Notice, this list won't only consist of hip-hop albums.
#10 - Illmatic (1994)
What?! Blu, how could you put Illmatic at number 10?! This album is like the Holy Grail of hip-hop! Well, to me it's not. I'm not too fond of Nas' rapping style, I don't know what it is but the only song that truly hooked me to the album was "N.Y. State Of Mind", but the rest of the album kept me mildly entertained. The lyricism is excellent, no doubt about that. However, that portion of the album doesn't make up for the rest of it.
#9 - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (2008)
I'm not the biggest fan of Coldplay, but they DO make some pretty awesome music. I could put Mylo Xyloto in place of this album, but unfortunately I haven't really listened to that album, at all. Chris Martin is the perfect singer for the type of songs that Coldplay develops, especially songs like "Violet Hill", "Cemeteries of London", and "Lovers in Japan". I can't imagine Bruno Mars or John Mayer singing these types of songs because Martin's vocals fit the tracks perfectly. Favorite song would have to be "Violet Hill".
#8 - Get Rich Or Die Tryin' (2003)
Ah, 50 Cent, not exactly one of my favorite rappers, but he does make some pretty good music. The album doesn't have any classic value (to me), but this is one of the few albums I replay a lot. Even though it might sound corny now, "Many Men (Wish Death)" is still one of my favorite 50 Cent songs to this day, slightly beating "Patiently Waiting" (that Em verse
). I haven't really looked at 50 as a lyricist, but more as a story teller. For a "gangster rapper" he sure did a good job becoming a psychotic killer on "Psycho", the mediocre -- track with Em on his Before I Self Destruct album.#7 - 2001 (1999)
Ah, 2001, one of Dre's best albums. The reason I chose this album over The Chronic, is because, well, I have yet to listen to The Chronic fully. The album features some pretty incredible guest appearances: "What's The Difference", "The Next Episode", and not to mention "Still D.R.E." and that fucking AMAZING beat. I would put this list more higher, but I feel like there's something missing, I just can't put my finger on it.
#6 - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
What can I say? The album isn't that bad. In fact, it's actually pretty good. Even though many fans believe that this is Kanye's best work, I put it at number six because it comes close to my favorite Kanye album Graduation. The album features a bunch of guest appearances, with stellar beats, and satisfactory lyricism. My favorite track would have to be "POWER", it's just a fantastic pump-up song that I love listening to before going to school.
#5 - Me Against The World (1995)
Hell, what can I say? Me Against The World is one of my favorite 2Pac albums out there. Cautiously creeping behind it is All Eyez On Me, but Me Against The World just gives me a much more.. "classic" feel. Songs like "Temptations", "Me Against The World", and most certainly "Dear Mama" just make me appreciate 2Pac's music SO much more. Not to mention the brilliant quote at the end of the title track: "Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that." 2Pac was definetily a poet, the epitome of a
#4 - Aerosmith (1976)
Aerosmith, is one of my favorite rock albums of all time. From "Dream On", to "Walkin' The Dog", this album just puts me in a chill mood. Makes me feel like my worries no longer exist. If you're not a fan of rock, or have never even heard of Aerosmith, you seriously need to listen to this album. The soothing lyrics, the amazing guitar riffs, and not to mention Steven Tyler's voice, are what put this album at number four.
#3 - The Eminem Show (2002)
The Eminem Show, a masterpiece. Great subject matter, great production, and excellent choruses. Not to mention the lyricism is impeccable! So why did I put it at number three? Well first of all, I really have nothing bad to say about this album. It's just beautiful. In fact, it came pretty close to beating --
#2 - Section.80 (2011)
Go ahead and hate me for it, but Section.80 by Kendrick Lamar is one of the best hip-hop albums I have ever heard. Inspirational lyrics, GREAT hooks, and Kendrick's voice is just so.. refreshing. He sounds so relaxed, like he's not trying to impress anyone, he just does it for the sport. "HiiiPower" and "A.D.H.D" share some awesome lyrics and hooks. "And I want everybody to view my autopsy/So you can see exactly where the government has shot me." Even thought Kendrick did a great job, he wasn't able to beat --
#1 -The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Do I need an explanation for this album? Oh I do? Okay, here: "The Real Slim Shady", "The Way I Am", "Kim", "Stan", "I'm Back", "Bitch Please II", "Marshall Mathers", "Criminal", "Under The Influence", "Remember Me?", "Kill You", "Amityville", "Drug Ballad", and "Who Knew".
Hope you guys enjoyed the list.
