Top 40 Hip Hop Albums 1999
1. Mos Def – Black On Both Sides
Mos Def’s Black On Both Sides is a true masterpiece, showcasing why he’s one of the most underrated emcees in the game. With his distinctive voice and impeccable flow, Mos Def brings intelligence, humor, passion, creativity, and social awareness to the forefront of his music. This album is an essential listen for any Hip Hop enthusiast.
Top tracks: Mathematics | Ms. Fat Booty | Brooklyn | Hip Hop
2. The Roots – Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart is a standout fourth album from The Roots, featuring Questlove’s impeccable instrumentals and Black Thought’s insightful, socially conscious lyrics, complemented by his exceptional emcee skills. The album also benefits from contributions by Malik B, Dice Raw, and notable guests like Common and Mos Def, making it a quintessential classic in The Roots’ discography.
Top tracks: The Next Movement | You Got Me | Double Trouble | Act Too (The Love of My Life)
3. MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday (1999)
What a remarkable return! After a lengthy break following his brother’s passing and the dissolution of KMD, Zev Lov X reinvented himself as MF DOOM. His comeback brought a series of outstanding albums and collaborations, with Doomsday ranking among his finest work.
Top tracks: Doomsday | Rhymes Like Dimes | Hey! | Gas Drawls
4. Eminem – The Slim Shady LP
Eminem’s sophomore album, his major-label debut, marked a pivotal moment in his career. It was the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would establish him as a global phenomenon and one of the best-selling artists in music history.
Top tracks: My Name Is | As The World Turns | Rock Bottom | 97 Bonnie & Clyde
5. Pharoahe Monche – Internal Affairs
Top tracks: Simon Says | The Truth | The Light | Rape
6. Dr Dre – 2001
2001 serves as a strong follow-up to Dr. Dre’s groundbreaking The Chronic. While it may not be as revolutionary as its predecessor, it solidifies Dre’s status as the premier West Coast producer, even after a seven-year hiatus from releasing albums under his own name (though he produced numerous classics for others during that time).
Whereas The Chronic transformed the landscape of West Coast Hip Hop, 2001 maintains its dominance with confident and superior production. The album has a few missteps, such as “Let’s Get High,” and could have done without some of the skits. Nevertheless, 2001 stands as another classic in Dr. Dre’s impressive discography.
Top tracks: Forgot About Dre | Still D.R.E. | What’s The Difference | The Next Episode
7. Dr. Dooom – First Come, First Served
This album ranks alongside Dr. Octagonecologyst and Sex Style as one of Kool Keith’s finest solo projects. It opens with Kool Keith’s new alter-ego, Dr. Dooom, metaphorically taking down the Dr. Octagon persona. The lyrical content is exceptional, with top-notch flow, delivery, and the characteristically bizarre lyrics that Kool Keith is known for. The No Limit parody cover adds a memorable touch to this standout release.
Top tracks: No Chorus | I Run Rap | Apartment 223 | Neighbors Next Door
8. Blackalicious – Nia
Top tracks: Deception | Smithzonian Institute of Rhyme | If I May | Shallow Days
9. Prince Paul – A Prince Among Thieves
Renowned producer Prince Paul (known for his work with Stetsasonic, De La Soul, and Gravediggaz) presents his second solo album, A Prince Among Thieves, often regarded as the first ‘rap opera.’ This brilliant concept album narrates the journey of a young man named Tariq, who seeks a record contract and needs funds to complete his tracks and prepare his demo for a meeting with The RZA of Wu-Tang Clan.
Featuring appearances from Kool Keith, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Biz Markie, De La Soul, Everlast, Sadat X, Xzibit, Kid Creole, Special Ed, Chris Rock, RZA, and Buckshot, A Prince Among Thieves combines fresh beats with exceptional rhymes throughout. It stands as one of the greatest concept albums in Hip Hop history.
