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The energy and rhythm of soul music are enchanting – put on a record, and before you know it, you’re already grooving. You can go on for days, playing album after album, and never get tired of listening to these musicians pour their heart and soul into each track. What would you take if you had to go to another planet and could only carry 13 soul albums?

Some great soul albums to own on vinyl include “James Brown – Live at the Apollo,” “Aretha Franklin – Aretha Live at Fillmore West,” “Roberta Flack – First Take,” “Al Green – Greatest Hits,” “Curtis Mayfield – Superfly,” “Marvin Gaye – What’s Going,” and “On Sam Cooke – Night Beat.”

Creating a list of 13 great soul albums to own on vinyl was difficult, as there are countless incredible artists in this genre. Although this is not a definitive list for soul music, you can use this as a starting point for expanding your collection. 

1. James Brown – Live at the Apollo

Let’s be honest – no soul album collection is complete without mentioning the legendary James Brown. The godfather of soul showcased the power of his voice, music, and grooves, at the Apollo Theater, in 1962.

It’s good that James Brown took matters into his own hands to record this performance, as King Records weren’t interested in doing the same. In fact, they even assumed that this wouldn’t sell well as he didn’t have any new tracks for this album. However, I’m glad he did, as we wouldn’t be able to experience his mesmerizing show.

In this album, you can hear the crowd going wild as Brown sings I’ll Go Crazy. You’ll also listen to vocals from The Famous Flames, featuring Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Lloyd Stallworth. This live album from Brown is a must-have for any soul music fan, as you can feel the energy of each line. 

We might have been too young to experience the magic of James Brown’s live concert. Fortunately, we can glimpse what it was like to be at his concert with this album. 

2. Aretha Franklin – Aretha Live at Fillmore West

The first thing that’ll come to your mind when you hear Aretha Franklin is – what an incredible and stunning voice. And what better way to experience her voice than listening to Aretha Live at Fillmore West. Another live album on this list; it was available to purchase in 1971, almost two months after the concert. 

She starts the concert with Respect, one of her many classics. It sets the tone for what you can expect from the rest of the performance. Live albums are a treasure as you can hear how much everyone is enjoying listening to Aretha Franklin.

From Bridge Over Troubled Water to Spirit In The Dark, she also plays the piano while taking you through a wide range of deep emotions. Towards the end of the performance, Ray Charles joins her on stage and lends his iconic vocals for Spirit In The Dark.

The album creates a groovy atmosphere that’ll leave you wanting for more by the time you’re done listening to it. 

3. Otis Redding – Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul

Another must-have in any soul album collection is Otis Blue by Otis Redding. It features the works of Sam Cooke, another soul musician who left the world too soon. The album starts off on a slow tempo with Ole Man Trouble.

In my opinion, this contains some of his best work. After listening to the album, you’ll understand why he is a legendary figure in the soul world.

What’s more surprising is that Redding recorded the entire album in 24 hours. Usually, if something is done in such a short period, generally, it doesn’t come out great.

What an incredible testament this is to Redding’s musical brilliance. In this album, you’ll also hear his rendition of B.B King’s Rock Me, Baby.  

4. Al Green – Greatest Hits

One album that is excellent from start to finish is Al Green’s Greatest Hits. Although he’s released 29 studio albums throughout his career, you can’t go wrong if you pick this up. It gives you a taste of what to expect from Al Green if you haven’t heard his work.

Be warned, if you’re going to be playing this album, make sure you don’t have anything to do for the next half an hour. That’s because you won’t be able to stop tapping your feet and dancing once Al Green gets going.

The rhythm of all the songs in this vinyl has a groove like no other. Also, you’ll find one of Green’s iconic songs, Let’s Stay Together, which is a part of Grammy’s Hall of Fame. 

In the first editions of Al Green’s Greatest Hits, you would find How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. In the newer editions of this album, they replaced this track with Love and Happiness. Look at the track list before making the deal if you want to get your hands on a rare copy of this album.

5. Curtis Mayfield – Superfly

When it comes to soul music, Curtis Mayfield needs no introduction. Out of all his albums, Superfly is often one of the best to experience his groovy beats and vocals. 

