At the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, hip-hop culture was undergoing noticeable transformations, rapidly evolving from a predominantly underground genre to an essential component of the mainstream.

These times introduced listeners to many rap artists who later became global celebrities, revered by audiences and setting new benchmarks for musicians experimenting with new combinations of genres and formats.

In our latest selection, we will share ten legendary rap albums that have significantly influenced the development of modern music and are undoubtedly worthy of a place in a home vinyl collection.

Contents

• OutKast — Aquemini (1998)
• Wu-Tang Clan — Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
• Jay-Z — The Blueprint (2001)
• Kendrick Lamar — good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)
• Eminem — The Slim Shady LP (1999)
• A Tribe Called Quest — The Low End Theory (1991)
• Nas — Illmatic (1994)
• Public Enemy — It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988)
• 2Pac — Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z (1993)
• The Notorious B.I.G. — Greatest Hits (2007)
• N.W.A. — Straight Outta Compton (1988)
• Cypress Hill — Cypress Hill (1991)
• Kanye West — My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
• Run-D.M.C. — Raising Hell (1986)
• MF DOOM — Madvillainy (2004)

OutKast — Aquemini (1998)

The third studio album by the OutKast duo, consisting of Big Boi and André 3000, Aquemini continued the line of their original and experimental sound that began to form on their previous releases. The album combined southern hip-hop with elements of funk, soul, and psychedelia, making it a true musical masterpiece. Throughout the album, there is a unique harmony between the two group members, each bringing their distinct energy.

Aquemini received rave reviews from critics who praised its depth, complex lyrics, and experimental production approach, addressing both personal themes and socially significant issues, making it still relevant today. The album included hits such as “Rosa Parks” and “SpottieOttieDopaliscious,” which significantly contributed to its success.

The release of the album was accompanied by commercial success, and it soon achieved platinum status. Aquemini frequently appears on lists of the greatest albums of all time and is rightfully considered one of OutKast’s best works, setting a new direction for late 90s hip-hop.

Wu-Tang Clan — Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)

Fully produced by one of the Wu-Tang Clan members, rapper RZA, the debut album of the group is filled with powerful and dark instrumentals, skillfully interwoven soul music samples, and excerpts from martial arts movie soundtracks.

The album stood out due to its raw, underground sound, with unconventional lyrics often built on free associations, allowing the group to become a new benchmark for a generation of rappers. Enter the Wu-Tang was a historic event for the music industry: it significantly influenced the popularity of New York hip-hop and largely determined the style of artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Mobb Deep, and The Notorious B.I.G.

The album’s release was followed by great commercial success: 41st place on the Billboard 200 chart, platinum status from the RIAA, and numerous positive reviews from critics who noted the album as one of the most important releases of the 90s and one of the greatest hip-hop albums in music history.

Jay-Z — The Blueprint (2001)

The Blueprint became Jay-Z’s sixth studio album and showcased the depth and versatility of one of the leading rappers of the East Coast. The album was produced by renowned producers such as Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Bink, ensuring it featured exceptionally high-quality musical accompaniment. At the center of the album are Jay-Z’s personal experiences and reflections on life, fame, and success, intertwined with aggressive and confident lyrics.

This release debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received numerous positive reviews from critics for its uncompromising sound and unique production approach. Key elements of the album’s success included tracks such as “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, and “Renegade,” the latter recorded with Eminem.

The Blueprint not only solidified Jay-Z‘s position as one of the greatest MCs of his time but also had a significant impact on the development of the genre. The album received double-platinum status and was included in Rolling Stone’s lists of the best albums of all time, confirming Jay-Z as one of the foremost innovators in hip-hop.

Kendrick Lamar — good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

Kendrick Lamar‘s second studio album became one of the most notable releases of its time: good kid, m.A.A.d city debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and became one of the most successful hip-hop albums in music history. Artists and producers such as Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, Scoop DeVille, Hit-Boy, T-Minus, and Jack Splash contributed to the recording of good kid, m.A.A.d city.

