There were many great rap albums released in the 00s. The albums on this list are all influential works that are still inspiring hip-hop today. I have ranked the albums in order of the dates they were released, not in order of importance (that would just be too hard). So here they are, the most influential rap albums released in the 00s.
1 Eminem – the Marshall Mathers LP
The third studio album by Eminem was released in 2000 and forever changed rap music. The album was produced most notably by Dr. Dre and Eminem. The album received mainstream success and has been and continues to be praised by critics. The effect this album had on hip-hop is immense, making it one of the most influential rap albums released in the 00s. The album has been certified Diamond and has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
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The Marshall Mathers LP was Eminem’s third studio album, released in 2000. It was produced by Dr. Dre and Eminem, and was an immediate success. It was critically acclaimed and has been praised by critics since its release. The album has been certified Diamond, and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
The Marshall Mathers LP was a major influence on hip-hop and rap music. It was one of the first albums to bring rap music to the mainstream, and it helped pave the way for the success of other rap artists. The album was also one of the first to bring attention to Eminem’s unique style of rap, which is characterized by his witty and often dark lyrics.
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2 Outkast – Stankonia
Stankonia, released in 2000, is the fourth album by southern hip-hop group, Outkast. Outkast has always been known for their unique sound, and Stankonia is the perfect example of their niche in the music industry. The album contains a mix of several genres and is a true work of musical art. The album received two Grammys, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Stankonia received critical acclaim and is considered to be one of the top albums ever made.
3 Jay-Z – the Blueprint
There is no question of Jay-Z’s impact in the world of hip-hop. Many rappers look up to Jay-Z as an inspiration. The Blueprint is one of his most significant albums to date. His sixth studio album was released in 2001 to universal critical acclaim. The Blueprint lands on nearly every music publications lists of the best albums of all time.
4 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is 50 Cent’s debut album. Dr. Dre and Eminem produced the record. The album was certified Platinum 8 times less than a year after its release. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans and 50 even received a Grammy nom for the album.
5 Kanye West – the College Dropout
Kanye West’s debut album, The College Dropout, hit the shelves ten years ago in 2004. Although this was Kanye’s first album, it was greeted with huge commercial success. To this day, it remains Kanye’s most successful album of all time. Kanye won a Grammy for Best Rap Album for The College Dropout and the album is considered one of the greatest debut albums of all time.
6 Lil’ Wayne – the Carter II
In 2005, Lil’ Wayne dropped The Carter II, his fifth studio album. Birdman was one of the executive producers on the album. Music critics gave the album favorable reviews and were especially impressed with Lil’ Wayne’s musical progression featured on the album. The album has now sold nearly 1.5 million copies worldwide.
7 Kanye West – Graduation
In 2007, Kanye West gave us his third studio album, Graduation. The album was mostly produced by Kanye himself. The album content focuses on Kanye and his rise to fame. The album has been certified double platinum and it received positive reviews from music critics. Kanye received another Grammy Award for Graduation for Best Rap Album. The album has now sold over 2.5 million copies in the US alone.
Each of these albums influenced rap and hip-hop upon their release. I predict that each of these albums will be looked upon as classics and be vital in showing the progression of rap and hip-hop. What other rap albums from the 00s can you think of that were influential in shaping rap music? Give us your opinions in the comments section.
