#HipHop50: 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of the 1980s

We handpicked our fifty best hip-hop albums of the '80s in release order. #HipHop50

Thе 1980s wеrе a thrilling timе in hip-hop music, markеd by thе risе of influеntial artists and thе rеlеasе of rеvolutionary albums. Early in thе dеcadе, Kurtis Blow, Grandmastеr Flash & Thе Furious Fivе, LL Cool J, and Rakim burst onto thе scеnе, introducing frеsh sounds and tеchniquеs that would bеcomе dеfining еlеmеnts of thе gеnrе. Through a blеnd of innovativе bеats, compеlling lyrics, and distinctivе stylеs, thеsе artists craftеd tracks that lеft an еnduring mark on music.

As thе dеcadе progrеssеd, a nеw wavе of musicians, including Boogiе Down Productions, Dе La Soul, Icе-T, Schoolly D, N.W.A., and Run-DMC, еnеrgizеd thе scеnе. Thеy built on thе foundations laid by thеir prеdеcеssors, infusing thеir work with frеsh idеas and crеativity. Albums from this pеriod arе hailеd for thеir originality and thеir rolе in paving thе way for thе futurе of hip-hop.

In thе lattеr part of thе dеcadе, thе momеntum was sustainеd by Public Enеmy, Salt-N-Pеpa, MC Lytе, EPMD, and Big Daddy Kanе. Thеy addеd nеw dimеnsions to thе еvеr-еxpanding world of hip-hop, furthеr broadеning its appеal and solidifying its position as a lеading musical gеnrе. Thе uniquе combination of intеnsе bеats, insightful lyrics, and individualistic stylеs madе thе top 50 hip-hop albums of thе 1980s a touchstonе for fans and musicians alikе, continuing to inspirе and influеncе thе world of music today.

Run-DMC — Run-DMC

This album, released in 1984, acted as a catalyst for the evolution of hip-hop, demonstrating its potential beyond the block party culture of its origins. With a bold fusion of rock and rap, Run-DMC carved a path for future artists seeking to break traditional genre conventions. Their sonically aggressive style and rich lyrical content set them apart from their contemporaries. While it may not have garnered immediate mainstream success, this self-titled debut played an integral role in shaping hip-hop’s identity.

Fat Boys — Fat Boys

Fat Boys underlined the value of humor and larger-than-life personalities within hip-hop. Known for their beatboxing skills and jovial rhymes, the trio presented an alternative to the more severe narratives in the genre then. Their playful and exuberant approach to music-making allowed eclectic expression within hip-hop’s broadening scope.

Escape — Whodini

Escape showcased Whodini’s knack for crafting catchy hooks integrated with socially conscious lyrics. The group demonstrated that hip-hop could effortlessly span danceable tracks while delivering thought-provoking messages - a balance many contemporary acts strive to achieve today. A testament to their musical foresight is that several songs from this album continue to be sampled and referenced in modern music.

Schoolly D — Schoolly D

This eponymous debut from 1985 highlighted Schoolly D’s raw, uncensored storytelling ability, which served as a blueprint for gangsta rap’s later emergence. His narrative style vividly painted pictures of urban communities, often glossed over in mainstream media then. As such, it holds a key position in highlighting refreshing authenticity within early hip-hop discography.

The Album — Mantronix

When Mantronix dropped The Album in 1985, they broke new ground with their innovative use of electronic sounds in hip-hop production. Kurtis Mantronik’s technical mastery resulted in a unique blend of electro-funk beats underscoring MC Tee’s rhythmic verses. Thus emerged a soundscape unheard before - fresh yet timeless – proving instrumental in steering electronic instrumentation into mainstream hip-hop.

Radio — LL Cool J

With Radio, LL Cool J became one of hip-hop’s most influential voices. His charismatic performance style and Rick Rubin’s minimalist production approach created an album bursting with youthful energy and raw talent that would shape much of East Coast rap’s stylistic progression.

Saturday Night! - The Album — Schoolly D

In his 1986 offering Saturday Night! - The Album, Schoolly D took his distinctive style up another notch presenting unfiltered chronicles against hard-hitting beats, further establishing him as a pioneering force within the gangsta rap arena.

