TAGS : Clipse

It’s no secret that hip-hop is in constant motion – it changes year to year. Emerging technologies combined with the fickle needs and wants of the industry, the artists, and the fans, all play a role in shaping our musical world. Some of the changes to the hip-hop scene have been, well, less than desirable (see: the decline of radio rap). However, the past ten years, 2000-2009, still held releases of some of the most creative and unique hip-hop albums of all time, with an ever-expanding range of sub-genres. Traditional hip-hop rooted in the golden age of the ’90s was certainly alive and well, but it was sharing chart space with newer, progressive styles. That said, we have compiled a list of our 25 favorite hip-hop albums from the past ten years, as a form of celebrating the musical diversity in hip-hop from the decade that was.

I’m really anticipating the new Clipse album dropping next month. After that we should have De La Soul, Reflection Eternal and The Roots all dropping in early 2010. Maybe its just me, but it seems like we have less groups in hip-hop right now that can have actual success in the underground and mainstream arena. This is a glaring trend in comparison to the last two decades. When I think of great groups like The Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest, the focus was less on who was the best emcee and more about how great the music was.