Ranking the 50 Best Rap Albums of the 2010s
We shouted out the 50 best albums of 1990s
We showed love to the 50 best of the 2000s
Now, in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, let’s celebrate the 2010s.
And lord knows this will be my most divisive list to date.
If you’ve been a frequent visitor to this space over the past 15 years, you probably know my love-hate relationship with the 2010s. On one hand, hip-hop reached its highest commercial heights to date, and we welcomed a new generation of artists and fans who reshaped the genre with their experiences.
But, like all things, as hip-hop grew, we got away from a lot of what made it great. Way more style, much less substance.
Don’t expect this list to look like so many others you’ll see analyzing the decade. This list will not based on the most popular records of the decade, nor is it an opportunity to suck up to my faves. If that’s what you want, stick to those Fisher Price websites. This one ain’t for you. Instead, of the sizzle, I’m celebrating the steak – albums that pushed boundaries, embraced creativity, and most importantly, had something to say.
Despite many of my peers who claim hip-hop lost its voice in this decade, I have 50 albums that prove that’s far from the case.
As always, a reminder – though I’ve already reviewed and ranked most of the albums on this list over the years, don’t compare those previous rankings to this list. I came into this list with fresh eyes and ears. Some albums get much more love than I’ve given in the past, others have fallen a few slots. And like the 2000s list, I’ve also spiced things up by adding several dope mixtapes to the list. It’s only right.
Hip-hop may look and sound different in the 2010s, but, believe me, it’s very much alive.
First, a shout out to our honorable mentions:
Isaiah Rashad, Cilvia Demo
Royce da 5’9 and DJ Premier, Phryme
Vince Staples, Summertime 06
Run the Jewels, Run the Jewels 3
Elzhi, Lead Poison
Big Boi, Dangerous Lies and Vicious Rumors
Chance the Rapper, Acid Rap
Childish Gambino, Camp
ASAP Rocky, Love. Live. ASAP
Chance the Rapper, Coloring Book
Nas, The Lost Tapes 2
Eminem, Recovery
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Scarface, Deeply Rooted
Nipsey Husslke, Victory Lap
Tyler, the Creator, Wolf
Drake, Nothing Was the Same
Tyler, the Creator, Flower Boy
Mac Miller, Swimming
Oddisee, The Iceberg
50. Raekwon, The Wild (2017)
Never doubt a legend. With legit classic albums already under his belt and a 25-year career that reshaped the face of hip-hop, Raekwon had nothing left to prove. But on The Wild, Rae proved one key fact – he’s still one of the best to ever grip a microphone. Rae’s superior wordplay is in full display, along with some of the best production since his mid-90s heyday. From the cinematic excellence of “Marvin” to the brutal braggadocio of “The Reign,” The Chef’s meals are still unmatched.
49. The Game, The Documentary 2 (2015)
Sequel albums are almost always a bad idea. They just set unrealistic expectations — an artist typically can’t turn back the clock to his or her glory days. But don’t count out The Game, who abandoned his worst habits (no mimicking other rappers, no suspect production or pointless beefs) to give us arguably his best work since his landmark debut. Game pull no punches as he unleashes his fury over production by rap’s biggest composers. While the accompanying Documentary 2.5 album meandered, this was Game at his rawest — and most focused.
48. Little Brother, May the Lord Watch (2019)
2019 was filled with surprise reunions, and the return of Little Brother has to be near the top of the list. Though longtime producer 9th Wonder opted not to return, Big Pooh and Phonte lose no stream, linking up with past collaborators like Nottz and Khrysis to revive their classic sound. From the hilarious skits that call back to previous albums to the warm, soulful production that has long been the group’s trademark, May the Lord Watch feels like a heartfelt tribute to their faithful fanbase.
47. J. Cole, Born Sinner (2013)
Cole was at a weird spot in his career, as he struggled to live up to his sky-high expectations set by a series of mixtapes following a tepid debut. Cole took made that journey public, with Born Sinner redirecting Cole’s path. Cole’s struggles with righteousness and wickedness play out before our ears, showing that doing the right thing isn’t as easy – or natural – as it may seem. It was instantly relatable for his young fanbase and there’s was enough substance to keep us old heads entertained too. This is the course-correction Cole needed.
