Album Ranking

Ice Cube Albums, Ranked

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There aren’t many hip-hop legends who resonate as strongly as Ice Cube. As a member of N.W.A. and a successful solo career, Ice Cube consistently challenges the status quo, addresses social issues, and delivers raw, unfiltered narratives that hit hard. His body of work speaks for itself and is required listening for any hip-hop head’s library. Here’s a look at Ice Cube’s solo albums, ranked from least impactful to most iconic.

Read More: Who Did Ice Cube Influence?

10. War & Peace Vol. 1: The War Disc (1998)

Kicking off the list is War & Peace Vol. 1: The War Disc, which doesn’t live up to Cube’s usual standards. Despite ambitious production collaborations, the album lacks cohesion. Too many self-produced tracks and a lack of solid production overall just weigh it down. While Cube’s lyrics aren’t perfect, they always shine through, showing glimpses of the profound verses that define Ice Cube’s best albums.

9. I Am The West (2010)

Cube tries to bridge generational gaps in hip-hop with I Am the West, but the way he does it feels a bit outdated. There’s a lot of talk about the shallowness of the “ringtone rapper generation” and the widening social class divide on this album, but some tracks like “No Country For Young Men” seem disconnected from the current hip-hop scene. In its context, songs like “She Couldn’t Make It on Her Own” seem disjointed from the other tracks, and the familiar West Coast production isn’t enough to lift the album.

Read More: Ice Cube’s Greatest Acting Roles

8. Raw Footage (2008)

In some ways, it feels like Cube is retreading old ground rather than offering new insights on Raw Footage, Cube’s most politically charged album since The Predator. The production, primarily done by lesser-known producers, offers a raw, minimalistic feel that can sound refreshingly authentic at times, but also strangely archaic. Singles like “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” show off Cube’s wordplay, but certain moments feel self-serving.

7. Laugh Now, Cry Later (2006) 

With Laugh Now, Cry Later, Cube returned to the music scene after 6 years. The album starts off strong, addressing social issues with tracks like “Guns And Drugs,” where Cube critiques both George Bush administrations. In addition to the club-friendly “Smoke Some Weed,” it’s got a mix of old-school beats and new talent. On tracks like “Go to Church” and “You Gotta Lotta That,” both featuring Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon brings a fresh sound to the album, fusing West Coast vibes with Southern crunk.

6. Everythang’s Corrupt (2018)

Everythang’s Corrupt was released after a decade-long hiatus, taking Cube back to his sociopolitical roots. On tracks like “Arrest The President” and “Chase Down The Bully,” he demonstrates his razor-sharp wordplay, while “Good Cop Bad Cop” and the title track showcase his thought-provoking lyrics. The album’s instrumentation echoes classic West Coast rap, maintaining high energy throughout. Cube proved that he still had something to say three decades after N.W.A. dropped Straight Outta Compton.

5. War & Peace Vol. 2: The Peace Disc (2000)

It’s great to see Cube mature as an artist on War & Peace Vol. 2: The Peace Disc, but it’s not consistent. While there are thought-provoking songs like “Record Company Pimpin’,” some radio-friendly hits like “Can You Bounce?” just don’t vibe with the whole album. Cube’s lyrics are impressive, but he switches back and forth between catchier, radio-friendly hooks and deeper, message-driven tracks, which makes the album feel unfocused.

4. Lethal Injection (1993)

Cube’s sound shifts toward G-Funk on Lethal Injection. It’s got some killer tracks like “You Know How We Do It” and “Bop Gun (One Nation),” but it’s also missing some qualities that made his earlier work so compelling. What’s significant is that it’s one of Ice Cube’s first independent albums, which allowed him greater creative freedom and to make more money off its success.

3. AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990)

With high expectations surrounding his debut solo album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Cube released his first effort after leaving N.W.A. Produced by Public Enemy’s The Bomb Squad, this is one of Ice Cube’s albums that explores inner-city life from every angle. Cube’s aggressive style shines through on tracks like “Turn Off the Radio,” while The Bomb Squad’s production adapts well to Cube’s intense subject matter on “Endangered Species.” Despite its era, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted is an enduring exploration of unrest, integrity, and hip-hop’s social impact.

2. Death Certificate (1991)

Death Certificate, Cube’s sophomore album, stirred significant controversy with its racially and politically charged content. “Life Side” and “Death Side” give an eye-opening perspective on inner-city life. Songs like “Black Korea” came under fire from critics, while “A Bird in the Hand” captured the plight of young black men. An already powerful album ends with the N.W.A diss track “No Vaseline.”