Raising Hell — Run-DMC

Emerging onto the scenes again with Raising Hell, Run-DMC elevated rap music onto commercial platforms previously unexplored through collaborations like “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith. Their ability to fuse rock guitar riffs alongside their trademark aggressive raps shattered barriers making Raising Hell one of the standout moments within hip-hop history.

Oh, My God! — Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew

This album perfectly encapsulated Doug E Fresh’s extraordinary beatboxing skills alongside The Get Fresh Crew. Their upbeat anthems reverberated nationwide across dance floors, reconfirming Hip Hop’s burgeoning influence throughout popular culture.

The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are — 2 Live Crew

Making waves since its release, this album was both celebrated and controversial due to explicit content presented through Miami Bass soundscapes cultivated by DJ Mr. Mixx. However, it undeniably left an imprint upon hip-hop culture, resulting in significant discussions around free speech rights within artistic expressional realms.

Licensed to Ill — Beastie Boys

This album was groundbreaking; it didn't just stretch the boundaries of hip-hop, it tore them down. Infused with punk rock and heavy metal, tracks like “Paul Revere” and “Brass Monkey” showcased the band's uncanny ability to create an intoxicating blend of raw beats with digestible lyrics. Their reputation as innovators was solidified by their reckless energy and off-the-wall irreverence.

Planet Rock: The Album — Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force

This album sounded like nothing else when it launched in 1986. The pioneering use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine created a unique electronic sound, as exhibited in tracks like “Planet Rock” and “Renegades of Funk.” Its futuristic elements paved the way for various sub-genres, such as electro-hip-hop and techno.

Hot, Cool & Vicious — Salt-n-Pepa

This album became a beacon for women in a largely male-dominated industry when it was launched in 1986. The tracks, including “Push It” and “I'll Take Your Man,” combined catchy beats with confident, often cheeky lyrics. Their success proved women's voices were relevant and essential in hip-hop.

Yo! Bum Rush the Show — Public Enemy

Public Enemy emerged in 1987 with this powerful album, blending potent lyricism with innovative production techniques. The social commentary vested in tracks like “Public Enemy No. 1” and “Rightstarter” raised issues of race and identity, unafraid to provoke dialogues that were typically avoided.

Criminal Minded — Boogie Down Productions

This magnum opus from Boogie Down Productions is a much-touted pillar of hip-hop. Emotionally potent tracks like “My Philosophy” and “The Bridge is Over” critically examined society, gaining the album its well-deserved reputation as a hip-hop classic.

Dana Dane with Fame — Dana Dane

Dana Dane introduced a distinct lyrical style when his album was launched. Tracks such as “Cinderfella Dana Dane” and “Nightmares” demonstrated a unique narrative finesse, driving home the album’s core theme of tales from urban life experiences.

Bigger and Deffer — LL Cool J

When released in 1987, this album offered a fresh approach to molding hardcore rap into a more radio-friendly form. Lingering lines from tracks like “I’m Bad” and “I Need Love” echoed LL’s poetic punchlines, cementing his reputation as a hip-hop luminary.

Paid in Full — Eric B. & Rakim

This masterpiece brought unprecedented jazzy sophistication to hip-hop. Rakim’s smooth, relaxed flow on tracks like “I Know You Got Soul” and “Paid in Full” was complemented perfectly by Eric B.'s innovative sampling techniques, leading to a paradigm shift in the hip-hop game.

How Ya Like Me Now — Kool Moe Dee

Released in 1987, the album encapsulated Kool Moe Dee’s self-assured swagger at its strongest. Numbers like “Wild Wild West” and “How Ya Like Me Now” blared with unavoidable confidence and charisma, boosting the landscape of hip-hop rivalry.

Life Is… Too $hort — Too $hort

This album debuted in 1988 and was a hardcore sonic depiction of street life in Oakland. His candid narratives on tracks like “Don’t Fight the Feeling” and “CussWords” brought the realities of urban living to the surface, making him a pivotal figure in West Coast hip-hop.

