20 Best Top Dawg Entertainment Albums (TDE), Ranked

As we’re celebrating twenty years by the Mafia of the West, albums from TDE have often been at the forefront of cultural conversations, so why not honor that by ranking twelve of their LPs?

Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) has been a powerhouse in the music industry for two decades, shaping the landscape of hip-hop and R&B with its unique blend of lyrical acrobatics, innovative beats, and a commitment to artistic integrity. Founded in 2004 by “Top Dawg” Tiffith, TDE has not only launched careers but has redefined them, creating a legacy that resonates globally.

From the gritty streets of Compton to the global stage, TDE has consistently delivered albums that capture the essence of their artists’ lives and reflect the broader cultural and social issues of their times. This list celebrates the top 20 albums from TDE’s illustrious catalog, each a testament to the label’s dedication to quality, authenticity, and breaking new ground.

This ranking is a journey through the evolution of TDE, highlighting the moments when music became more than just sound—it became a movement. Each album on this list has contributed to the multifaceted blend of TDE’s legacy, making it one of the most influential labels of the 21st century. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the TDE universe, these albums offer a masterclass in what it means to be an artist in the modern era. Let’s dive into the 20 best albums that have defined TDE and left a lasting imprint on music history.

*Full disclosure: Black Panther: The Album is not on this list because it is a compilation.*

20. REASON, There You Have It

With his official debut as a member of TDE, REASON is poised to make a lasting impression on a global audience. Although There You Have It marks his first full release with the label, longtime fans will recognize that this project has existed for some time. Originally released as a mixtape in 2017, the album has transformed with tweaked sonics, updated cover art, and a streamlined tracklist that showcases his artistic growth. Throughout the album, REASON’s soulful delivery is supported by many producers, many of whom he discovered through YouTube. Despite the variety of beat styles and rhythmic approaches, the album maintains a cohesive sound, partly thanks to the liberal use of soul samples. His collaborators on There You Have It include Xian Bell, Space 600, and D Beezy, each bringing their unique energy to the table. While the album may not feature any high-profile guest appearances from other TDE artists, REASON’s work ethic suggests that it’s only a matter of time before we hear him collaborating with his labelmates.

19. Isaiah Rashad, The Sun’s Tirade

Upon the release of Cilvia Demo in January 2014, Isaiah Rashad garnered many comparisons to Southern legends, all of whom he referenced in either lyrics or song titles. However, very few reviews drew connections between Rashad and the other Southern rappers he name-dropped on the album, Webbie and Master P. Those guys rose to prominence just a few years after ‘Kast, ‘Face, and UGK and aren’t as frequently lauded for their gifts, but they’re just as essential to Rashad’s style and outlook. It may seem sacrilegious for a member of lyrical powerhouse TDE to hold up “Independent” as a key touchstone, but The Sun’s Tirade features the work of 21 distinct producers across its 17 tracks, but you could easily mistake it for a one-producer project.

Sampling is used much more sparingly than it was on Cilvia, and instead, the album relies heavily on the same live instrument setup: a core of spacey Wurlitzer keyboards and smooth bass that recalls Dungeon Family’s Preston Crump, occasionally accompanied by either wah-wah’d out electric guitar or saxophone. This album’s still a bit lengthy, but in the way that most of TDE’s best projects are—intoxicating rather than unfocused and meandering. Rashad is developing into one of those rappers who wears his influences on his sleeves but still manages to keep things unique, tied to the present day, and sounding distinctly like himself at all times.