In addition to outstanding commercial results, the album received numerous positive reviews from critics and listeners who appreciated the powerful sound and relevant themes of Lamar’s work. The album was nominated for a Grammy in four categories, including “Album of the Year.” The RIAA certified this release as triple platinum, and the release of five hit singles—“Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe,” “The Recipe,” “Backseat Freestyle,” “Swimming Pools (Drank),” and “Poetic Justice”—supported the album’s massive success.

Eminem — The Slim Shady LP (1999)

The Slim Shady LP is Eminem’s second studio album and the first release in his career that brought him significant commercial success and worldwide fame. The album was produced by Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, and Eminem himself.

Critical reaction to this release ranged from extremely positive to enthusiastic: the album was praised for its unique style and fresh, relevant content. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, and the highly successful single “My Name Is” was heard from almost every music-playing device in 1999.

The Slim Shady LP won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, and Eminem quickly transitioned from underground artist status to the league of global music stars. In 2012, Rolling Stone included The Slim Shady LP in its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

A Tribe Called Quest — The Low End Theory (1991)

The Low End Theory is the second studio album by the iconic group A Tribe Called Quest, confirming their status as one of the most influential representatives of alternative hip-hop. The album was distinguished by its smooth jazz sound, which perfectly complemented the socially-conscious lyrics of group members Q-Tip and Phife Dawg. The group brought a new style to hip-hop, as well as a more intellectual and meaningful approach to music creation.

This album was significant not only for its music but also for its impact on the genre’s development. It laid the foundation for other artists who followed the jazz and hip-hop fusion trends. Key tracks include “Scenario” and “Check the Rhime,” which became hits and remain classics of hip-hop.

Critics and music fans highly appreciated The Low End Theory for its innovative sound and craftsmanship. The album is recognized as one of the most important in hip-hop history, included in Rolling Stone’s “500 greatest albums of all time.” The vinyl edition of this album is still highly valued among collectors.

Nas — Illmatic (1994)

The debut album of American hip-hop artist Nas is often mentioned by critics as the greatest album in the genre’s history and a truly iconic release for East Coast music, influencing artists like The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. The recording also featured Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, L.E.S.

Illmatic addresses sharp socio-political themes, stories of family struggles, and ghetto life. The album contains intricate rhymes and lyrics based on the musician’s life experiences, and due to its unique style, Nas was called the new 2Pac from the East Coast. Critics highly praised this album, and most listeners agreed that Illmatic can rightfully be considered a recognized classic of hardcore rap.

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

Public Enemy’s second full-length release was presented in April 1988, and by the following year, it was recognized as a platinum album by the RIAA. Many critics consider It Takes A Nation Of Millions one of the most important albums of the 80s and one of the most significant releases in hip-hop history. Texts with the traditionally sharp socio-political edge of Public Enemy and interesting technical techniques used during the album’s recording significantly contributed to the group’s growing popularity. Rolling Stone magazine also highly appreciated this release, placing it at 48th place in its 2003 list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

2Pac — Strictly 4 My (1993)

Tupac Shakur is one of the most influential hip-hop artists in music history: his work influenced artists like Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Nas, 50 Cent, The Game, and many others. His second studio album Strictly 4 My was released in 1993. Like his previous release 2Pacalypse Now, the new album focused on social and political themes. The album debuted at 4th place on the “Billboard Hip-Hop Albums” chart and at 24th place on the overall Billboard chart, significantly surpassing the success of Tupac’s previous release. The album brought the artist great commercial success, largely due to hits like “I Get Around” and “Keep Ya Head Up.”

The Notorious B.I.G. — Greatest Hits (2007)

Christopher George Latore Wallace, also known by the pseudonyms The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls, is one of the most widely recognized and acclaimed rappers, whose work combines dark, often autobiographical lyrics, and a distinctive, light, and free-flowing style. His debut album, Ready to Die, later noted as six times platinum, made the artist one of the central figures of East Coast hip-hop culture.

The Greatest Hits collection was released in March 2007, and despite being criticized by many fans for the absence of tracks like “Going Back to Cali,” “Player’s Anthem,” “Mo Money Mo Problems,” and “Sky’s The Limit,” Greatest Hits debuted at the number one spot on the US Billboard 200. In its first week of sales, it sold over 100,000 copies and soon achieved platinum status by the BPI and RIAA.

