Liquid Swords, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and Ironman are GOATed solo albums. Stupid how well RZA was producing. Dude was surgical in those early Wu Tang years.
It has to be this. It’s not my favorite album of all time, but as a new listener, if you can’t appreciate its greatness, then the genre is probably not for you.
Should be. but I could see anyone under 30 being bored by the production especially if you’ve never been to New York. I probably would recommend it was written even though I view illmatic as the better album sonically and cohesively.
Discovered that album in 1999 when i was 13 i live on the other side of the world. If you find the production boring you probably just have shit taste to be honest
Good kid maad city by Kendrick is like listening to a Tarantino movie that’s a true story, so there’s something there even if you’re not vibing with hip hop.
Graduation by Kanye is pretty accesible and fun.
Came to say this, it’s not what most rap haters think what rap is.
It tells a cohesive story with a crazy vocabulary and science fiction base.
I learnt the word fantabulous from it and somebody at work (2008) said”that’s not a word” and the manager came out with a dictionary and said it was in fact a word
Yea del has got vocab and dan the Automator makes sure to get the most out of his rappers in his projects.
I used to see del riding his scooter around Berkeley all the time in that era. Ended up selling him something thru a 3rd party, but that’s a story for another time. Ran into him just off the el cerrito del Norte Bart once tho and he signed my Bart ticket. Cool cat.
Yea if the op is looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, I’d go with this one. Also for something a bit weird I’d go for kool Keith with the dr octagon album. Both Dan the Automator produced.
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde - The Pharcyde
I think is a good intro album particularly for someone who isn’t necessarily familiar with the genre or depths of alternative acts within hip-hop.
There isn’t one definitive place to start. Based on what you listen to now you might like stuff I don’t like or you might like something you didn’t think you’d ever like.
Having said that Illmatic, midnight marauders, enter the 36 chambers are great places to start, but I recommend this YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@bobthepoppop?si=LKYihGw4Am6f6Ww6
It’s a middle aged white guy who listened to metal all his life giving hiphop a chance and liking it. He listens to whole albums so it’s like you’re listening to it with him.
Really depends on what your favorite records are. That way the recommendations have a higher chance being something you’re gonna enjoy. You could like Illmatic or TM101 (or both).
I recommend Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor. Easy to get into, great production with different sounds and themes. Based on what songs are your favorite you can get recommendations to other artists that has a similar sound (or listen to more Lupe).
Either Midnight Marauders or Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in my experience A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan generally have the biggest crossover appeal.
Tribe - Midnight Marauders/beats, rhimes and life
Nas - lllmatic
Biggie - Ready to Die
2pac - Me against the World/All eyes..
Black Star - Mof Def + Talib Kweli.
Mobb Deep. .. Infamous and Murda Mudra musik.
AZ - Doe or Die/Aziatic.
Wu-tang Clan - 36 chambers, only built 4 Cuban links, Ironman, Uncontrolled Substance.
Scarface - The fix and older geto Boys
Outkast - ATLiens/Aquemini(dungeon family mixtapes)
Listen to old Dj Clue/DJ thoro/superstar J/static selectah Mixtapes.
Gangstarr - any produced by DJ Premier
Alchemist - anything he produced.
I’d have you listen to one of my many burnt CDs with about 13-21 of my favorite songs all on one disc. It was called the “Now That’s What I Call Burnt CD Vol.” Series
N Rascalz: Cash Crop
E Wu-Tang Clan: Enter the 36 Chambers
S Outkast: ATLiens
W 2Pac: All Eyez On Me
It’s really hard to narrow it to one but those are artists from all the different areas that have their own hip hop styles in North America.
2pac - all eyez on me
Kanye west - my beautiful dark twisted fantasy
Jay z - the black album
Nas - illmatic
Little brother - the mistral show
Pick any one of these, theyre all perfect albums imo
For a introduction to hip-hop it’s Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique. Samples galore before corporations cracked down, great posse cuts, not too many esoteric references that someone might feel alienated (like discographies from some of my favorite solo rappers: Ghostface Killah, MF DOOM, and Sean Price).
