What is the best hip-hop album of the 2010s?
Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Travis Scott, and a new generation reshaped hip-hop in the 2010s. Which album defines the decade?
Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar's 2012 major-label debut, a cinematic concept album set in Compton that earned unanimous critical acclaim.
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly
Kendrick's 2015 jazz-and-funk opus widely called a generational masterpiece and one of the greatest albums of any genre.
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Kendrick's 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album that blends trap, pop, and introspection into a cultural landmark.
Drake – Take Care
Drake's 2011 breakthrough second album that defined the moody, emotional side of mainstream hip-hop.
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye's 2010 maximalist comeback album, called a baroque hip-hop masterpiece and widely ranked among the greatest records ever.
J. Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive
J. Cole's 2014 platinum album with no features, a personal narrative about success, home, and identity.
Travis Scott – Astroworld
Travis Scott's 2018 psychedelic trap epic named after the demolished Houston amusement park, his commercial and critical peak.
Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Cardi B's 2018 debut that swept the Grammys, making her the first solo female rapper to win Album of the Year.
Future – DS2
Future's 2015 mixtape-turned-album that codified melodic trap and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Tyler, the Creator's 2017 lush and introspective album, a significant artistic leap featuring guest spots from Frank Ocean.
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper's 2016 gospel-rap mixtape that won three Grammys and became the first streaming-only album to do so.
Childish Gambino – Because the Internet
Donald Glover's 2013 ambitious concept album accompanied by a screenplay and short film, exploring digital alienation.
A$AP Rocky – Long.Live.A$AP
A$AP Rocky's 2013 major-label debut that blended New York rap with Houston influence and debuted at number one.
Run the Jewels – RTJ2
Killer Mike and El-P's 2014 free-release punk-rap record hailed as one of the decade's most exciting rap albums.
Vince Staples – Summertime '06
Vince Staples' 2015 debut double album, a bleak and cinematic portrait of growing up in Long Beach.
Mac Miller – Swimming
Mac Miller's poignant 2018 album, released weeks before his death, exploring vulnerability and self-reflection.
Pusha T – Daytona
Pusha T's 2018 Kanye-produced seven-track album, praised as a perfect display of cocaine rap at its most refined.
Earl Sweatshirt – I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside
Earl Sweatshirt's 2015 claustrophobic and introspective album, a stark contrast to typical hip-hop bravado.
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