Top Ten Important Albums in Hip-Hop History
The most spoken of, and respected Hip-Hop album of today. Even 25 years after it's release. Nas' Illmatic changed the way Hip-Hop albums were produced. Every track is a 10/10.
Important for not only popularizing the West Coast hip-hop scene, but for featuring two rappers (Dr. Dre and Ice Cube) before they went on to become rap superstars.
This album started the rise of popularity for gangsta rap and the West Coast hip-hop scene.
The album that made N.W.A a household name.
Timeless classic!
One of the 90's East Coast hip-hop scene's claims to fame. Also introduced such rap singers as Ol' Dirty Bastard, The RZA, The GZA, Method Man, etc. to the world.
Not only was this Dr. Dre's first solo album since his split with N.W.A, but important for leading the West Coast gangsta rap scene of the 90's.
This was the album that introduced Snoop Dogg, who at the time was known as Snoop Doggy Doggg.
I love N.W.A, but this album is somewhat important in hip-hop history. The album is even best remembered for beginning with "y'all ready for this? " on the opening track "It's Funky Enough", which has been sampled on many rap songs and sports songs.
Better than any of the albums listed above.
Didn't expect this album to hit #1!
One of Rick Rubin's hip-hop productions before he went on to produce records by the likes of Slayer, Danzig, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System Of A Down, Metallica, Tom Petty, etc.
This was the first hip-hop album to hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
A rap album that came out in the early 2000's is definitely not more important than anything that came out before this one.
2Pac's first #1 album. In fact, this made him the first artist to have an album debut at that position on Billboard 200 while serving time in prison.
One of 2Pac's claims to fame.
Best album of the 80's!
Timeless classic!
Important for not only featuring KRS-One, but for providing a prototype for the East Coast gangsta rap scene.
This is where the terminology O.G. (Original Gangster) came from!
One of Ice-T's breakthrough albums.
A breakthrough for Public Enemy.
Without Run-D.M.C., hip hop wouldn't have existed.
Underrated Beastie album!
Underrated group, underrated album! Also one of the first G-funk albums to exist, predating "The Chronic" by two years.
Great album and tribute to Bone Thugs's friend and mentor Eazy-E!
