There is no shortagw of rap albums that could be recommended for one to listen to. Originating in the South Bronx, hip-hop is one of many unique genres to African-Americans which has and always will be used as an expression and commentary on the world in which they live in. Dive deep into the culture and experience some of best hip-hop albums by some of the most prolific musicians of all time.

1. Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Lauryn Hill

One of the best female hip-hop albums of all time, in a genre notoriously dominated by men, the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill stands out as a black woman’s testament to life and love. Spawning the hits “Doo Wop (Thant Thing),” “Everything is Everything,” and “Ex-Factor,” Hill became an international icon, and the first women to receive ten nominations and five awards in one night at the Grammys.

2. We Got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service, A Tribe Called Quest

Like most good hip-hop albums, this album was snubbed completely by the Grammy Awards this year. Nonetheless, the album was released and received critical acclaim, and provides commentary on the current social and political climate of the United States.

3. Da Real World, Missy Elliot

Another female in a genre overloaded with men, Missy Elliot’s Da Real World hit the airwaves with the singles “All n My Grill.” The album is known for the continuous use of the term “bitch,” as well as guest vocals from icons Lil’ Kim, Beyoncé, and Aaliyah.

4. Ready to Die, The Notorious B.I.G

One of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time by one of the best storytellers in the game, Ready to Die was the debut album of The Notorious B.I.G. Spawning the hits “Big Poppa” and “Juicy”, Biggy remains one of the most respected artists in Hip-hop, and one of the best lyricist in the genre.

5. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West

Perhaps what will one day be considered his magnum opus, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, by Kanye West, mixes the fanciful with lyrics describing the very real-life of a black man in America. With themes touching upon race, culture, celebrity and the American Dream, the album continuously asks “Who Will Survive in America?”

6. The Infamous…, Mobb Deep

With its haunting style and rugged beats, this album reflects on the life in inner New York City. The album is noted for its eerie production and dark narratives, all of which made it a stand out album and helped contribute to hip-hop’s East Coast Renaissance.

7. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Wu-Tang Clan

Hardcore hip-hop and Gansta Rap is at its peak on the debut album from the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. In addition to being one of the most influential hip-hop albums in history, the album paved the way for other artists such as Mobb Deep, Jay Z, and the Notorious B.I.G.

8. Illmatic, Nas

Another debut album on the list, Illmatic by Nas is a landmark in East Coast hip-hop. Nas is a poet on this album, and his lyrics have spawned intellectual debates throughout literary circles worldwide. It’s an album one can’t miss.

9. The Chronic, Dr. Dre

This album is known for making G-funk popular in hip-hop. Perhaps you know him as one of the creators of Beats by Dre, or perhaps you have heard of him because of his work with N.W.A (who’s album Straight Outta Compton is one of the landmarks of the genre), but this album for sure helped him establish his solo creator, and is now regarded as one of the most well produced hip-hop albums, ever.

10. To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar

No other album captured the state of black America during one of the peaks of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement than Lamar’s album, To Pimp a Butterfly. The song “Alright” was chanted at rallies against police brutality, while the song “I” was a testament of self-love for a community often told to hate themselves. After checking out To Pimp a Butterfly, listen to his other albums, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, and Damn.