46. Fabolous, The S.O.U.L. Tape (2011)
Has there ever been an artist as frustrating as Fabolous? While he spent the first half of the 2000s as one of rap’s most consistent radio hitmakers – almost like a prototype of Aubrey Graham – his albums typically came up a bit short. His skills were never in question, he just lacked the focus to create consistent projects. But in the 2010s we were blessed with his S.O.U.L. Tape mixtape series, and Fab reminded us just how incredible he could be. The concept is simple – Fab hops on classic soul beats from rap and R&B hits and absolutely loses his mind. All three mixtapes in the series are winners, but the original set might be his strongest. Much like Mixtape Weezy, Mixtape Fab is at his most comfortable – and formidable – when he’s hijacking fellow artists’ beats. Give us S.O.U.L. Tape Part 4, Loso.
45. Earl Sweatshirt, Doris (2013)
Add Earl to the long list of artists who emerged in the 2010s that Twitter told me that we must celebrate, but I struggled to get the hype. I can hear the promise in celebrated projects like Some Rap Songs, but the lack of focus and structure take me out of the experience. Honestly, I didn’t spend time with Doris, Earl’s debut album, until years after its release. And finally, I saw some of the hype. Yes, Earl still struggles at times to make complete songs (call it the Jay Electronica effect) but there’s a genius in his stream of thought delivery. Strong production from Tyler, the Creator, RZA, The Neptunes and Earl himself help link the broken puzzle pieces together as Earl waxes poetic about life’s ills. Doris is extremely unconventional and while later releases lose the plot, it’s easier to appreciate the method of his madness here.
44. Dr. Dre, Compton (2015)
Face it, Detox was going to be a disappointment. There was no way that Dr. Dre’s mythical album could live up to a decade of hype. From the ashes of Detox we got an even better gem — Compton, a companion piece to the blockbuster “Straight Outta Compton” film. It wasn’t just a movie soundtrack, it was a celebration of West Coast artists, helmed by the maestro himself. Top-notch production and an A-list roster of guests helped keep Dr. Dre’s legacy intact.
43. Kendrick Lamar, Untitled Unmastered (2016)
Only Kendrick Lamar could gather up scraps of unreleased recordings, package them up and wind up with one of the best albums of 2016. This collection of outtakes shows that even K Dot’s leftovers are stronger than most of his peers’ entire catalog. Kendrick’s patented social commentary is intact here, giving the set substance. This isn’t just a quick cash-in, it’s yet more proof that Kendrick is still at the top of his game.
42. The Roots, Undun (2011)
I love a good concept album, and Undun is one of the most creative approaches to the craft in recent memory. The album tells the story of Redford Stevens – the personification of your typical kid from Philly – dying in reverse. Obviously, a concept this heavy means Undun is a somber listen, but the strong production and Black Thought’s always impeccable wordplay make this a story worth exploring till the end, or the beginning, in this case. Ten albums into their heralded run and the Roots continue to be innovators.
41. Pusha T, My Name is My Name (2013)
Pusha T’s much-delayed solo debut came with a lot of expectation, oh yeah, it delivered. You know exactly what you’re gonna get when you listen to King Push – coke boy tales aplenty. But the difference between this album and others filled with empty drug references is that Pusha always shares both sides of the game. One minute he’s bragging about splurging with friends, the next he’s heartbroken when those very friends betray him. It’s a deep look into a destructive culture and loaded with top-tier tracks.
40. Childish Gambino, Because the Internet (2013)
He may be more know for Hollywood these days, but in the early 2010s, Donald Glover was one of the most creative minds in the industry. Gambino took a huge risk with this album, veering from the comfortable soul sounds of his debut to this dark, eclectic collection. But whether he’s harmonizing or rattling off endless punchlines, Gambino proves he’s even more potent behind the mic than in front of TV cameras.