With this album, you also get a taste of how powerful music is regarding activism and raising awareness on social issues. Pay close attention to the vocals in Little Child Runnin’ Wild, the first song on this album.

It was also the soundtrack for the movie Superfly (1972). Mayfield is brilliant at his work, as he knows how to deliver hard-hitting lyrics with a rhythm. You may not think much about the songs when you listen to the lyrics of all the tracks for the first time. However, once you know what he’s talking about, the lyrics hit a different note. 

All the tracks have incredible instrumentals, mixed with the right amount of vocals to ensure you don’t feel it’s too much of either. 

6. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

If there’s one album you need to listen to, it’s Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. At the time of its release (1971), a lot was happening in the United States.

Gaye crafted a powerful album to bring several issues on socio-economic and wartime conditions. From the lyrics, you get a clear picture of what he’s trying to hint at with his music. 

Although the vocals carry a lot of weight, he balances it skillfully with funky beats. It’s a great album to learn more about his worldview during that time and how he wanted to deal with everything taking place in his life.

Marvin Gaye can talk about societal issues, get you to groove, and make you feel strong emotions with his voice – a truly remarkable feat for any musician. 

He has a lot to offer in this album, and I recommend paying close attention to what he says. Even though he talks about things that happened decades ago, some parts are still relevant even today. I always consider his work timeless, and this album proves that.

7. Sam Cooke – Night Beat

Sam Cooke is another legendary figure in soul music. Had he been with us any longer, I’m sure he would have produced incredible works of music. Even though he was only a professional musician for 13 years, he won several awards for his music after his death.

Sam Cooke’s Night Beat captures the beauty of his fantastic voice in all its glory. It was one of the last albums he produced. He will take you through deep emotions and thoughts with every track. 

If you’re looking for a slow-paced album with mesmerizing vocals and beats that you can listen to throughout the night, you’ll love Night Beat. 

8. Charles Bradley – Changes

Charles Bradley had a late-career compared to all the other artists on this list. Although he became famous in his 50s, he left an enormous impression with just three albums.

One way you can experience his musical brilliance is to listen to his third and last album, Changes. You can see that he got inspired by James Brown from the track Good To Be Back Home. Along with the groovy beats, your head will bob to the music in no time.

He has a unique and powerful voice, just like the soul musicians of the past. It was as though his style could transport you back to a time when James Brown had just started his career as a soul musician.

9. Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life

While there are plenty of albums to choose from when it comes to Stevie Wonder, I believe Songs in the Key of Life is one you must have on vinyl. It’s a masterpiece from a musician who inspired various artists from different genres worldwide.

Before he released this album, there were rumors that he would retire from his music career. Who could blame him? Before Songs in the Key of Life, he had already produced 17 studio albums by the age of 25. 

Thankfully, he continued to make music as Songs in the Key of Life was on a new level. The only way to truly understand why this album won a Grammy is to listen to all the tracks. 

It’s been over four decades since Stevie Wonder released this album. This test of time continues to show the musical genius of this legendary artist. 

10. Roberta Flack – First Take

Roberta Flack introduced herself to the world of soul music with First Take, her first studio album. The tracks are heavy on the vocals, and for a good reason – you get to hear her stunning voice and why she was a phenomenon back in the day.

The first track, Compared to What, starts with funky beats before switching to a slower tempo. Her voice draws you to the music, and you can feel it deep inside your soul. This album is great for a slow afternoon or late-night session with someone you care about deeply.

You’ll also find one of her classics in this album, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. 

11. Bill Withers – Still Bill

When Bill Withers died on March 30, 2020, it was a sad day for soul music. Fortunately, he left several gems behind so everyone could enjoy his music. Still Bill, his second album, is one you must get for your soul music collection.

It contains Lean On Me, one of his most popular tracks. The beats on this album are catchy, matching his elegant and alluring voice. He also featured in The Guardian’s “1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die.” 

12. The Supremes – Where Did Our Love Go

While The Supremes, a singing group, had several hits spanning decades, Where Did Our Love Go, their second album hits all the right notes. After bursting into the scene with Meet The Supremes, they returned even harder in the next album.

You’ll love listening to the unforgettable beats that leave you upbeat at the end of every track and always wanting more. It contains several classics like Baby Love and When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes. 

