Do you remember the 90s, when rap music was king and hip hop culture was at its peak? From gangsta rap to conscious lyrics, the 90s was an era that produced some of the best rap albums of all time.
And if you’re a true hip hop head, you know that nothing beats the feeling of discovering a classic album and adding it to your playlist.
What do I need if I choose to listen to vinyl records
In this blog post, we’ve also listed where you can find the vinyl records for each rap album. If you’re planning to listen to the best 90s rap albums on vinyl, there are a few things you’ll need to get started.
1. Vinyl record player
First, you’ll need a a vinyl record player (also known as a turntable) that is specifically designed to play vinyl records.
View on Amazon: Vintage Turntable for Vinyl Records (Under $50)
2. Vinyl record cleaner kit
Over time, vinyl records can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris that can affect their sound quality and damage the grooves on the surface of the record. Using a vinyl record cleaner kit can help you remove surface debris and restore the clarity and depth of your vinyl records’ sound.
View on Amazon: EVEO Premium Vinyl Record Cleaner Kit (Under $20)
3. Audiophile Headphones / Speakers
Finally, you’ll need a good set of speakers or headphones to listen to your vinyl records. A good pair of speakers can bring out the warmth and richness of vinyl sound, while headphones can offer a more intimate and immersive listening experience.
View on Amazon: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x (Under $100)
With these essentials in place, you’ll be ready to experience the best 90s rap albums on vinyl, and truly appreciate the artistry and production values that made them such classics in the first place.
So, are you ready to take a trip down memory lane and explore the best 90s rap albums that still hold up today? From Nas to Wu-Tang Clan, from Biggie to Tupac, these albums will take you back to a time when hip hop was raw, real, and full of energy.
Best 90s Rap Albums
1. “Illmatic” by Nas (1994)
At just 20 years old, Nas burst onto the scene with his debut album “Illmatic.” Produced by some of the biggest names in hip-hop at the time, including DJ Premier and Pete Rock, the album featured Nas’s impeccable storytelling and vivid imagery. With tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World Is Yours,” “Illmatic” is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
2. “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre (1992)
After leaving N.W.A, Dr. Dre struck out on his own with “The Chronic,” which helped define the sound of West Coast rap. With tracks like “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” and “Dre Day,” the album introduced the world to Snoop Dogg and other members of Death Row Records. “The Chronic” is widely considered one of the most influential rap albums of all time.
3. “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” by Wu-Tang Clan (1993)
The debut album from Wu-Tang Clan, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is a gritty and raw showcase of the group’s unique style. With kung-fu imagery and intricate lyricism, tracks like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Neck” helped establish Wu-Tang Clan as one of the most innovative groups in rap.
4. “The Low End Theory” by A Tribe Called Quest (1991)
With jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics, “The Low End Theory” helped cement A Tribe Called Quest’s status as one of the most influential rap groups of all time. Tracks like “Scenario” and “Check the Rhime” showcased the group’s ability to blend different musical genres and make socially relevant commentary.
5. “Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
With his debut album “Ready to Die,” The Notorious B.I.G. announced himself as one of the most talented and important rappers of his generation. With tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” Biggie showcased his incredible storytelling ability and cemented his place in rap’s pantheon.
6. “Doggystyle” by Snoop Dogg (1993)
Produced by Dr. Dre and featuring G-funk beats and Snoop’s laid-back flow, “Doggystyle” is a classic of West Coast rap. Tracks like “Gin and Juice” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” helped establish Snoop as one of the most important rappers of the 90s.
Amazon music: Stream
7. “The Score” by The Fugees (1996)
This sophomore album from The Fugees blends elements of hip-hop, reggae, and R&B to create a socially conscious and musically diverse work. With tracks like “Killing Me Softly” and “Fu-Gee-La,” the album helped solidify The Fugees as one of the most innovative and talented groups of the 90s.
8. “Aquemini” by Outkast (1998)
Outkast’s third album is a fusion of Southern rap, funk, and soul, with Andre 3000 and Big Boi both showcasing their unique styles and personalities. Tracks like “Rosa Parks” and “Liberation” helped establish Outkast as one of the most innovative and important rap groups of the 90s.
9. “Slim Shady LP” by Eminem (1999)
Eminem’s major-label debut, “Slim Shady LP,” introduced the world to the rapper’s unique blend of humor, violence, and technical skill. With tracks like “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” the album helped establish Eminem as one of the most controversial and important voices in rap.
10. “All Eyez on Me” by 2Pac (1996)
Released just before his untimely death, “All Eyez on Me” features 2Pac at the height of his powers, with hard-hitting beats and lyrics that range from political to personal. With tracks like “California Love” and “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” the album cemented 2Pac’s legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
11. “No Way Out” by Puff Daddy and the Family (1997)
With its blend of hip-hop and R&B, “No Way Out” helped establish Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy) as one of the biggest stars in rap. With collaborations from the likes of Notorious B.I.G. and Mase, the album featured tracks like “I’ll Be Missing You” and “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” that helped make it a massive commercial success.