18. Ab-Soul, Do What Thou Wilt.

The return of Ab-Soul with Do What Thou Wilt is marked by a fierce energy. In the opening track “RAW (backwards),” he channels his anger, stepping in as Kendrick Lamar’s defender by targeting Jay Electronica for his comments against Lamar and criticizing Troy Ave for disrespecting the late Capital Steez. Despite this aggressive start, Ab-Soul’s role within the collective extends beyond that of a mere enforcer; his work stands independently from Top Dawg Entertainment. The album features ScHoolboy Q and SZA contributions but primarily highlights emerging talents like TDE newcomer Zacari, Da$H, and Kokane. With its diverse roster, DWTW blends established names with fresh voices. The term “curation” aptly describes this project as it showcases beats tailored to each featured artist while Ab-Soul adapts his style to complement them. Although initial impressions may not immediately captivate every listener, repeated plays reveal its depth.

17. Jay Rock, Redemption

Jay Rock achieved an impressive feat with his Interscope debut, balancing bold sincerity with commercial appeal. Redemption offers diverse content, catering to various tastes while preserving the fierce passion that has been a hallmark of Rock’s earlier works. The album represents an unexpected triumph for the artist, showcasing his creative freedom and ability to transcend expectations—a compelling example of Jay Rock’s unbridled artistic expression. Rather than conforming to a singular style or demographic, Redemption demonstrates Jay Rock’s versatility and growth as an artist. He fearlessly explores new musical territories without compromising the raw, unapologetic essence that has endeared him to fans. The album signifies a crucial turning point in Jay Rock’s career, proving that he can create music that resonates with a broader audience while staying true to his roots and artistic vision.

16. Isaiah Rashad, The House Is Burning

In today’s fast-paced music landscape, artists are often expected to release new material at an incredible pace, sometimes dropping multiple projects within a single year. This trend has led to a culture of impatience, where fans and critics alike can quickly turn on those who fail to meet these lofty expectations. Top Dawg Entertainment artists, in particular, have felt the weight of this pressure. Take Isaiah Rashad, for example, whose five-year hiatus between The Sun’s Tirade and The House Is Burning was met with both anticipation and skepticism. Rashad’s struggles with addiction and personal demons have been well-documented, and his perseverance that he’s managed not only to overcome these challenges but also channel them into his music.

At one point, his label was on the verge of dropping him, and it seemed as though his career might be cut short. One of the standout aspects of The House Is Burning is its thoughtful, deliberate pacing. While individual tracks indeed hold up on their own, the album is best experienced as a cohesive whole, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. The climactic tandem of “THIB” and “HB2U” is particularly noteworthy, showcasing Rashad’s ability to craft compelling narratives that reward close attention and repeated listens. This approach may not be for everyone, and some listeners may find the album’s slow-burning pace and intricate storytelling daunting. However, the rewards are well worth the effort for those willing to immerse themselves in Rashad’s world.

15. SZA, SOS

SZA’s second LP channels a raw, impulsive energy, capturing the urge to unleash anger and face the fallout later. This persona is instantly recognizable: witty and attractive, armed with sharp retorts, adept at criticizing unreliable exes, and quick to confront envious rivals. Despite their skill in acknowledging mistakes, they often fail to heed their advice, living as the protagonist of their dramatic narrative. SZA embodies this character on SOS, examining love with an intensity akin to an astrology enthusiast’s obsession. This precise approach to heartbreak resonated widely, keeping the album atop the Billboard 200 for ten weeks.

Reflecting its creator’s versatility, SOS transitions smoothly from the emotional depth of “Gone Girl,” where she grapples with losing herself in a turbulent relationship, to the resilient defiance in “Smoking on My Ex Pack.” Ultimately, SZA contemplates whether she might be her own greatest adversary. Yet, heartbreak also reveals a yearning for love so intense that it risks self-destruction. The true aspiration lies in achieving clarity about one’s identity—whether with another person or independently—and recognizing that something profound endures beyond fear and resentment. SOS beautifully illustrates that self-discovery can be both uplifting and heartbreaking.