1. The Predator (1992)

Top of the list is Cube’s The Predator, his highest-selling album and perhaps his most important. Released in the wake of the Los Angeles riots, this powerful album reflects the tensions of the time. The Predator may not be Cube’s best album, but it certainly remains his most successful and possibly most noteworthy work. As much as “It Was a Good Day” provides a brief respite, it’s quickly overshadowed by songs like “We Had to Tear This Mothaf—a Up,” which proves Cube’s ability to capture and convey the current culture.

From the explosive energy of AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted to the sociopolitical impact of Death Certificate and the relevance of The Predator, Ice Cube’s discography shows his evolution as an influential voice in hip-hop. The albums not only illustrate his storytelling and lyricism but also serve as a powerful commentary on the American experience. Explore Ice Cube’s albums if you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, and you’ll get a glimpse into hip-hop’s heart and soul.

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ScHoolboy Q Ranks His Own Albums, Reveals Five-Year Process Behind “BLUE LIPS”

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ScHoolboy Q is still riding high off the critical success of his new album BLUE LIPS. Moreover, the five-year wait clearly resulted in a hit for fans, and he’s been very active on social media to engage with them and enjoy this moment. In fact, the TDE rapper wanted to look back on his storied career and rank all of his six projects from worst to best from his perspective. From what you’ll see below, it’s clear that there might be a bit of recency bias here, but an understandable one. After all, after working on an album for five years, he must feel incredibly proud to finally put it our there.

Furthermore ScHoolboy Q’s “worst” project, in his opinion, is his 2011 studio debut, Setbacks, in which he says he was “finding [himself] but was pretty good for only rapping about 4-5 years.” Next is 2019’s CrasH Talk, which he thinks was “cHasing tHe first week number,” and following that is 2014’s Oxymoron, which had a “lot of pop records.” Then, 2012’s Habits & Contradictions lands at No. 3 on the “Pop” MC’s list (which “made [him] who [he is]”), and the silver medal goes to 2016’s Blank Face LP, which he thinks is “one of the most creative gangsta rap albums ever.” Finally, he thinks that BLUE LIPS is his best. Check out all these explanations down below.

Read More: SZA, Isaiah Rashad, And More React To ScHoolboy Q Playing His New Album For Jay-Z

ScHoolboy Q’s Ranking For His Own Albums

In addition to all this, the 37-year-old recently pulled the curtain on the process behind BLUE LIPS. “I knew where I was going with it in 2019,” ScHoolboy Q told BACKONFIGG in an interview published Saturday (March 2). “Most of these songs were recorded early, lyrics wise. I always tell people, I’m more of a producer than I am a rapper. I explained everything… and we took literally almost five years *laughs*. That’s just how I work. I got more songs than ‘Pac, for sure. If I’m being honest, I recycle a lot of lyrics. I have a lot of songs, but I take words from other songs.”

Q Reveals Five-Year Process Behind BLUE LIPS

Meanwhile, what do you think about this album ranking? Do you agree or disagree with his praise of BLUE LIPS, and with fans calling it the album of the year so far? However you may feel, let us know in the comments section down below. Also, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and more updates on ScHoolboy Q.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Shares The “Cringiest” Lyric He Ever Wrote

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Wale’s 7 Studio Albums, Ranked

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Wale season is approaching. The D.C. rapper has been teasing some new music on social media. “My silence has been golden… see you on Friday. Folarin back,” he cryptically captioned an Instagram post. With a single likely releasing this weekend, it is a safe bet that a new Wale album is on the horizon. His last full-length release was 2021’s Folarin II, and over a decade into his fruitful career, Wale has been quite constant. When it comes to his extensive discography, ranking his albums can be a challenge. As a result of his consistency, we can count on his upcoming eighth studio album to be of a high caliber. Today, we are ranking Wale’s seven studio albums from worst to best. Take a look at the list below.

7. Shine (2017)

Shine is arguably Wale’s only misstep in the span of his career. Before releasing his fifth album, he had successfully crossed over into mainstream audiences with pop records. Shine, however, was overwhelmingly pop-heavy and radio-friendly. It lacked the lyrical and creative substance of his greatest works, but Wale’s will to experiment is commendable. He had the foresight to tackle Afro-fusion and Latin pop by collaborating with the likes of Wizkid, Davido, and J Balvin before they became global superstars. It certainly was a bold artistic move, but Shine does not compare to the quality of Wale’s other albums. 

