Ranking the 50 Best Rap Albums of the 2000s

In celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, I recently recapped the 50 best albums of the 1990s – a defining year for the genre. I planned to show 2000s-era hip-hop the same love…

… until I realized that I already ranked the 30 best albums of that decade about five years ago.

When you’ve been writing about this stuff as long as I have, the anger-inducing ranking posts tend to run together.

But, hey, it’s been five years, I thought it would be fun to revisit the list, expand it to 50 and see how my thoughts have changed in the past half-decade. So if you compare this list to the previous one and see some albums placed much higher and others much lower (or not on the list at all), blame 2023 Edd and not 2017 Edd. That guy is shady.

This list also has one other important distinction – unlike the previous list, I’m also including mixtapes. The mixtape scene was vital to launching the careers of so many future stars, so it was only right to show them love here.

The 2000s were a year of transition. New York’s dominance was waining, the South truly had something to say and the Midwest began to rise as a new rap superpower. Also, no longer was rap the property of the streets as the genre began its march toward mainstream acceptance. As we’d learn in the decades that followed, that was a gift and a curse.

I didn’t appreciate the 2000s as much as I should have at the time. Looking back proves that hip-hop was as healthy as ever.

A few honorable mentions that just missed the cut:

Ludacris, Word of Mouf

T.I., King

Jean Grae, Jeanius

Missy Elliott, Miss E... So Addictive

The Roots, Phrenology

Little Brother, The Listening

The Diplomats, Diplomatic Immunity

Freeway, Philadelphia Freeway

UGK, Underground Kingz

MF DOOM, Born Like This

Pharaohe Monch, Desire

Slum Village, Fantastic, Vol. 2

De La Soul, The Grind Date

Cam’ron, Purple Haze

Lil Wayne, Dedication 2

Twista, Kamikaze

Sean Price, Monkey Barz

Busta Rhymes, The Big Bang

Lil Kim, The Naked Truth

Bun B, Trill

50. Young Jeezy, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005)

You can trace the roots of Southern hip-hop’s current dominance back to this decade, with Young Jeezy’s debut being one of the albums that turned the tide. Admittedly I’ve underestimated this album over the years, so I’m happy to show it love today. Jeezy’s not a lyrical assassin by any means, and his subject matter is 95% of the, well, snowy variety. But what makes Jeezy such a formidable artist is his unflinching confidence, boundless charisma and ability to ride any beat thrown his way. Thug Motivation 101 transformed Jeezy from a mixtape standout to mainstream star. It’s still his most defining work.

49. Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III (2008)

Yep, they’re gonna cuss me out for THIS placement. But lets’s start with facts: Tha Carter III is without question one of the most important albums of its era. If you’re a rap fan of a certain age, it’s very likely that this is one of the albums that introduced you to hip-hop and is the reason for your fandom today. And despite the INCREDIBLY INSANE amount of hype leading into this release after his unprecedented mixtape run, he delivered. MOSTLY. Sure, it has the renowned singles, but an album’s true measure of greatness is its album cuts and, in terms of quality, many outshine those beloved singles. But let’s be real, this album is plagued by inconsistencies. At some points it feels like Wayne specifically sequenced the album like this: Good song/OK song/good song/dumb song/Good song. And any album with that raggedy heffa “Mrs Officer” on it will forever get the side-eye from me. This one isn’t as great as your nostalgia proclaims, but it holds up and has a firm place in hip-hop history.

48. Q-Tip, The Renaissance (2008)

I don’t see very many conversations about Q-Tip’s sophomore solo album around the Internet, and that’s quite the disservice to the Abstract – this is some of his best work. Though it’s called The Renaissance, it feels more like a revival  – the jazzy production and barbs at industry politics conjure memories of A Tribe Called Quest’s glory days. Q-Tip is in his element with the live instrumentation and polished production. By the end of the 2000s, standards were definitely beginning to lower, but The Renaissance did its best to raise the bar.

