There seems to always be a debate whenever there is talk about something that involves competition. The question is always brought up to try to figure out who is the greatest to ever do it. When it comes to basketball and hip-hop, the debate seems to be the most intense. Some say Jordan is the greatest, some say Kobe, and some younger people think it’s time to put LeBron in the mix. With this debate going on in hip-hop, it seems like we are never going to find new albums that can compete with the great albums such as “Illmatic” and “Reasonable Doubt.” Why is this? Why is it that people are so against admitting that some of these new albums could give these classics a run for their money? Let’s look at some albums that have come out since 2010 that could be looked at as classics for the genre.

1."To Pimp a Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is a Compton rapper who exploded onto the scene in 2011 with his debut studio album “Section 80.” After this album dropped, people knew who Kendrick was. As time went on, the question was: could he keep this run going? In 2012 he dropped what some say was the best hip-hop album of 2012, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” and he proved that he has what it takes to make a run to the top. In 2015 the album known as “To Pimp a Butterfly” hit the shelves and this was the album that made Kendrick go from one of the greatest of our generation to one of the greatest of all time. This album pushes the boundaries of modern-day racism as well as takes you throughout his trials and tribulations of his rise to stardom. Now with all of these topics that make for a great album, one of the standout points of the album is the production. Kendrick stayed true to his vision and stayed away from this new-age sound, going for a more jazz style that was infused with that west coast hip-hop sound. This is an album that has meaning, revolutionized the sound we were used to hearing, and also takes you through some of the troubles of stardom that the public is not used to seeing. This is an album that will be talked about for years to come and should start to be looked at as a classic for the genre.

2. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" by Kanye West

Kanye West is at his best with this album as he takes the listener through some of his best production to date, as well as lyricism. Kanye West is a Chicago rapper who was known for being Jay-Z’s protégé until he dropped his debut album, “The College Dropout.” With the release of this album, Kanye proved that he is more than just a producer; he is able to put out a full-length album, and a good one at that. Fast forward to six years later and Kanye unleashes this album that should be known as a classic of the genre. He has already solidified his legacy with being such an influence in not only hip hop but culture as a whole. In my opinion, this album is when Kanye is at his best. His confidence is at an all-time high, his features, as well as production, were great, but what makes this album so good is that he dropped it at a point when some thought he was gone forever. His mother had died two years prior to the release of this album and that led to him making “808s and Heartbreak” which would receive some negative reviews when it comes to a Kanye album. He proved to not only hip-hop fans, but also to himself, that he has what it takes to make a great album.

3. "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" by Kendrick Lamar

Back to the man himself, Kendrick Lamar is back with another album that should be considered a classic. Although we have seen Kendrick be soulful and preach a positive message, his life wasn’t always sunshine and happiness. Growing up in Compton, it is hard to find a way around the gang life. In this masterpiece, Kendrick shows the average listener how to find a positive in a negative situation. This album took gangster rap and turned it into a story. As the album goes on, it’s hard not to think about how scary Compton really is because Kendrick is explaining to the listener in the most graphic way possible. He is on top of his game with this one and it will be looked at as the album that showed a little white kid from southern Indiana what it is like to grow up in Southern California.

4. "Dirty Sprite 2" by Future

Okay, this one is a curveball but, with hip-hop always changing as far as sound, how could this not be one of those albums that is looked at as a stepping stone for that sound to be developed? When Wu-Tang dropped “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993, they were looked at as one of the helpers that revolutionized the sound of hip-hop. Twenty years later we have Future, who drops project after project and seems to get better as time goes on. He is one of the most influential artists of this generation because he has helped create this new sound known as “Trap Music.” Hard hitting bass with some wild sounds, it is music meant for partying and having a good time. Future will be remembered for creating this music, and this album is more than likely going to be the one they link to him. Although he has some people who aren’t a fan of his movement, like Jay-Z said, “you can’t knock the hustle."

5. "Take Care" by Drake

Aubrey Drake Graham is a Canadian rapper and singer who, in a matter of five years, has taken over the entire rap game as we know it. But what helped him get to this level? "Take Care." Although some look at this as his worst work, think that he copied a lot of songs or any other rumors that were brought up about this album, it is still great. Drake shows you that he has an emotional side that he is not afraid to show, and it is obvious with this album. Since Drake is one of the biggest names in hip-hop, it should be no question that his best album is looked at as a classic. This album had everyone calling up their ex and pleading for forgiveness. This could be the most personal Drake has ever been and could ever be. The listener can feel his pain on the track and make you stop and think about your own life. An album this powerful deserves to be looked at as a classic.

Although it is tough for some older cats to accept the fact that some of these young guns have what it takes to create a classic album, it is time they open their eyes. These albums will be looked at as the albums kids will find at a record store in 20 years and scream to their friend, “Bro, this is a classic!”