Top tracks: Macula’s Theory | More Than U Know | Handle Your Time Weapon World
10. Lootpack – Soundpieces: Da Antidote
Lootpack, a trio featuring Madlib, Wildchild, and DJ Romes, released their debut album, Soundpieces: Da Antidote, through Stones Throw Records. Now regarded as an underground classic, the album stands out for Madlib’s exceptionally inventive and creative production. It also serves as a statement against the materialism and violence prevalent in mainstream rap, positioning Lootpack as a genuine alternative in the Hip Hop landscape.
Top tracks: Questions | Frenz Vs Endz | The Anthem | Episodes
11. Method Man & Redman – Blackout!
Blackout! is the inaugural collaborative album by Method Man and Redman, building on the strong chemistry they demonstrated in previous collaborations. While the album doesn’t break new ground, it delivers great fun, sharp wit, and clever wordplay from these two skilled emcees, whose styles complement each other flawlessly.
Top tracks: Da Rockwilder | 1,2,1,2 | Cereal Killer | 4 Seasons
12. Handsome B-boy Modelling School – So How’s Your Girl
Handsome Boy Modeling School, a collaboration between acclaimed producers Dan The Automator (known for his work with Gorillaz, Dr. Octagon, and Deltron 3030) and Prince Paul (of Stetsasonic, De La Soul, and Gravediggaz fame), delivered two standout albums. The first of these, an experimental masterpiece, remains a clever and humorous gem from 1999.
Top tracks: Magnetizing | Once Again (Here to Kick One for You) | Waterworld | Holy Calamity (Bear Witnesss II)
13. Jeru The Damaja – Heroz4Hire
Heroz4Hire is Jeru the Damaja’s third album, entirely self-produced by Jeru himself, in contrast to his first two albums, which were crafted by DJ Premier. Although the absence of Premier’s signature touch may have impacted the album’s visibility, Jeru’s production stands out as both innovative and raw.
Jeru’s production is impressive, and his lyrics remain clever and thought-provoking, showcasing his commitment to true Hip Hop. Despite being less discussed and not as frequently highlighted as his earlier work, Heroz4Hire is a valuable and underrated entry in his discography, deserving of recognition for its quality.
Top tracks: Bitchez Wit Dikz | Verbal Battle | Presha | 99,9%
14. Rubberoom – Architechnology
With their full-length debut Architechnology, Rubberoom emerged from the depths of the Chicago Hip Hop underground. The album features the progressive production of The Opus—comprising Isle Of Weight, Fanum, DJ Stizo, and a host of talented Windy City turntablists—creating over an hour of dark, atmospheric soundscapes for emcees Lumba and Meta-Mo to deliver their intense and abrasive lyrics.
Tracks like “Smoke,” “Lockjaw,” “The Shining,” “Bleach,” “Acid,” “Sector Rush (Re-Built),” “Architechnology Nine,” “Trail Of The Vampire,” and “Style Wars” are standout examples of the album’s gothic bangers. Architechnology remains one of the most underrated albums of the 1990s, even within the underground scene.
15. Inspectah Deck – Uncontrolled Substance
Opinions vary on whether Inspectah Deck’s album is underrated or overrated. Originally slated for release in 1995 alongside other Wu-Tang solo projects, the album’s production was significantly impacted when a flood destroyed all of the RZA’s original beats. The delay affected Deck’s momentum, as he missed out on the hype surrounding the initial Wu solo albums and ended up with only two beats by RZA.
Despite these challenges, Inspectah Deck delivers strong performances on the album. While the beats may not always measure up to expectations, Deck’s lyrical prowess remains sharp. This album might be better than some critics suggest, but one can’t help but wonder how different it could have been if the original RZA beats had been preserved and Deck had debuted in 1995 as planned.
Top tracks: Movas & Shakers | Word On The Street | Show N Prove | Longevity
16. Kurupt – Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha
Kurupt’s second album is widely regarded as his best solo work. While it covers familiar nineties G-funk and gangsta themes, the production is top-notch, and Kurupt’s rapping stands out among his peers. For fans of classic West Coast G-funk and gangsta rap, this album is a must-have.