12. “The Predator” by Ice Cube (1992)
Ice Cube’s third studio album, “The Predator,” is a classic of West Coast rap. With hard-hitting beats and politically charged lyrics, the album helped establish Ice Cube as one of the most important voices in hip-hop. Tracks like “It Was a Good Day” and “Wicked” helped make the album a massive commercial success.
13. “Reasonable Doubt” by Jay-Z (1996)
Jay-Z’s debut album is a lyrical tour de force, with the future mogul showcasing his incredible wordplay and storytelling ability over beats by producers like DJ Premier and Clark Kent. With tracks like “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Dead Presidents II,” the album established Jay-Z as one of the most talented and important rappers of his generation.
Amazon music: Stream
14. “Midnight Marauders” by A Tribe Called Quest (1993)
With jazzy beats and introspective lyrics, “Midnight Marauders” is a classic of 90s rap and helped solidify A Tribe Called Quest’s status as one of the most important groups in the genre. Tracks like “Award Tour” and “Electric Relaxation” showcased the group’s unique musical style and socially conscious message.
15. “Me Against the World” by 2Pac (1995)
Released while 2Pac was serving time in prison, “Me Against the World” features some of the rapper’s most personal and introspective tracks. With tracks like “Dear Mama” and “So Many Tears,” the album showcased 2Pac’s vulnerability and established him as one of the most important voices in hip-hop.
Amazon music: Stream
16. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Lauryn Hill (1998)
After achieving massive success as a member of The Fugees, Lauryn Hill released her debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” With a blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, the album showcased Hill’s powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. Tracks like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor” helped make the album a massive commercial and critical success.
17. “Capital Punishment” by Big Pun (1998)
With his rapid-fire flow and hard-hitting lyrics, Big Pun’s “Capital Punishment” helped establish him as one of the most talented and influential rappers of the late 90s. Tracks like “Still Not a Player” and “Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)” showcased Pun’s ability to blend street-level storytelling with a deeper message.
18. “The Sun Rises in the East” by Jeru the Damaja (1994)
With production from DJ Premier, “The Sun Rises in the East” features Jeru the Damaja’s hard-hitting lyricism and socially conscious commentary. Tracks like “Come Clean” and “D. Original” helped establish Jeru as one of the most important voices in East Coast rap.
19. “Stakes Is High” by De La Soul (1996)
With a more mature and socially conscious sound, “Stakes Is High” helped cement De La Soul’s place as one of the most innovative and important rap groups of the 90s. Tracks like “Stakes Is High” and “The Bizness” showcased the group’s ability to blend different musical styles and make a socially relevant statement.
20. “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory” by 2Pac (1996)
Released under the name Makaveli just a few months before 2Pac’s death, “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory” features some of the rapper’s most intense and aggressive tracks. With tracks like “Hail Mary” and “Bomb First (My Second Reply),” the album cemented 2Pac’s place as one of the most influential and important rappers of all time.
21.”Life After Death” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
Released just weeks after Biggie’s untimely death, “Life After Death” features the rapper’s incredible storytelling and lyricism over hard-hitting beats. With tracks like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems,” the album cemented Biggie’s legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
22. “2001” by Dr. Dre (1999)
After a long hiatus, Dr. Dre returned with “2001” (also referred to as ‘The Chronic 2001’ or ‘The Chronic II’) which helped usher in a new era of West Coast rap. With collaborations from Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Xzibit, the album featured hard-hitting beats and lyrics that showcased Dre’s production skills and ear for talent.
23. “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” by DMX (1998)
With a raw and aggressive sound, DMX’s debut album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” showcased the rapper’s unique blend of hardcore lyricism and emotionally charged storytelling. With tracks like “Ruff Ryders Anthem” and “Get at Me Dog,” the album helped establish DMX as one of the most important voices in rap.
24. “The Art of War” by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1997)
With their unique blend of harmonies and rapid-fire rapping, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s “The Art of War” is a classic of Midwest rap. With collaborations from the likes of 2Pac and Eazy-E, the album showcased the group’s versatility and ability to blend different styles.
Amazon music: Stream
25. “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick” by Slick Rick (1988)
While not strictly a 90s album, “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick” is a classic of hip-hop and influenced many of the genre’s biggest stars in the 90s. With his unique storytelling and rhyming style, Slick Rick’s debut album featured tracks like “Children’s Story” and “Hey Young World” that helped establish him as one of the most important voices in rap.
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