Rap has overthrown rock as the genre of the mainstream. While bands like Led Zeppelin and ACDC were the most popular, now artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have taken their place. If one wants a proper introduction to hip hop as an amazing section of the art world this is the right place. Rap starts historically after the 1970s as a mix of blues, jazz, funk, and a few other genres being fused together.
Certain concepts like the ability to “Flow” on a beat and “sampling” to create new music begin to spread around. Eventually, rap reached its golden age in the 90s. With this historical context in mind, these are the top 3 greatest rap albums of all time. Each album comes from a different era of rap. Illmatic is from the 90s To Pimp a Butterfly is from the 2010s, and Graduation is from the 2000s.
To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
To even begin talking about this album, one must mention the artist. Kendrick Lamar is a king among kings. The lyricism and storytelling he displays within this album are far beyond any of his peers. The many topics explored within this album are Christianity, homelessness, love, lust, and so much more. My favorite song on this album is “ The Blacker the Berry
This album is a genuine masterpiece, and while “Damn” won Kendrick his Pulitzer, this album deserved it 10x more. Kendrick’s use of other genres like jazz, blues, and funk allows people of all ages to enjoy this album. This album alone eclipses so many other artist’s discography that it’s not even funny. This album is a 10/10, Kendrick’s flow is impeccable, and this album is genuinely perfect.
Illmatic (1994)
West Coast versus East Coast was all the rage during this album’s era. This album sits among the greats as one of the greatest albums of all time. If one asks a black man over the age of 26 what the best album of all time is, this album is their answer. Illmatic perfectly encapsulates 90s rap succinctly. With songs such as “NY State of Mind” and “ It ain’t hard to tell” this album is full of classics. My favorite song on this album is “NY State of Mind”
There are no songs lower than a 7.5 on this album which is an impressive feat. The rhyme schemes and double entendre are impressive even by 2024 standards. Nas talks about his personal experiences of him and his friends living in 90s inner-city New York. This album is introspective and sensitive at times while still keeping that 90s flow and blues inspiration.
This album is a perfect introduction to 90s rap and is a perfect 10/10.
Graduation (2007)
Graduation is the infamous Kanye West’s magnum opus. This album shows his complete musical genius in every way possible. Every song on this album could and should be studied in universities in the same way TPAB is. Despite many songs having such a different sound, it all feels made by the same creative genius. The samples take the production value and creativity of this album to astronomical heights. My favorite song on this album is “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”
While Kanye himself struggles with his words and image, there is nothing he can do to take away from the sheer cultural impact of this album. When Kanye fans come to his defense and say “ he made graduation” it’s because of the inhuman quality of this album. Only Kanye could work with Daft Punk as a rapper and make it work. The lyricism, rhymes, samples, tasteful features, and energy of the album cement this 2000s masterpiece as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Honorable mentions
Here are a few honorable mentions of albums that could have made the list but missed the mark slightly. All of them are perfect albums, however, the albums above are beyond the concept of “10/10”. They are more like 15 /10, 13.75/10, and 12.5/10 respectively.
Midnight Marauders
Midnight Marauders is the best album from a 90s classic A Tribe Called Quest. A tribe called Quest makes beautiful introspective music about life, masculinity, and blackness. A tribe called Quest has four members, and each brings something beautiful to this album. If one wanted to start listening to 90s rap, this too would make for a great introduction. My favorite song on this album is “electric relaxation”.
Operation Doomsday
MF DOOM is a 2000s gem that keeps on shining musical brilliance on the world even after death. Operation Doomsday is a masterclass in excellent sampling, incredible lyricism, and godlike flow. The songs on this album take you on a journey guided by the mad villain himself. The way he uses other genres in his sampling is far beyond most of his peers, outside of the legendary J Dilla of course. My favorite song on this album is the titular “Doomsday”.
Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a masterpiece among masterpieces. The flow, sound, and subject matter make this album stand out among many of its peers. The visionary creator, Lauryn Hill uses this incredible album to talk about her life experiences and it makes for amazing music. Her flow is unique, and her voice as a singer makes this album a treat to listen to. An amazing blend of sounds that all form together to become a timeless classic. My favorite song on this album is Doo Wop (That Thing)
Opinion by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources
Genius: To Pimp a butterfly
Genius: Illmatic
Hot97: Looking Back: Kanye West’s ‘Graduation’ Is The Most Important Album Of His Career
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Photo Robbins’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Kmeron’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