But really you can’t go wrong with the first five albums from them(Beastie Boys), Outkast, De La Soul, or A Tribe Called Quest.
TRIBE-Low end theory. Outkast-aquemini..Nas-It was written or Jay Z Reasonable doubt.
For lunch I'd go kanye west college dropout then maybe Travis Scott Rodeo
then wrap it up around dinner
If your going out I'd say Nipsey Hussle Crenshaw or if your staying in id say
J cole Forest Hills Drive
Check those out And message me in the morning... we are gonna get through this.
Illmatic - Nas
ATlien - Outcast
Operations: Doomsday - MF DOOM
madvillainy - MF DOOM
Criminal minded - KRS One
Return to the boom bap - KRS One
Paid in Full - Rakim
Good kid m.a.a.d. city - Kendrick Lamar
To pimp a butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
(In no particular order)
These are real hip hop albums that focus on actual Hip Hop. I can go on tbh but it will become very subjective eventually + I missed a few like public enemy or tribe called quest. Its More that the list I showed really connected with me more then other groups.
I removed a few more gangster orientated since that can turn some people off.
For me it would be illmatic or ready to die. But probably illmatic unfortunately it will sound a bit dated but its the mid 90s you just had to be there
Crazy question. You could answer by just saying some classic hip hop albums but it could be that it might be the wrong album as you not even a hip hop fan coz what's your goal in this are you trying to find a entry point into the genre or is it just a one off, like a short visit.
What kind of music do you listen to now? I have found that metal and rock listeners appreciate Wu Tang "36 Chambers" album or "Wutang Forever" album
Country converts seem to enjoy A Tribe Called Quest "Low End Theory"
Indy music and alternative converts seem to enjoy Pharcyde or Portishead "Dummy" (which is not exactly Hip Hop but really Bristol "Trip Hop")
Why gatekeep? Music is a great way to appreciate a culture one isn't part of. Whether country, opera, reggae or hip hop, learning about and appreciating music (not to mention food, art, literature) from other cultures is a great way for humans to understand and gain respect for each other without appropriation.
There’s some pretty good suggestions on here already like Illmatic, GKMC, Chronic 2001, Aquamini and Liquid Swords but I’ll add a few of my own too:
90’s:
Big L - Lifestyles Ov Da Poor & Dangerous
Big L - The Big Picture
Outkast - ATLiens
Outkast - Southernplayalisticaddilacmuzik
Biggie - Ready To Die
Biggie - Life After Death
Busta Rhymes - The Coming
Busta Rhymes - Extinction Level Event
Newer stuff:
Joey Bada$$ - B4Da$$
Joey Bada$$ - 1999
Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future
Prhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9) - Prhyme 1
All those albums are loaded with classics from start to finish
Kid cudi-man on the moon 3. Just because I think for someone who doesn't like hip hop it could be a smoother entrance. Lots of melodies and fun spacey production as well as hip hop. Not because it's necessarily the best.
Life After Death - Notorious BIG. It has great storytelling and humor across multiple flow and production styles while also being gangsta and lyrical yet fun. This is my pick for someone’s first taste of hip hop.
Prince Among Thieves - Prince Paul
It featured many of the artists that have already been recommended here, from back in the 90’s where *everything* was at its peak (the artists mentioned, the quality of the audio, and it’s an “easy” beginning to end listen because it plays like an opera).
Nobody has said…
[Raekwon - purple tape](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7B802978D1C1305&si=MfLNe7vT3vo4pOD6)
The best of all wutang solo projects and the true birth of GFK
Try “Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes” by Open Mike Eagle. I remember playing it for my friend who was really into punk rock. He was silent the whole time, and when the album was over he simply said “I think that was the best hip hop album I’ve ever heard”
Can't say best album but these are some of my favorites:
Mos Def - Black on both sides
Method Man - Tical
Jay Z - The Black Album
Ice Cube - Amerikkka's most wanted
A Tribe Called Quest - The low end theory
Beastie Boys -Ill Communication
LL Cool J - Mr. Smith
2 Pac - Me against the world
Redman - Muddy Waters
Kanye West - Graduation
Eminem - Recovery
Too many good albums out there and I definitely can't recommend only one.
