30 Greatest East Coast Albums
I have been on a mission to this year to discuss the different regions of Hip-Hop in the U.S. My first post was the 30 Greatest Southern Rap Songs and after that came the 20 Greatest West Coast Hip-Hop Acts. The third instalment will move towards the birthplace of Hip-Hop, the East Coast, and it’s the perfect time to focus on the East Coast as all Hip-Hop fans have recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.
This isn’t a personal list, this isn’t 30 of my personal favourite albums to come out of the East Coast. It’s a list where I believe these albums have the best quality, the most impact and influence.
As always lets talk about the rules and guidelines of the list.
To have better representation, I have chosen to only add one album per artist. So don’t expect multiple Jay-Z albums or multiple Nas albums.
This list isn’t ranked, it’s in order of when the albums came out.
Now let’s get into the list.
Run-DMC — Raising Hell (1986)
Queens, New York City
Though a creative and new genre within music, Hip-Hop struggled to gain mainstream success and recognition in the beginning, that all changed with Run-D.M.C.’s third studio album Raising Hell. By collaborating with Aerosmith for a cover of the band’s 1975 single “Walk This Way, the group was able to crack the charts and reach number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Raising Hell was able to help Hip-Hop gain the recognition and respect that it deserved, especially during a time where many critics viewed Hip-Hop as a fad that would soon fade away.
Boogie Down Productions — Criminal Minded (1987)
The Bronx, New York City
BDP’s debut album represents a massive moment in time for East Coast Hip-Hop, with the album consisting of two singles “South Bronx” and “The Bridge Is Over”, both songs being a part of The Bridge Wars between The Bronx and Queens. With both records being aimed at Queensbridge rapper MC Shan and the latter track being aimed at Queensbridge as a whole, also being viewed as one of the best diss records of all time. Criminal Minded has been heralded as a classic album for decades, with the many songs from the album being sampled various times over the years.
Eric B. & Rakim — Paid in FUll (1987)
Long Island, NY
A pioneering album for lyricism, Rakim’s use of internal rhymes within his raps were incredibly influential and set the blueprint for many lyricists that came after him, from the likes of Nas and Biggie. With his rhymes schemes, Rakim set the bar for lyricism at an all time high in 1987. In addition, his calm and laid back vocals also stood out compared to his contemporaries. Whilst, Rakim became the benchmark for lyricism with his partner in crime Eric B., has also been credited for his sampling and production work for the duo’s debut album.
Big Daddy Kane — Long Live The Kane (1988)
Brooklyn, New York City
Similar to Rakim, Big Daddy Kane’s debut album introduced new levels of rapping. From his flow to his word play, whilst his style was incredibly impressive and introduced a new standard within Hip-Hop. Additionally, like BDP’s Criminal Minded, Kane’s debut album has been sampled and interpolated countless times over the years. Influencing numerous rappers from the likes of Jay-Z to The Notorious B.I.G.. With the album coming out in the late 1980s, Kane was one of the pioneers in helping to introduce Hip-Hop to the mainstream.
Public Enemy — It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988)
Long Island, NY
Many regard Public Enemy’s second studio album as the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time, and it’s easy to see why. With The Bomb Squad’s aggressive and in your face type production, it worked perfectly with Chuck D’s social commentary. From top to bottom, the album is incredible from its songs to even its title and album cover. Though many tried to ignore the group’s first album Yo! Bum Rush The Show, which was released a year earlier, it was difficult and damn near impossible to ignore them with the release of their second album.
Slick Rick — The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988)
The Bronx, New York City
Whilst Kane and Rakim were taking the standard higher for technical abilities, Slick Rick helped introduce a high level of storytelling. With records such as “Children’s Story” and “Teenage Love”, Rick showcased his vivid storytelling. Additionally, his personal style has become incredibly iconic. From his persona, fashion sense and his ability to paint vivid imagery with his words, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick helped make Slick Rick become a huge beloved superstar. Influencing countless rappers that came after him from the likes of Snoop Dogg and Nas, Slick Rick is arguably one of the most sampled rappers of all time.
De La Soul — 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
Amityville, NY
De La’s debut album helped usher in a new sound to Hip-Hop and helped introduce Jazz Rap, opening the doors for acts such as A Tribe Called Quest and The Roots. From its production to its themes and content, 3 Feet High and Rising stood out from other artists and their albums. Helping to push for an alternative sound within Hip-Hop, the album incorporated samples from various artists and genres, helping to influence producers from the likes of Q-Tip and Pharrell Williams. Full review
LL Cool J — Mama Said Knock You Out (1990)
Queens, New York City
With the five years under his belt and three albums, LL Cool J became one of the biggest names in Hip-Hop. By the turn of the 1990s, LL Cool J wasn’t done and his fourth album Mama Said Knock You Out spawned some of LL’s greatest work. The album consisted of four successful singles, with “"The Boomin' System", "Around the Way Girl", "6 Minutes of Pleasure" and not to mention the title track. Whilst he was gaining success commercially, LL would show his prowess from a lyrical standpoint by dissing his rivals on the single “To da Break of Dawn”.
