Best Hip-Hop Albums That Turn 30 in 2023

Arguably the greatest rap group of all time got their career started with one of the greatest albums of all time. Although we all know them now, it was hard to decipher which rapper was who on each record, which made for one of the most interesting and enjoyable listens at the time.

It’s crazy that two of the greatest hip-hop groups dropped classic records in the same year. Midnight Marauders is one of the most enjoyable albums ever with arguably the best album cover.

Because of how he showed out on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop’s debut project was one of the most anticipated albums, and he delivered. There are countless classic songs on this record including “Murder Was the Case,” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)? and “Ain’t No Fun.”

This is the album that put 2pac on the map. His second studio album was filled with party hits and emotional deep cuts that would define the MC for the rest of his career.

One of the most underrated groups dropped possibly their most underrated album in 1993. Although not as popular as their other work, it’s just as good.

Queen Latifah was rapping her ass off on this album. She doesn’t nearly get enough credit for how dope she was as a lyricist. This album just has dope rhymes up and down, highlighted by her hit track, “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Unfortunately, Lethal Interjection was Ice Cube’s last classic album (the War & Piece albums don’t quite hold up). But, his fourth album still matched the quality of his previous three, which are certified classics.

This is where The Roots set the standard for hip-hop bands. On their debut album, you could see all the signs that they would do something great in the future, which they obviously did.

This is KRS’ first album without the help of Boogie Down Productions. KRS-One’s thought-provoking and socially conscious bars hit the hardest on this classic record. It included dope records such as “Sound of da Police” and “Return of the Boom Bap.”

This underrated Oakland rap group dropped an album filled with some of the best bars of the time. Highlighted by the title track, this album still bumps now.

Cypress Hill was releasing music well before 1993, but this is the album that introduced them to a more widespread audience, thanks to the success of the smash record, “Insane In The Brain.”

Not their best album, but still a solid effort that displays their upbeat and unique style of rapping. “Hip Hop Hooray” is the perfect record if you want to express your love of rap.

This album ain’t for everybody. If sometimes you just want to scream at someone this is for you. Onyx in your face lyrics, delivery, and music videos was only a preview of what Hip-hop would turn into.

This album saw a shuffling of the group, as Big Mike replaced longtime member Willie D. It takes used to hearing someone new compared to their older work, but it’s still a southern classic, especially for hip-hop fans in Houston.

Speaking of Geto Boys, Scarface was their most recognizable and talented member. His second studio album is a solid project in his impressive discography. Although it’s not as good as his third and best album, The Diary, it’s still worth a listen if you haven’t heard it before.

This story is part of our new Hip-Hop: ’73 Till Infinity series, a celebration of the genre’s 50th anniversary.