47. Lil Wayne, No Ceilings (2009)

I’ve often called No Ceilings the last great Lil Wayne project (although Tha Carter IV is a lot better than it gets credit for) and it’s fitting that Wayne closes out his career-defining decade with another cherished mixtape. No Ceilings doesn’t reinvent the formula – You got hit beats? Wayne rips them. Dassit. Wayne’s Rain Man-like ability to pluck catchy bars out of thin are in full display, giving fans one last glimpse of Mixtape Weezy before he lost focus in the years that followed. There have been several No Ceilings follow-ups, but one have been as boundless as this one.

46. Masta Ace, Disposable Arts (2001)

Disposable Arts boasts one of the best concepts of the 2000s. Ace plays a young Brooklyn man, fresh from a prison stint, who enrolls in the Institute of Disposable Arts and learns just how far his community has fallen. Masta Ace never gets his due as a top-tier MC but this album is sure to make any doubter a believer. His flows are so effortless, making every track feel like a conversation between artist and audience. And though the themes can be heavy, there’s a moral to be learned in every story. I know the phrase “real hip-hop” is a trigger word for many these days, but Ace’s mastery of storytelling and lyricism make Disposable Arts a masterclass in what top-tier hip-hop should be.

45. Blu & Exile, Below the Heavens (2007)

Hip-Hop Twitter’s favorite album! LA duo Blu & Exile’s maiden voyage as a team is a story fraught with so many twists and turns that it deserves its own Hulu series. But the finished product has become a cult classic, an ode to hip-hop’s golden era during a time when the genre was moving far from its roots. Exile’s heavenly production is the perfect balance for Blu’s down-to-earth bars. Below the Heavens is a coming of age tale played to perfection. In another timeline, this could have been Illmatic for the new generation of fans embracing hip-hop at the end of the decade. Depending on whom you ask on Twitter, there might be truth to that statement.

44. The Roots, Game Theory (2006)

It’s tough ranking Roots albums (which is why I’ve putting off revisiting their catalog for so long). That’s not a shot at their quality – they’re almost all great. But because they’re all strong across the board, it’s hard to pick out the standouts. Game Theory bucks that trend. Gone are the seven-minute songs, deluge of interludes and jazzy production. Instead, we have a stripped down, hard-hitting release that feels more like Black Thought’s Streams of Thought EP series than the usual Roots album. That plays in its favor, providing a tighter focus and more urgency for Thought’s lyrical sermons. There are a LOT of good Roots albums, but few are as memorable as this.

43. Talib Kweli, Quality (2002)

Many of us were skeptical when we learned that Talib Kweli was stepping away from his partnership with producer Hi-Tek to explore a new sound on his official solo debut. Kweli sure proved us wrong. Quality lives up to its name. Graced by great production from J. Dilla, DJ Scratch and Kanye West at the peak of his soulful powers, Kweli holds nothing back as he embraces social change and positivity throughout the LP. Quality just FEELS GOOD – a victory that tastes even sweeter in today’s climate.

42. Nas, The Lost Tapes (2002)

When I first heard about The Lost Tapes, essentially a collection of leftover tracks from the late 90s-early 00s, I wasn’t very excited. But what I expected to be a glorified mixtape cash-in wound up blowing me away. The beats were very minimalistic; the lyrics raw and visceral. For a lyric junkie like myself, it was a dream come true. The album is pretty short and most tracks sounded kinda dated even back then, which knocks it down a few pegs. Regardless, this album was like Christmas come early for Nas stans.

41. Kanye West, Graduation (2007)

Graduation is a weird album in Kanye’s discography. It represents the end of his original classic trilogy, before things started to go WAY WAY WAYYYYY left in the following years. Because of that, fans tend to overlook some of the albums’ glaring flaws (I’m looking at you “Drunk and Hot Girls” and “Barry Bonds”) to hold tight to nostalgia. Even with those hiccups, Graduation is fantastic, serving as the send-off to Kanye’s original soulful sound before getting all experimental on us. Overall it’s classic Kanye – fun, yet defiant music we call can relate to. Ah, I miss these days.

40. Cannibal Ox, The Cold Vein (2001)

Whenever you hear endless debates about the greatest rap albums of all time, this one always seems to be forgotten. Stop sleeping on it. Can Ox’s vivid depiction of life in NY was powerful but it was El-P’s production that catapulted this collection to legendary status. Albums like The Cold Vein only come around once in a generation.

