In a recent episode of the NFR Podcast, hosts Luca and Anthony embarked on a passionate exploration of the top 25 rap albums of the 2020s. Covering groundbreaking projects from 2020 to 2025, the duo analyzed their personal rankings, highlighting everything from mainstream blockbusters to underground gems that defined the era.
Rankings 25-21: Timeless Contributions by Hip-Hop Icons
The discussion kicked off with albums like Kanye West’s Donda, which pushed boundaries with its sprawling vision, and Nas’ King’s Disease 2, celebrated as a testament to the enduring brilliance of veteran artists. Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains delivered cinematic production, while Black Thought and Danger Mouse’s Cheat Codes brought a masterful blend of lyricism and experimental beats.
Rankings 20-16: Experimental Brilliance and Bold Storytelling
As the list progressed, projects like Vince Staples’ Dark Times and Boldy James & The Alchemist’s Bo Jackson stood out for their raw narratives and atmospheric production. Lupe Fiasco’s Drill Music in Zion offered introspective lyricism, and Westside Gunn’s Pray for Paris combined luxury rap aesthetics with gritty storytelling.
Rankings 15-11: A New Era of Concept Albums
Albums like Run the Jewels’ RTJ4 and Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers exemplified the power of conceptual rap. Lamar’s double album was described as a “therapy session” addressing generational trauma and self-reflection, solidifying its place as one of the decade’s most profound works. Tyler, the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost earned praise for its mixtape-inspired energy and unpredictable production, while ScHoolboy Q’s Blue Lips impressed with its cinematic scope.
Top 10: Pioneering Creativity in Hip-Hop
The podcast reached its climax with a discussion of the top 10, which included:
- Travis Scott’s Utopia: An ambitious, genre-blurring project.
- JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown’s Scaring the Hoes: Lauded for its originality and unfiltered creativity.
- Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert: Hailed as one of the decade’s finest, blending personal introspection with compelling storytelling.
- Denzel Curry’s Melt My Eyez See Your Future: A standout for its forward-thinking lyricism and innovation.
The discussion delved deep into Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, calling it a “masterclass in storytelling.” The double album format was commended for its effective exploration of themes like personal evolution and humanity, all while embracing vulnerability. Similarly, Tyler, the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost was celebrated for balancing mixtape nostalgia with conceptual depth, cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking artist.
The hosts also acknowledged other exceptional projects, including Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains, Benny the Butcher’s Burden of Proof, and Mac Miller’s Circles. Albums like Baldy James & Sterling Toles’ Manger on McNichols, with its jazz-rap fusion and themes of entrapment, were praised for taking artistic risks.
