Member-only story
The Great 28, Pt. 2
Ranking The Best Rap Albums
7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012) — Kendrick Lamar
It is a glorious narration from front to back. It is a comprehensive biography of Kendrick’s life growing from a boy to a man in Compton, California, from the 1990s to present day. What is this album? It is immaculate rapping and music composition. “Instant classic” is an overused phrase and idea that may in fact never really happen, but if it is possible, GKMC is that. It’s a testament to how good hip hop can be, and it’s important that it happened in modern times. Kendrick shows that the new school has an artistic master.
6. Life After Death (1997) — The Notorious B.I.G.
This unbelievable double album reached new, haunting heights in music. It’s timeless. When real life tragedy and drama meets the release of a classic album from an elite rapper in his prime, it takes you to a rare place. Life After Death marked the point that hip hop was in its prime, and for that the world is eternally grateful.
5. All Eyez On Me (1995) — 2Pac
This is Tupac when Tupac was the peak of pop culture in America. Whether you were 13 or 63, Tupac was on your radar. No artist on earth was more interesting or influential. Many albums beneath it…