6. Folarin II (2021)

Wale’s most recent album, 2021’s Folarin II, included plenty of highlights and variety throughout its tracklist. The sequel to his 2012 Folarin mixtape was an exciting release for fans as it gave them a bit of everything they love from Wale. His seventh album added to his legacy with a batch of catchy singles and lyrically potent deep cuts. What places Folarin II down toward the bottom of the list is that it is a very top-heavy album that starts to decline in quality partway through. It also occasionally relies heavily on its samples of famous records. An enjoyable listen, Folarin II sitting near the bottom of Wale’s discography speaks volumes about the high caliber of his studio albums.

5. Wow… That’s Crazy (2019)

Following Shine, Wow… That’s Crazy was a return to form for Wale. He combined the most compelling elements of his earliest works with a new perspective as a legend in the game. An adventurous album, Wow… That’s Crazy is quite eclectic. He jumps from pro-Black anthems like “Sue Me” to the tropical flavors of “Love & Loyalty.” We saw a contemplative Wale on tracks like “Cliché” and “Love Me Nina/Semiautomatic.” He also reunited with his MMG partners  Rick Ross and Meek Mill on “Routine,” as well as frequent collaborator Jeremih for “On Chill.” The features from Pink Sweats, Jacquees, and Megan Thee Stallion also embraced the next generation of hip hop and R&B. On Wow… That’s Crazy, Wale explored new musical territory while also sticking to his signature sound, marking a new phase in his career.

4. Attention Deficit (2009)

With a host of notable producers and features, Wale’s debut album appealed to mainstream audiences while showcasing his signature style. Attention Deficit consists of some of his best and most quirky material. It includes the D.C. go-go influence of his early mixtapes, but is more polished thanks to production from Mark Ronson, The Neptunes, Cool & Dre, and more. Standout tracks like “Pretty Girls,” “World Tour,” and “Beautiful Bliss” displayed Wale’s versatility throughout the album. Some of the production on Attention Deficit is quite dated compared to some of his other early albums. Songs like “TV In The Radio” and “Chillin” demonstrate that the album was certainly a product of its time. While it sits comfortably at No. 4 on this list, Attention Deficit is still a memorable album in Wale’s discography.

3. The Gifted (2013)

The Gifted is Wale’s most soulful album, filled with heartfelt moments from the DC native and the many guest vocalists. Wale and gospel samples are an unbeatable combination, fully exhibited on this album. The Gifted encompasses various styles and emotions, from the passionate “LoveHate Thing” to the strip club-ready “Clappers.” It features both versions of Wale’s biggest hit single, “Bad,” bringing two completely different energies to the tracklist with the same song. Arguably Wale’s best-produced album, The Gifted strikes a balance between appealing to mainstream audiences and profound moments where his lyricism shines.  

2. Ambition (2011)

After Attention Deficit, Wale took his musicality to new heights on his first offering for MMG. Ambition contains some of his most iconic and highest-charting tracks. The title is quite accurate as he ambitiously transitioned away from the sound of his mixtapes. An incredibly varied album, Wale left no stone unturned when it came to putting together a career-defining album. Ambition spoke to the hip hop heads with the bar-heavy “Legendary,” the masses with the braggadocious “Chain Music,” and his hometown with “DC or Nothing.” One of Wale’s strongest skill sets as a rapper is his ability to craft quality love songs, which he did on “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “That Way.” Twelve years after its release, Ambition still leaves an everlasting impression as one of Wale’s best works.

1. The Album About Nothing (2015)

The Album About Nothing is a culmination of mixtape and album Wale, resulting in a project combining the best of both worlds. It takes fans back to his classic Mixtape About Nothing series while also pushing his career forward with the polished sound of his albums. Inspired by his love for Seinfeld, Wale’s third studio album follows a loose concept with songs that each have their own unique direction. He is both vulnerable in his own emotions while also providing multiple perspectives in his lyrics. There are soulful highlights like “The Bloom,” moments of reflection like “The Success,” and spiritual contemplation on “The God Smile.” “The Matrimony” is another special moment on the album as it explores the possibilities of a future with a love interest. The Album About Nothing is undoubtedly Wale’s best album with its songwriting, concepts, and cohesive direction.