Goin’ Off — Biz Markie

This album marks Biz Markie’s bold venture into hip-hop, effectively portraying his unique style. Markie embraced humor mixed with storytelling in his lyrics, establishing a lasting persona as the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop.” Some tracks highlight his humorous lyricism, combined with catchy tunes, making the album a standout in the 80s hip-hop scene. Innovative beatboxing techniques, while a century-old tradition, were brought to the forefront by Markie in this album. This pioneering record bridged the gap between comedic storytelling and compelling music, laying the groundwork for many future artists in the genre.

He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper — DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

This album shifted the focus towards DJing in hip-hop, featuring Jazzy Jeff’s unique talents on the turntables and the playful, humorous lyrics by The Fresh Prince, a.k.a. Will Smith. The hit single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” reflects Smith's relatability, enabling the duo to establish a new hip-hop sub-genre that appealed to the mainstream. This album marked an essential milestone in the hip-hop industry by drawing attention to DJing as an art form and redefining the rapper-DJ relationship. It expressed the youthful voice of hip-hop without succumbing to the hardness that was concurrent in the late ‘80s rap scene.

Lyte As a Rock — MC Lyte

Debuting in 1988, MC Lyte established herself as an influential female voice within the predominantly male-dominated hip-hop culture. Her striking lyricism and stable flow challenged gender stereotypes and set a strong precedent for future female emcees. The album blends insightful commentary and catchy hooks, blending social conscientiousness and party anthems. Lyte’s bold and brave attitude helped bridge the gender gap in hip-hop, propelling women’s position in the genre.

By All Means Necessary — Boogie Down Productions

By All Means Necessary marks KRS-One’s continuation of Boogie Down Productions after the death of his partner, DJ Scott La Rock. It is a powerful political statement embedded in exceptional lyrics and great beats. This marks the crux of the “Edutainment” style, marrying education and entertainment, establishing KRS-One as a conscious rapper. The album’s cover, a recreation of a Malcolm X photo, points toward the socio-political message infused throughout the album. By All Means Necessary" attest to Boogie Down Productions’ flexibility and drive to incorporate social commentary into hip-hop, influencing future generations of politically charged rap and hip-hop artists.

Strictly Business — EPMD

Hitting the scene with Strictly Business, this album effectively demonstrates EPMD’s patented “business” approach to hip-hop. The duo, consisting of rappers Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, crafted raw, minimalist beats with hard-hitting lyrics. Their clever samples of funk tracks and inventive wordplay highlighted their unique style and endeared them to a broad audience. EPMD’s Strictly Business became foundational for the emerging East Coast hip-hop scene, profoundly influencing the genre’s sound. The album’s relaxed confidence, and sophisticated presentation signaled the genre’s more intricate development and commercial viability, carving new paths for emerging artists.

In Full Gear — Stetsasonic

In Full Gear encapsulates Stetsasonic's innovative fusion of hip-hop and live instrumentation. They embody an experimental approach, blending traditional hip-hop elements with jazz and funk influences. Stetsasonic’s sophomore effort explored new horizons of what hip-hop could be. This album proved that hip-hop was not a singular monolith but an expansive musical panorama open to continual reinvention.

Long Live the Kane — Big Daddy Kane

Long Live the Kane presented a young and ambitious Big Daddy Kane at his lyrical apex. His rapid-fire flow and intricate rhymes, combined with Marley Marl’s hard-hitting production, gave the album its distinctive edge. This debut displayed Kane’s technical skill and mastery over meter and rhyme, setting a high bar for other emcees of his era. The album’s influence reverberates through hip-hop history, cementing Big Daddy Kane as one of rap’s premier lyricists.

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back — Public Enemy

This highly-politicized album demonstrated how hip-hop could serve as a mouthpiece for social commentary. Public Enemy utilized their platform to tackle subjects like race relations and institutional bias head-on against a backdrop of innovative production from the Bomb Squad. Their gritty lyrics were delivered with enthusiasm by Chuck D, while Flavor Flav provided a contrast with his colorful personality – creating an unmissable dynamic duo. It Takes a Nation remains crucial in understanding hip-hop’s role as an art form and a societal mirror.