Top tracks: I Call Shots | Girls All Pause | Live On The Mic | Represent Dat G.C.
17. Missy Elliott – Da Real World
Da Real World, Missy Elliott’s second album, is one of the most polarizing in her discography. While some criticize it for being ‘too dark’ or even dull, others consider it among her top three albums. We fall into the latter camp, believing that this album features some of Timbaland’s best instrumentals for Missy and appreciates the darker, more intense vibes. The Hip Hop elements remain strong, without being overshadowed by Timbaland’s R&B and dance influences.
The standout track is undoubtedly “She’s a Bitch,” but the album also includes gems like “Beat Biters,” “All N My Grill,” and “Stickin’ Chickens.” In our view, Da Real World is an underrated gem in Missy’s catalog and stands out as one of her finest works.
Top tracks: She’s a Bitch | Beat Biters | All N My Grill | Stickin’ Chickens
18. Nas – I Am…
Top tracks: Nas Is Like | NY State Of Mind Pt 2 | Ghetto Prisoners | Undying Love
19. Q-Tip – Amplified
Amplified is Q-Tip’s debut solo album, often criticized for deviating from his Tribe Called Quest roots and embracing a more commercial sound. While the lyrics may not be as profound as his work with Tribe, the album excels in other areas.
Produced primarily by Q-Tip and J-Dilla, the album boasts high-quality beats throughout. Despite its lighter lyrical content, Amplified offers an enjoyable listening experience, driven by its standout production. It’s best appreciated as a fun, upbeat album rather than a continuation of Tribe’s classic sound.
Top tracks: Vivrant Thing | Breathe And Stop | Things We Do | Let’s Ride
20. Slick Rick – The Art Of Storytelling
After a non-fatal self-defense shooting, which also accidentally injured a bystander, and complications with U.S. immigration, England-born Slick Rick found himself in prison. This occurred just as he was poised to build on the success of his landmark 1988 debut, Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Although these legal issues prevented him from fully dedicating himself to crafting another classic, his fourth and final album marks a partial return to form.
Top tracks: Street Talkin | Memories | Impress The Kid | I Run This
21. Deep Puddle Dynamics – The Taste of Rain…Why Kneel
The Taste of Rain… Why Kneel is the sole studio album by Deep Puddle Dynamics, a collaboration between Sole, Doseone, Alias, and Atmosphere’s Slug. Released on the avant-garde Los Angeles-based label Anticon, it stands out as one of the label’s finest offerings.
22. DMX – …And Then There Was X
…And Then There Was X is DMX’s third studio album, released on December 21, 1999, through Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. It achieved 5x Multi-Platinum certification by the RIAA on February 7, 2001, making it DMX’s highest-selling album to date. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his third consecutive album to top the charts.
While 1998 was highlighted by the release of two multi-platinum albums, 1999 saw DMX continue his success with this powerful release. …And Then There Was X stands as the third part of an impressive trilogy.
The album features standout singles like “What’s My Name,” the anthemic “Party Up (Up in Here)”—DMX’s most successful single—and “What These Bitches Want.” Despite having formidable predecessors, this album shines with its strong lyrics, delivery, flow, hooks, and beats. …And Then There Was X represents the pinnacle of DMX’s career.
23. Ice T – 7th Deadly Sin
While 7th Deadly Sin didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, it’s a solid Ice-T album. Though it may not surpass his first four albums, it stands out as arguably his best work since his landmark album Original Gangster (1991). 7th Deadly Sin remains an underrated gem from one of Hip Hop’s most influential icons.
Top tracks: Retaliation | Common Sense | Check Your Game | Valuable Game
24. The High & Mighty – Home Field Advantage
The High & Mighty, consisting of emcee Eon and producer Mighty Mi, present a laid-back and enjoyable debut album, released on Rawkus Records. Featuring notable guest appearances from Mos Def, Mad Skillz, Cage, Pharoahe Monch, and Eminem, this album stands out as a quality Hip Hop release.