A Tribe Called Quest — The Low End Theory (1991)
Queens, New York City
The second album of Tribe’s three album run, The Low End Theory is viewed as the group’s magnum opus and the greatest creation. If De La Soul helped introduce an alternative sound to Hip-Hop, Tribe introduced new heights and pushed the sound further. The album helped Phife Dawg gain more recognition as a great MC, whilst Busta Rhymes gained a breakout moment with his legendary verse on the album’s posse cut, “Scenario”. From the album’s lyricism, production to its album cover, The Low End Theory is an iconic Hip-Hop album.
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Live and Let Die (1992)
Queens, New York City
An influential artist that introduced mafioso rap, that was used and incorporated by the likes of Biggie, Nas and Raekwon. If there is an album that influenced these artists the most it’s most likely the duo’s third album, Live and Let Die. With classic cuts such as “Ill Street Blues” and “On the Run”, Kool G Rap arguably penned some of his greatest work on the duo’s third album. It helped pave the way for future classic albums, from the likes of Biggie’s Life After Death and Nas’ It Was Written.
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca and the Soul Brother (1992)
Mount Vernon, NY
Historically viewed as a definitive classic Hip-Hop album, the duo’s debut album helped Pete Rock gain more recognition and respect as a producer. The album contains classic cuts such as “Straighten It Out” and the single “"They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", which has become a beloved track within the Hip-Hop community. Hip-Hop has had many great one rapper and one producer albums from various decades, and Mecca and the Soul Brother is still regarded as one of the most dynamic and one of the best, two decades on.
Redman - Whut? the Album (1992)
Newark, NJ
One of the best debut albums from an East Coast artist, Redman introduced himself to the world with his comedic lyricism and aggressive delivery. Almost entirely produced by Redman and EPMD member Erick Sermon, the album stood out from other East Coast’s releases, with its more upbeat and funk inspired production. Many may look towards Redman’s second or third album as his best work, but his debut project consists of some of his best work with classic singles such as “Time 4 Sum Aksion” and “Tonight’s Da Night”.
Gang Starr — Daily Operation (1992)
Brooklyn, New York City
Many rappers and rap groups have gone on consistent runs, by dropping great albums back to back. Arguably Gang Starr’s run between 1992 to 1998 is one of greatest runs in Hip-Hop history, and some may say the greatest. Already releasing two albums with 1989’s No More Mr. Nice Guy and 1991’s Step in the Arena, Gang Starr’s third LP Daily Operation took their status within Hip-Hop to a whole new level. With classic cuts such as “The Place We Dwell” and the album’s lead single “Ex Girl to Next Girl”, Daily Operation was the start of Gang Starr’s formidable four album run that propelled them to become one of the greatest duos in Hip-Hop history.
Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
Staten Island, New York City
The debut album from what many would consider the greatest Hip-Hop group of all time. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is an album that can go toe to toe with any other classic album. It was unique and out of the ordinary, nine MCs coming together to create one album. Produced entirely by the RZA, sonically 36 Chambers couldn’t be compared to anything else with its incorporation of Kung Fu movie samples. With the West-Coast’s dominance in the early 90s, Wu-Tang Clan were one of the acts to help the East-Coast gain a resurgence. Highly influential, 36 Chambers is one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time.
Nas — Illmatic (1994)
Queens, New York City
Considered to be the bible within Hip-Hop, Nas’ 1994 debut album Illmatic is regarded as the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time. Released at the tender age of 20, Nas was considered as one of the greatest rappers and the heir to Rakim, after just one album. Enlisting the help of some of the best East-Coast producers at the time, from the likes of Q-Tip, DJ Premier and Pete Rock, Illmatic is perhaps the first ever super produced album. Gaining a straight 5 Mic review from The Source, Illmatic’s impact was immediate, and almost thirty years on very few rap albums can match its greatness.