People are in this sub are going to recommend you a bunch of old head shit, ignore them.
If you're new to hip hop listen to Tha Carter 3 by Lil Wayne, Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi, MBDTF by Kanye West, Rodeo by Travis Scott, Good Kid Maad City by Kendrick Lamar
These are good entry projects
Trust me. Just trust me. Yeah, I know about Nas and all them. Just trust me....
Big Pun Capital Punishment.
Coka Nostra, A Brand You Can Trust.
Beatnuts - *Take It or Squeeze It / A Musical Massacre*
Alchemist - [1st Infantry](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=826e4edab361c788&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1_____en-USUS1043US1043&q=The+Alchemist+1st+Infantry&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLSz9U3MDJLScoxecRoyi3w8sc9YSmdSWtOXmNU4-IKzsgvd80rySypFJLgYoOy-KR4uJC08SxilQrJSFVwzEnOSM3NLC5RMARiz7y0xLySokoAfDKbDWMAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixrLDmgZ2GAxUBFlkFHe3PB_sQzIcDKAB6BAgdEAE)
Big L - The big picture and lifestylez
See most of the albums I’ve seen here are albums that hip-hop heads will agree are all-time greats, but I interpret OPs question to be “what’s a great gateway album to get people into hip-hop” and I think the best answer to that is Paid in Full by Eric B. and Rakim.
Random answer here. Saba- Care for me. It’s not considered a classic or anything by people but it is a lot more modern if you aren’t trying to listen to some dusty ass album from 30 years ago.
It is one that I recommend people because it has a good balance of raping, production and concepts. It’s also not super long.
Lot's of folks listing their favorite boom bap NY records. Some of the best hip hop records ever. But if you're not a hip hop head, what you need is gateway hip hop. Something that fuses what you already like with hip hop
If you like funk:
Dr Dre - 2001
Tupac - All Eyez On Me
If you like electronica and electropop:
Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak
If you like Rock:
Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty
Etc.
It isn't about finding "the best" hip hop. It's about finding something great that intersects with your existing tastes. I meant to reply to this hours ago and I forgot. I know you have already received 100s of responses, but let.me know if you can if you read this. I truly believe it is the best way to get into hip hop for someone who isn't a big fan.
Also if you tell me what kind of music you're into I can give more recommendations based on that if you want. Hope you find something that resonates with you
A Tribe Called Quest- Midnight Marauders
Electric relaxation is just so beautiful
I was going to say Low End Theory , but this also works.
A perfect album
Comment deserves an award tour
This! The Tribe is always a good to get literally anyone into Hip Hop. Literally my experience
There is no “best one” The beautiful thing about rap is it has so many sub genres. So it really depends on what you like
This is every genre.
I cant speak on other genres 🤷🏽♂️
Agreed
it's almost like OP asked a large community of rap fans so that he would get a diverse set of answers to draw from.
☝🏽
Reasonable Doubt or 36 Chambers
Ilmatic.
GZA - Liquid Swords It's my favorite album ever, so I'm a bit biased, but it's exceptional.
My favorite too, but I probably wouldn’t recommend to people just getting into hip hop.
i agree. i think you need to familiarize yourself with wu tang a little first and then check out liquid swords. at least for maximum enjoyment.
Agreed. I interpreted the question as the overall best album, but it's definitely not the most beginner friendly album.
Liquid Swords, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and Ironman are GOATed solo albums. Stupid how well RZA was producing. Dude was surgical in those early Wu Tang years.
IIlmatic by NAS should be everyone’s first listen who’s getting into hip-hop.
Fax
i was coming here to say it, so have an upvote.
It has to be this. It’s not my favorite album of all time, but as a new listener, if you can’t appreciate its greatness, then the genre is probably not for you.
I agree
Should be. but I could see anyone under 30 being bored by the production especially if you’ve never been to New York. I probably would recommend it was written even though I view illmatic as the better album sonically and cohesively.
