The Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 21st Century

by Doriean Stevenson, for Metacritic – October 19, 2017

Hip-hop heads agree: These are the best albums of this century. Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Dizzee Rascal, and Missy Elliott all appear on this list, but who holds the top spot?

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87 College Dropout by Kanye West

(tied for #26) Kanye West spent years working with heavy hitters like Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel to perfect his unique production style. His debut studio album, College Dropout, marked his ascension from producer to producer-rapper-artist-visionary. Every single charted well, and critics recognized the social commentary and departure from gangster rap.

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