Follow the Leader — Eric. B & Rakim

The sophomore effort from this iconic duo further solidified Rakim’s status as one of rap’s greatest wordsmiths upon its release. With mesmerizing lyricism characterized by complex internal rhymes delivered in Rakim’s calm cadence atop Eric B.’s jazz-infused beats – it remained ahead of its time even within an evolving genre landscape. Follow the Leader showcased impressive rapping and matured content reflective of their growth.

Straight Outta Compton — N.W.A.

This groundbreaking album changed the game with its unprecedented depiction of life on the streets of Compton. The album signaled the birth of gangsta rap with raw and intense tracks that still resonate today. N.W.A’s aggressive style, explicit lyrics, and defiant stance against perceived cultural, social, and political injustices sparked much controversy and discourse, showing hip-hop as a platform where marginalized voices could be heard and amplified. Their official release evoked a sense of reality and set a precedent for future artists, encouraging narratives that reflected the breadth of lived experiences within their music.

Power — Ice-T

Ice-T blends reality-informed rhymes and decisively heavy beats. With his razor-sharp lyricism, Ice-T tracks the trajectory of his life from street hustler to rap icon, giving listeners a raw portrayal of the West Coast’s harsh urban realities. Significant cuts on this album offer innovative push-pull tension between societal norms and street life. Power is celebrated for breaking away from the typical party-rocking revelry of early hip-hop and delivering heavy-handed social commentary instead. This album compellingly showcased Ice-T’s ability to master narratives, making it a stalwart in the genre’s golden era.

In Control, Volume 1 — Marley Marl

Marley Marl redefined the hip-hop soundscape with a killer lineup featuring prominent lyrical warriors like Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G. Rap, and Big Daddy Kane. This album is applauded as one of the first to introduce producer-led projects, hence its title nod to Marl—an influential beatmaker who notably shaped the genre’s direction. The album’s centerpiece, “The Symphony,” depicts Marley Marl’s incisive ability to orchestrate quintessential beats paired with superior rhymes. Laden with ingenious samples and hard-hitting lyricism, In Control, Volume 1 ushered in a new age of innovation for hip-hop, thereby adding depth to the genre.

2 Hype — Kid ‘N Play

Kid ‘N Play introduced a unique duo of stylistic rhymers in the hip-hop scene. The lyrics drip with playful anecdotes of adolescent escapades and infectious dance-inducing beats that popularized “kid 'n play kicks” dance moves. The album’s signature track, “Rollin with Kid ‘N Play,” is known for its distinct uptempo beat and crowd-teasing lyricism. As evident in this album, Kid ‘N Play’s eminent delivery and wordplay mark 2 Hype as a fun hip-hop creation.

Critical Beatdown — Ultramagnetic MCs

Critical Beatdown was a groundbreaking release that challenged the normative boundaries of hip-hop during its time. Produced by Ced Gee, the album became a platform for Kool Keith’s abstract and esoteric rhymes – pushing the envelope for the genre. “Ego Trippin” highlighted the use of chopped sample sequences and Keith’s bizarre, stream-of-consciousness lyrics—features that hugely influenced later generations of hip-hop artists. By incorporating radiant samples and echo reverbs, Ultramagnetic MCs brought a pioneering sound, making Critical Beatdown resonate as an exemplar of experimental hip-hop.

The Great Adventures of Slick Rick — Slick Rick

The Great Adventures of Slick Rick by Slick Rick is widely recognized as an epitome of storytelling in hip-hop. The album delicately weaves cautionary tales with raucous humor while Rick, with his unmistakable English-accented delivery, narrates each track as one would a short story. The Great Adventures impeccably showcased Slick Rick’s exceptional storytelling ability, cementing the album’s place in history as a timeless classic.

Straight Out the Jungle — Jungle Brothers

Straight Out the Jungle is celebrated as a pioneering work in the fusion of jazz and hip-hop by the Jungle Brothers. The album’s free-flowing beats—rife with jazz and Afro-rock samples—and Afrocentric themes set a precedent for alternative hip-hop movements. “I’ll House You” is one of the first house-influenced hip-hop tracks, displaying the Brothers' distinctive fusion style that defied traditional genre boundaries. This album provides the template for the Native Tongues collective, thus leading to intricate sonic innovations across future hip-hop.