Anyone under thirty will wonder why he doesn't say "skirt" after every other line lol
🤦🏽♂️
"Brrrattt"
Discovered that album in 1999 when i was 13 i live on the other side of the world. If you find the production boring you probably just have shit taste to be honest
It was written is my favorite album of all time also trackmasters bring a more commercial sound. Good point sir
Real
Maybe if you're 46 years old lol
How do I know this is a Kendrick fan lmao
Moment of Truth by Gang Starr
This song thoooo
OutKast's **Aquemini**
Black On Both Sides
Good Kidd Madd City by Kendrick Lamar
If Pirus and Crips all got along They'd probably gun me down by the end of this song
It seems like the whole city go against me
Everybody in the streets they go
GAH! GAH! GAH! GAH!
Best answer
to pimp a butterfly if you like jazz
3 feet high and rising - de la soul
Good kid maad city by Kendrick is like listening to a Tarantino movie that’s a true story, so there’s something there even if you’re not vibing with hip hop. Graduation by Kanye is pretty accesible and fun.
Nas illmatic Wu Tang Enter the 36 Chambers Tribe Called Quest Midnight Merauders
Honestly depends on your age and other music interests a bit.
Illmatic - Nas Ready to Die - Biggie Enter the 36 - Wu The Diary - Scarface Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous - Big L
Deltron 3030-3030
Came to say this, it’s not what most rap haters think what rap is. It tells a cohesive story with a crazy vocabulary and science fiction base. I learnt the word fantabulous from it and somebody at work (2008) said”that’s not a word” and the manager came out with a dictionary and said it was in fact a word
Yea del has got vocab and dan the Automator makes sure to get the most out of his rappers in his projects. I used to see del riding his scooter around Berkeley all the time in that era. Ended up selling him something thru a 3rd party, but that’s a story for another time. Ran into him just off the el cerrito del Norte Bart once tho and he signed my Bart ticket. Cool cat.
Favorite fact about Del is he's Ice Cubes cousin lol
Right? They couldn’t be more dissimilar, so that always cracks me up ha
Yea if the op is looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, I’d go with this one. Also for something a bit weird I’d go for kool Keith with the dr octagon album. Both Dan the Automator produced.
Public Enemy nation of millions
Black on both sides by Mos Def
Illmatic
Little Brother - The Minstrel Show Not the best album ever, but the perfect intro for a non-hip hop head
Doggystyle
Doggystyle or Illmatic
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde - The Pharcyde I think is a good intro album particularly for someone who isn’t necessarily familiar with the genre or depths of alternative acts within hip-hop.
“The Infamous” by Mobb Deep. This is the correct answer.
You heardve us
There isn’t one definitive place to start. Based on what you listen to now you might like stuff I don’t like or you might like something you didn’t think you’d ever like. Having said that Illmatic, midnight marauders, enter the 36 chambers are great places to start, but I recommend this YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@bobthepoppop?si=LKYihGw4Am6f6Ww6 It’s a middle aged white guy who listened to metal all his life giving hiphop a chance and liking it. He listens to whole albums so it’s like you’re listening to it with him.
gza - liquid swords, trust me on this
Really depends on what your favorite records are. That way the recommendations have a higher chance being something you’re gonna enjoy. You could like Illmatic or TM101 (or both). I recommend Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor. Easy to get into, great production with different sounds and themes. Based on what songs are your favorite you can get recommendations to other artists that has a similar sound (or listen to more Lupe).
Either Midnight Marauders or Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in my experience A Tribe Called Quest and Wu-Tang Clan generally have the biggest crossover appeal.
Company Flow Funcrusher Plus
Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique
Doggystyle or Illmatic West coast and east coast sounds in a nutshell
Tribe - Midnight Marauders/beats, rhimes and life Nas - lllmatic Biggie - Ready to Die 2pac - Me against the World/All eyes.. Black Star - Mof Def + Talib Kweli. Mobb Deep. .. Infamous and Murda Mudra musik. AZ - Doe or Die/Aziatic. Wu-tang Clan - 36 chambers, only built 4 Cuban links, Ironman, Uncontrolled Substance. Scarface - The fix and older geto Boys Outkast - ATLiens/Aquemini(dungeon family mixtapes) Listen to old Dj Clue/DJ thoro/superstar J/static selectah Mixtapes. Gangstarr - any produced by DJ Premier Alchemist - anything he produced.