39. Westside Gunn, Supreme Blientele (2018)
I love 90s boom bap. I love pro wrestling. So it’s no doubt that Westside Gunn’s tribute to both worlds would resonate with me. But it’s Gunn’s charisma that ultimately will win you over. The album’s no-frills street-oriented lyricism is made even sweeter thanks to A-list producers like 9th Wonder, Alchemist and Pete Rock. Westside Gunn’s authentic, gritty delivery is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of repetitive production and overwhelming autotune.
38. Black Thought, Streams of Thought, Vol. 1 (2018)
I’ll be honest – I never thought we’d see a solo Black Thought release. Ever. After spending 25 years serving as the mouthpiece for The Roots, there didn’t seem to be a need for Thought to strike out on his own. But I’m so glad he did. The Streams of Thought EP allows him to stretch his legs and do exactly what made him a hip-hop legend – recklessly spit bar after bar after bar. While the brief running time and hookless verses make this feel more like a lyrical exercise than a full-out album, it’s still proof that few can follow Thought when he’s in the booth.
37. Saigon, The Greatest Story Never Told (2011)
If you were outside with us in the 2000s, you know that The Greatest Story Never Told is an eerily accurate description of Saigon’s career. Saigon was poised as rap’s next big thing but despite solid buzz and even a recurring role on HBO’s Entourage, it took nearly a half decade before we finally got his long-promised debut. And yes, it absolutely delivered. Backed by some of the most underrated production of Just Blaze’s career, Saigon unleashes his rapid-fire delivery and wicked insight to dissect the world around him. By the 2010s, hip-hop was maturing, and Saigon lead the charge with conscious bars that never lose their street edge. Plus, he just sounds magnificent over those Just Blaze beats. The Greatest Story Never Told has become a bit of a lost gem today (shout out to the Soul In Stereo Cypher for sparking my memory prior to this post) but it’s a story of triumph that shouldn’t be forgotten.
36. J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
To me, 2014 Forest Hills Drive is J. Cole’s very own Tha Carter 3. Allow me to explain why. Like C3, Forest Hills might not be Cole’s debut, but it is his breakout and most celebrated release – a triple-platinum success that allowed him to finally achieve the mainstream success he’d been chasing for half a decade. For many younger fans, this was their gateway drug to all things Cole World, just like C3 was for Wayne. And, like C3, while it might be his most praised project, it’s far from his best. Don’t get me wrong, the high points are very high – after a shaky start, 2014 Forest Hills Drive finds Cole returning to the soulful, introspective content that made his early mixtapes such standouts. Cole’s stans will die on every (forest) hill imaginable for this album, and it’s hard to blame them. It has become his signature release.
35. Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010)
I remember the whispers in 2010 – “can Big Boi really do a solo project with Andre 3000?” I laughed. Not only had Big Boi essentially given us a solo project already with his half of the Speakerboxxx/Love Below LP in 2003, but he’s a quietly one of the best rappers of all time. Of course he can roll solo. Lucious Left Foot once again proves I’m never wrong. Though there are elements of the original Outkast funkiness throughout, this is undoubtedly Big Boi’s story. The album’s diverse production is a highlight, and Big Boi’s bars are as sharp as ever. There’s a bizarre charm to it, and that’s what makes it so memorable.
34. Apollo Brown & Skyzoo, The Easy Truth (2016)
When lyricism comes as easy as it does to an artist like Skyzoo, all he needs is the perfect production to accent his storytelling. Apollo Brown comes through on The Easy Truth, crafting some of the best beats I’ve heard in the past 12 months. If you’re looking for turn-up tracks, keep moving – The Easy Truth is a realm of hi-hats, lush instrumentals and boom bap that perfectly suits Sky’s laid-back lyricism. If you’ve been turned off by this year’s glut of Mumble Rap, this is the album for you.