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Teyana Taylor’s Albums & Mixtapes, Ranked

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Teyana Taylor is supposedly retired but she is still active in the music world. The New York singer has performed at major festivals this year even after concluding her Last Rose Petal Tour in 2022. She has not released an album since 2020 and has since focused her attention on other endeavors. Taylor appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Coming 2 America, White Men Can’t Jump, and Kid Cudi’s Entergalactic. She also notably won The Masked Singer last year. 

Teyana Taylor’s name has also been in news headlines recently following confirmation of separating from her ex-husband, Iman Shumpert. In an Instagram post, she stated that she and the former NBA player are still on good terms despite being separated for a while. She even referred to Shumpert as her bestie. Teyana Taylor may have retired from music for now, but fans are still longing for new music from the multifaceted singer and dancer. Today, we are highlighting her music career with a ranking of her albums and mixtapes from least to greatest. Take a look at the list below. 

Read More: Teyana Taylor’s 7 Biggest Hits

6. From A Planet Called Harlem (2009)

Teyana Taylor started her career under Pharrell’s tutelage in 2007 when he signed her to Star Trak Entertainment. Her 2009 debut mixtape, From A Planet Called Harlem is her first full-length project and her only release on the label. The mixtape notably included Taylor’s debut single, “Google Me.” Jazze Pha, Pharrell, Hit-Boy, and more contributed beats while Chris Brown, Eve, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, and others featured on the mixtape. From A Planet Called Harlem certainly showcased Teyana Taylor’s talents, but she had not yet completely established her musical identity. For that reason, it sits at the bottom of her discography. It was not until her later work that she would find her sound as a singer and reinvent herself as an artist.

Read More: Teyana Taylor To Serve As Creative Director On Lil Baby’s “It’s Only Us” Tour

5. The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor (2012)

A fitting title for her second mixtape, The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor was the follow-up to From A Planet Called Harlem which marked a new phase in her career. Freshly released from her deal with Star Trak, Teyana Taylor’s first independent project was a promising effort. However, she still sounded as if she was developing her comfort zone as a singer, which we’d later see fully established in her studio albums. She made an admirable project that helped better reveal her growth. However, she grew both vocally and artistically on her albums, which her G.O.O.D. Music signing helped uncover.

Read More: Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 “A Rose From Harlem” Officially Unveiled

4. The Cassette Tape 1994 (2015)

Just a year removed from her debut album, Teyana Taylor released The Cassette Tape 1994. The 5-track EP was inspired by ’90s R&B, sampling numerous throwbacks like K.P. & Envyi’s “Swing My Way” and Tony! Toni! Toné!’s “Anniversary.” Teyana Taylor put her own spin on these songs, repurposing old-school classics to make her very own cassette tape. While it is a brief and enjoyable listen, The Cassette Tape 1994 does not stack up to her polished and carefully crafted studio albums. Still, the project sits above Teyana’s mixtapes as her vocal range drastically grew and she skillfully reimagined older songs with her own flair. 

Read More: Teyana Taylor & Iman Shumpert’s Relationship Timeline

3. The Album (2020)

Teyana Taylor’s most recent and supposedly final album fully delivered on its promises. Her highly anticipated third album satisfied her fanbase with its lengthy tracklist. While bloated, the 23-track album contains some of Teyana Taylor’s best material. It is both well-produced and varied in its musical stylings. There are ballads, bangers, afro-fusion and reggae-inspired songs, and of course, sensual R&B tracks. Her most personal release to date, The Album contains moments of reflection, celebration, and gratitude. It does not leave much to be desired because fans were given everything they wanted across the tracklist. In that regard, The Album’s length is justified but the extensive runtime and filler songs diminish its replay value. If it really is Teyana Taylor’s final album, she ended her music career on a solid note.

Read More: Teyana Taylor’s Best Looks That Show Off Her Style

2. K.T.S.E. (2018)

The last album to be released in a series of short albums produced by Kanye West, K.T.S.E. stood out among a slew of hip-hop projects. The only release from the series to feature eight songs, as opposed to seven, Teyana Taylor’s second studio album contains a surprising amount of variety in such a short amount of time. K.T.S.E.’s brightest moments utilize chopped soul samples to make modern classics like “Gonna Love Me” and “Issues/Hold On.” 