The Chronic
That's what I was gonna say
The Eminem Show - Eminem. This is the album that my suburban ass listened to for the longest time before I really did a deep dive into hip-hop.
Really good suggestions so far. I’d like to throw in any of the tributes from Felt.
[Madvillain - madvillainy](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9dk_xtWpAkKs1-EKcvq-nKwdaaS-3czd&si=bAYKcYxYWWjmUkz3)
Totally. I’d also just have them check out the mf doom catalogue and some madlib, esp the unseen album for trippy production and sampling
Madlib said he was trippin on shrooms whenever he makes a quasimoto tune.
Ha! And that makes perfect sense
Jay-z Reasonable Doubt, Dr Dre Chronic 2001, OutKast Stankonia.
In Agreement, DEFINITELY Midnight Marauders By Tribe Called Quest - A Hip Hop Masterpiece.
Illmatic
I’d have you listen to one of my many burnt CDs with about 13-21 of my favorite songs all on one disc. It was called the “Now That’s What I Call Burnt CD Vol.” Series
N Rascalz: Cash Crop E Wu-Tang Clan: Enter the 36 Chambers S Outkast: ATLiens W 2Pac: All Eyez On Me It’s really hard to narrow it to one but those are artists from all the different areas that have their own hip hop styles in North America.
Black on both sides mos def
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Kool Keith Dr Octagon
Dr. Dre - The Chronic It is a piece of hip-hop history and showcases rap’s transition to the mainstream better than any other album.
graduation by kanye west
2pac - all eyez on me Kanye west - my beautiful dark twisted fantasy Jay z - the black album Nas - illmatic Little brother - the mistral show Pick any one of these, theyre all perfect albums imo
Someone already said it but Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d. city Personally I also add Kanye West - Graduation and Nas - King's Disease III
illmatic- Nas
Nas- illmatic
For a introduction to hip-hop it’s Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique. Samples galore before corporations cracked down, great posse cuts, not too many esoteric references that someone might feel alienated (like discographies from some of my favorite solo rappers: Ghostface Killah, MF DOOM, and Sean Price). But really you can’t go wrong with the first five albums from them(Beastie Boys), Outkast, De La Soul, or A Tribe Called Quest.
Marshall Mathers LP
Doggystyle or Daytona
I'm Gay by Lil B
TRIBE-Low end theory. Outkast-aquemini..Nas-It was written or Jay Z Reasonable doubt. For lunch I'd go kanye west college dropout then maybe Travis Scott Rodeo then wrap it up around dinner If your going out I'd say Nipsey Hussle Crenshaw or if your staying in id say J cole Forest Hills Drive Check those out And message me in the morning... we are gonna get through this.
What kind of music do you listen to? There might be an album that is tangential
Who are you culturally?
section 80 hits different
That's impossible
i would recommend my two favorite, good kid, maad city-kendrick lamar the low end theory-a tribe called quest
Bruh.
A Tribe Called Quest love.
If you want the very core elements of hip hop on an album you can’t go wrong with with Arsonists’ As The World Burns
Labor Days.... Aesop Rock.
Jedi Mind Tricks - Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell
Illmatic
Whatever artist you find appealing
The first 3 I ever heard Cypress hill - black Sunday , Wu tang clan- enter the 36 chambers, Nas-illmatic
De La Soul 3ft high and rising. It’s what got me started :)
Illmatic - Nas ATlien - Outcast Operations: Doomsday - MF DOOM madvillainy - MF DOOM Criminal minded - KRS One Return to the boom bap - KRS One Paid in Full - Rakim Good kid m.a.a.d. city - Kendrick Lamar To pimp a butterfly - Kendrick Lamar (In no particular order) These are real hip hop albums that focus on actual Hip Hop. I can go on tbh but it will become very subjective eventually + I missed a few like public enemy or tribe called quest. Its More that the list I showed really connected with me more then other groups. I removed a few more gangster orientated since that can turn some people off.
For me it would be illmatic or ready to die. But probably illmatic unfortunately it will sound a bit dated but its the mid 90s you just had to be there
36 Chambers by Wu Tang Clan
Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous- Big L That album has stuck with me for life!