33. Drake, Take Care (2011)
WELL, my issues with Drake have been well-documented, but despite what the Twitter streets told you, I am the Unbiased Album Reviewer, and I can’t deny the greatness of this album. By 2011, I was already becoming weary of Drake-a-mania – I recognized the talent, sure, but the hype seemed entirely overblown. It would be like calling the second Ant-Man a cinematic masterpiece. It was fun, sure, but grow up. However, Take Care made me sit up and pay attention. This album quickly became the template for so many 2010-era pretenders that followed, blending moody R&B, braggadocious flows and hilariously toxic relationship advice into a package that would define an era of music. Think Drake can’t rap? Well, he goes nuts on “Lord Knows.” Say he can’t pull off a competent R&B track? “The Real Her” begs to differ. That’s why I’m always so hard on your boy – when he wants to be great, Drake is one of the best artists of his era. Take Care proves it.
32. Saba, Care for Me (2018)
Moody, melancholy but absolutely moving, Chicago rapper Saba channels the grief he experienced after the death of his cousin to create his best project yet. While sing-songy raps and murky production is all the rage these days, Saba stands out with intricate storytelling. He is proof that even the greatest pain can create beautiful art.
31. Benny the Butcher, The Plugs I Met (2019)
The Griselda unit has been quietly conquering rap’s underground and it’s only a matter of time before they burst through the surface for a total takeover. Leading that charge is Benny the Butcher’s The Plugs I Met – an EP that does more in seven tracks than your favorite rapper could do in seven years. Intense, gritty bars spread across soulful backdrops make this feel like the resurrection of 90s boom-bap and Benny’s overwhelming ferocity is a sight to behold. These Griselda boys are coming to conquer.
30. Nas and Damian Marley, Distant Relatives (2010)
I certainly had my reservations about this album. While I appreciate the genre, I’m not typically a huge reggae fan and I questioned how well Nas would be able to gel with a drastically different artist in Damain Marley. Never doubt Nas Escobar. This was a fantastic album, using street smarts to fuel social commentary over infectious riddims. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement that defined the past few years, it proved to be quite prophetic and extremely relevant.
29. Currensy, Pilot Talk II (2010)
In this modern era of music, where fans automatically dismiss an artist if their debut album doesn’t pull in Thriller numbers its first week, we don’t give artists enough time to grow. Currensy showed promise back in the very early days of his Cash Money affiliation but he didn’t find himself until his Pilot Talk series – with Pilot Talk 2 soaring the highest of them all. Currensy’s flow is both laid back and extremely intricate, which can be a conflicting combo without the proper production. Ski Beatz’s introduction of smooth, funky production serves as the perfect foundation for Currensy’s skillset. The album’s zoned-out vibe has made it a modern day smoker’s classic but I’m just happy Currensy was able to find his lane.
28. Run the Jewels, Run the Jewels (2013)
We already knew El-P was good. We knew Killer Mike was good too. But I never expected the pair to team up at all, let alone be THIS good as a unit. Run the Jewels was the oddball tag team we never expected, but by the end of the decade, could easily make a claim of being among the best duos in rap history. And it all started here, an all out assault on your hip-hop senses. While not as politically charged as later outings would become, the chaotic lyricism that defined those projects have their roots here. El flexes his production and lyrical chops while Mike serves as the proverbial bull in his china shop. Run the Jewels was a groundbreaking approach to the genre and just the start of a beautiful partnership.
27. Ab-Soul, Control System (2012)
Kendrick Lamar’s TDE conglomerate just might be hip-hop’s best crew of the decade. While most fans are enamored with K Dot’s starpower, Jay Rock’s street appeal and Schoolboy Q’s, uh, pharmaceutical tales, Ab-Soul is the real linchpin of the group. His 2012 album is his best work by far, showing that there is a real philosopher lurking behind those clouds of weed smoke. The experience is much deeper and more thought-provoking than you’d expect.
26. Royce da 5’9, Book of Ryan (2018)
Royce has always been one of hip-hop’s greatest treasures, whether y’all want to admit it or not. And in 2018, he’s looking to make you a believer. One of two stellar project this year (we’ll get to the other soon enough), Royce’s deeply personal Book of Ryan is a conceptual win, serving as an audio analysis of his upbringing and the experiences that defined his manhood. And considering that he’s one of the best lyricists on the planet, that story is told in expert fashion.