N.W.A. — Straight Outta Compton (1988)

The debut album of the hip-hop group N.W.A. was released back in 1988, but among many fans of the genre, this release remains relevant and in demand. The album’s title includes the group’s hometown—Compton, located in Los Angeles County, California. The album’s producers were DJ Yella and Dr. Dre. One of the recording participants was also the well-known Ice Cube, who left the group soon after the release of Straight Outta Compton, in 1989.

The album became one of the most notable phenomena in West Coast hip-hop culture, largely determining the genre’s subsequent development: this innovative album is filled with powerful beats and vibrant, memorable lyrics. Straight Outta Compton was noted by many music critics, and in 2003, Rolling Stone magazine placed it in its authoritative list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching double platinum status, and N.W.A. members attained gangsta rap star status.

Cypress Hill — Cypress Hill (1991)

The name Cypress Hill is inseparably linked with the origin of the members of this popular hip-hop group, referencing Cypress Avenue in Los Angeles. The group’s first demo recordings appeared in 1989, and in 1991 Cypress Hill released their debut full-length album, which successfully reached the top of global charts and was later recognized as platinum. Hits like “Latin Lingo,” “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” “Hand On The Pump” are filled with powerful beats, energetic funk sound, vibrant vocals by Sen Dog, and memorable recitation by B-Real, attracting the attention of many alternative music fans. Cypress Hill’s sound is inspired by various musical styles and stands out among other hip-hop groups, combining elements of rock music and nu-metal. Overall, Cypress Hill’s albums have earned platinum status eight times and gold status twice.

Kanye West — My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy became Kanye West’s fifth studio album, marking a new stage in his music career, characterized by complex, multi-layered production and deep lyrics. The album absorbed different musical genres, combining hip-hop with rock, classical music, and soul, creating a rich and epic atmosphere. This release was one of Kanye’s most ambitious projects, both musically and conceptually.

Critics welcomed the album enthusiastically, noting its innovative approach to hip-hop creation. Tracks like “Power,” “Runaway,” and “All of the Lights” became anthems of their time, solidifying Kanye’s reputation as one of the most innovative producers. This album is considered by many as the pinnacle of his work.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy not only achieved immense commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, but also won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Album. The vinyl edition of the album remains a cult object among audiophiles.

Run-D.M.C. — Raising Hell (1986)

The rap group Run-D.M.C. was formed in 1983 and subsequently became one of the most significant phenomena in the history of rap music. Having released several successful albums and gaining fame partly due to their image, the group set a new fashion trend for black color and a unique style of clothing that successfully took root in urban culture of those years. Run-D.M.C. became pioneers in popularizing and commercializing rap music, significantly influencing the genre’s evolution and its transition from the underground environment. The group successfully combined rap with rock music (a vivid example is the track “Walk This Way,” recorded with Aerosmith), turning the new sound into a vibrant mainstream phenomenon.

Released in 1986, the album Raising Hell became Run-D.M.C.’s third studio album, with production contributions from Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. In 1987, the album received triple platinum status (becoming the first platinum and multi-platinum album in hip-hop music history). Raising Hell was nominated for a Grammy Award and won the Soul Train Music Awards for Best Rap Album. The release reached third place on the Billboard 200 top, and the release of singles “My Adidas,” “Walk This Way,” “You Be Illin’,” and “It’s Tricky” strongly supported the group’s commercial success.

MF DOOM — Madvillainy (2004)

Madvillainy is the result of collaboration between legendary underground rapper MF DOOM and producer Madlib, released under the pseudonym Madvillain. The album became an important milestone in the development of alternative hip-hop, thanks to its unique, experimental sound and cryptic, multilayered lyrics. Its dark, atmospheric, and minimalist structure significantly stands out against most hip-hop releases of the time.

Critics praised Madvillainy for its unconventional approach to production and MF DOOM’s unique style. The album is filled with unusual beats, samples, and sound textures, making it a truly original work. Key tracks include “All Caps” and “Accordion,” which became iconic hits for fans of underground music.

Despite its experimental nature, Madvillainy became a commercially successful album, achieving cult classic status among hip-hop lovers. The vinyl edition of this album is highly valued and continues to be one of the most influential rap albums in the genre’s history.