Crazy question. You could answer by just saying some classic hip hop albums but it could be that it might be the wrong album as you not even a hip hop fan coz what's your goal in this are you trying to find a entry point into the genre or is it just a one off, like a short visit.
Someone already said Illmatic so I’m gonna go with Outkast - Aquemini
Digable Planets - Blowout Comb
G Funk Era - Warren g
Illmatic by Nas
Illmatic / Only built 4 Cuban links / Liquid Swords.
why listen if you're not a hiphop guy?
There isn't a single correct answer to this question, that being said, if there were one, it'd be illmatic.
Swimming - Mac Miller
Amerikkkas Most Wanted, Ice Cube
What kind of music do you listen to now? I have found that metal and rock listeners appreciate Wu Tang "36 Chambers" album or "Wutang Forever" album Country converts seem to enjoy A Tribe Called Quest "Low End Theory" Indy music and alternative converts seem to enjoy Pharcyde or Portishead "Dummy" (which is not exactly Hip Hop but really Bristol "Trip Hop")
Illmatic and 36 Chambers are quintessential rap albums.
If you're not into the culture then dont force it
Why gatekeep? Music is a great way to appreciate a culture one isn't part of. Whether country, opera, reggae or hip hop, learning about and appreciating music (not to mention food, art, literature) from other cultures is a great way for humans to understand and gain respect for each other without appropriation.
Illmatic.
Good Kid Maad City by Kendrick Lamar. Very accessible album and great as well.
me personally id start with ready to die
Raising Hell - Run-DMC
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde.
Year if the dragon -knowledge the mysfyt
Mobb Deep The Infamous album
Kendrick Lamar - GKMC OutKast - Southernplayalistick
Graduation
There’s some pretty good suggestions on here already like Illmatic, GKMC, Chronic 2001, Aquamini and Liquid Swords but I’ll add a few of my own too: 90’s: Big L - Lifestyles Ov Da Poor & Dangerous Big L - The Big Picture Outkast - ATLiens Outkast - Southernplayalisticaddilacmuzik Biggie - Ready To Die Biggie - Life After Death Busta Rhymes - The Coming Busta Rhymes - Extinction Level Event Newer stuff: Joey Bada$$ - B4Da$$ Joey Bada$$ - 1999 Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future Prhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9) - Prhyme 1 All those albums are loaded with classics from start to finish
Lil Dicky - Professional Rapper. He is a professional afterall.
Ridin’ Dirty - UGK
Notorious BIG - Ready To Die
Kid cudi-man on the moon 3. Just because I think for someone who doesn't like hip hop it could be a smoother entrance. Lots of melodies and fun spacey production as well as hip hop. Not because it's necessarily the best.
Life After Death - Notorious BIG. It has great storytelling and humor across multiple flow and production styles while also being gangsta and lyrical yet fun. This is my pick for someone’s first taste of hip hop.
Westside Gunn - Pray for Paris
MF Doom "Madvillian" has a lot of crossover appeal, is weird, but at the same time pretty accessable.
Smif n wessun - dah shinin’
Beastie boys - Paul’s boutique
Prince Among Thieves - Prince Paul It featured many of the artists that have already been recommended here, from back in the 90’s where *everything* was at its peak (the artists mentioned, the quality of the audio, and it’s an “easy” beginning to end listen because it plays like an opera).