25. Kanye West & Jay Z, Watch the Throne (2011)
What a moment in time this was. As Jay was transitioning into his role as elder statement and Kanye West was ascending to rap’s elite, Watch the Throne really felt like the union of two titans. Coming in with a ton of hype and living up to most of it, Watch the Throne is a slightly bloated but ultimately satisfying collabo that, unfortunately, served as the swan song of “Old Kanye.” Jay didn’t take a backseat, though, sounding sharper than he had in recent memory. I’m still not holding my breath for Watch the Throne 2, though.
24. Big K.R.I.T., 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time (2017)
Big KRIT is really tired of being rap’s most underrated artist. And the frustration that comes with being immensely talented yet constantly overlooked fuels 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, a double album that wrestles with the duality of being a braggadocious, overachieving rap star and an insecure black man still searching for direction. 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is a bridge between fame and frailty, giving us a look inside KRIT’s life as a rap celebrity and his very human struggles. As always, his stories are presented over authentic Southern production, from system rattling trunk bangers to laid back soul samples. 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time is KRIT’s best – and most important – LP thus far.
23. Kendrick Lamar, Section .80 (2011)
Sometimes, when you hear an album for the first time, you just KNOW you’re listening to a legend in the making. The first time I heard Reasonable Doubt, I knew. The first time I heard Doggystyle, I knew. The first time I heard It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Illmatic I knew. Now, Section .80 wasn’t the first time I heard Kendrick Lamar – he was already generating buzz on the mixtape scene years earlier. But this was the project that made me take notice – this guy was going to change the game. I knew. His off-kilter delivery, paired with wisdom FAR beyond his 24 years at the time, painted a fresh picture of West Coast life. It was a generation removed from gangsta G-Funk, but still deeply rooted in its legacy. Kendrick examines a life post-crack epidemic, and the damage left in its wake. Admittedly, as Kendrick’s legacy soared, so did the reception for this album (causing it to be slightly overrated in some circles today) but you couldn’t ask for a more prophetic debut. Hip-hop’s new king had arrived.
22. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Pinata (2014)
2014 certainly wasn’t my favorite year in hip-hop, but this collaboration was one of the few that remains in rotation today. By 2014 we already knew how good Gangsta Gibbs was, he just needed direction to take him to the next level. That’s why this union worked so well. Gibbs is a throwback to the rugged, authentic sounds of the 90s, and Madlib’s production is the perfect backdrop for his street tales.
21. Jay Z, 4:44 (2017)
OG fans of Soul In Stereo know that for years I defended Jay Z as the best rapper alive. Bar none. That all changed in 2012 when, after a string of mediocre releases, I passed Jay’s crown to Nas, who had just delivered yet another 5-star album. Jay would always remain a legend but in my eyes, his star definitely was dimming. 2017 became his redemption. Pulling from his personal marital problems, Jigga got his groove back with 4:44, a thrilling ode to fatherhood, fidelity and maturity – three words I thought we’d never associate with Jay. I hope you think piece writers still aren’t misunderstanding his message: The album is about not blindly forgiving infidelity, it’s a cautionary tale warning men to mature or risk losing it all. No ID’s immaculate production and Jay’s most personal lyrics ever make it one of the better albums in his legendary catalog.
20. Masta Ace and Marco Polo, A Breukelen Story (2018)
I’ve always said every great album tells a great story, and Ace and Polo’s narrative on A Breukelen Story is downright cinematic. Detailing the story of Polo’s journey from Toronto to Brooklyn to becoming the muse for one rap’s true pioneers, the LP features the sharp lyricism and incredible production to bring that story home. Masta Ace also proves that his flow has been dipped in the fountain of youth – his musing on the evolution of rap make for a very poignant listen. I’d say that this was one of the year’s most unexpected hits but, nah, you should always expect excellence from this pair. It’s a good chance many of y’all missed this album – don’t make that mistake again.
