As Hip Hop celebrates turning 50 this year, it's only right we look back at some of the monumental albums that helped shape this incredible genre.

In a decade that saw Hip-Hop launched into sights unseen, here are ten albums that not only stood the test of time, but cemented rap's place as a global force.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, AT&T Dream in Black gathered a diverse panel of artists and unique voices to discuss the genre’s global impact and the importance of connection in moving the culture forward. The AT&T Dream in Black platform celebrates the achievements and aspirations of the Black community, rooted in the mindset that […]

The GRAMMY Museum® celebrates the 50th years of hip hop with its Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit. Learn more about the exhibit inside.

In 1994, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, professionally known as Common, made a big impact on the hip-hop scene with the release of his second album, “Resurrection” This album was a big moment in his career, consolidating his reputation as a gifted talent and conscious rapper. “Resurrection” displayed Common’s upgrade as an artist. The album was produced […]

Here’s a bit of background on samples you may not have known about that are topping charts today!

As Outkast takes the top spot of best-selling rap albums with 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,' does the full list reflect your fave hip-hop LPs?

In 1998, Jay-Z, the iconic NY rapper and entrepreneur, released his third studio album, “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life.” This album was a big moment in his career and the genre of hip-hop as a whole. “Hard Knock Life”, featured a sample from the musical “Annie,” and became a hit, displaying Jay’s lyrical abilities and […]

LL Cool J’s fourth studio album, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” was released today in 1990. It marked a moment in his career and in the culture of hip-hop. Following a brief dip in popularity, LL Cool J came back strong with this record, reaffirming his status as a talented figure. The album was powerful, […]

Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the energetic and iconic rapper of  Wu-Tang Clan, left a big mark on the world in 1999. During this year, he dropped his final studio album, “Nigga Please,” a controversial and unapologetically raw project. The album displayed ODB’s fearless and boundary-pushing approach to music. “Nigga Please” contained fearless lyrics, unorthodox beats, and […]

In 1994, hip-hop was forever changed. Christopher Wallace, known professionally as The Notorious B.I.G., dropped his debut album “Ready to Die.” Straight out of the streets of Brooklyn, Biggie’s debut release was a game-changer that launched him to the top of the hip-hop game. Tracks on the album told his stories of a life led […]

Junior M.A.F.I.A., an influential and legendary East Coast hip-hop collective from Brooklyn, made a huge impact with the release of their debut album “Conspiracy” on August 29, 1995. This album marked a huge moment in the 90s rap scene, solidifying their connection with the legendary Notorious B.I.G. The group stands for “Masters At Finding Intelligent […]