There is also “Rose in Harlem,” an album highlight that combines vintage with contemporary to forge one of Teyana Taylor’s best songs. The album’s closing track, “WTP” pays homage to the Harlem ballroom scene with Taylor’s signature style of sexual liberty. K.T.S.E. may not have been the final product she envisioned, but the Kanye West production was perfect for her voice. It made for a memorable second album even though she had already set the bar extremely high.

Read More: Teyana Taylor And Her Iconic Acting Roles

1. VII (2014)

Teyana Taylor unlocked her full potential on her debut album, VII. She had found her voice and signature sound in the album’s lush instrumentation. The music suits her voice and sexually descriptive lyrics. VII is Teyana Taylor’s most complete body of work from top to bottom, resulting in a tracklist without skips. Nothing on the album sounds forced and the songs transition seamlessly from one to the other. Songs like “Just Different,” “Request,” and “Broken Hearted Girl” are some of the sexiest tracks in her discography that display her unique vocal tone. 

Many of VII’s highlights are its slow contemporary R&B jams, but its production is also varied in style. The reggae-fused “Put Your Love On” keeps the album unpredictable and the upbeat “Maybe” with Pusha T and Yo Gotti perfectly balances gentle emotions with playful flirting. Ultimately, Teyana Taylor perfected her sound with her debut album. VII is an unforgettable listening experience that proved extremely difficult to top. 

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Run The Jewels Albums, Ranked

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2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Killer Mike and El-P’s first album together as Run The Jewels. To celebrate, they announced a 10-year anniversary tour for September and October, where they will perform each Run The Jewels album over the course of four shows in four different cities. This tour announcement also comes on the heels of their new song “Don’t Let The Devil,” from Killer Mike’s new album Michael, his first solo album in 11 years. 

The duo first teamed up in 2012 when El-P produced Killer Mike’s R.A.P. Music album in its entirety. Then, Mike appeared on El-P’s Cancer 4 Cure before they released Run The Jewels in 2013. The success of the first installment became the launching pad for the three monumental albums that followed to critical acclaim. Run The Jewels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are undoubtedly one of the greatest four-album runs in rap history.

Run The Jewels have never missed on any of their albums, making it difficult to rank one album over the other. The difficulty in making a list like this proves how consistent Killer Mike and El-P have been together and why they are one of hip hop’s most legendary duos. With their fifth album nearly completed, we’ve ranked each of the Run The Jewels albums from worst to best.

4. Run The Jewels (2013)

This is where it all started. Following R.A.P. Music, Killer Mike and El-P’s self-titled debut album as Run The Jewels was fresh and exciting as the two rappers traded verses over El-P’s cutting-edge production. The Run The Jewels sound was new for both of them and ten years later, it still holds up in terms of quality and replay value.

Run The Jewels is a concise ten songs, leaving their rapidly growing fanbase longing for more music. It originally started as a one-off collaboration between Killer Mike and El-P but their chemistry developed on their later albums and they continued to raise the bar. The only aspects of this album that keep it at the bottom of the list are the hooks on certain songs. Despite being incredibly well-produced, El-P’s production exceeded expectations on their sophomore effort.

Essential Tracks: “Run The Jewels,” “Banana Clipper,” “36” Chain,” “Job Well Done,” “Get It”

3. RTJ4 (2020)

The impact of RTJ4 was almost immediate, arriving at the height of Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020. The politically-charged themes were just as prevalent in prior albums. However, the timely messaging regarding police brutality and systemic racism hit differently on RTJ4, at a time when people around the world flooded the streets in protest of these very issues. The lyrical content on this album ties together the past and present, and will almost definitely continue to ring true for many years to come.

Musically, the production on this album is some of the best they have ever rapped over. RTJ4 was among the best albums of 2020 and it only ranks third because the above albums contain the most essential Run The Jewels songs.

Essential Tracks: “Yankee and the Brave,” “Ooh LA LA,” “Out Of Sight,” “Holy Calamafuck,” “A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)”

2. Run The Jewels 3 (2016)

Run The Jewels 3 also was very impactful upon release as it came out soon after the 2016 presidential election, adding a sense of urgency to songs like “Talk to Me” and “2100.” Unlike the first two installments albums, Run The Jewels 3 starts on a calmer, more positive note but its toughest tracks pack a very hard punch. Musically, it is their most varied album, as far as tempos and instrumentation go. They have their signature bangers like “Legend Has It” and “Panther Like A Panther,” but the album contains their most vulnerable moments such as “Thursday in the Danger Room,” dedicated to their friends who passed away. 

