Chromakopia

   Tyler, the Creator · 2024 · Hip-Hop

   A dense, personal peak of layered production and reflection. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
6. 6
   UtopiaTravis Scott

   Utopia

   Travis Scott · 2023 · Hip-Hop

   A sprawling, maximalist trap blockbuster. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
7. 7
   RTJ4Run the Jewels

   RTJ4

   Run the Jewels · 2020 · Hip-Hop

   A furious, timely peak of political fire and chemistry. Hard-hitting and acclaimed. Their most urgent record.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
8. 8
   CirclesMac Miller

   Circles

   Mac Miller · 2020 · Hip-Hop

   A gentle, posthumous companion of warm, melodic reflection. Tender and poignant. A beautiful farewell.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
9. 9
   AlfredoFreddie Gibbs

   Alfredo

   Freddie Gibbs · 2020 · Hip-Hop

   A lean, luxurious collaboration with The Alchemist, tough rhymes over cinematic soul. Polished and acclaimed. A modern boom-bap gem.

   Vinyl →CD →More →
10. 10
    It's Almost DryPusha T

    It's Almost Dry

    Pusha T · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    A sharp, luxurious coke-rap peak split between Kanye and Pharrell. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
11. 11
    The Forever StoryJID

    The Forever Story

    JID · 2022 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, lyrical peak of narrative Southern rap. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
12. 12
    Savage Mode II21 Savage & Metro Boomin

    Savage Mode II

    21 Savage & Metro Boomin · 2020 · Hip-Hop

    A polished, atmospheric trap peak. Tight and huge. A commercial high.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
13. 13
    Sometimes I Might Be IntrovertLittle Simz

    Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

    Little Simz · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, orchestral UK rap landmark of identity and scope. Bold and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.

    Vinyl →CD →More →
14. 14
    We're All Alone in This TogetherDave

    We're All Alone in This Together

    Dave · 2021 · Hip-Hop

    An ambitious, chart-topping UK-rap follow-up. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong record.

    Vinyl →CD →More →