[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)
Lose YourselfEminem
Known as the theme song for the film “8 Mile,” this track is highly regarded as one of Eminem’s signature songs.
Riding an intensely urgent beat, it powerfully conveys the protagonist’s inner turmoil and hunger for his dreams, gripping listeners from start to finish.
Released in October 2002, the song spent 12 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 7.
37 million copies.
It also won numerous prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards and the Grammys.
Loved by many listeners, it continues to inspire those who keep challenging themselves in pursuit of their dreams.
Make MyThe Roots
Featured on The Roots’ album Undun—renowned for their unique style that fuses jazz and hip-hop—this track has drawn attention as a song that explores profound themes.
It skillfully portrays the complexities of life, including materialism, the price of success, and the struggle to find inner peace.
Released in December 2011, the track embodies The Roots’ spirit of musical exploration, captivating many fans with genre-defying musicianship and insightful lyrics.
It’s a highly recommended listen for those who enjoy deep reflection or want to explore new possibilities in hip-hop.
[Western Music] A Landmark Hip-Hop Classic! One Essential Album You Should Know (31–40)
Ride Wit Me ft. St. LunaticsNelly
Nelly, the rapper from Texas.
Because he lived in Spain when he was young, he may have been influenced by that, and he’s known for his upbeat, catchy tracks.
Actually, he was incredibly good at baseball and was on the verge of going pro (lol).
He gave up becoming a professional and decided to pursue a rap career instead—his determination is no joke.
Country Grammar is an album released in 2000, and it’s a work where you can enjoy Nelly’s mellow vocals and hardcore rap.
AntidoteTravis Scott
A track defined by its hard-hitting beat and polished flow brought a fresh breeze to the hip-hop scene.
Released digitally in July 2015, the song drew attention as a single from the album Rodeo and became a major hit, peaking at No.
16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Travis Scott’s distinctive Auto-Tuned vocals and a sound that fuses trap, Southern hip-hop, and pop rap have captivated many listeners.
The lyrics, which depict both the allure and the dangers of parties and nightlife, skillfully capture the feelings of today’s youth and are sure to resonate deeply with those who hear it.
GoblinTyler, The Creator
It’s no exaggeration to call this one of the defining records that heralded the dawn of the 2010s alternative hip-hop scene.
Released in May 2011, this work marks Tyler, the Creator’s full-fledged solo debut.
At the time, the buzz among early-adopter music fans on the internet centered on Odd Future, a young and talented collective, but the shocking content and distinctive musicality of this album propelled Tyler’s talent into wider recognition.
Incorporating elements of underground and hardcore rap while laying bare social taboos and inner turmoil, the album had a profound impact not only on hip-hop fans but on the music landscape as a whole.
Champion SoundJaylib
A collaboration album by two producers representing the underground scene has emerged as a landmark in hip-hop history.
Champion Sound by J Dilla and Madlib was released in October 2003 and has earned fervent support among hip-hop fans.
The two pursued a grimy, rugged sound through an innovative approach—rapping over each other’s beats.
With soulful sampling and hard-hitting drums blending seamlessly, the result feels like a return to hip-hop’s roots.
This album is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of hip-hop or rediscover the appeal of a genre that continues to evolve.
U Can’t Touch ThisMC Hammer
In 1990, M.
C.
Hammer released “U Can’t Touch This,” which became a massive hit worldwide.
He’s a familiar artist in Japan, too.
His appeal, above all, lies in the mix of hip-hop and dance music, doesn’t it? His 1990 album “Please Don’t Hurt ’Em” spent about 21 weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
It sounds like an incredible album, but surprisingly, the production cost was only about 1 million yen (lol).
Talk about top-notch cost performance for him (lol).