For many fans, the 1990s are considered the golden era of hip-hop. Artists such as Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur were starting to hit their peak. While younger artists such as Jay-Z and Nas were just getting started, and looking to make an impact on the industry. Here are four of the top hip-hop albums of the 1990s.
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Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die (1994)
It is not a reach to say that Notorious B.I.G. had the greatest debut album of all time. In a time when rap was looking for someone to take things to the next level, Biggie and Puffy did exactly that. The Ready to Die album brought a fresh perspective to the genre. Biggie’s storytelling painted a vivid picture as he gave listeners an inside look at some of the darkest times in his life. Hits like Warning, Suicidal Thoughts, and Who Shot Ya? have had a direct impact on what the genre is today.
Jay-Z- Reasonable Doubt (1996)
A debut album can make or break the trajectory of an artist’s career. And when Jay-Z dropped his freshman project, Reasonable Doubt, it was clear that he was going to be something special. Reasonable Doubt has become a classic album. And HOV had a star-studded list of guest features including Biggie Smalls, Mary J Blige, and Foxy Brown. Tracks such as Can’t Knock The Hustle, Brooklyn’s Finest, and D’evils remain relevant to this day, withstanding the test of time.
Nas – Illmatic (1994)
Nas entered the rap game at an interesting time. His debut album, Illmatic, dropped during the height of the rap beef between the East Coast and the West Coast. In a period where the rap game was all about death and destruction, Nas brought a breath of fresh air to the genre. His lyricism and ability to paint pictures through his storytelling were truly a welcomed work of art. Songs such as One Love, The World is Yours, and One Time of Your Mind, have contributed to Illmatic being regarded as one of the greatest Albums of all time.
Tupac – All Eyez on Me (1996)
By 1996, Tupac had gone from being a slightly brash artist to a completely loose cannon. Following the shooting at Quad Studios in New York City in 1994, Shakur had turned to Notorious gangster and Death Row CEO Suge Knight for mentorship. That also became apparent in his music. Pac had always been his authentic self as an artist. But when he dropped All Eyez on Me under Death Row Record, it was clear that he was not pulling any punches. Tracks such as Ambitionz as a Rider, showed Pac’s darker side but tracks like California Love also displayed his versatility as an artist. It is considered one of his greatest works as an artist.
