The wait is over. The Top 100 Rap Albums of the 2000s is finally ready for your perusal. First, let me state the obvious: I don't expect everyone to agree with my picks. But if you're going to disagree with something on this list, at least prepare an actual argument other than "Yo Henry, you're a faggot for leaving out MC Shafty Tentacles or whatever." That said, you'll find one or two albums here that evoke some pleasant memories. You'll rediscover some old favorites. You'll run into a few unfamiliar faces. At the end of the day, you'll walk away feeling wistfully nostalgic. B-boys and b-girls, I give you my 100 Greatest Rap Albums of the 2000s.
Album art © Def Jam
Comments
Only complaint Talib kweli ear drum everthing else is probly near what id say
another great list well done
excellent list, Henry.
What about Finding Forever?
Great list, but I few like I miss one album almost every year.
2000 – Nelly’s Country Grammar
2002 – Clipse’s Lord Willin
2006 – Nas Hip Hop is Dead
2007 – Common’s Finding Forever
2008 – Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter 3
2009 – Kid Kudi’s Man on the Moon
If you had to pick the best year which would that be? For me is 2007. Graduation, The Cool, American Gangster and Finding Forever are very good.
Why isn’t Jadakiss’ “Kiss of Death” not in the 2004 selection?
Why?
Rennan, no just no lol
Very good list. Quick question though. Have you really listened to all these albums?
Henry: I was shocked to see that Blitz the Ambassador’s “Stereotype” was not listed for 2009 instead of K-Os, Doom, or Knaan, granted all these were great but not as good as Stereotype, I like that you didnt forget Slaughterhouse or Clipse.
Patrick – Yes, I’ve listened to all these albums and hundreds more. I hope this doesn’t come as a surprise to you.
You must do it for a living because I would find it hard to find time to listen all these albums front to back.
I’m Sick Of Albums That Are Loaded With Featured Guests Unless It’s The W
Thanks Alot Henry.
Finally lol.
JK. Great job as usual, but i haven’t read the list yet.
Woah. No A Piece of Strange? Really? It should take King’s sport on 2006
Henry – First time commenter, long time reader. Either I accidently missed it, or you didn’t have it up. But what about the Eminem Show? By far one of the best rap albums. Period.
I personnally dont think game theory is better than food and liquour and Cham’s ultimate victory deserved to be on this list, besides that, pretty much spot on
few are missing
lil wayne – Carter III
Nas – Hip Hop is dead
The Game – Doctors Advocate
I also liked port of miami
The carter III was horrible
good list only thing is dat for 2000 MM lp should have been number one but just my opinion..and also I didn’t see da eminem show up der and dats one good album bsides dat its a good list and I’m happy to say dat I have at lest 70 of does cds
CON,
what do u dont agree?
eminem show is the best album i’ve ever heard in any type of music, in my opinion
Henry – only complaint is The Eminem Show isn’t on it. Other than that, great list.
Ok i’m leaving a list of albums I thought we’re missing. This is just MY opinion.
Danny!- And I Love H.E.R
One Be Lo-SONOGRAM
Binary Star- Masters of The Universe (that was 2000?)
Tonedeff- Archaetype
Danger Doom- Mouse & The Mask
Below the Heavens had to be 2007’s best. hell, the best of the decade maybe behind college dropout.
i DEMAND AN ANSWER TO WHY EMINEM SHOW ISN’T THERE
henry – when is the list of most anticipated rap albums comin?
Lack of The Eminem Show was a massive miss.
Violent by Design by Jedi Mind Tricks was their signature album in 2000. Also missed. A LOT of Atmosphere was missing. Decent list, but Blueprint over Stillmatic was a shocker for me.
charlie – sorry but the blueprint was better though…. also anythin by lil wayne is wack he aint got lyrics
im surprised yeeah baby by big pun wasnt on there or the big picture by Big L, eminem show or doctors advocate by the game could have been on the list but im not really complainin, a lil to much kanye for my likin lol but still a good list
Dr. Carter, Fireman, I’m Me, Hustler Musik, all Lil’ Wayne songs with very good lyrics. I would’ve gone with Stillmatic, but I’ve got a bias towards Nas, who is my 2nd favorite rapper of all-time.