Every track in this album is so magical that it will get you snapping your fingers to the beat as you listen to the charming vocals of The Supremes in unison. 

13. Ray Charles – Greatest Hits

The influence Ray Charles had on the music scene is beyond remarkable. Initially, not everyone was on board with the way he combined R&B with gospel music. Thankfully, he continued on this path to create some of the best soul music.

A musical genius, visionary … you can use countless words to describe his talents. Ray Charles makes you feel his music deep inside your bones – as though he’s speaking to your soul. 

He released Ray Charles – Greatest Hits in 1962, the first of many similar albums. It contains hits like Hit The Road Jack and Unchain My Heart, two of his greatest songs. Even though Ray Charles is no longer with us, he left an awe-inspiring legacy behind.

Alice in Chains is one of the most iconic bands in rock history and I personally think listening to them on vinyl is by far the best way to experience the band. However, considering costs and availability not everyone can afford their entire discography. So if you’re in the market for a new Alice in Chains vinyl, and don’t know where to start from, consider getting the best ones first.

The best Alice In Chains vinyls are Jar of Flies, Dirt, Facelift, Sap, and a recording of one of their live performances. These are also huge sellers because of their cover art, the popular songs on each vinyl, and many collectible editions. 

As always, consider your vinyl collection’s purpose before deciding which vinyls to add, and always keep your eyes out for quality second-hand versions. Below, I’ll tell you what you need to know about each album so you can decide which ones to go looking for! 

1. Jar of Flies

Jar of Flies is one of the most popular vinyls you can find from Alice In Chains. In terms of popularity it’s by far one of the most popular EPs ever released. Although EPs like the Jay-z- Linkin Park collision course have repeated the feat, Jar of Flies was the first EP to ever debut at the top of the billboard. 

Even now years later it’s an accomplishment that is hard to duplicate.

The album opens up with “Rotten Apple” and flows into “Nutshell,” which really sets the tone for what’s to come: slow but powerful guitar riffs driven by Jerry Cantrell’s deep voice and some catchy drum beats by Sean Kinney bring together some pretty heavy moments throughout this song (and others). 

There are also moments where everything slows down into calmer territory; these usually come after intense verses or choruses full of shouting lyrics about death or addiction—which makes sense given the context behind them being written during Layne Staley’s struggle with drug addiction.

For people who collect vinyl based on the cover art that you’re going to display, the Jar of Flies album definitely is right up your alley. The album cover depicts an adolescent boy staring into a revolting jar of flies.

The iconic rock-and-roll shot was taken in the photographer’s dining room after the band decided what it should be named. 

You can find this album here on Amazon or look for it in your local record store or thrift. This is a rare find on Vinyl, so if you find it, hold on to it! As you can see, the Amazon version is pretty expensive because it’s a special find. 

2. Dirt

Dirt is one of the most well-known Alice In Chains albums, and with good reason. This record was an important part of their career, as it’s the first release featuring guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell full-time. 

On top of its iconic sound, Dirt has also gone quintuple platinum since its release in 1992—a testament to its staying power over time, both commercially and critically.

With tracks like “Angry Chair” and “Would?” it doesn’t get much better than Dirt. The 30th-anniversary edition comes in gold, and the cover art on both the regular and anniversary releases will catch the attention of any vinyl enthusiast. You can find this album here on Amazon.

3. Facelift

Facelift is another iconic album from Alice in Chains that you should consider purchasing or hunting for on vinyl. Facelift was the album that introduced Alice In Chains to the world and contains their first hit single, “Man in the Box.” 

“Man in the Box” is still the number one most listened song for Alice In Chains today with their Spotify numbers alone coming in at nearly 300,000,000 streams.

This record features songs that show each member’s individual talent, including Layne Staley’s vocal range, which made him one of the most iconic singers of all time. 

While its original release was on August 21st, 1990, via Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment Inc., the vinyl reissue was released on May 26th, 2018. The vinyl itself is gorgeous–it comes as a translucent red vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves featuring lyrics and credits.

The album is also available as a limited edition box set that includes a cassette version of the album and an exclusive 7″ disc containing two unreleased tracks from the recording sessions for Facelift titled “Junkhead” and “Swing On This.” 