39. Wu-Tang Clan, The W

The Wu’s third collective set is by far the most underrated album in their legendary catalog. At this point, it’s probably best known for turning “Gravel Pit” into a Doordash jingle, but there’s much more here than that. Even thought it was crammed with guest stars – everyone from Nas to Junior Reed shows up – this was still very much a Wu affair. While the tone of hip-hop began to shift in 2000, The W brought the Clan back to basics. In fact, this was the last time the Wu embraced the classic sound that has become their hallmark. It’s definitely an overlooked gem of its era.

38. Scarface, The Fix (2002)

Scarface has long been considered a rap legend, thanks to his solo efforts and his work with the groundbreaking Geto Boys collective, but by 2002 it seemed it seemed Face’s best days were behind him. The Fix quickly proved me wrong. Boasting iconic guess verses, stellar production and Face’s trademark insight, The Fix wasn’t just a comeback album – it was affirmation of his legacy.

37. Eminem, The Eminem Show (2002)

It might be hard for newer rap fans to recognize this but back in the early 00s, Eminem absolutely dominated the scene. That oversaturation caused his fourth album, The Eminem Show, to be met with mixed reviews but make no mistake – this album is worthy of accolades. Showing a bit more maturity but retaining his trademark wit, Em showcased impressive growth both lyrically and emotionally. Though he’d go on to have a couple more very strong albums, none of them surpassed this one.

36. MF DOOM, Mm.. Food (2004)

A clever anagram of MF DOOM’s name, the Mm.. Food concept album is a bizarre mix of foodstuffs and superheroes. Even the interludes are incredible, once again thanks to Chef DOOM’s stirring production. The villain’s appetite for destruction is on full display, which is why it’s still such a beloved release. If you’re looking for that one album to get you hooked on DOOM’s curious brand of cuisine, this is a great entry point.

35. Clipse, Lord Willin (2002)

When this album dropped, there wasn’t a lunch table, school desk or gym wall safe from getting pounded into oblivion in hopes of replicating that “Grindin’” beat. The star track from the Star Trak associates aside, Lord Willin is a masterful debut, blending the Neptune’s unorthodox production with Malice and Pusha’s captivating storytelling. Call it my Virginia bias peeking through if you want but it’s one of my personal favorites of all time.

34. The Game, The Documentary (2005)

Turn back the clock a little more than 10 years prior to the release of The Game’s debut album and you’ll see a time when the West Coast was hip-hop’s most dominant force. Those days were long gone by 2005 but The Documentary helped change the conversation. Game’s ferocious rhymes and authentic West Coast production revitalized the coast and instantly made him a major player for years to come.

33. El-P, Fantastic Damage (2002)

El-P is mostly known today for his production chops and his trailblazing partnership with Killer Mike as one half of Run the Jewels. But solo artist El-P is a force, don’t sleep. Fantastic Damage is one of the most cherished underground releases of the decade – a brazen bar-fest that will have any mumble-mouthed MC shaking in their goofy red rubber boots. The political themes and El-P’s dense, clustered delivery can be intimidating at first, but it doesn’t take long for the listener to be dragged into El-P’s world. Another hidden gem in a decade filled with them.

32. Outkast, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

I remember Outkast fans being a little nervous about this one back in ’03. Wouldn’t two solo albums divide the chemistry and creativity that Dre and Big Boi spent a decade building? How dare we question the Mighty O. Speakerboxxx and The Love Below were two vastly different albums, but both were spectacular in their own right. 3 Stacks took on the role of a 21st century Jimi Hendrix while Big Boi proved that outside of Andre’s shadow he’s one of the greatest MCs of all time. The level of creativity here couldn’t be contained to just one disc. If you take it as one piece of work it can be a bit bloated, but look at it as two solo albums and it’s a double dose of genius.

31. Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II (2009)

It’s a scientific fact: Sequel albums rarely work out. So you can understand why my hopes weren’t very high for Raekwon’s addendum to his classic debut. Also, let’s face it, outside of his debut Rae’s solo material has often been met with mixed reviews. But not this time. Rae effortlessly recaptured the magic of the original Cuban Linx, and quickly reminded us why he’s one of rap’s most revered voices. I’ll never doubt the Chef again.

30. Little Brother, The Minstrel Show (2005)

When hip-hop pundits discuss The Minstrel Show, it’s less about the music and more about the controversy – how BET allegedly banned their music video for being “too intelligent,” how The Source magazine intentionally lowered the an album reviewer’s score, etc. Don’t get caught in the drama – The Minstrel Show is a fantastic concept album that skewered hip-hop for embracing commercialism over creativity. It was way ahead of its time.

29. Outkast, Stankonia (2000)

Stankonia is the album that transformed Kast from Southern rap stalwarts to mainstream superstars. Since this was many fans’ first brush with Outkast’s greatness, they consider this album to be the pinnacle of their careers. Longtime fans know better. Don’t mistake me, though, Stankonia’s chaotic combination of funk, gospel, soul and hip-hop has become a hallmark of their legacy.

28. Jay Z, The Black Album (2003)

Here’s another “low” placement that will give my inbox a case of gonorrhea. And while it’s been a bit overrated since it’s release (likely because of its distinction as Jay’s “last” album) it’s still an air-tight release – you need the Hubble telescope to spot the flaws in this collection. The foreboding production allows Jay to give us a rare dose of introspection, and yeah, there are plenty of block bangers here too. I wouldn’t call it a classic but it’s pretty amazing.

27. MF DOOM, Take Me To Your Leader (2003)

Yes, this is the best MF DOOM album you’ve probably never heard. Maybe it’s overlooked because it was released under his King Geedorah alter-ego; maybe it’s because DOOM’s essentially a guest on his own LP – mainly handling production and only emerging on a few tracks. But there is no greater example of DOOM’s artistry than this release. The guests here are so skilled and the beats are strong, from the jazzy “Next Levels” to the frantic “Fastlane.” DOOM’s creativity is just unparalleled here. Even the skits are engrossing, thanks to DOOM strategically cutting up random audio to produce poignant narratives. The “One Smart N****er” interlude speaks volumes today. If only we got to hear a little more DOOM on it, it would easily be his greatest work.

26. AZ, Aziatic (2002)

Nas and AZ’s careers often have mirrored each other. Just as Nas found new life in 2001 with Stillmatic, AZ likewise caught fire a year later with Aziatic, the perfect evolution of his intricate bars and soulful production. AZ put the mixed reactions to his second and third albums in the rear view here, rekindling the spark that made him one of rap’s most promising young stars seven years earlier. Any doubts about AZ’s potential were quickly put to rest – it still stands as a must-listen today.

25. Nas, Untitled (2008)

Nas turned the industry upside down when he announced that he’d name his 2008 album after the dreaded N-word. Eventually, he relented, going Untitled instead. But I don’t care about controversy, I care about content, and this album was an outstanding examination of black culture. From what we eat to who we are, and most importantly, WHY we are who we are, Nas shed light on the pain and beauty of black life. This album was years ahead of its time – if it drops in 2023 the think pieces praising it would be endless. Indeed, Untitled proved to be eerily prophetic in today’s cultural climate.

24. Bubba Sparxxx, Deliverance (2003)

Here’s a hill I’m prepared to die on. I’ve championed Bubba Sparxxx’s sophomore album as one of the most overlooked and underappreciated LPs of the 2000s. Usually the grief I get is from folks who haven’t even HEARD the album, and we all know what assuming makes out of you, but not me. Bubba is mostly known for his “hick-hop” shtick but there’s way more substance to his bars that what you see on the surface. Deliverance is a bold depiction of life in Georgia, coupled by some of the best production of Timbaland’s career. And when you’ve had the career Timbo has enjoyed, that’s saying something. The depth of Buba’s storytelling and his impressive delivery made Deliverance a hidden gem. Hate if you want, but the real ones know it’s fire.

