Our Favorite Hip Hop Albums That Turn 20 in 2022

Where ever I go, I remind others that music transforms the culture. Through hip hop, artists that we love have painted the blueprint to how to maneuver in any situation. Hip Hop has done a remarkable job of ensure that our voice and our culture are respected. Here are some of our favorite Hip Hop Albums that turn 20 in 2022. Despite the release date, some of these play like they just released today.

Under Construction – Missy Elliott

This hit album released in November of 2002 and reached double platinum status in 2003. The videos for “Work It” and “Gossip Folks” were in continuous rotation on MTV and BET with the remix to Work It with 50 Cent in heavy rotation on the airwaves. Here is the visual for “Gossip Folks” below with cameos from DMC, Trina, Monica and Ludacris. Missy consistently gave previews to other tracks on her albums and this video features a snippet of “Funky Fresh Dressed” with Ms. Jade.

Nellyville – Nelly

Nelly’s second album dropped in June of 2002. Well before we could a taste of this masterpiece, “Hot in Herre” had taken over the radio. The rapper’s bandaid assisted in helping him become a sex symbol. The video featured Cedric the Entertainer as the DJ and it was definitely too hot to handle. The follow up single, Dilemma is still one of Nelly’s most requested songs. Kelly Rowland’s appearance on the track made the Patti Labelle sample come to life. Here is the video for “Hot in Herre”!

Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss – Snoop Dogg

Making this his 6th studio release, Snoop Dogg bursted back on the scene with this hit after leaving No Limit Soldier in November of 2002. The video of this album was “Beautiful” featuring Pharell Williams. The visual takes place in Brazil and has endless amounts of girls and beats. The album also has features from Jay Z, Nate Dogg, Ludacris, Redman and Charlie Wilson to name a few. Here is the video for “Beautiful” which instantly makes me wish I was on the way to Rio De Janeiro.

The Blueprint 2 – Jay Z

In 2002, Jay Z dropped his first double disc project as a sequel to The Blueprint. It has 25 tracks and its debut single is “Excuse Me Miss”. The track was alleged to be about him approaching Beyonce and taking the time to get his grown man on. Disc One deemed the Gift and Disc 2 Deemed the Curse, songs like “A Dream” and “Some How Some Way” were other standout tracks that feature Faith Evans, Biggie Smalls, Scarface and label mate Beanie Sigel. Check out “Excuse Me Miss” with Pharrell who as you can say was running the charts.

A Gangster and A Gentleman – Styles P

Debuting in July 2002, Styles P was the second member of the group The Lox to come out with a solo project. The flow and the beat from the track reminds you why Styles should be in your top 5.  His ode to weed is his most recognizable and successful hit. The track was later used in movies such as Soul Plane. Check out the video below for “Good Times”.

The Eminem Show – Eminem

Eminem dropped his fourth album in May of 2002. Its worldwide sales of 27 million copies made it one of the best-selling albums of all time and the second best-selling album of the 21st century. Visuals for “Without Me”, “Sing for the Moment”, “Cleaning’ Out My Closet” and “Superman” were all fan favorites and created different vibes for each track. Check Out “Without Me” below.

Eve–Olution – Eve

Eve-Olution is the third studio album for Eve. It was released by Ruff Ryders in August of 2002. “Gangsta Lovin” with Alicia Keys is Eve’s second highest-charting song on the chart. When being asked in an interview why she chose Alicia to be on the track, Eve responded, “I love Alicia, I mean I think she’s incredibly talented, and I needed a girl on the song, and why not Alicia Keys?”.  Check out “Gangsta Lovin” below.

Closing out the list we have Nas’ God Son that was released in December of 2002. This was the sixth album for the Queens Legend with some of his producers Eminem, Ron Brown, Salaam Remi, The Alchemist, and Chucky Thompson. This album Nas has said is his most personal project. While the streets loved “Made You Look”, “I Can” became his most driven track with the purpose of inspiring children and the school system to continue funding music and arts programs. Check out “I Can” below and let us know what you think about the list!