The Most Popular Rap Album of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the rap album you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:47
Music enthusiasts often debate about the most impactful albums in the rap genre, tracing the evolution of styles and influencers throughout the decades. Establishing a consensus on the greatest rap album of all time is not only a celebration of the art form but also a reflection of the shifting cultural landscapes and voices that have shaped the genre. By curating a crowd-sourced ranking, listeners can see which albums resonate the most across a diverse audience.
Through voting on these influential rap albums, fans participate in acknowledging the masterpieces that have set milestones in the music industry. This dynamic collection of community opinions offers a unique insight into what makes an album truly revolutionary and memorable. It encourages participation and gives every fan a voice in preserving rap's rich history in a meaningful way.
What Is the Most Popular Rap Album of All Time?
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131votes
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
Michael JacksonWhile not a rap album, "Thriller" is the best-selling album of all time and features the hit song "Beat It," which includes a rap verse by Michael Jackson.Thriller is a song by Michael Jackson, released in 1982 as the seventh and final single from his album of the same name. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential songs in popular music history. Thriller is a thrilling combination of pop, rock, and funk genres, with a distinctive sound that incorporates elements of disco and R&B. The song tells the story of a young couple who are stalked by a werewolf and explores themes of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural.- Release Date: November 30, 1982
- Album: Thriller
- Genre: Pop, rock, funk
- Duration: 5 minutes and 57 seconds
- Lyricist: Rod Temperton
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular MTV music video
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228votesThis album sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone and is considered a classic in the rap genre.The Marshall Mathers LP is the third studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was released on May 23, 2000, by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album showcases Eminem's dark and introspective lyrical style, delving into topics such as his troubled personal life, drug addiction, and criticism of the media.
- Release Date: May 23, 2000
- Record Label: Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records
- Genre: Rap
- Length: 73:47
- Number of Tracks: 18
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319votes
"All Eyez on Me" by Tupac Shakur
Tupac ShakurReleased in 1996, this double album is one of the most iconic releases in hip-hop history and has sold over 10 million copies.All Eyez on Me is the fourth studio album by American rapper Tupac Shakur. It was released on February 13, 1996, by Death Row Records and Interscope Records. The album is considered one of the most iconic and influential rap albums of all time, as it showcased Tupac's raw lyrical talent, socially conscious themes, and versatile musical styles. All Eyez on Me marked a shift in Tupac's career, reflecting his state of mind and personal struggles at the time. The album's title refers to the scrutiny and attention Tupac felt from the media, law enforcement, and the public.- Release Date: February 13, 1996
- Record Label: Death Row Records, Interscope Records
- Genre: West Coast hip hop, gangsta rap
- Number of Tracks: 27
- Total Length: 2 hours, 12 minutes
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421votes
Synkke · Public domain"The Chronic" by Dr. Dre
Dr. DreThis 1992 album is often cited as one of the greatest rap albums of all time and helped launch the careers of Snoop Dogg and other West Coast rappers.The Chronic is the debut solo studio album by Dr. Dre, released on December 15, 1992. It is considered one of the most influential and iconic rap albums of all time, widely credited for popularizing West Coast G-funk sound and establishing Dr. Dre as a producer.- Release Date: December 15, 1992
- Genre: Hip-hop, Gangsta rap
- Label: Death Row, Interscope
- Duration: 62 minutes 45 seconds
- Number of Tracks: 16
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510votes
Columbia Records · Public domainThis debut album by Nas is considered a classic in the genre and is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever released.Illmatic is the debut studio album by American rapper Nas. It was released on April 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rap albums of all time due to its groundbreaking production and Nas' lyricism.- Singles: Half Time, It Ain't Hard to Tell, The World Is Yours
- Certifications: Platinum (RIAA)
- Release Date: April 19, 1994
- Label: Columbia Records
- Genre: Hip Hop
"Illmatic" by Nas in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful debut album of all time
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610votes
"Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.This 1994 album is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time and features hit songs like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa."Ready to Die is the debut studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released on September 13, 1994. The album offers a raw and introspective look into the life of Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls. With its gritty lyricism, vivid storytelling, and skillful flow, Ready to Die is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential rap albums of all time.- Release Date: September 13, 1994
- Record Label: Bad Boy Records
- Genre: Hip-hop, Gangsta rap
- Length: 1 hour, 12 minutes
- Number of Tracks: 17
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76votes
"Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" by Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang ClanThis 1993 album is considered a classic in the rap genre and helped introduce the world to the Wu-Tang Clan and their unique style.Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. It was released on November 9, 1993, by Loud Records. The album's raw and gritty production, coupled with the unique lyrical styles and personalities of the group members, made it a groundbreaking release that greatly influenced the genre of rap music.- Release Date: November 9, 1993