23. Ghostface Killah, The Pretty Toney Album (2004)

I understand why some people dislike Wizard of Poetry. And I certainly understand Bulletproof Wallet’s bad rap. But I’ll slap a hater with Toney’s dinner plate medallion if they have something bad to say about this album. It’s GFK’s most unappreciated work and easily one of his best. The concepts are golden: Ghost flirts with Missy Elliott, runs from the cops with Jadakiss and somehow has a rap battle against himself. Top that off with some classic soul samples and it’s a winner. Yeah, the album leans much more mainstream that some of his more signature works but that’s not a bad thing. Stop hating on Pretty Toney.

22. Missy Elliott, Under Construction (2002)

When fans think of Missy Elliott and her albums, invariably you’ll get mentions Supa Dupa Fly or Miss E…So Addictive, with maybe a mention or two of Da Real World. But no album featured Missy at her creative peak like Under Construction – an ode to the old-school hip-hop sound that influenced her career. Marrying 80s-era production with a 21^st century flair, Under Construction was equal parts tribute and daring statement to individuality. Missy refuses to conform, and that’s what makes her, and this album, so special. It’s her most consistent and poignant work.

21. Beanie Sigel, The B Coming (2005)

Remember when Beanie Sigel was being groomed as Jay Z’s successor? The 2000s were a wild time. And it’s not that I doubted Beans’ skills ­– I always thought he was a solid rapper, but no better than “solid.” That is, until he truly found himself on his third album. The B. Coming is an album wrapped in paranoia and dread. Completed just before his prison sentence, Beanie contemplates the ramifications of his actions, backed by some of the best soul beats the decade had to offer. It’s a shame Beanie was never able to properly capitalize off this album. It finally made me a believer.

20. 50 Cent, Get Rich or Die Tryin (2003)

If you weren’t around in 2003, I can’t properly convey how DEAFENING the hype was for this album. And honestly, I figured there was no way 50 could meet expectations. I was wrong. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was the perfect album for the perfect time – grabbing hip-hop culture by the throat and dragging it toward a more gritty sound when many hitmakers were frolicking in pop pastures. This album alone made 50 a megastar and had all of hip-hop stuttering the name G-Unit.

19. Madvillain, Madvillainy (2004)

A friend of mine once called this album “the gateway to art rap,” and it’s a great description. Producer Madlib crafted bizarre, quirky soundscapes while the enigmatic MF DOOM’s rhymes swing from humorous to haunting at a moment’s notice. In an industry that loves to celebrate the status quo, Madvillain dared to be different – and in the process made an album that has stood the test of time.

18. Nas, God’s Son (2002)

Nas Esco enjoyed quite the career revival in the early ’00s and God’s Son was the final segment of his comeback trilogy. Nas has never been shy about opening his heart to his fans and he does so expertly here. Nas balances the pain of losing his mother with the anger of the rap beefs that revitalized his career. Sometimes he furious, sometimes he’s heartbroken. And sometimes, he’s even jealous of his own baby girl. Nas bares his soul like never before.

17. Lil Wayne, Tha Carter II (2005)

Twelve years later and we’re STILL talking about this album. For good reason. Lil Wayne’s metamorphosis from “wobbldey-wobbldey” third-string Cash Money member to punchline machine reached its apex here, helping Wayne to become one of the biggest mainstream stars of the ‘00s. Sure he had more celebrated albums (Tha Carter III specifically) but none were better than this.

16. Jay Z, American Gangster (2007)

By far Jigga’s most underrated work. While not an official soundtrack to the titular film, Jay basically retells the story using his own life experiences, and what results is worthy of the big screen. No it’s not just an album about drugs, it’s about the pressures of fame and the plight of excess. It outlines a rise and fall from grace, a story told almost as well as the movie. Add some of the most lush production Jay has ever spit over and you have a near-classic album.

15. Lupe Fiasco, The Cool (2007)

I always love a good concept album, and Lupe’s sophomore release proves that when done well, they truly shine. Building upon a track of the same name from his previous album, The Cool features tracks that build to larger narrative. From fighting against mediocrity (“Dumb It Down”) to finding solace in music (“Hip-Hop Saved My Life”) and eventual fame (“Superstar”), The Cool forced listeners to think, relate and apply its themes to their own lives. That’s why it resonates so strongly.