The Notorious B.I.G. — Ready to Die (1994)
Brookyln, new York City
If there is an album that can provide you with so many different emotions it would be Biggie's 1994 debut album, Ready to Die. Filled with party records, street tales to humorous songs; Biggie exploded to the scene and helped bring back commercial shine to the East Coast, after the dominance of Death Row and the West Coast. The Brooklyn MC birthed a formula that many of his peers and rappers after him followed. That being the formula of having both hit singles for radio and album cuts for pure Hip-Hop fans. Ready to Die provides singles such as “Big Poppa” and the classic single “Juicy” that went on to help push the album commercially, however the album also includes album cuts such as “Gimmie the Loot” and “Suicidal Thoughts” which showcases Biggie’s lyrical prowess
Raekwon — Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995)
Staten Island, New York City
After the success of Wu-Tang’s debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the focus shifted on pushing the success of the individual members of the group. Raekwon showcased his talents throughout the group’s debut album, and when compared to the other Clan members he arguably created the best Wu-Tang solo album with his debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Entirely produced by RZA, it’s perhaps the best produced album out of all the Wu-Tang albums. That statement includes both solo and group albums. Filled with many features from Ghostface Killah, it birthed one of the greatest non-official duos in Hip-Hop history with Raekwon and Ghostface. Filled with iconic singles and album cuts, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is a flawless album from start to finish.
Mobb Deep — The Infamous (1995)
Queens, New York City
Not many people get a second chance if their debut album doesn’t hit. Luckily for Mobb Deep they were given that second chance, after the debut album Juvenile Hell failed to gain both commercial and critical success. With The Infamous, Mobb Deep returned with a completely new sound. The Infamous is a darker and grittier body of work, filled with lyrics that touch upon life within New York City’s inner streets. The album is filled with countless great songs, but none of them have had the impact of “Shook One Pt. II”, the album’s lead single which has gone on to become one of the greatest and most cherished Hip-Hop records of all time.
GZA — Liquid Swords (1995)
Staten Island, New York City
Along with Raekwon’s debut album, 1995 also saw the release of another stellar Wu-Tang solo project. Barring from the album’s last track “B.I.B.L.E.”, the project is entirely produced by GZA’s cousin RZA. In comparison to the beats on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Liquid Swords is the most experimental Wu-Tang album. Production on songs such as “4th Chamber” are more out there, however they mesh perfectly with GZA’s lyricism and rapping style. Liquid Swords was another phenomenal project that continued Wu-Tang’s insane run since their 1993 debut.
Jay-Z — Reasonable Doubt (1996)
Brookyln, New York City
Though Jay-Z has gone on to produce more commercially successful albums since his debut, it’s his first album that is still regarded as his best. Reasonable Doubt is one of the few albums that helped popularise Mafioso rap, which became popular towards the mid to late 1990s. Though not a huge commercial success, the album has consistently been heralded in high regard, due to it’s incredible production from producers such as DJ Premier, DJ Clark Kent and Ski to Jay-Z’s incredible rapping abilities on tracks such as “Dead Presidents II”, “D’Evils” and “Can I Live”. It’s Hov’s most raw and unpolished album, yet it still can be put against the album’s he made after his debut.
Fugees — The Score (1996)
South Orange, NJ
An album that made such a huge impact, the Fugees' The Score is one of the biggest albums of the 1990s. Following up from their 1994 debut album, Blunted on Reality, the trio failed to make a huge impact with their debut. However, with the second LP they turned things around and created one of the most beloved Hip-Hop albums. Fusing various genres such as Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae, the album propelled the group commercially. Most notably it introduced Lauryn Hill to the world, who would go on and make her classic debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Company Flow — Funcrusher Plus (1997)
Brookyln, New York CIty
Arguably the most important album within underground Hip-Hop. By the late 90s, Hip-Hop was becoming divided between the mainstream and the underground. The underground scene was brewing with amazing talent that were rebelling against the commercialisation of Hip-Hop. One album that came out and spearheaded the underground movement was Company Flow’s Funcrusher Plus. Whilst Puffy and Bad Boy were ruling the charts and wearing shiny suits in 1997, Company Flow were not concerned with conforming and making music to appease the labels, the charts or the radio. Having a massive impact, the album helped put the label they were signed to on the map, that being Rawkus Records. A label that would go one to have a massive impact on underground Hip-Hop also, by signing acts such as Black Star and Pharoahe Monch.
Black Star — Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998)
Brooklyn, New York City
Similar to Company Flow, Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s debut album is another staple within underground Hip-Hop. Away from the commercialised norms of late 90s Hip-Hop, Black Star’s debut album was more focused on bringing soul back into Hip-Hop. Two talented lyricists, Mos and Talib used the influence of acts such as Public Enemy, KRS One to A Tribe Called Quest in order to produce one of the most authentic Hip-Hop albums of all time. It helped lead to both Talib and Mos having respected solo careers, as Mos Def would go on to create a classic debut with Black on Both Sides, whilst Talib would release Reflection Eternal with producer Hi-Tek. For decades fans wanted a second album and it came with 2022’s No Fear of Time. For people to still want an album 24 years after the first album, it goes to show how much Black Star’s debut album is loved and respected.
