The Most Iconic Hip-Hop Albums of All Time

The hip-hop genre has been very popular for a long time. It was hard to single out just a few rap albums because there are a lot of those that deserve your attention and support. However, be sure to take a look at our list!

It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back by Public Enemy (1988)

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is the second studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy, released on June 28, 1988. Album is charted for 47 weeks on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 42, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1989. This album deserves support mostly because of its punk note which gives sensibility to the themes of empowerment of black people and social injustice.

The Chronic by Dr Dre (1992)

Famous Dr. Dre! Although a solo album, it features many appearances by then-emerging American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. Dr. Dre made this album recognizable, both in the nineties and today with his hip-hop production that will simply never be surpassed.

Ready to Die by The Notorious BIG (1994) 

Biggie is truly someone significant and remembered in the history of the tail. Ready to Die peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and was subject to widespread critical acclaim and soon a commercial success. Although his career was relatively short, he left his mark which, many years later, remains as clear as it was.

Illmatic by Nas (1994)

Just a few months after Biggie’s album, this 20-year-old released an album that quickly garnered public attention. He named the album Illmatic after his incarcerated friend Illmatic Ice. In this album, he paints a portrait of a life that is not at all easy, of what it is like to be poor, while optimistic about escape.

All Eyez On Me by 2Pac (1996)

Tupac was an incredibly talented artist and it’s a shame he’s not with us anymore. This was 2Pac’s fourth and final album to be released during his lifetime as a unique rapper. This album may not be the most thoughtful, but given all the elements included in it, it deserves to be remembered forever.