14. ScHoolboy Q, Habits & Contradictions

While Blank Face LP may have established ScHoolboy Q as a top-tier artist with the ability to produce exceptional major label albums, his capacity for creating engrossing and diverse projects was firmly demonstrated in his second album, Habits & Contradictions. Throughout the entirety of H&C, ScHoolboy Q exudes an effective blend of charm and perceptiveness, intertwining hardened gangster narratives found in songs such as “Oxy Music” and “Nightmare On Figg St.” with introspective examinations of his choices and their consequences, as heard in “Sacrilegious” and “My Homie.”

One of Q’s most compelling qualities as a narrator is his skill in genuinely portraying his past experiences as if he still inhabits that world without succumbing to the constrained perspective it often fosters. This characteristic is impeccably balanced throughout Habits & Contradictions, showcasing his growth as an artist while remaining true to his roots. The album highlights ScHoolboy Q’s storytelling aptitude as he fearlessly confronts his personal history and its impact on his present, inviting listeners to witness his evolution firsthand.

13. Kendrick Lamar, Section.80

Kendrick Lamar is the singular MC to have been awarded a Pulitzer Prize, and his lyrics are scrutinized with the same reverence as classic literature and poetry. His journey into the music industry began with Section.80, which laid the groundwork for his later success. This album, released in 2011, was overshadowed by the narrative of his mentorship under Dr. Dre, who, despite not officially signing Kendrick until after the album’s release, was a guiding force during its creation. The quiet self-assurance that permeates Section.80 gives Kendrick’s verses a magnetic pull. Take, for instance, the track “Rigamortus,” where the horns spiral upwards like a frenetic double helix, matching Kendrick’s rapid lyrical delivery. This track exemplifies the confidence and skill that would become his trademark.

Section.80 is dotted with hints of what was to come. While good kid, m.A.A.d city brought him widespread acclaim, it was Section.80 that first showcased Kendrick’s approach: deeply conceptual yet personal, never didactic, and unafraid to reveal the full spectrum of his personality through his music. Thirteen years on, Kendrick has evolved as an artist, yet the core elements of his artistry were evident from the outset. This early work not only set the stage for his future achievements but also demonstrated a clarity of vision and a mastery of flow that have remained consistent throughout his career. His ability to craft hits while maintaining artistic integrity has been a hallmark since his debut, making Section.80 not just a starting point but a foundational piece in the narrative of Kendrick Lamar’s musical legacy.

12. SiR, Chasing Summer

For SiR, timing is everything. A series of mismatched encounters mark his experiences—finding the right woman at the wrong time and vice versa. These moments of imperfect synchrony serve as the foundation for Chasing Summer, an album that balances tender introspection with a dash of carefree abandon. Guest appearances featuring Kendrick Lamar, Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, and Sabrina Claudio add an extra layer of intensity, while SiR’s songwriting provides a counterpoint to the temptations of life on the road. At the heart of this album lies a simple yet profound choice: the pursuit of happiness. For SiR, this means prioritizing his joy above all else, a decision he made in his early twenties and has stuck to ever since. By living in the moment rather than dwelling on past regrets, SiR has cultivated a sense of freedom that permeates every aspect of his music.

The world he invites us into on Chasing Summer is one of unbridled joy and spontaneity, where a deep appreciation for the beauty of the present tempers the thrill of the chase. Writing becomes a means of processing his emotions, of making sense of the complex web of relationships and desires that define his life. Through his music, SiR offers us a glimpse into his inner world, a world of contradictions and paradoxes, where the search for connection is constantly at odds with the need for independence. And yet, despite these tensions, the overall mood of Chasing Summer remains resolutely upbeat, an indication of SiR’s unwavering commitment to his happiness.

11. Ab-Soul, Herbert

After a six-year hiatus, Ab-Soul returns with Herbert, an album that has quickly garnered acclaim, particularly for its standout single “Do Better.” This track’s music video and lyrics evoke deep emotions, demonstrating the artist’s ability to make the wait worthwhile. In recent interviews, Ab-Soul revealed that “Herbert” is his real name, and this album is intended for those who know him beyond his stage persona. It offers an insight into his identity beyond the usual themes of metaphysical exploration and complex wordplay.