Essential Tracks: “Legend Has It,” “Call Ticketron,” “Stay Gold,” “Panther Like A Panther (Miracle Mix),” “Thursday in the Danger Room”

1. Run The Jewels 2 (2014)

Run The Jewels 2 is relentless. Its lean 12-song tracklist consists of nothing but bangers as the intensity grows quickly with each song. Across the 42-minute runtime, Killer Mike and El-P do not take their feet off the gas. They showed fans what they can do together on Run The Jewels but they strengthened their chemistry on Run The Jewels 2, resulting in some of their greatest moments together. Most importantly, El-P’s production on this album defined Run The Jewels’ signature sound. Though every song is energetic, the beats rank high among El-P’s best productions. “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry” is already thrilling, but the song’s electrifying beat switch takes things to another level. There are plenty of explosive moments on the album, such as the unpredictable “Lie Cheat Steal.”

There is also “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck),” which is arguably the group’s best song, containing a show-stealing appearance from Zack De La Rocha who went on to appear on their following albums. The first Run The Jewels was a very loose and exhilarating album that highlighted Killer Mike and El-P’s humorous lyrics. Still, Run The Jewels 2 built upon that excitement and moved into uncharted territory to establish their legacy.

Essential Tracks: “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry,” “Blockbuster Part 1,” “Close Your Eyes (And Count To F**k),” “Early,” “All Due Respect”

Ranking DMX’s Albums From Best To Still Pretty Damn Good

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Only two years ago, the world was forced to mourn the loss of one of arguably New York’s most popular, prolific, troubled hip-hop artists—Earl Simmons, aka DMX. On April 2, 2021, DMX was rushed to White Plains Hospital in an emergency that left the rapper unresponsive. He remained for seven days, though in a vegetative state, until he passed away on April 9. Upon investigation, his cause of death was revealed to be a massive heart attack brought on by a cocaine overdose that halted the flow of oxygen to his brain.

While his life was cut tragically short at 50, the legacy of music that he left behind will last lifetimes. He was a legend’s legend—a harbinger of the New York hip-hop scene in the late ’90s. Drill Rap owes more to DMX than he ever gets credit for—but that’s another story. On top of his lyrical prowess, DMX’s unique delivery and cadence were often imitated (I’m looking at you, Ja) but never duplicated. He was methodical when it came to the music he created. 

Coming up on the anniversary of his passing, I’m running back through his entire catalog. The albums I had on repeat, the ones I blatantly skipped, and everything in between—ranking them from top to bottom. Since he has studio albums, mixtapes, soundtracks, and compilations, I will only look at studio albums.

8. Undisputed (2012)

This was the first album of X’s I purposely didn’t listen to when it came out. It was his first album after dissolving the relationship with Ruff Ryders. I assumed the album would suffer from it, not because of X’s talent, but because it wouldn’t feel the same. After listening to the album a few times, I feel vindicated. The split from the label and the impact it had was fairly obvious. 

It’s a decent album. However, the production and features lack the signature grit and aggression you came to expect from him. It had more tracks I skipped than I listened to, and the streams online seem to back up my sentiments as one of his least-played albums. 

7. Year of the Dog…Again (2006)

If Undisputed didn’t feel the same because it was the first album after his split from Ruff Ryders, Year of the Dog… Again didn’t because he was still with the Ruff Ryders. Never one to shy away from making his feelings known, X openly discussed his problems with the label. Unhappy about money, the energy came across in the music, just not in the best way. It was the first album in almost a decade of his career that didn’t land at a No. 1 spot on the charts. The album features the signature production of Swizz Beatz and one of the head hitmakers of the time, Scott Storch. It had features from Jadakiss, Styles P, and Busta Rhymes. However, it didn’t evolve as you would have thought after a decade of making music . Hip-hop was changing, and this album felt like X struggled to keep up. 

6. Grand Champ (2003) 

Grand Champ was the last album DMX had that went certified platinum. However, it seemed to be a struggle for it to do so. It might not have done as well were it not for the lead single, “Where the Hood At,” which felt like a nostalgic grab at the success of the blunt, staggered delivery of his breakthrough hit “Ruff Ryders Anthem.” Originally this album would have had an additional smash hit, “X Gon’ Give it to Ya.” Yet, while X was filming Cradle to the Grave, the director heard the song and claimed it for the hit soundtrack. 