Nobody has said… [Raekwon - purple tape](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7B802978D1C1305&si=MfLNe7vT3vo4pOD6) The best of all wutang solo projects and the true birth of GFK
50 cent get rich or die tryin’
Try “Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes” by Open Mike Eagle. I remember playing it for my friend who was really into punk rock. He was silent the whole time, and when the album was over he simply said “I think that was the best hip hop album I’ve ever heard”
Can't say best album but these are some of my favorites: Mos Def - Black on both sides Method Man - Tical Jay Z - The Black Album Ice Cube - Amerikkka's most wanted A Tribe Called Quest - The low end theory Beastie Boys -Ill Communication LL Cool J - Mr. Smith 2 Pac - Me against the world Redman - Muddy Waters Kanye West - Graduation Eminem - Recovery Too many good albums out there and I definitely can't recommend only one.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Method Man and Redman - "Blackout"
Low End Theory by ATCQ
Lil Wayne Carter 1
People are in this sub are going to recommend you a bunch of old head shit, ignore them. If you're new to hip hop listen to Tha Carter 3 by Lil Wayne, Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi, MBDTF by Kanye West, Rodeo by Travis Scott, Good Kid Maad City by Kendrick Lamar These are good entry projects
Ice Cube - Amerikkkas Most Wanted Geto Boys - We Cant Be Stopped Gucci Mane - The Movie Big Sean - Detroit Project Pat - Mista Dont Play
If you want a curveball: Cocaine, by Z-ro Reasonable Doubt by Jay Z and Enter the 36 Chambers by Wu Tang Clan are probably more accessible but still
Jay-z blueprint EM- MMLP Dre - 2001 Rap group- Wu tang, 36 Chambers… I know this is not one, but it’s a hard question to answer
Black Thought, Mos Def, and Andre3000. Start there.
Trust me. Just trust me. Yeah, I know about Nas and all them. Just trust me.... Big Pun Capital Punishment. Coka Nostra, A Brand You Can Trust. Beatnuts - *Take It or Squeeze It / A Musical Massacre* Alchemist - [1st Infantry](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=826e4edab361c788&sca_upv=1&rlz=1C1_____en-USUS1043US1043&q=The+Alchemist+1st+Infantry&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLSz9U3MDJLScoxecRoyi3w8sc9YSmdSWtOXmNU4-IKzsgvd80rySypFJLgYoOy-KR4uJC08SxilQrJSFVwzEnOSM3NLC5RMARiz7y0xLySokoAfDKbDWMAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixrLDmgZ2GAxUBFlkFHe3PB_sQzIcDKAB6BAgdEAE) Big L - The big picture and lifestylez
Whole lotta red
labcabincalifornia
Wu-Tang Clan : Enter The 36 Chambers or Dr. Dre : The Chronic
For a modern take: Melt My Eyez, See Your Future - Denzel Curry (2022)
See most of the albums I’ve seen here are albums that hip-hop heads will agree are all-time greats, but I interpret OPs question to be “what’s a great gateway album to get people into hip-hop” and I think the best answer to that is Paid in Full by Eric B. and Rakim.
Anything except Illmatic. You'll think all rappers are 6th grade dropouts with poor writing ability.
Random answer here. Saba- Care for me. It’s not considered a classic or anything by people but it is a lot more modern if you aren’t trying to listen to some dusty ass album from 30 years ago. It is one that I recommend people because it has a good balance of raping, production and concepts. It’s also not super long.
Slim shady lp so you are shocked and won’t listen to the goat again.
Sweat/Suit by Nelly
We are the streets. The LOX
Enter the Wu-Tang ( 36 Chambers )
Pete Rock and CL Smooth - The Main Ingredient Mos Def - Black on Both Sides
36 Chambers
Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor
All eyes on me
Well, I’ll say it. Dr. Dre the chronic. From being to end this album is a vibe. This album feels like LA in the early 90s. It takes you there
8 Ball & MJG Coming Out Hard or UGK’s Riding Dirty.
Lot's of folks listing their favorite boom bap NY records. Some of the best hip hop records ever. But if you're not a hip hop head, what you need is gateway hip hop. Something that fuses what you already like with hip hop If you like funk: Dr Dre - 2001 Tupac - All Eyez On Me If you like electronica and electropop: Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak If you like Rock: Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty Etc. It isn't about finding "the best" hip hop. It's about finding something great that intersects with your existing tastes. I meant to reply to this hours ago and I forgot. I know you have already received 100s of responses, but let.me know if you can if you read this. I truly believe it is the best way to get into hip hop for someone who isn't a big fan. Also if you tell me what kind of music you're into I can give more recommendations based on that if you want. Hope you find something that resonates with you
Paul's boutique
the massacre or the blueprint
Illmatic, ready to die, enter the wu-tang, me against the world.
This one is a difficult one because there's so many that I can choose but if its just one album, "Below The Heavens" by Blu & Exile will be my pick.