The 10 Best Hip Hop Albums on Vinyl

Hip hop and vinyl are a powerful combination. Where streaming mainly offers convenience, a physical record gives the music a tangible form. Still, not every album deserves a spot on your shelf. That is why we have lined up the best hip hop albums on vinyl for you, from timeless classics to records that fundamentally changed the history of the genre.

Why hip hop sounds so good on vinyl

Hip hop leans heavily on samples, deep basslines and scratch techniques. Vinyl often carries these elements warmer and fuller than a digital stream. Moreover, the cover of a hip hop album is often just as iconic as the music itself, think of the legendary artwork on classic records. As a result, a record quickly feels like a small piece of art for your living room. More into guitars and raw energy? Then also read our blog about the best rock albums on vinyl.

The best hip hop albums on vinyl: our top 10

From classic east coast rap to mainstream hits that dominated the charts, these rap records deserve a permanent spot next to your turntable.

1. Nas – Illmatic (1994)
Illmatic is considered one of the most influential hip hop albums ever made. Every track holds up, and the production sounds especially pure on vinyl.

2. The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die (1994)
This album brought Biggie's raw stories to life. Still, the production also remains timeless, which keeps the record sounding fresh today.

3. Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
Nine voices, one sound. This record brought an entirely new sound to hip hop and is therefore essential in any collection.

4. Dr. Dre – The Chronic (1992)
The Chronic laid the foundation for the G funk sound. Moreover, this album introduced a young Snoop Dogg to the world.

5. 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003)
This album kicked off a new wave of mainstream hip hop in 2003. Tracks such as In Da Club sound extra powerful on vinyl thanks to the heavy basslines, and the story behind the record also makes it a lasting classic.

6. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
A poetic and musically rich album that blends jazz, funk and rap. However, this album is not always easy listening, which is exactly what makes it so special.

7. Outkast – Stankonia (2000)
An album full of energy and experimentation from the American South. Therefore, this record still sounds surprisingly fresh today.

8. A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory (1991)
Jazzy samples and a warm bassline make this record an absolute vinyl favorite among collectors.

9. Jay-Z – The Blueprint (2001)
With soulful samples and sharp lyrics, Jay Z set a new standard with this album.

10. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
An ambitious and cinematic album that really comes into its own on vinyl thanks to its rich, layered production.

How to store and display your best hip hop albums on vinyl

Once you have built a nice hip hop vinyl collection, you will want to store it properly too. Always keep records upright and out of direct sunlight, that way both the cover and the record stay in good shape for longer. Want some inspiration for displaying your collection? Then also check out our blog with tips for hanging vinyl on the wall.

Still, storing them away is not the only option. More and more music lovers, including a younger generation, choose to display their favorite covers as wall decor instead. Curious why vinyl is so popular again right now? Then also read why a new generation is choosing vinyl. An iconic cover like that of Illmatic or Get Rich or Die Tryin' is often just as beautiful as a painting and therefore deserves a spot on the wall.

Already have one of these records at home? Then it would be a shame to leave it tucked away at the back of a cabinet. With an LP wall mount you give your favorite cover the spot it deserves on the wall, without ever having to drill.