19. A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here, Thank You For Your Service (2016)
Of all the improbable returns we saw in the year 2016, none were more shocking than the reunion of one of rap’s greatest trailblazers. Serving as their final farewell – and a tribute to fallen member Phife Dawg – A Tribe Called Quest re-entered the rap arena without a hint of ring rust. While it’s brimming with nostalgia, this is no mere rehash. Tribe deftly targets hot-button political issues, posits on the current state of hip-hop and, of course, honors the memory of Phife. Tribe’s legacy proved unbreakable.
18. Lupe Fiasco, Tetsuo & Youth (2015)
By 2015 we all thought Lupe Fiasco’s best days had passed him by. Not that he hasn’t given us solid material in past years, he’s just been forever haunted by the specter of his Lasers album and many ill-timed social media rants. But in a world dying for social commentary, Lupe gets his groove back. Tetsuo & Youth is a sprawling dialogue of America’s ills — from the plight of the heartbroken mother to inner-city crime so prevalent that you can’t even order pizza, Lupe weaved tales that hit home and allowed him to showcase his renowned wordplay. Need proof? Just listen to the eight-minute “Mural,” the best rap song of 2015. If even for a moment, it was good to hear the REAL Lupe again.
17. Common, The Dreamer/The Believer (2011)
Common is among the many hip-hop veterans more known today for hobnobbing in Hollywood than leaving steam in the booth. But even back in 2011, Common was still at the top of his lyrical game. Unquestionably, this is the most overlooked gem in Common’s discography. No ID returned to provide the score and didn’t disappoint, proving that their chemistry is indeed timeless. Lyrically, Common’s bars were the sharpest they’ve been in years – from optimistic introspection of “Blue Sky” to the battle-tested fury of “Sweet.” The lack of a strong single hurt the album’s notoriety, but as a full body of work, this one was hard to top.
16. Black Thought, Streams of Thought, Vol. 2 (2018)
Vol. 1 was the body blow. Vol. 2 was the knockout. Thought found a formidable partnership with 9th Wonder on the former, but the chemistry he finds with Salaam Remi on the latter is what really takes this project to the next level. The impeccable wordplay is as sound as ever, but Remi’s soundscapes are what seal the deal. In a decade where tight, concise rap releases were often overshadowed by their bloated peers, this remains a gem.
15. Joey Bada$$, 1999 (2012)
By 2012, the days of boom-bap seemed to not only be in the past, but be vehemently rejected by a new generation of rap fans brought up on the sounds of autotune. That’s what made it so refreshing that 17-year-old Joey Bada$$ would not only embrace his Brooklyn roots, but help revive its sound. The flagship artist of the Pro Era stable, Joey’s now-signature mixtape is a love letter to the sounds that influenced him, with lyricism patterned in the style of the East Coast’s 90s dominance. Though he’d have solid albums in the years that followed, none have matched the fervor or impact of 1999, a mixtape that moves forward without burning the bridges of the past.
14. Pusha T, Daytona (2018)
Kanye West’s 2018 summer experiment of seven-track releases had its ups and downs, but the clear winner was Pusha T, who made the most of the abbreviated real estate to give us his best solo project to date. Of course, he doesn’t reinvent the wheel – is the coke rap you’ve come to expect since 2002 – but what pushes this above the rest is his infectious wordplay and those stellar beats, straight from whatever shed Kanye was hiding in in Wyoming. All hail King Push, the crown is his.
13. Sean Price, Mic Tyson (2012)
Some will say Monkey Barz, a few may point to Jesus Price Supastar but, for me, Sean Price’s final album is his most defining solo work. It’s a no-frills affair – most of the tracks have a relatively short runtime – but P doesn’t let a single syllable go to waste. 9th Wonder, Alchemist, Evidence, Khrysis and more provide the best production of Price’s career while he unloaded with punchlines that hit like King Kong. One minute he’s cosplaying as Solomon Grundy as he rampages through a graveyard, the next he’s doing unspeaking things to your mom with barbecue sauce – all while threatening kiddie rappers in tight pants, of course. It’s off-the-wall, it’s offensive, it’s hilarious and it’s P’s greatest work. And it’s one of many reasons why the game still misses this man.