Top tracks: Hot Spittable | B-Boy Document 99 | Dirty Decibels | Top Prospects
25. Peanut Butter Wolf – My Vinyl Weighs A Ton
Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of Stones Throw Records, released the exceptional My Vinyl Weighs A Ton. The album features impressive turntablism and lyricism from a roster of Stones Throw talent, including Rasco, Planet Asia, and The Lootpack. Peanut Butter Wolf’s vibrant production adds to the album’s appeal, making it a standout release.
Top tracks: Tale of Five Cities | Casio | Styles, Crew, Flows, Beats | Run The Line
26. Public Enemy – There’s A Poison Goin’ On
After their first four groundbreaking albums, including the classics It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet, Public Enemy faced challenges maintaining their momentum. Their seventh album, however, is notably underrated. In an era dominated by materialistic and violent Hip Hop, Chuck D and Public Enemy continued to deliver thought-provoking, conscious music.
This album also marked a significant moment in Hip Hop history as Public Enemy became the first platinum-selling group to release a new album online, using new technology to bypass traditional record-label structures. The album reflects their frustration with Def Jam and the broader record industry, making it a powerful statement of their ongoing commitment to their message.
Top tracks: Do You Wanna Go Our Way??? | LSD | Crayola | Last Mass Of The Caballeros
27. Rakim – The Master
The Master is Rakim’s second solo album, following his 1997 debut, The 18th Letter. This album marked Rakim’s last studio release for nearly a decade, until 2009’s The Seventh Seal. While The Master faces a similar issue as its predecessor—where Rakim’s exceptional rhyming occasionally clashes with a varied beat selection—it remains a solid effort. Though Rakim may not have recaptured the magic of his work with Eric B., this album is still worth having, especially for dedicated Rakim fans.
Top tracks: When I Be On The Mic | Finest Ones | Strong Island | Flow Forever
28. Mobb Deep – Murda Muzik
Due to widespread bootlegging, the final version of Murda Muzik differed from what was originally planned. Nevertheless, it emerged as a strong Mobb Deep album. Although it received slightly less acclaim than The Infamous and Hell on Earth, it became their biggest commercial success, eventually achieving platinum status. It remains their last great album, though The Infamous Mobb Deep (2014) marked a notable return to form.
Top tracks: Quiet Storm | The Realest | Streets Raised Me | Murda Muzik
29. Jay-Z Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter
Jay-Z’s fourth album, like his previous two, offers a mix of strong rhymes and varied beats. While Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess remains impressive, not all the beats hit the mark, and some guest features, particularly Amil, fall short. Although this album doesn’t reach the heights of his debut, Reasonable Doubt, or his 2001 classic, The Blueprint, it still stands as a solid entry in Jay-Z’s discography.
Top tracks: Big Pimpin’ | Watch Me | There’s Been A Murder | So Ghetto
30. Kool Keith – Black Elvis / Lost In Space
Kool Keith’s second album of 1999, Black Elvis / Lost in Space, is one of his more accessible releases. While it may lack the distinct spark found in First Come, First Served and earlier works like Sex Style and Dr. Octagonecologyst, it remains a solid album. True to form, it features Kool Keith’s eccentric lyrics, quirky choruses, and his trademark sense of humor.
Top tracks: Supergalactic Lover | Rockets On The Battlefield | Livin’ Astro | Maxi Curls
31. GZA/Genius – Beneath The Surface
GZA’s third solo album, Beneath the Surface, is a divisive release—while some listeners dislike it, others hold it in high regard. Despite the mixed reception of the second wave of Wu-Tang solo albums, including disappointing entries from Raekwon and Ol’ Dirty Bastard in 1999, Beneath the Surface stands out as one of the stronger releases.
GZA delivers with his trademark thought-provoking metaphors and exceptional flow, potentially surpassing even his classic Liquid Swords in terms of lyrical prowess. Although some of the beats fall short, the album overall is better than its detractors might suggest.