Hey everyone try making a list from thousands of albums and not leave out one album and please everyone.
Henry this is a great list. I’ll have to pick a couple of these that look good.
Hey Henry,
I just want to thank you for introducing me to Masta Ace. I now have all his albums bar his debut, Take a Look Around.
^^Glad to be of service. Masta Ace is one of the most consistent MCs in the game. I’m sure most of you know this by now, but Eminem points to Ace as one of his biggest influences as a rapper.
Henry – eminem was influenced by everyone, he even said he liked esham lol and redman is his fave rapper.
Em was influenced by a lot of people, but Ace and Red are at the top of that list.
Great lisy henry, as always. Quick question tho, where is The Mouse and the Mask? probably in the top 5 of 2005. i would really appreciate your input.
^Loved Mouse and The Mask. I still play it regularly and wouldn’t be mad at anyone for putting it in the Top 10. That said, 05 produced way too many good albums.
Mike – Carter II > Carter III
Henry- why didnt you but blitz the ambassador for 09? stereotype was good, and how come cormega wasnt there either?
Henry, Stillmatic>Blueprint, Be>Late Registration and no dilated peoples??? Plus I’m sure the W by Wu-tang was one of the best albums of the decade and yet you didnt put it in? Other than that its an amazing list and shows that hip-hop still lives, looking forward to this new decade, new Roots album, Damian Marley and Nas, the Detox!?
yeah, i mentioned this before, but The Streets’ first two albums, especially “A Grand Don’t Come For Free” are on my list. You forgot a few more, but very solid list. I appreciate the high praise for Masta Ace’s stuff.
^ meh good album but Original Pirate Material >
Carter II > Carter III no doubt about it
that being said, neither of them belonged on that list
I defintely think Port of Miami-Rick Ross should be on there! Also Young Jeezy, Trap or Die! I think I saw that one tho…Em of course! So hyped to see a Hip Hop Blog! Question: When did you first fall in love with hip hop? What song got you hooked for me..it would have to be “Paid in Full”, Eric B. and Rakim!
Da Drought 3 should b up der for 2007 don’t care. if its a mixtape its one of the best if not the best cd 2 come out in 2007….matter of fact drakes so far gone should b up there 2 it don’t matter if it was a mixtape like I sayd better then most things that came out last year its only. fare dey get der recognition
these last two really havent got a clue lol
Does anybody have a clue what comment#42 said? God help us.
Henry, this list is very well done. I was very surprised to see some of the albums up here. I like that fact that you didn’t put an unfair advantage to mainstream albums over the underground. I was surprised to see the likes of Blu & Exile and the CunninLynguists. I think this list is very well done. You also introduced me to some artists I will definitely check out. Keep it up.
I think Eminem Show should be in here somewhere, but it’s tough to know which one too leave.
this might be the worst list ive ever seen….waste of time…half that list was garbage..only two eminem cds. Not even one Black eyed peas cd is the biggest shocker, maybe i missed it scanning all the garbage you had they…two thumbs down, 0 out of five stars and 0 mics for you bud
Henry long time reader you got an excellent list but blueprint over stillmatic i dont see it i like the album but stillmatic has so much substance an consience raps when the first 10 rap songs on the blueprint are in the club songs besides the takeover besides the song were he thx his mother the whole album is a club album really besides renegade of coarse please let me knwo your oppion and why you chose it thank you
The Eminem Show (2002)? Encore (2005)?
Am I halucinating, or did I not see Revolutionary Vol. 1 on this list… also i expected The Grey Album and The Mouse and the Mask on here as well.
Relapse better than the Eminem Show, wtf?
And T.I. above Apathy? No Fort Minor, JMT or AotP?
Still, not a bad list, glad you put When Life Gives You lemons high.
um u put lil wayne nd not eminem
The list of 2009 is missing Boy Meets World by Fashawn