The album continues Ab-Soul’s tradition of diverse soundscapes, featuring introspective, energetic, and mellow tracks. While his lyrical skills remain sharp throughout most of the project, there are moments where some hooks fall short. The title track exemplifies Soul’s introspection by juxtaposing his internal experiences with an external perspective provided by a guest verse. This contrast is enhanced by a slower tempo and a pitched-up sample that amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics.

10. ScHoolboy Q, Blue Lips

A decade after his commercial peak, ScHoolboy Q has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days of ratchet anthems; in their place, a more refined sound has emerged, one that blends jazz, trap, and psychedelia with ease. This newfound eclecticism is on full display in his latest album, Blue Lips, which showcases the rapper’s ability to navigate disparate styles seamlessly. One of the most striking aspects of Q’s music is its sense of urgency. Whether he’s reminiscing about racing with his children or tackling more serious topics like police brutality, his delivery is always characterized by a sense of intensity and concern. This is evident in his lyrics and how he presents himself as a man who has lived through his fair share of struggles and has emerged stronger.

Despite the passing of time, Q’s music remains remarkably fresh. In an industry where trends come and go, he has managed to stay relevant without sacrificing his artistic vision. This is no small feat, especially considering the ephemeral nature of popular music. Throughout Blue Lips, Q’s signature laconic style is fully displayed. His lyrics are marked by a precision that is both effortless and effective, conjuring vivid images with minimal fuss. The album’s production is equally impressive, with darkly iridescent and wildly inventive beats. It’s a potent combination that serves as a reminder of ScHoolboy Q’s status as one of the most innovative rappers of his generation.

9. SiR, Heavy

Over the past year, SiR released “No Evil,” and the follow-up single, “Karma,” featuring fellow Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate Isaiah Rashad, tackled the theme of confronting past mistakes and facing the consequences that follow. These singles offer a glimpse into the artist’s forthcoming album, Heavy, which marks a departure from his previous work. While earlier albums straddled the line between traditional love songs and solipsistic R&B, this LP digs deeper, exposing the artist’s scars, some of which may never fully heal. The album’s sound reflects this newfound vulnerability, with frantic drums and gentle keys creating a sense of tension and release. The artist’s vocals, which effortlessly shift between smooth and coarse, add an extra layer of emotional depth to the music.

One of the most striking aspects of Heavy is its use of more immediate beats, a departure from the atmospheric neo-soul sound that characterized the artist’s previous albums. This new direction allows the artist to confront his past demons head-on, resulting in a more honest and vulnerable listening experience. The artist has created a deeply personal and universally relatable album by embracing this new sound. The album’s shifting moods are expertly captured through the use of contrasting sounds, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. With Heavy, the artist has proven himself to be a master of his craft, capable of crafting emotionally resonant music.

8. Isaiah Rashad, Cilvia Demo

In late 2013, TDE introduced Isaiah Rashad as their latest signee despite his limited discography and recognition at the time. However, the release of his debut project, Cilvia Demo, just months later solidified TDE’s reputation for identifying and cultivating hidden talents into enduring success stories. Zaywop’s smooth flows and introspective lyrics, delivered over crisp, Southern-influenced soul beats, grappled with weighty subjects such as suicide on “Heavenly Father,” addiction on the title track, and the complexities of romantic relationships on “West Savannah”—most, if not all, of which stem from his father’s alcohol-induced absence.

Cilvia Demo is a profoundly intimate and authentically imperfect self-reflection of a young rapper acknowledging his father’s shortcomings mirrored in his actions while simultaneously aspiring to be a superior role model for his child. Through this exploration, Isaiah Rashad crafted a poignant soundtrack for anyone yearning for a blessing amidst life’s struggles. The album showcases his ability to channel personal experiences and emotions into a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners navigating their own challenges and aspirations.