Eazy-Duz-It — Eazy-E

Eazy-Duz-It showcased an original form of hip-hop notorious for its gritty scenarios and aggressive posture. Impregnating gangsta rap with dark humor and creative expression, Eazy-E delivered this album as an open window into the ruthless world of southern Los Angeles. With his distinctive voice, Eazy-E’s debut album became a seminal fixture in the emergence of West Coast hip-hop.

Original Stylin’ — Three Times Dope

Original Stylin’ demonstrates the genre’s intersection with other music forms within the dynamism of hip-hop. The Philadelphia-based group consisting of EST (emcee), Chuck Nice (producer and DJ), and Woody Wood (DJ) explored a broader spectrum of sounds, diverging from the established East Coast style. “Funky Dividends,” one of the album's standout tracks, mixes bass-driven beats with EST’s evocative storytelling about financial dilemmas in relationships, showcasing the group’s knack for addressing relatable and everyday themes. “From da Giddy Up,” another milestone track, flaunts more mellow and jazz-influenced beats, contrasting the album’s energetic vibe. A testament to the complexity and depth of ‘80s hip-hop, Original Stylin’ is remembered for its lyrical substance and sound diversity.

3 Feet High and Rising — De La Soul

3 Feet High and Rising showcased De La Soul’s innovative artistry and penchant as a defining milestone in the evolution of alternative hip-hop. De La Soul introduced a playful and psychedelic approach to hip-hop that contrasted with the prevailing aggressive energy of the era. On a broader scale, this album helped establish the “Daisy Age,” which saw more hip-hop artists embracing positivity and an eclectic range of musical influences. De La’s debut signifies a time of transition in hip-hop, a pivot away from hard-hitting beats and a move toward more expressive and creative approaches to songwriting and production, thanks to Prince Paul.

Grip It! On That Other Level — Geto Boys

Grip It! On That Other Level pushed the frontiers of graphic narratives within hip-hop, bringing the harsh realities of street life in Southern USA to the forefront. While this Houston-based group faced controversy for their explicit content, they played an instrumental role in defining the Southern rap scene and showcasing the region's distinctive style and societal issues. The album was a foundational pillar of Southern rap, paving the way for other artists to voice their gritty experiences with unabashed honesty.

Road to the Riches — Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo

Road to the Riches is a sonic mantlepiece of street narratives and next-level lyricism. Kool G. Rap's complex syllabic rhyming with DJ Polo’s classic boom-bap beats shook the hip-hop world with raw energy. The album’s signature track, “Men At Work,” displays an aggressive flow that’s become a crucial aspect of Kool G. Rap's legacy. Meanwhile, the title track illustrates a vivid and bleak reality of a life of crime. Kool G. Rap’s ability to paint a word picture has influenced countless rappers, marking this album as pivotally consequential in hip-hop’s lineage.

Big Tyme — Heavy D & The Boyz

Big Tyme showcases Heavy D's charismatic flow and the distinctive New Jack Swing sensibility, merging hip-hop with elements of R&B and funk. The infectious feel-good beats of the tracks embodied the party spirit of the time. Simultaneously, “Gyrlz, They Love Me” and “Somebody for Me” narrate the tales of romance from a hip-hop standpoint. Through Big Tyme, Heavy D & The Boyz captured a unique era in hip-hop and established themselves as pioneers of the genre's cross-over into mainstream music.

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop — Boogie Down Productions

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop sparked conversations with its exploitative views on government and media. “You Must Learn” promote education, while “Who Protects Us From You?” boldly tackles police brutality. This project blended hard-hitting beats with socially conscious lyrics, making it a compelling commentary on Black America’s cultural and social state. KRS-One’s lyricism, combined with the production skills of D-Nice, Scott LaRock, and KRS-One himself, provided an auditory experience. This album remains a manifesto for the politically charged undercurrent of hip-hop.