14. Lil Wayne, Da Drought 3 (2007)

This list is crammed with Lil Wayne projects, but that’s an accurate reflection of the 2000s. Weezy was everywhere. And in my eyes, no project was better than Da Drought 3 – Mixtape Wayne at the height of his superpowers. It’s Wayne without the restraints; it’s absolute anarchy as he kidnaps the beat of nearly hot song of the era and bends it to his will. And in nearly every case, he makes the song EVEN BETTER. Wayne very clearly put the rap world on notice – he was reshaping the industry in his image. Though it’s not nearly as refined as Tha Carter II, Wayne’s adaptability and creativity reached its peak here. It’s the best Lil Wayne project ever, and one of the best mixtapes ever made. *flicks lighter*

13. Ghostface Killah, Fishscale (2006)

Sometimes buzz is a bad thing. When hype for an upcoming album looms too large, the finished product often can’t measure up to the sky-high expectations. But in this case, Fishscale was even better than what we hoped for. Stellar production from J Dilla, MF DOOM and Pete Rock have helped this album stand the test of time. It’s still one of the best rap releases in the past decade. Believe the hype.

12. Re-Up Gang, We Got It 4 Cheap, Vol. 2 (2005)

Come with me back to 2005, when the brothers Thornton were beyond frustrated due to the incessant delays of their sophomore project. Since they believed their label Jive wasn’t playing fair, they decided to poke the industry bear. They recruited colleagues Ab-Liva and Sandman, repurposed a few classic rap beats (as is required for any 2000s-era mixtape) and dropped the We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series to a starving fanbase. Vol. 1 was good, but Vol. 2 is when things hit the stratosphere. Hopping on everything from Lil Kim’s 1996 “Drugs” instrumental to then-recent megasmash “1 Thing” from Amerie, the Re-Up Gang demolished everything in their path, rapping at a breakneck pace as if it was there last chance to make an impression. Of course, we DID get that sophomore album (stay tuned for more on that one soon…) but in the meantime, We Got It 4 Cheap, Vol. 2 made mixtape history.

11. Common, Be (2005)

Almost two decades after its release (WHEW), Be is arguably Common’s most well-known and beloved album. Be is the personification of Chicago itself – from the grittiness of “The Corner” to the soaring optimism of closer “It’s Your World,” the city is encapsulated in those 11 unforgettable tracks. The album’s production steals the show here – Kanye West is at his peak behind the boards. Be isn’t flawless (the second half wavers just a bit) but it’s deserving of its endless praise.

10. J. Dilla, Donuts (2006)

Before iconic producer J. Dilla left us much too soon in 2006, he delivered one last gift – his album Donuts. And this one is all about the instrumentals. True to Dilla’s legacy, this album speaks loudly without uttering one word. This collection of soundscapes is the greatest in hip-hop history, and has been constantly co-opted by MCs for a decade. Consider it one of the most important albums of rap’s 50-year history.

9. Common, Like Water for Chocolate (2000)

It’s nearly impossible to decide which of Common’s top two albums is the better work. Be is better produced; Like Water for Chocolate boasts tighter lyrics and concepts. But I think Like Water for Chocolate gets the edge for this slight reason – Be is celebrated as the ultimate partnership between Kanye West and Common, but Like Water for Chocolate is ALL Common. Don’t get me wrong, much of this album’s success is due to an all-star array of producers (J Dilla specifically knocks it out the park) but Common and his hard-hitting yet heartfelt wordplay are always the showcase.  Like Water for Chocolate is the quintessential Common album, and one of hip-hop’s greatest treasures.

8. Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

In 2000, Eminem was truly the man America loved to hate. Mainstream America saw him as loud-mouthed anarchist, mainstream hip-hop saw him as a culture vulture looking for a cash-in. The Marshall Mathers LP was birthed from that frustration, a gripping portrait of a troubled young man grappling with fame. But it wasn’t a pity party – Em fought back with fiery fans that inspired a new generation of rap fans and fueled an album that would become a modern classic.