7. SZA, Ctrl.

In a world where genuine love proves elusive and challenging to attain—or control—SZA crafts an unflinchingly candid portrait of a young woman in her twenties grappling with self-doubt, unfaithfulness, and loneliness. Her brutal honesty, which spares no one (ask her ex, who frequents Vegas), resonates throughout the album. While songs like “Drew Barrymore” may lead one to question the human yearning for companionship, given the emotional and psychological toll it can exact, SZA’s vocals, paired with exceptional production—ranging from ethereal electropop on “Prom” to Dilla-sampling boom bap on “Doves In the Wind”—affirm that the quest for happiness, though arduous, is ultimately worthwhile.

The album highlights SZA’s willingness to confront her vulnerabilities head-on, inviting listeners to empathize with her struggles and aspirations. Through her music, she creates a space for honest self-reflection and growth, encouraging others to persevere in their pursuits of love and fulfillment despite the challenges they may encounter. Ctrl is a powerful reminder that while the path to happiness is rarely straightforward, it is a journey worth undertaking and one that can lead to profound personal transformation.

6. Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.

It is exceptionally uncommon for artists of Kendrick Lamar’s stature to successfully distill the most outstanding elements from their prior works and amalgamate them into a creation that is equally groundbreaking and iconic. DAMN. transcends the status of being merely the most recent instant classic from one of hip-hop’s most audacious and prominent figures; it is a profound exploration of personal faith, the coexistence of despair and optimism, and the tumultuous nature of human existence, seamlessly oscillating between explosive and heartfelt moments with astonishing agility.

Kendrick skillfully refines the extroverted scope of GKMC and the introspective vulnerabilities of TPAB, meticulously crafting DAMN. into an unparalleled and streamlined masterpiece. This rap album is a collection of flawless rap compositions that fearlessly delve into the authentic and relatable imperfections of the world’s preeminent rapper. Through an introspective examination of his own faith in both the divine and humanity, Kendrick Lamar’s fans can finally perceive him as the long-awaited prophet whose arrival was foretold.

5. ScHoolboy Q, Blank Face LP

Following the release of his sophomore album, Habits & Contradictions, ScHoolboy Q faced a creative crossroads. His subsequent effort, Oxymoron, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short due to an overabundance of filler material. However, with his second album for Interscope, Blank Face, Q appears to have rediscovered his artistic trajectory. Having shed 30 pounds and overcome addiction, he has tapped back into the unpredictability that defined his early work. One of the most striking aspects of Blank Face is its ability to balance disparate emotions within a single verse. Q’s bitterness and pride often coexist in a delicate dance, creating a sense of tension that propels the music forward.

A key aspect of Q’s resurgence is his revitalized flow, which seamlessly shifts between snarling aggression and melodic sing-song. This versatility is on full display throughout Blank Face, as Q tackles themes of gangsterism and social commentary with a renewed sense of purpose. His verses are built upon a foundation of concrete details and raw emotion, allowing him to convey a deeply personal and universally relatable sense of vulnerability. Even when adopting the traditional rap postures of bluster and braggadocio, Q’s words are imbued with a sense of authenticity that is impossible to ignore despite the album’s numerous guest appearances (Kanye West, Jadakiss, SZA, Tha Dogg Pound, Anderson .Paak, etc.). His voice remains firmly at the center, guiding the listener through a twisting world of gangster rap and personal introspection.

4. Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Kendrick Lamar’s discography has long been characterized by its conceptual complexity, with each album unfolding like a richly layered narrative. This tradition continues with his fifth studio effort, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, a double album that presents a multitude of interconnected ideas marked by unflinching introspection and emotional intensity. The sonic palette is equally diverse, departing from the expansive soundscapes of DAMN. and the life-affirming funk of To Pimp a Butterfly in favor of a more fragmented approach.