The cover is attractive, if not a little gory. It’s colorful and a little jarring but iconic in its own right. It also includes gems like “Love, Hate, Love” and “We Die Young.”.

You can find this album here on Amazon.

4. Live In Oakland

As good as listening to any band can sound on vinyl, live performances are special. While studio recordings give you the clearest form of any song, a live performance allows you to feel it, putting you in the pit as you listen to the music and energy from the stage.

Live in Oakland is undoubtedly essential for any Alice in Chains fan. The recording was taken from their shows in Oakland and features eleven tracks from their discography.

If this one isn’t for you, they have quite a few other live performances in vinyl to pick from. As long as you’re a fan, you’ll definitely find something you like. 

5. Sap

Alice in Chains’ third album, Sap, is a must-have on vinyl.

The album was released in 1992—a time when grunge was still going strong but had already started to shift from its early days of pure aggression towards something more melodic and less abrasive. 

It was also a time when Alice in Chains was at the height of their powers: they’d been together for almost a decade and had just released their masterpiece Dirt (which would go on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time), with Sap following closely behind it.

That said, Sap is not as well-known as Dirt or even some of their other albums—but it’s still one of the most unique records they ever made. 

Many people think they can’t stand grunge music because they don’t like bands like Nirvana or Pearl Jam; well, this isn’t that grunge music! It’s a little mellow than most grunge bands would ever get, but it’s got all the same raw emotion and power that keeps you coming back for more every time you listen to it. 

When the band released Sap in 1993, they were already considered one of the most influential grunge bands. They had established themselves as the kings of the Seattle sound with their previous two albums, Facelift and Dirt. But when it came time to make Sap, they wanted to do something different—and they succeeded in making an album that was unlike anything else at the time.

How To Find Vinyl Records 

Finding a vinyl isn’t as simple as picking out the one you like and grabbing it at the nearest store. In fact, most audiophiles have to develop their own shopping techniques to ensure they’re not blowing the bank on vinyl yet also getting quality vinyl that plays well on their set-ups. 

First things first: if you want new vinyl, your best bet will probably be Amazon Prime or another online retailer offering free shipping. If you’re looking for used records, there are a few places where you can go in person to find them: garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores (especially ones that specialize in music), and record shops.

If you’re looking for new records but don’t have access to Amazon Prime (or if you live near a record store), try going into the store and asking if they have any copies of whatever you’re searching for in stock. You might even ask them if they know of any other places around town that might have what you need!

If all else fails—and you can’t find what you need—consider using eBay as an option. This can be risky because there’s no guarantee that the seller will give you what they promise; however, if they do, it could be the best purchase you’ve made!

Inspect your Vinyl Before Purchase

The first and most important thing to do with vinyls is to test them. This is doubly true for used vinyls. While most new vinyls will come sealed, used vinyls are almost always opened. The exception to this would be if they’ve been resealed by the seller or were never opened.

Regardless, most vinyl stores will have a record player you can use to test vinyls before or after purchase. This can be a great way to check the quality of the sound you’re getting.

If the store doesn’t have a record player, ensure you inspect the vinyl thoroughly. First, check the record for scratches and deformation.

While it’s a less common problem, you should always ensure that your case and vinyl match. Some sellers (especially online) might stick a less expensive vinyl in the case for a more expensive one. 

Sometimes it’s not even the store’s fault. People might try to pull one over on a store by sticking a different vinyl in a less expensive cover and taking their profit, so it’s always a good idea to take a look at the vinyl rather than just the case. 

If all else fails and you decide to go ahead with the purchase of a used record, make sure that your purchase comes with some kind of warranty on its functionality so that if anything goes wrong with it after purchase, they’ll be able to fix it or replace it for free!

Why Are Alice in Chains Vinyl So Expensive?

Alice in Chains vinyls are so expensive because most of them haven’t been mass-produced. Though the albums were popular back in the day, more music was coming out on CD and cassette, so a vinyl record of albums like Jar of Flies and Sap is rare. 

If you can find a used version of the most expensive albums–like Jar of Flies–grab it while you can. A new copy of their rare albums will set you back what could be a month’s rent in some cities!

Is Alice in Chains Dirt On Vinyl?

