Best Rap of All Time

Foundational social-commentary rap classic that helped define hip-hop storytelling.

One of the first rap records to break into mainstream global culture.

A politically charged anthem and one of rap's most important protest records.

The ultimate rags-to-riches rap anthem and a defining Biggie record.

G-funk classic that made West Coast rap globally dominant.

Explosive gangsta rap landmark that changed rap's sound and attitude.

Raw, philosophical street rap classic from one of hip-hop's most influential groups.

A deeply emotional tribute that proved rap could be vulnerable and universal.

Dark, cinematic New York street rap at its sharpest and most influential.

A lyrical blueprint that raised the technical standard for MCs forever.

Electro-rap landmark that shaped hip-hop, dance, and club music.

Psychological Southern rap classic with unforgettable storytelling.

Laid-back West Coast storytelling anthem with timeless replay value.

Motivational rap blockbuster and one of the genre's biggest crossover songs.

Modern protest anthem and one of the defining rap records of the 2010s.

Dark narrative rap classic that became part of pop-culture vocabulary.

Peak East Coast lyricism and one of the greatest album openers in rap.

Inspirational boom-bap classic from one of rap's most revered albums.

Minimal, hard-hitting rap-rock crossover with iconic quotable writing.

Ambitious spiritual rap single that pushed mainstream hip-hop themes wider.

Minimalist old-school classic that helped strip rap down to pure rhythm and bars.

Jazz-rap masterpiece and one of hip-hop's most beloved tribute songs.

A massive club-rap hit that defined early-2000s mainstream hip-hop.

Grand, emotional rap epic with huge influence on modern hip-hop production.