[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 Hip-Hop Masterpiece! One Essential Album You Should Know (41–50)
In Search OfN.E.R.D
No questions asked, N.
E.
R.
D’s debut album In Search Of.
.
.
is a landmark record that laid the groundwork for the hip-hop now dominating the modern music scene.
First released in 2001, it was followed the next year by a re-recorded version with a stronger rock edge.
The inventive sound crafted by Pharrell Williams and his collaborators effortlessly leaps over the boundary between hip-hop and rock, opening up new musical horizons.
Its genre-defying creativity and sexy, groovy tracks have continued to influence countless artists.
It’s a must-listen even for rock fans.
This album is recommended for anyone eager to expand the possibilities of music.
Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes BlackPublic Enemy
No questions asked, it is one of the most influential works in hip-hop history, and its barrage of powerful messages cuts ever sharper—like a honed blade—in today’s chaotic society.
Led by the charismatic MC Chuck D, Public Enemy stands as a quintessential New York–born hip-hop group known for its serious, message-driven approach.
Beyond their lyrics and groundbreaking production, they have broadened their scope with a flexible, era-conscious stance.
Their album Apocalypse 91.
.
.
The Enemy Strikes Black was released in October 1991 and reached No.
4 on the Billboard 200.
Lauded as a 52-minute, boundary-pushing work, it offers incisive commentary on America’s sociopolitical landscape and carries potent messages—about systemic racism, the media, and more—that remain relevant today.
5 minutes (ft. Procussions)The Sound Providers
As a work that embodies the fusion of jazz and hip-hop, this track grabs music fans by the heart and doesn’t let go.
The beautiful harmony woven by smooth beats and jazzy sounds is urban sophistication itself.
The lyrics, which depict onstage performances and a sense of unity with the audience, remind us anew of music’s powerful force.
Included on the 2004 album “An Evening With The Sound Providers,” this piece is highly regarded as a masterpiece of jazz rap.
The Sound Providers’ music is perfect for relaxing in a café or for late-night drives.
It’s a track that lets you rediscover the allure of music while wrapped in a comfortable atmosphere.
Dry your eyesThe Streets
A song that brilliantly captures the pain of heartbreak was released in 2004 by the British act The Streets.
Over acoustic guitar and a laid-back beat, the protagonist’s raw, complex emotions in the face of a sudden breakup are vividly laid out.
Challenging conventions around emotional expression among British men, the track became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts.
By showcasing new possibilities for expression within hip-hop, it has had a major influence on artists who followed.
Anyone who has experienced heartbreak will surely feel it resonate.
It’s a track I especially want those listeners to hear.
Wu-Tang ClanWu Tang Clan
As an iconic presence in East Coast hip-hop during the 1990s, Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized the music scene.
Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), released in November 1993, opened a new chapter in hip-hop history.
Produced by RZA, the album’s distinctive soundscape blends with the unique flows of each member to lay bare the realities of the streets.
Samples from kung fu films and lyrics that reflect New York’s decaying urban environment draw listeners into their worldview.
It’s a must-listen not only for hip-hop fans but for anyone seeking the essence of music.
Speakerboxxx / The Love BelowOutKast
Outkast’s double album, hailed as a revolutionary force in hip-hop, achieves a fusion of music that transcends genre boundaries.
Big Boi’s funky sound and André 3000’s experimental approach blend beautifully, resulting in a work that overwhelms the listener.
Released in September 2003, the album achieved an astonishing 13x platinum in sales.
It also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, earning high praise for its innovation.
It’s recommended for those who want to push the possibilities of music and those seeking a fresh sensibility.
With this single release, you can experience the profound depth of hip-hop.
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)Pete Rock & CL Smooth
This work by Pete Rock & C.
L.
Smooth is a classic that represents early-1990s Golden Age hip-hop.
Created as a tribute to a late friend, the song features a track with a distinctive atmosphere that skillfully incorporates jazz elements, paired with C.
L.
Smooth’s lyrical rap and storytelling flow.
Released in May 1992, it garnered major attention as the lead single from their debut album, Mecca and the Soul Brother.
Conveying the power of friendship and the importance of remembering those who shaped our lives, this track is highly recommended for anyone seeking the essence of hip-hop or looking to reflect deeply on life through music.