Dirt by Alice in Chains is on vinyl, and it’s mass-produced. You can find a Dirt vinyl in most stores that sell records brand new, or even online, without breaking the bank.

This album isn’t a rarity on Vinyl — not to say you shouldn’t grab a used one if you find it! However, the album is pretty affordable online, so it’s relatively easy to find it. You can find this album here on Amazon.

How Many Albums Did Alice in Chains Produce?

Alice in Chains produced six studio albums and has three live recording albums. Beyond this, many of their albums have rare anniversary additions. You can find most of the Alice in Chains records on vinyl.

Though most of the albums can be found on vinyl, be aware that some of them are pretty pricey!

Why Did Alice In Chains Break Up?

The band Alice in Chains broke up temporarily after the untimely death of their lead singer, Layne Staley from a drug overdose. They took a bit of time off and then reconnected with a new front runner to produce some more music and tour.

Thankfully the band is still relatively active, making appearances and touring.

Some albums sound best backed up by the nostalgic warmth of vinyl, and many hip-hop albums fit the bill. The genre began in New York block parties with twin record players, so it only makes sense that hip hop sounds its best when played on vinyl. The 90s are hip hop’s most iconic and transformative decade, during which we got a wide range of iconic albums.

The best 90s hip-hop albums to own on vinyl are All Eyez on Me by 2Pac and Ready to Die by Notorious B.I.G. These albums are not only of great quality and historical significance, but they also sound exceptional on vinyl.

The rest of this article will take you through eleven of the best hip-hop albums every serious record collector should own on vinyl. If you’re a hip-hop fan and want to grow your collection, keep reading! (All recommendations are available on Amazon.com) 

Best Overall: All Eyez on Me by 2Pac (1996) and Ready To Die by Notorious B.I.G. (1994)

All Eyez ON Me and Ready to Die are two of the most iconic albums in hip hop history, but beyond their historical significance, they are both incredible sound-wise. 

All Eyez On Me is the fourth and final album released by Tupac Shakur, otherwise known as 2Pac, while he was alive. The album, the first double album released in hip hop, was released after 2Pac spent eleven months in jail and survived an assassination attempt; and opens with the chilling whisper, “You don’t wanna fuck with me.” 

After Tupac was released from jail, he wrote and recorded extremely fast, contributing to the frenzied, non-stop tone of the album. However, the post-production and mixing help make this album cohesive and unified. 

Tupac’s previous months in jail contributed to potent and aggressive lyricism, including the first track on the album, “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” and the hit single “All Bout U.” The album also has several impressive features, including Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. 

This album isn’t all aggression, however. Tupac pays tribute to loved ones who have passed on in “Life Goes On,” and this track intimately reveals his tender side. 

Ultimately, All Eyez On Me captures 2Pac as a whole being, including his fears and vulnerability. Tupac’s troubled history is scattered throughout the album’s lyrics and tone, making for a powerful listening experience. It is a classic and iconic album because it is 2Pac’s final album and because it is an impressive album lyrically and tonally. 

The other best hip-hop album of the 90s is Ready to Die by Notorious B.I.G., a priceless piece of rap history. The overall feel of the album is laid-back, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some intense moments, including “Intro,” which details Biggie’s life up until the release of Ready to Die. There are also some pretty humorous moments, with his hit “One More Chance” being a prime example.

This album also has some notable features, including Method Man and Diana King. My personal favorite is the latter, as she makes “Respect” into a catchy reggae-style song that fits into the album’s tone but still sets itself apart from anything else in Biggie’s discography. 

This is an incredible debut, and one reason is that he covers his life story, so listeners get an idea of who he is through his artistry. His bars are well-written and detailed throughout, and this is undoubtedly an album any hip-hop lover should have in their collection. 

These two albums–All Eyez on Me and Ready to Die, are iconic on their own, but the hip-hop history behind them is part of the reason why I believe they are the best overall hip-hop albums of the 1990s. Tupac and Biggie’s rivalry is notorious (pun intended) for being one of the biggest rivalries in music history. 

They were two of the most talented trailblazers in hip hop, and they both raised awareness about life on the streets and social injustice, and they both died while their careers were taking off. However, they were from different coasts, and this difference would ultimately overpower all of their similarities. 

