[Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
Hip-hop has a long history, and its influence extends not only to other genres but also to culture and fashion.
Here in Japan, there are many examples of outstanding artists achieving commercial success, yet many people may still shy away from the genre due to certain lingering images.
In this article, we’ve compiled a collection of classic albums—centered on epoch-making works from each era—of hip-hop, which is no exaggeration to say has become the core of popular music overseas.
Take this opportunity to savor hip-hop, a musical form that continues to evolve!
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- [2025] A roundup of classic and popular tracks hip-hop beginners should listen to
- A 90s rapper. An artist who was active during the golden age of US hip-hop.
- Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s
[Western Music] A landmark album in hip-hop history! One essential record you should know (21–30)
Mama Said Knock You OutLL Cool J
LL Cool J, a rapper from Westchester who received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, is also active as an actor and appeared in the 1999 shark-themed film Deep Blue Sea.
Among his albums, the especially popular Mama Said Knock You Out stands out.
As part of the album’s promotion, five songs were released as singles, and remarkably, four of them became hits.
Without MeEminem
Eminem, a rapper well-known in Japan as well, is famous for his ultra-fast flow, often called the fastest in the world.
His track “Rap God” was recognized by Guinness World Records for the fastest rap.
He’s also highly regarded for his lyrics, praised for their realistic portrayal.
His album “The Eminem Show,” his third studio album, was the world’s best-selling music album of 2002.
It’s packed with familiar hits, so be sure to check it out!
Take Care ft. RihannaDrake
Drake is known for his mellow rap that incorporates vocals.
When people think of hip-hop, many imagine a “bad boy” vibe, but that’s not really the case with him.
Although his parents divorced, he grew up in a relatively peaceful household, so he doesn’t have many hardcore “thug” tracks.
His music tends to be more stylish.
His album Take Care, released in 2011, reached No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
It’s a mellow record that works great whether you listen closely or just have it on as background music.
AmeriKKKa’s Most WantedIce Cube
Ice Cube is a major rapper from Los Angeles and a former member of N.
W.
A, often called the originators of hip-hop.
While still active as a rapper, he’s also been taking on producing work.
This album of his, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, was the first he released after leaving N.
W.
A.
Throughout the record, themes like racism and poverty are explored.
The melodies are cool, but many of the lyrics are heavy and heart-wrenching, so if you’re interested, be sure to check out the Japanese translations as well!
The Audience’s ListeningCut Chemist
No question about it: this is one of the most influential works in hip-hop history.
Cut Chemist’s debut, released in July 2006 after an 18-month production period, is a masterpiece.
Showcasing deft sampling and innovative turntable techniques, it delivers a musical experience that transcends genre boundaries.
With stellar guest appearances from Hymnal, Edan, Mr.
Lif, and more, it boasts standout tracks like “Motivational Speaker” and “The Garden.” Critically acclaimed, it was ranked 49th on Vice’s list of the greatest dance albums of all time.
Even listeners unfamiliar with hip-hop will enjoy it—an essential classic for all music fans.
Get Rich or Die Tryin’50 Cent
The debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is truly emblematic of the early 2000s.
50 Cent’s muscular physique and presence as a “real gangsta” made for a sensational debut.
Backed by the powerhouse team of Eminem and Dr.
Dre, the album, released in February 2003, achieved an astonishing 10 million in sales.
The lead single In Da Club topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, earning a Grammy nomination.
50 Cent’s lyrics, grounded in raw personal experience, and his commanding rap style had a major impact not only on hip-hop fans but on the music scene as a whole.
Respiration ft. CommonBlackstar
A classic by Black Star that portrays the hustle and harsh realities of New York as if the city were a living organism.
Released as the second single from their 1998 album “Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star.” The lyrics woven by Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Common capture the light and shadow of urban life with unflinching honesty, framing the city as a “breathing” being and sharply depicting the struggles and hopes of its people.
It was also featured in the TV series The Wire in 2002, and its universal message continues to resonate with many.
A must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the essence of hip-hop and feel the pulse of the city.