This album, to me, always felt like a sequel. That means it tried, but not that hard because it didn’t have to. Maybe it was the bravado of always landing at No. 1, or maybe the label forced him into a role they typecast him in. Either way, this album tried to include singles-ready tracks and only ended up with one. 

5. The Great Depression (2001)

His fourth album in less than three years, The Great Depression, followed the albums that came before it. The album landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Music charts, and it was backed up by two strong singles that kept it anchored in the charts. The production from Just Blaze, Dame Grease, and DMX felt like the last time we heard the rapper represented on an album. It felt like the sound and energy we’d grown accustomed to, but it wasn’t as forced as later albums would be. It was a solid mid-grade album and was the last I remember buying from X.

4. Exodus (2021)

Exodus was released posthumously about a month and a half after DMX passed. In the wake of his death, Exodus fell under the radar in terms of what it could have been stream-wise. However, I think this is one of his best albums when it comes to the way you could feel the evolution of X. He went from this young 20-something that came out ready for war to the OG who attempted to reflect and find faith in something other than the version of himself that had the most success. 

This album was introspective and cut a lot deeper than his others in terms of the struggles he had gone through. I’m unclear if any of that sentiment is influenced by the fact that he died before it was released. It could be a bit of a bias, a ‘don’t know what you got til it’s gone’ type vibe. However, I think it was because this album was far superior to some of his chart-topping projects. It brought us features from The Lox, which felt even more critical considering DMX’s death. Further, New York heavy hitters Nas and Jay-Z, among others, also make appearances. In fact, “Bath Salts” earned X his first Grammy nomination in 20 years. 

3. …And Then There Was X (1999)

This was the best-selling album in X’s decades-long career and spent the most time on the charts, peaking at No. 1 right out of the gate. …And Then There Was X was an album that still featured a fresh, new-to-the-fame version of X. The version of him that somehow still held on to his hunger, despite album sales reaching into the millions. It was the X that still carried the hopes of the boroughs on his back while seamlessly combining more radio-friendly hits into the rotation without it feeling forced. 

“What These Bitches Want” featuring Sisqo and “What’s My Name” were both instant hits. However, the single that came sandwiched between those two, “Party Up (Up in Here),” earned him his highest charting single. Other than Sisqo and a few choice features, the album was predominantly DMX showing off his ability to make massive hits appear out of songs that wouldn’t seem to make sense for the radio. It’s still one of his most popular albums of all time. 

2. Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998)

In what has to be considered one of the most iconic hip-hop album covers ever, DMX dropped Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood in 1998. Appearing shirtless on a stark white background, X is featured front and center, dripping blood down his torso and offering his hands to you as if he can’t give you any more. Released less than a year after his studio debut, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot—an unheard-of act in the days before Soundcloud rappers—the album debuted at No. 1 and featured an eclectic list of heavy-hitting features ranging from Mary J. Blige to Marilyn Manson. 

This album is dark. The kind of dark you didn’t see a lot of mainstream (or at least mainstream successful) rappers touch on. I mentioned earlier that drill music probably owes a lot more to DMX than he gets credit for. Yet, the Horrorcore hip-hop genre owes this man some flowers, too. He spoke of demons in his head on a tangible level, along with murders, depression, and the struggles he inevitably succumbed to. This was peak DMX and still maintains a place on my listening station. This is weird because this one barely had singles when it came to plays. It wasn’t a radio hit, but none of that mattered. The magic of X translated without it.

1. It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot (1998)

I can’t say enough about how good this album is. It was everything the ’90s didn’t know they needed until DMX released it in 1998. It was violent and hard AF. The album featured the signature growl that continued to back the listener into a proverbial corner from fear every time the adlib dropped. This was an opus. An actual story being told in the form of a hip-hop album, it felt like it was filled with metaphors and allegories hidden under veiled truths. 

The truth was that this was the album that took over hip-hop. It allowed listeners to funnel their aggression and rage through X, the music, and out into the world. It took you into the darkness of his mind in the same way, Being John Malkovich took you deep into the psyche of Malkovich’s madness. It’s Dark and Hell is Hot is a masterclass in hip hop. It’s a non-stop playthrough. More than 25 years later, I still don’t pass a single song when I go back to listen to this. While you could certainly make an argument that Flesh of My Flesh is an equally essential and powerful album, this was the one that made X who he was and who he always will be to hip-hop heads. One of the greatest. RIP X.