The two threw punches at each other using their music, with the first punch being thrown by Biggie on Ready to Die in “Who Shot Ya?” and Tupac responding with “Hit ‘Em Up.” The coastal beef resulted in the premature deaths of both artists. 

When you listen to All Eyez On Me and Ready to Die, you’re not just listening to incredible hip hop; you’re listening to a unique moment in hip hop history. 

Best Debut: Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z and Supa Dupa Fly by Missy “Misdemeanour” Elliott

Reasonable Doubt started the career of one of the greatest rappers of all time, who has since released some of the most influential and critically acclaimed albums in the genre. It is a blunt, to-the-point album, which was perfect for an artist coming onto the scene and declaring who he was. 

The album is also a snapshot of the streets of Brooklyn, with the lines exploring the dark details of the city in an intimate way, especially in “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” 

Not only are the lyrics and the rapping on point, but the production is also thoughtful and well-done throughout, specifically in “Dead Presidents 2” and “A Garden of Peace,” and the production is begging to be listened to on vinyl. 

For being a debut, Reasonable Doubt has had impressive staying power and cultural significance; just think about how many remixes of “Dead Presidents” you’ve heard. It remains a relevant and beloved album to this day and has earned a spot in any collection. 

Another impressive debut released in the 90s is Missy Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly. Missy Elliott is a cultural fixture now, but she had to start somewhere, and boy did she start with a bang. She was a member of the quartet Sista and featured on many songs before the release of her debut, but Supa Dupa Fly proved that she intended to be more than just a cameo. 

The album is a little corny, and at the time, many were concerned that it would mark the beginning of the end of “real” hip hop, but it’s also undeniably cool. Part of the cool factor is owed to her producer, Timbaland, who knew exactly how to accompany Missy’s vocals musically. Furthermore, the features on this album are a treat, especially Aaliyah on “Best Friends.” 

What makes Supa Dupa Fly so great is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. While many other rappers on the scene in the 90s were trying to prove themselves as the greatest lyricists and rappers of all time, this album is simply fun and quirky, which makes it a breath of fresh air. 

Best Lyrics: Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers by Wu-Tang Clan 

The lyricism in this 1993 classic is clever, complex, and gritty. There are also great rhyme schemes to be found throughout with impressive wordplay and punchlines, so listening to this album never gets boring because you never know what’s coming next lyrically. 

The rhyme styles were so iconic on this album that they inspired the likes of Nas, Jay-Z, and The Notorious BIG. The crew was all talented on their own, but as a collective, they revolutionized the sound and business of hip hop. Because they all had different experiences and humor, they could write different bars with unique styles. 

Three tracks stand out lyrically: “Can’t It All Be So Simple,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and “Tearz.” The storytelling in these tracks is detailed and thoughtful, especially the descriptions of the streets in “Tearz.”  

Although the lyrics stand out on this album, the stellar production cannot and should not be ignored. Producer R.Z.A. was only twenty-three when he created the rugged and atmospheric soundscapes on the album, and in doing so, he created a unique style that would inspire many upcoming artists. 

I also like the skits on this album, particularly “Torture Skit.” The often funny skits make for a unique and entertaining experience. 

Best Storytelling: Illmatic by Nas 

Illmatic is a hip-hop milestone that captures its cultural scene so completely that it is truly timeless. The storytelling here is impeccable, as Nas uses the stories of city life to create a piece of art that someone of any culture, race, or religion can relate to; it is a classic tale of a talented artist trying to break away from his troubled home, but also acknowledging that his past has defined his character in undeniable and significant ways. 

The stories the album tells are so universal partially because Nas himself was so young but so wise; so he sounds youthful, but the words coming out of his mouth seem older. His accounts of city life are delivered with a gravity that seems beyond a twenty-one-year-old’s capability, yet Nas delivers again and again. 

There are also no filler tracks on this album. Each of the ten tracks is listenable and can stand on its own, so there is no wasted space or skips on the album. It is the shortest album on this list, but it packs a punch, even with its short length.  

Best Instrumentation: Black on Both Sides by Mos Def 

The instrumentation makes this album stand out, but the rhyme construction and flow are equally impressive. The rapid-fire lines are well-constructed, especially in “Speed Law” and “Ms. Fat Booty.” 