This eclecticism is particularly evident in the album’s first half, where Lamar tackles themes of trauma, grief, societal critique, and his own ambivalence toward fame. His technical virtuosity remains unwavering, yet the frenetic flows and jarring rhythmic shifts on tracks like “United In Grief” initiate a cathartic process that permeates much of the album. A scathing cultural critique, “N95” finds Lamar delivering venomous verses over a stark, synth-bass-driven instrumental. The production is, as always, impeccable, with contributions from industry luminaries such as Baby Keem and Thundercat and a haunting vocal cameo from Portishead’s Beth Gibbons on the heart-wrenching “Mother I Sober.” Although Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers may not yield to immediate accessibility, its value lies in both its harrowing and enlightening moments.

Lamar crafts some of his most challenging, expectation-defying work to date by laying bare his innermost thoughts and emotions. As the album unfolds, its intentions become more explicit, revealing a logical progression in Lamar’s increasingly multidimensional artistic trajectory.

3. Ab-Soul, Control System

A set of circumstances that many would find insurmountable, let alone able to surmount through the creation of one of the decade’s most outstanding hip-hop albums, shaped Control System, which is widely considered Ab-Soul’s finest work. The untimely passing of his long-term partner, Alori Joh, propelled Soul into a journey of self-reflection and experimentation with substances and ideas, creating an intensely creative environment that allowed him to confront the aspects of his anguish and uncertainty that he couldn’t address directly.

On “Terrorist Threats” and “Sopa,” Soulo unleashes his most vehement and unrestrained verses, while “Empathy” and “The Book of Soul” reveal a depth of vulnerability rarely accessed by other rappers. The album showcases Ab-Soul’s ability to channel his personal struggles into a transformative artistic experience, resulting in a deeply moving and impactful body of work. Revisiting Control System is an emotional journey that challenges listeners to conclude the experience with dry eyes, a demonstration of the raw honesty and power of Ab-Soul’s storytelling.

2. Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city

With the context of Kendrick Lamar’s subsequent works, a more nuanced perspective emerges when revisiting his 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city. Throughout his discography, the Compton rapper demonstrates a keen ability to observe and articulate his relationships with various entities, including individuals, societal structures, and the often-conflicting aspects of his own psyche. In hindsight, GKMC serves as Lamar’s personal narrative, detailing the intricacies of his interactions with the people and circumstances directly impacting his life during that period.

As a “good kid,” Lamar expresses a desire to receive posthumous accolades from his listeners on tracks such as “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” convey his deep respect for his hometown in “Compton,” and dispel the negative forces encircling him, as heard in “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” However, GKMC’s optimistic undertones become somewhat tempered when considered alongside the more intricate challenges addressed in his later projects. Nevertheless, the album remains a crucial exploration of the necessity to foster genuine connections amidst the pressures of peer influence, carnal temptations exemplified by “Sherane,” and the irrational animosity permeating “m.A.A.d city.” Rather than prescribing a specific path forward or a formula akin to the one guiding proper conduct in Southern California, GKMC offers a sense of camaraderie with an individual further along in their journey through life’s complexities.

1. Kendrick Lamar, To Pimp a Butterfly

On his magnum opus, Kendrick Lamar crafted a narrative of Compton with writing that could rival a bestseller. This work quickly became a classic during a time when few debuts achieved such timelessness. Recognizing the impossibility of repeating this success, he expanded his artistic vision and explored new musical influences. By incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and soul, he embarked on a journey through temptation’s challenges, resisted Lucy’s alluring promises, encountered Jesus in an unexpected guise as a panhandler, and sought wisdom from Tupac beyond the grave.

To Pimp a Butterfly represents Kendrick’s boldest project. The album explores his inner struggles while reflecting on the external world he inhabits. It portrays the experience of a Black man navigating success amidst adversity, capturing Kendrick Lamar’s quest for balance between fleeting pleasures and enduring peace. This work exemplifies another extraordinary achievement from the artist known for being a good kid.