12. Rapsody, Eve (2019)
Rapsody wasn’t the first artist in 2019 to dedicate her album to black womanhood – Jamila Woods beat her by a few months – but that doesn’t speak to the quality of the project. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, Eve is by far 2019’s greatest concept album. With song titles that pay homage to pioneers like Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Whoopi Goldberg, Eve is a captivating look at the life and times of the black woman in America. It’s all brought to life by Rapsody’s spellbinding wordplay and 9th Wonder’s impressive array of soundscapes. Eve isn’t just a powerful passion project, it’s an album that will soon cement Rapsody as a legend in her own right.
11. Killer Mike, R.A.P. Music (2012)
We spend so much time celebrating Killer Mike’s Run the Jewels series that we often forget about the pinnacle of his solo career – the album that walked so the Jewels could Run. For those who have missed the impact of protest music, look no further than R.A.P. Music a politically charged firestorm that takes aim at everything from crooked cops to Reaganomics. Killer Mike spits with such authority that he basically dares you to disagree with him. Future partner in rhyme El-P is on board to provide the sweeping production that fuels Mike’s fury. The legacy of RTJ has overshadowed the impact of R.A.P. Music, but don’t miss it. The prologue to their story almost beats out the main event.
10. Rapsody, Laila’s Wisdom (2017)
In case y’all forgot, 2017 was the year of the woman. From black women voters denying a racist homophobe a Senate seat in my state of Alabama to those breaking their silence against sexual assault, women have been in the forefront of change. Laila’s Wisdom is the soundtrack for that movement. Despite the hard bars and braggadocio that are customary for every Rapsody release, here she embraces her femininity and speaks through the perspective of a woman. It’s an album about women’s triumphs, their fears, their love and their dreams. It’s hip-hop’s version of Solange’s A Seat at the Table; black womanhood personified. Though her career has spanned nearly a decade, Laila’s Wisdom cements Rapsody as the strongest female voice in hip-hop today. Right on time.
9. Run the Jewels, Run the Jewels 2 (2014)
The Empire Strikes Back of hip-hop, Run the Jewels 2 took a successful concept and raised the game across the board. More gripping — and angry — than it’s predecessor, rap’s new Dynamic Duo run roughshod over 11 tracks with reckless abandon. It’s funny, it’s thought-provoking, it’s emotionally stirring — it’s incredible.
8. Kendrick Lamar, DAMN (2017)
Kendrick’s fourth LP is yet another bold statement that he, legitimately, should be mentioned among the greatest rappers of all time. DAMN is elite-level storytelling, with every vocal inflection and shifting soundscape adding new layers to his thesis. On DAMN, Kendrick almost seems at war with himself, trying to convince himself to be a voice of change in a world that happily covers its ears. His turmoil manifests into yet another near-classic on his resume. I’ve seen it considered as one of Kendrick’s “lesser” albums these days, but it’s still leagues ahead of the competition.
7. Kendrick Lamar, Good Kid, M.a.a.d City (2012)
If you couldn’t already tell, the 2010s were the Decade of Kendrick, with four projects comprising this list so far (and one more to come…). But of all the projects we’ve covered, Good Kid, M.a.a.d City, might be the most defining. Kendrick made waves with his Overly Dedicated mixtape and turned hip-hop heads with Section.80. But Good Kid, M.a.a.d City was the true breakout, taking everything that made Section.80 notable and raising the stakes with an added layer of storytelling. Though the themes are heavy, Kendrick is able to make the concepts light and relatable (an issue he’s struggle with on later projects) with hyperactive delivery and radio-friendly cuts. Where else could a song that seemingly celebrates drunkenness is actually a cautionary tale AGAINST alcoholism? Good Kid, M.a.a.d City is a coming of age tale that doesn’t just cement Kendrick as rap’s biggest thing, but it’s become a classic album in its own right.
6. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Bandana (2019)
Freddie Gibbs and producer Madlib are no strangers to each other, but there’s something extra magical about their follow-up collaboration to Pinata. Everything is taken to the next level on Bandana – the beats hit a little bit harder, the guests bring a little more fire and Gangsta Gibbs is obsessed with proving that he’s one of the best in the world. Bandana excels on every level, proving that Gibbs should be mentioned among rap’s elite. When Gibbs called this the album of the year, he shortchanged himself. Not only is it one of the best of 2019 so far, it’s one of the best rap releases of the decade.
5. Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Yeah, it’s been QUITE the decade for Mr. West. No matter how bad things got (and boy, they got bad) fans can always go back to this one. After wasting his time auto-tunin’ n’ croonin’ his way through the end of the previous decade, Ye finally got back to basics. Sorta. This album saw the return of many of Kanye’s calling cards – namely, the soulful orchestration that made him a phenom in the mid ’00s. But this time, true to the album’s title, everything’s much more dark. Despite its rep, MBDTF is far from perfect – it can be as pretentious as its creator, bogged down by songs that run three and four minutes too long. Preposterous, yet stunningly brilliant, MBDTF stretched the boundaries of hip hop. Give Ye props for that.
4. Big K.R.I.T., Return of 4eva (2011)
Many have spent the last decade attempting to crown various emerging Southern artists as the “new Outkast.” Playa please, only one person deserves that crown. Big K.R.I.T.’s Return of 4Eva is a portrait of Southern living – the highs and lows of family and fame and the struggles of a racially charged environment. And for the turn-ups among us, there is plenty of talk about rims and strippers too. It’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik for a new generation.
3. J. Cole, Friday Night Lights (2010)
Yes, I’ve had my criticisms of Cole’s inconsistency over the past decade or so, but let me be clear – I’m a Day One J. Cole fan. I’ve witnessed his emergence from the underground, his initial mainstream stumbles and smiled as he finally found his footing to reach his current level of stardom. But there’s only one project that has fully encapsulated all things J. Cole – the release that had rap critics uttering his name in the same breath as Nasir Jones. Friday Night Lights showcased Cole at his lyrical and creative peak, touching on personal issues with the wit and flair of a veteran artist. It was a can’t miss-release that is in the conversation for greatest mixtape of all time. While Cole’s later LPs haven’t come close to capturing the magic of this mixtape, Friday Night Lights is proof that Jermaine has a 5-star release in him. I’m hoping he recaptures this magic one day.
2. Nas, Life is Good (2012)
Rap is a young man’s game. After nearly 20 years in the game, it’s a miracle that Nas is still releasing albums at all. But 18 years after his debut, Esco still had enough gas in the tank to drop one of the best albums of the past decade. Life Is Good isn’t a bunch of braggadocious fairy tales or an attempt to cash in on the current rap craze. It’s an open book of Nas’ journey, from his boom-bap roots and climb to stardom to crushing losses and, of course, his failed marriage. The soulful backdrop makes it even more mature, more relatable – more human. If you thought Nas’ rebirth began with the King’s Disease series, think again. This masterful piece of work was the true genesis.
1. Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Last year, when I gave Kendrick’s Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers a 5-star review, a lot of y’all pushed back, with the prevailing criticism being that the album was too heavy, too depressing and too dense to give it top praise. Funny enough, that was my original criticism of To Pimp A Butterfly – an undoubtedly great album that gets a little lost in itself at times. But whether it’s the power of hindsight – or the fact that a lot of the album’s themes would become even clearer in the years that followed – my appreciation for this album has only grown. To Pimp a Butterfly is a dense, multi-layered opus that delved deep into the psyche of America’s forgotten youth. The album may have been short on radio singles but that didn’t prohibit many of the songs from penetrating our culture — “Alright” became the theme song of the Black Lives Matter movement. I hesitated to call it a classic at the time; that’s not a title you can bestow in the moment. But nearly a decade later, it’s unquestionable. In a decade filled with good albums and commercial breakthroughs, very, very few can claim to be cultural touchstones. TPAB reigns above them all.
Did your faves make the list? What’s your top 5 look like? Let us know below while I duck the stones the trap fans will throw.
Absolutely incredible. My favorite breakdowns were between Saba and Rhapsody. Personally would have put Good Kid Maad City at number one, but I have a lot of catching up to do before I could put a list like this together.