The features are also exceptional. A clear standout is “Do It Now,” in which Mos Def and Busta Rhymes take turns with verses over a catchy beat produced by Mr. Kahliyi.

Like many other albums on this list, this album celebrates the environment it was created in, and songs like “Brooklyn” provide a glimpse into the gritty glory of the borough. Mos Def is honest about the roughness of his home, but he also expresses his affection for it, especially in “Habitat.”

This is a brilliant album, and the live instrumentation utilized sounds even better on vinyl.   

Best Genre Mixing: The Score by Fugees

The Score cemented Fugees’ iconic place in hip-hop history largely because it successfully infused many musical influences in the album, including R&B, pop, reggae, soul, and Caribbean melodies. 

The themes of this album are also timeless, as the tracks discuss capitalism, identity, and masculinity in fascinating and thought-provoking ways. Fugees weren’t afraid to get overtly political, especially in “The Beast.” In this track, the group bashes Republican figures by name and highlights the ongoing issues of police brutality and racism in the United States. 

My favorite track is “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” because Lauryn Hill gets to take center stage and show off her incredible range, and the song is a brilliant rendition of an already great track. 

Best Sampling: Endtroducing….. by D.J. Shadow 

This album was released in 1996, but it is so timeless it feels like something that could’ve been released yesterday. The sampled collage of audio clippings contributes to the album’s overall fragmented and chaotic quality, which feels very of the moment. This album proves that anything can be a source for good music, and even though it feels a little haphazard at times, the sampling is clever and intentional and contributes to a coherent piece.

Endtroducing is limitless in what it uses to create music: there are vocal samples, clipped keys, word snippets, dispersed sounds, and more throughout, which makes for a fascinating and textured listening experience that is never boring or predictable.  

D.J. Shadow said it best himself: the “sampler is his instrument,” which is evident throughout this album that feels as modern today as it did back then. 

Best Production: The Chronic by Dr. Dre 

This is the classic debut of one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names. The Chronic redefined West Coast sound and made rap accessible to pop radio, bringing hip-hop to the suburbs. The album also features one of the biggest singles of the 90s: “Nuthin’ But a ‘G.”  

Dr. Dre sampled from funk records, which created a groove that was more mellow than hip-hop was before but still carried the hints of danger that hip-hop listeners wanted. Sampling from funk wasn’t necessarily new to hip-hop and rap, but Dr. Dre fused the samples with his own instrumentation, which made for a sound that no one had heard before.

The production on this album is nuanced and interesting. One of my favorites is “Stranded on Death Row,” which uses the gothic organ solos and voices from a live performance of “Do Your Thing” by Isaac Hayes, as well as the guitar from “If It Doesn’t Turn You On” by B.T. express. The result is a soundscape that is as sinister as it is original.  

Best Flow: O.G. by Ice-T 

O.G. is Ice-T’s longest album, but it flows so well that you don’t even notice how long it is. He even incorporates “New Jack Hustler,” the theme song for New Jack City, into the album without disrupting the flow, which is an impressive feat, as including a track written for a soundtrack often doesn’t work. 

Part of the reason this album flows so well is that the overall themes are fully realized and thought out, as he uses his artistry to question the American dream and capitalism. 

The lyricism in O.G. is impressive. I always enjoy listening to “Midnight,” which paints an image of the violence on the streets of Los Angeles and a brush with death. Ice-T isn’t afraid to take his time, but he only does so when necessary, establishing trust between him and the listener. If a verse is long, listeners know it’s because Ice-T has something to say. 

The more grim storytelling is juxtaposed with moments of refreshing humor, such as “Bitches 2” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” 

If having this album on vinyl isn’t enough for you, you can try to track down the VHS tape that accompanied the album’s release. The tape features videos for all twenty-four tracks on the album, including the skits. Some videos are creative or funny, whereas others are just Ice-T standing in front of a black screen and rapping. It would certainly be a unique addition to a hip-hop collection, though. 

Final Thoughts

Hip hop is made to be listened to on vinyl, and if you’re just starting with your collection, these eleven albums are an excellent place to start. This list features varied and high-quality albums and artists that will sound incredible playing in your home. If you can only choose a couple of albums to buy, however, I recommend All Eyez On Me by 2Pac and Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G.