The 335+ Greatest Rap Albums of All Time, Ranked

Ranker Community
Updated October 16, 2025 747.7K views 306 items
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87.1Kvoters1.0Mvotes
125reranks
Voting Rules
Only albums that are considered the greatest rap or hip hop albums of all time

Rap has evolved from gritty street storytelling to a global phenomenon that shapes culture and influences countless artists across genres. When discussing the greatest rap albums of all time, we’re talking about the works that have not only defined careers but also left an indelible mark on the genre itself. These albums are revered for their lyrical prowess, innovative beats, and the way they've captured the essence of their time.

Take Nas' Illmatic, often cited as a masterpiece for its raw portrayal of life in Queensbridge and unmatched lyricism. Tupac's All Eyez on Me brought an expansive, cinematic approach to rap with its double album format and introspective storytelling. Then there's The Notorious B.I.G.'s Ready to Die, an album that paints a vivid picture of the struggles and aspirations of a young man growing up in Brooklyn. Each of these albums showcases a different facet of the rap genre, from intricate wordplay to powerful narratives and genre-defining production.

Now it's your turn to weigh in. We want to know your picks for the top hip-hop albums of all time. With so many iconic records to choose from, your vote will help shape a definitive list that highlights the diverse and rich history of rap music. So cast your vote and let your voice be heard in this ultimate rap album showdown.

Most divisive: Encore
Over 87.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Hip Hop Albums
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.
Ranked by
  • Illmatic
    1
    Nas
    39,054 votes
    • Release Date: 1994
    • Producer: DJ Premier, Pete Rock, L.E.S.
    • Tracks: N.Y. State of Mind, One Time 4 Your Mind, Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park)
    • Length (mins): 00:40:09
    • Label: Columbia
    • Genres (Music): Gangsta rap, Hip hop music, East Coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop
  • good kid, m.A.A.d city
    2
    Kendrick Lamar
    30,336 votes
    • Release Date: 2012
    • Tracks: 17
    • Genres (Music): Rap
  • Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers
    3
    Wu-Tang Clan
    25,483 votes
    • Release Date: 1993
    • Tracks: Protect Ya Neck, C.R.E.A.M., Tearz
    • Genres (Music): Gangsta rap, Hip hop music, East Coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop
  • Ready to Die
    4
    The Notorious B.I.G.
    28,336 votes
    • Release Date: 1994
    • Producer: Sean Combs, DJ Premier, Lord Finesse, Chucky Thompson, Osten Harvey
    • Tracks: The What, Juicy, Things Done Changed
    • Length (mins): 01:09:04
    • Genres (Music): Gangsta rap, Hip hop music, East Coast hip hop, Pop rap, Funk
  • All Eyez on Me
    5
    Tupac Shakur
    26,851 votes
    • Release Date: 1996
    • Tracks: Got My Mind Made Up, Only God Can Judge Me, Ambitionz az a Ridah
    • Genres (Music): Gangsta rap, Hip hop music, West Coast hip hop, G-funk, Hardcore hip hop
  • The Chronic
    6
    Dr. Dre
    25,803 votes
    • Release Date: 1992
    • Producer: Dr. Dre, Suge Knight
    • Tracks: The Roach (The Chronic Outro), Stranded on Death Row, The Chronic (intro)
    • Length (mins): 01:02:59
    • Genres (Music): Gangsta rap, Hip hop music, West Coast hip hop, G-funk