My love for Hip-Hop began when I was 7 years old. I was in the bar my mother owned and someone played “Without Me” by Eminem on the jukebox. Ever since then, Hip-Hop has played a large role in my life, and is by far my favorite genre of music.
For those that don't consider themselves fans of Hip-Hop, or even those that have yet to come across rap music they actually like, here are 10 great examples of albums that all music fans would enjoy!
1. "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015) by Kendrick Lamar
In a year that saw such a rise in trap artists and drugged out personifications, Kendrick Lamar released a damn near jazz album. "TPAB" uses live instruments and a jazz influence like no other rap album.
This, along with Kendrick’s uplifting lyrics, wordplay, and storytelling warrant the respect of all music fans. "TPAB" won the 2016 Grammy for Best Rap Album for a reason, and it very well should have won Album of the Year.
2. "The Low End Theory" (1991) by Tribe Called Quest
Way before Kendrick, there was Tribe. "Low End Theory"’s jazzy vibes are perfect for relaxing and kicking back.
3. "Stankonia" (2000) by Outkast
There are few albums equally as influential as "Stankonia." "Stankonia" was a perfect mix of the group’s Southern roots, love for experimenting, and ability to produce hit singles ("Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean").
4. "Run the Jewels 1 & 2" by Run the Jewels
Outkast affiliate Killer Mike and producer/rapper El-P make for one of rap’s more random duos but also best. Both albums implement types of electronic production that most Hip-Hop albums don’t have that other listeners can welcome. Killer Mike, who Bernie Sanders has brought on his campaign trail, also fills this album with political rhetoric worth a listen.
5. "Late Registration" (2005) by Kanye West
Any Kanye album could have made the list, but "Late Registration” is my personal favorite. Kanye’s sophomore classic is full of different sounds from start to finish. It is also much more mellow and humble than his more recent work. Songs like “Hey Mama” and “Heard Em Say” are timeless and heartfelt songs. Oh, and who in the world doesn’t like hearing “Gold Digger” every once in a while?
6. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (1998) by Lauryn Hill
The greatest rap album by a women is also one of the greatest albums of all time. “The Miseducation...” is an album with great introspection, diverse sounds, soul, and commentary on contemporary issues. Lauryn Hill switches between ripping apart beats with poetic verses and a beautiful singing voice effortlessly. Rap fan or not, this album is a smooth listen every time.
7. "Illmatic" (1994) by Nas
The storytelling, lyricism, and boom bap beats on the album make it a hallmark of 90s New York rap era. Taking into consideration that Nas was a teenager when he wrote the album makes this album far more impressive. Illmatic is Hip-Hop at its most poetic, something many can appreciate.
8. "Licensed to Ill" (1986) by the Beastie Boys
“Brass Monkey” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” have been staples of party music since my parents were in college. This album meshes rock and Hip-Hip together as well as any album that has ever been released, and it's sure to please rock fans, too.
9. "XXX" (2011) by Danny Brown
Danny Brown is known as the rock star of rap for a reason. “XXX” is as raunchy, high-tempo, and aggressive as many of the great rock albums from which he drew inspiration. He compares himself to rock legends like Sid Vicious, Keith Moon, and Jimi Hendrix, and listeners of this genre-bending rap album tend to agree.
10. "Flockaveli" (2010) by Waka Flocka Flame
This album’s energy is on a different level. It doesn’t matter what type of music you like, this album will get you hype. Whether you’re working out, driving to work, or pre-gaming with your friends, “Flockaveli” is guaranteed to raise your heartbeat and level of fun.
There are plenty of other albums I would suggest. But for anyone that isn’t a rap fan yet, these are great places to start!