- Label: Loud Records
- Genre: Hip hop
- Length: 61:00
- Number of Tracks: 12
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84votes
"Doggystyle" by Snoop Dogg
Snoop DoggThis 1993 album is one of the best-selling rap albums of all time and features hit songs like "Gin and Juice" and "What's My Name?"Doggystyle is the debut studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg, released on November 23, 1993, by Death Row Records and Interscope Records. It is one of the most iconic and influential rap albums of all time, and it firmly established Snoop Dogg as a major figure in the genre. The album was produced primarily by Dr. Dre, who contributed to its signature G-funk sound.- Release Date: November 23, 1993
- Record Label: Death Row Records, Interscope Records
- Genre: West Coast hip hop, G-funk
- Producers: Dr. Dre, Daz Dillinger, DJ Pooh, Warren G
- Featured Artists: Tha Dogg Pound, The Lady of Rage, Nate Dogg, Kurupt
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913votes
"The Blueprint" by Jay-Z
Jay-ZThis 2001 album is often cited as one of the greatest rap albums of all time and features hit songs like "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" and "Girls, Girls, Girls."The Blueprint is the sixth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z. It was released on September 11, 2001, by Roc-A-Fella Records. The album has been widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, critically acclaimed for its production, lyrical content, and Jay-Z's lyrical prowess. Each track on the album showcases Jay-Z's storytelling abilities and his impact on the rap industry. The Blueprint features notable producers such as Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Timbaland, contributing to its innovative sound. The album tackles various subjects including Jay-Z's personal life, his rise to fame, the rap industry, and social issues. Overall, The Blueprint solidified Jay-Z's status as one of the most influential and successful rappers in history.- Release Date: September 11, 2001
- Label: Roc-A-Fella Records
- Producers: Kanye West, Just Blaze, Timbaland, and more
- Genre: Hip Hop
- Length: 64:07
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107votesThis debut album by Eminem is considered a classic in the rap genre and features hit songs like "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience."The Slim Shady LP is the second studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was released on February 23, 1999, and is widely considered one of the most influential and iconic rap albums of all time. The album showcases Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady, and explores dark and controversial themes through his unique storytelling and aggressive delivery.
- Release Date: February 23, 1999
- Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
- Label: Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records
- Length: 59:10
- Number of Tracks: 20
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Ranking factors for popular rap album
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Sales and certificationsThe number of albums sold or the certifications received from recognized music industry organizations like RIAA, IFPI, or BPI can indicate an album's popularity.
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Chart performanceThe position an album held on popular music charts (like Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, or ARIA Charts) and the duration it stayed there also signify its popularity.
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Cultural impactThe influence an album has had on pop culture, including its impact on other artists, its contribution to the genre, and whether it helped in shaping new trends or movements.
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Critical acclaimThe reception an album received from music critics and their reviews of the album can reflect its popularity and impact on the music industry.
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Awards and accoladesThe number of prestigious music awards an album has won, such as Grammy Awards or MTV Music Awards, can be a strong indicator of its popularity.
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Streaming numbersIn today's digital era, the number of streams an album has received can help gauge its popularity, including the number of monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora.
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TimelessnessHow well an album has aged and remained relevant over time can also be an essential factor in determining its popularity.
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Social media and online presenceThe number of interactions, shares, and engagement an album has garnered on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, as well as views on YouTube can be a helpful measure of its popularity.
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Collaborations and featuresAn album's popularity can also be influenced by the number of prominent features or collaborations on it, often drawing in a larger audience.
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Concert and tour performancesThe frequency and size of concerts or tours dedicated to an album can also be a key factor in ranking its popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular rap album of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or rap album is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1721 views
- 152 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each rap album once every 24 hours. The rank of each rap album is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rap album of all time
Hip-hop music has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in the late 1970s. One of the most popular sub-genres of hip-hop is rap, which features rhythmic rhyming lyrics delivered over a beat. Over the years, rap has produced countless albums that have become classics in the genre. But what is the most popular rap album of all time? This is a topic that has sparked many debates among hip-hop fans worldwide. From the early days of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to the modern-day reign of Kendrick Lamar and Drake, there is no shortage of contenders. In this article, we will explore some of the top contenders and let the readers decide for themselves which album is the greatest of all time.
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