7. Kanye West, Late Registration (2005)

Coming off of a landmark debut, Kanye prepared for a showdown with the dreaded sophomore jinx. And as history has proved, he walked away victorious. Late Registration took all the elements of Kanye’s debut and made everything grander. It was like a Sundance film getting a summer blockbuster budget. Best of all, the impassioned soulfulness of its predecessor was just as strong here. The album was a bit too bloated (the usual Kanye weakness) but otherwise it was a rousing success.

6. Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele (2000)

Remember the year 2000, where rappers were obsessed with bling and other shiny objects like kittens with ADHD? Well, instead of focusing all his energy on cash and cars, Ghost used that era’s grandiose beats to transform himself into a true ghetto superstar. “Apollo Kids” (the single, not the 2010 album) sounded like the theme for a new millennium blaxploitation character. And I’ll put “Mighty Healthy” up against any rap record ever recorded. The album is loud, pompous, yet undeniably soulful. Not only is it one of the best Wu-Tang albums ever produced, it’s one of hip hop’s true gems.

5. Nas, Stillmatic (2001)

By the year 2000, after some questionable releases and a changing landscape, Nas’ career seemed in jeopardy. But by the end of 2001, every doubter was proved dead wrong. Nas’ comeback album roared with a ferocity we hadn’t heard in years. Nas wasn’t just hungry, he was angry, and that fury fueled some of the best songs of his career. When hip hop was wallowing in cash and bling, Nas grabbed the industry by its throat and dragged it back to the dark project hallways of its inception. Esco wasn’t done, he was just starting. Don’t call it a comeback, call it a classic.

4. Clipse, Hell Hath No Fury (2006)

Hell Hath No Fury was born from frustration. After Clipse’s head-turning debut, constant shakeups at their record label Jive put their sophomore project on the back burner. Their frustration – and anger – eventually created Hell Hath No Fury, the greatest “coke rap” album ever recorded. The album also coincided with the peak of The Neptunes’ production, making HHNF a sonic masterpiece just from the beats alone. But it’s the album’s realistic depiction of street life – the quest for wealth and the regret and paranoia that follows ­– that makes this one an all-time great.

3. Lupe Fiasco, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor (2006)

Food & Liquor should have been Lupe Fiasco’s Reasonable Doubt – a critically-acclaimed bedrock that would vault its maestro to mainstream success. Things didn’t quite work out that way for Lupe, but in ’06, he seemed on the verge of hip-hop domination. Much in the vein of albums before it (Kanye West’s College Dropout comes to mind) and many albums after it (Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80, among others), Lupe doesn’t pretend to be who he’s not. Instead of thug posturing, he simply observes his hood and relays his findings in the form of biting social commentary. Immigration, single parenthood and hip-hop’s own hypocrites are analyzed in compelling fashion.

2. Jay Z, The Blueprint (2001)

Around the time this album dropped, rumor around the Internetz was that Jay recorded this set in seven days. I don’t know if I buy that – it’s probably just Jay caught up in his weird god complex thing. No matter how long it took, The Blueprint wound up being a bonafide classic. Lyrically, Jay may have been at his peak here, effortlessly dropping lines that are STILL quoted today and ushering in a soul sound that would go on to define hip-hop for the next decade. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a true classic album sounds like.

1. Kanye West, The College Dropout (2004)

People always ask me what makes an album a classic. I’m sorry Twitter, a classic album isn’t “an album that came out last week that I like a whooooole lot,’ it’s a body of work that is not only strong on its own but influences future works. The College Dropout changed the game. In a genre that had become cold and processed, Kanye injected soul back into the art form, something that had been missing since the heyday of A Tribe Called Quest. From bottom to top, the album was flawless and inspired producers to dig in the crates for their own soul samples. Remember all those “chipmunk” soul samples circa 2005? Yeezy taught ’em. And that shouldn’t overshadow Ye’s lyrical themes – he introduced a self-depreciating honesty that was a rarely in hip-hop at the time and resonated across audiences. Kanye is a trendsetter, which is why this album is a true classic – the best of the 2000s.

Which albums did I forget? Ready to throw hands in defense of Tha Carter III and The Black Album? Let us know below.