Paul’s Boutique — Beastie Boys

Paul’s Boutique marks the Beastie Boys’ transition from frat rap to sophisticated artistry. A refined pastiche of samples and sounds merged with stimulating lyrics, notably on tracks, heralded a new direction for hip-hop. The twisted labyrinth of cultural references within their lyrics gelled with the music eclecticism, from punk to funk. This album’s complex composition required the combined production skills of the Dust Brothers and Beastie Boys. Challenging the norms of hip-hop, Paul’s Boutique has left a lasting impression on sampling and has become a reference point for experimental hip-hop.

Unfinished Business — EPMD

Unfinished Business solidified the EPMD’s reputation for delivering “business as usual” - upfront rhymes over raw, minimalistic beats. The lyrics, filled with braggadocio and witty one-liners, exhibit the golden standard of the rap duo’s technique. This album’s strength lies in its consistency, blending humor, storytelling, and steadfast loyalty to the rhythmic roots of hip-hop. It remains a standout of the 80s hip-hop scene’s innovation and continuity.

It’s a Big Daddy Thing — Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane’s sophomore effort boasted eloquent lyricism and smooth productions, which extended the boundaries of lyrical expression. With swift and often complex rhymes, as seen on “Warm It Up, Kane,” and the sex appeal flaunted on “Smooth Operator,” Kane showed his adaptability. The socio-political commentaries in “Children R the Future” and “Another Victory” present the depth of his compositional palette. This album blends the forward-driving, danceable beats with Kane’s effortless lyrical delivery. It's a testament to the rapper’s impact on the genre, merging entertainment and profound insights.

The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech...Just Watch What You Say! — Ice-T

Ice-T’s third album is a candid examination of freedom of speech, crafting a provocative narrative. The explicit criticism of censorship in tracks mirrors Ice-T’s eternal rebellious spirit. His insightful descriptions of gang violence and institutional racism gave the album a stark realism. Ice-T’s ability to provide commentary on societal issues through his music underscores his relevance in the development of conscious rap. This album’s ability to touch on controversial subjects while maintaining its musical vitality established Ice-T as a prominent figure in West Coast hip-hop.

No One Can Do It Better — The D.O.C.

No One Can Do It Better positioned The D.O.C. as one of hip-hop’s enthralling voices of the late ‘80s. His storytelling attributes and astute rhymes demonstrated a novel approach to lyricism setting him apart. D.O.C's seamless flow over the album’s definitive West Coast production, mainly by Dr. Dre. Unfortunately, the car accident derailed his voice, but the LP highlighted D.O.C’s absence of inhibition and his narrative agility, thus producing an unprecedented depth to hip-hop lyricism.

All Hail the Queen — Queen Latifah

The debut album by Queen Latifah symbolized a step forward in promoting female voices within the male-dominated hip-hop scene. “Ladies First” enunciate her feminist perspective while keeping a solid hip-hop aesthetic. Her lyrical ability and range of thematic explorations, from socio-political commentaries to celebrating her African heritage, made this album a standout. With a blend of soulful influences and Golden Age hip-hop beats, Latifah marked her strong presence in the hip-hop scene.

Done By the Forces — Jungle Brothers

Jungle Brothers flaunted a unique blend of lyrical consciousness and Afrocentric spirit even further with their overlooked second album. It was groundbreaking for its time and introduced a whole new musical aesthetic characterized by eclectic and atmospheric beats transcending hip-hop stereotypes. The album’s forward-moving energy, danceable rhythms, and cultural consciousness continued to lay the groundwork for the rise of the Native Tongues movement. Jungle Brothers’ intertwining of cultural commentary and tribal beats established the album as a positively disillusioned departure from convention, contributing substantially to hip-hop’s evolution.

The Cactus Album — 3rd Bass

The debut album by 3rd Bass signified a critical point in including white rappers in the hip-hop landscape. Comprising MC Serch, Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Rich, their music was deeply rooted in the perspectives of urban New York and echoed an authenticity missing in many of their contemporaries. The trio successfully balanced humor and sharp lyricism. This album’s insightful narratives and skilled rhymes, combined with the trio’s authenticity, cemented their place in hip-hop history and made a statement for diverse voices within the genre without appropriating the culture.