Big Pun — Capital Punishment (1998)
The Bronx, New York City
An album that provides something for every Hip-Hop fan, South Bronx’s very own Big Pun was able to deliver a debut album that had both commercial appeal and also album cuts that were able to showcase his talent on the mic. His biggest hit single “Still Not a Playa” featuring Joe, became one of the biggest Hip-Hop singles of 1998 and is still loved 25 years on. The album also includes records such as the menacing “Beware”, and “Super Lyrical” where he goes toe to toe on the mic with Black Thought from The Roots. Not to mention “Twinz (Deep Cover ‘98)” featuring Fat Joe, where Pun showcases his various flows including his rapid fire delivery over the instrumental for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s classic song “Deep Cover”.
DMX — It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998)
Yonkers, NY
“Let’s take it back to the streets” are the first words you hear from DMX on the lead single of his debut album, “Get at Me Dog”. After the charts were ruled by Puffy and Bad Boy during their shiny suit era, DMX burst through the door and brought a more dark and grittier sound to the charts. Becoming a huge and unlikely crossover artist, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot pushed DMX to become the biggest star in Hip-Hop in the late 1990s. His debut album was the complete opposite of the glitz and glam that was shown and heard on Bad Boy, DMX became a household name by being authentically himself. With his music touching upon topics such as religion, depression, and violence. With albums such as It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, DMX became one of the most beloved artists within Hip-Hop.
The Roots — Things Fall Apart (1999)
Philadelphia, PA
After releasing two previous albums that garnered huge amounts of respect, with Do You Want More?!!!??! and Illadelph Halflife, The Roots were able to complete a three album run with their fourth studio album Things Fall Apart. A part of the Soulquarians collective, The Roots’ Things Fall Apart came out of the legendary studio sessions that also birthed albums such as D’Angelo’s Voodoo and Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun. Arguably their best produced album with the assistance of producers such as Scott Storch and the late great J. Dilla, Things Fall Apart was The Roots’ breakthrough album, as the album includes the hit single “You Got Me” featuring Erykah Badu and Eve. A flawless album from start to finish, it helped push The Roots to become not only more popular but also one of the most respected groups of all time.
Pharoahe Monch — Internal Affairs (1999)
Queens, New York City
Having already made a name for himself as one of half of the duo Organized Konfusion with Prince Po, Pharoahe would shift his focus on his solo career after the groups split. Signing to Rawkus Records, a label that already had the talents of Company Flow and Black Star, Pharoahe went on to make his own voice heard on the label with his first single, “Simon Says”. Sampling the theme song to Godzilla, he shook the rap game with his solo debut single. With Internal Affairs consisting of great lyricism and production, Pharoahe cemented himself as one of the most respected MCs within the underground scene. He already proved himself within Organized Konfusion, and then proved himself as a solo artist as well.
MF DOOM — Operation: Doomsday (1999)
Long Island, NY
Originally going by the name Zev Love X in the beginning of his career, Dumile Thompson would start to go by the name MF DOOM by the late 1990s. His debut under the MF DOOM moniker, Operation: Doomsday, would go on to become heralded as classic within the underground Hip-Hop scene. Incredibly unique from his rapping style, production and samples, Operation: Doomsday would help DOOM gain a name for himself within the underground scene. Still a cherished body of work, the album was the start for DOOM to become one of the most respected and influential MCs for those that knew about him and knew about his greatness.
Mos Def — Black on Both Sides (1999)
Brookyln, New York City
After the release of his collaborative work with Talib Kweli on Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star, Mos Def released a debut album that was capable of competing with his work with Kweli and was pretty much on par with the duo’s debut. Incorporating both live instrumentation and lyrics that center around social commentary, Mos Def was able to showcase a different level of artistry on Black on Both Sides. Whilst his rapping on the whole album is phenomenal, Mos also showcased his versatility as an artist, as he sang on the album’s second single “Umi Says”. Whilst Black Star’s debut proved how amazing Mos Def is as a rapper, Black on Both Sides proved how amazing Mos Def is as an overall artist, as he rapped, sang and produced on the album.
50 Cent — Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003)
Queens, New York City
Has there been a rapper who has shook up the entire rap industry prior to the release of their debut album? That’s what 50 Cent did prior to his major label debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’. 50 Cent’s debut was highly anticipated and when it dropped it didn’t disappoint. A blockbuster of an album, it spawned countless hit singles that are still played to this day, two decades on. Singles such as “In da Club”, “21 Questions” and “P.I.M.P.” were huge crossover singles that made 50 Cent a household name and showcased his songwriting talent. The album captures a moment in time and is easily one of the most impactful Hip-Hop albums of the 2000s. Full review