Top tracks: Breaker, Breaker | Publicity | Hip Hop Fury | Mic Trippin
32. Eightball & M.J.G. – In Our Lifetime
In Our Lifetime is the fourth studio album from Memphis icons Eightball & M.J.G. While it may not be their finest work, it still holds its own. Featuring laid-back Dirty South beats and guest spots from notable artists like OutKast and Cee-Lo Green, the album delivers a solid addition to their discography.
Top tracks: Do It How It Go | Daylight | Paid Dues | Throw Your Hands Up
33. Tech N9ne – The Calm Before The Storm
The Calm Before the Storm is Tech N9ne’s debut album, marking the start of his impressive catalog. Though his intense lyrics and dynamic flow never quite achieved mainstream success, Tech N9ne carved out a niche in Hip Hop that earned him a dedicated global following. This Mid-West album, featuring G-funk and Dirty South influences, may be somewhat overlooked in his discography, but it stands out as one of his best for us.
Top tracks: Cotton Soldier | Bitch Sickness | Mitchell Bade | Relish
34. EPMD – Out Of Business
Out of Business is the sixth album from EPMD. While it may not match the excellence and consistency of their first four albums, even a less stellar EPMD release remains superior to many others. Although the album has some weaker tracks, it also features classic EPMD joints. With Erick and Parrish at the helm, you can’t go wrong—this duo continues to deliver quality Hip Hop.
Top tracks: You Got Shot | Right Now | Symphony 2000 | Jane 6
35. The Beatnuts – A Musical Massacre
A Musical Massacre might not be the Beatnuts’ finest work, but their distinctive style and infectious energy shine through. The album is definitely worth a listen, especially for the standout single “Watch Out Now.” While it may not be as consistent as some of their other releases, there’s still plenty to enjoy and appreciate in this collection.
Top tracks: Watch Out Now | Turn It Out | Look Around | Slam Pit
36. Atmosphere – Headshotz Se7en
Released exclusively on cassette in 1999 (with a CD version including bonus material released in 2005), this second Atmosphere album marks a significant transition for the group. It bridges the gap between the witty lyricism of Overcast! (1997) and the more profound content they would later become known for. Although the album might have benefited from a more polished sound and a shorter length, it remains a classic Atmosphere release with its blend of clever and deeper lyrical themes.
Top tracks: The Jackpot / Swept Away | The Stick Up | Heart | Molly Cool
37. K-Rino – No Mercy
K-Rino’s fourth album stands out as one of the best in his extensive catalog. Don’t overlook the work of this Houston legend.
Top tracks: No Mercy | Trust No One | Lords of The World | Feel Me Flow
38. Scaramanga – Seven Eyes, Seven Horns
Before the release of Seven Eyes, Seven Horns, Scaramanga (also known as Sir Menelik) was best known for his contribution to Kool Keith’s classic Dr. Octagonecologyst. With this album, he delivers a uniquely obscure project featuring impressive rhymes and beats.
Top tracks: Holding New Cards | Seven Eyes, Seven Horns | Star Of The Empire | Shallah Magnetic
39. Black Moon – War Zone
Black Moon’s second album, War Zone, may not reach the iconic status of their debut Enta Da Stage, but it still offers plenty to appreciate. With Buckshot leading the charge and 5Ft providing solid support, the lyrical content remains strong, though the themes of ‘tough guy/gun talk’ can feel a bit repetitive. The production, courtesy of Evil Dee and The Beatminerz, delivers that signature NYC noir sound. While War Zone doesn’t hit the same heights as its predecessor, its minor shortcomings in energy and focus prevent it from being a true standout.
Top tracks: War Zone | Annihilation | Two Turntables & A Mic | Whirlwind
40. Hot Boys – Guerrilla Warfare
This second Hot Boys album, following the success of Juvenile’s 400 Degreez, maintains the signature sound of Mannie Fresh’s production. While the lyrics may lack depth, the beats are undeniably fire, marking this album as a Southern classic.
Top tracks: We On Fire | Ridin | Tuesday & Thursday | Too Hot
You must be logged in to post a comment Login