Top 5 Hip-Hop Albums of 1996: Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z & More | The Urban Rewind

Written By Ken Giden

Welcome to The Urban Rewind, where we dive into the best of throwback culture, hip-hop, and 80s/90s nostalgia! If you follow me on TikTok (@theurbanrewind) or Instagram (@theurbanrewind), you’ve probably seen my animated video series where I break down everything from Top 5 lists to iconic moments in hip-hop history. I drop new videos a few times a week, but there’s always more to say—so I created this blog to expand on those stories and share the gems that didn’t make the cut. Let’s rewind to 1996, one of the greatest years in hip-hop, and break down the albums that defined the culture.

Why 1996 Was a Game-Changer for Hip-Hop

Ah, 1996. What a time to be alive for hip-hop heads. In my opinion, this is likely the last great year of the Golden Age of hip-hop. People like to define this era with random years (e.g. 1985 to 1995, etc.) but for ME it was 1988 to 1996!

This was the year we got hit with some of the most iconic albums in the genre's history. Honestly, I don’t care how you rank these five, but these are my personal favorites. Let’s rewind to one of the dopest years in hip-hop and break it down. I’ll also talk about what did NOT make my final 5 and why.

The Fugees' album cover for The Score featuring Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel.

#5: The Score by The Fugees

The Score wasn’t just an album—it was a movement. The Fugees brought something fresh to the game in 1996. Lauryn Hill’s soulful voice, Wyclef Jean’s Haitian influences, and Pras Michel’s smooth delivery created a masterpiece that blended hip-hop with reggae, soul, and R&B. Tracks like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not” weren’t just hits—they were cultural moments.

I remember blasting this album on repeat, feeling like The Fugees were speaking directly to me. They weren’t afraid to mix genres, and that’s what made this album timeless. The Score is one of those albums that gets better with age. Crazy thing about this album was I was interning at the time for the speaker company, International Jensen. My job was to build speakers all day and test them by blasting the radio. “Killing Me Softly” played on EVERY damn radio station all day long. I’m so sick of that song that I still change the station when I hear that song. This almost didn’t make the list because of that reason!

Bring The Fugees Into Your Collection:

Outkast's ATLiens album cover showcasing their iconic futuristic and Southern hip-hop vibe.

#4: ATLiens by Outkast

When Outkast dropped ATLiens, they didn’t just evolve—they revolutionized Southern hip-hop. This 1996 album blended futuristic vibes with their unmistakable Atlanta roots. Tracks like “Elevators (Me & You)” and “ATLiens” were so ahead of their time that they still slap today.

What I love about Outkast is their ability to evolve with every album while staying true to their Southern roots. ATLiens wasn’t just music—it was a statement that the South had something to say. This album made the world stop and listen.

Get That Outkast Vibe:

Jay-Z's debut album Reasonable Doubt cover featuring a mafia-inspired aesthetic.

#3 : Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z

Reasonable Doubt was the album that introduced us to Jay-Z’s lyrical genius. Released in 1996, this debut didn’t just make waves—it made history. The storytelling on tracks like “Dead Presidents II” and “Can’t Knock the Hustle” was unmatched. Jay-Z painted vivid pictures of hustling, ambition, and life in the streets.

This album is often considered one of the greatest debuts in hip-hop history, and for good reason. Hov’s confidence and wordplay were on full display, setting the stage for his legendary career. It’s still crazy to think this was just the beginning.

For the Jay-Z Fans:

Nas' It Was Written album cover showing the rapper seated in front of a New York City backdrop.

# 2: It Was Written by Nas

Look, Rakim is my favorite rapper of all time, and Nas? He’s like Rakim’s lyrical heir. Nas followed up his legendary debut Illmatic with It Was Written, and while it had a more polished, commercial sound, the bars were just as sharp. Tracks like “If I Ruled the World” and “The Message” showcased Nas’ storytelling skills and ability to paint vivid pictures with his words.

For me, Nas has always been the spiritual successor to Rakim—lyrically untouchable and deeply rooted in the art of storytelling. It Was Written proved that Nas wasn’t a one-album wonder. It was the sound of a king claiming his throne.

Add Nas to Your Collection:

Tupac's All Eyez on Me and Makaveli album covers, representing his iconic 1996 releases.

#1: All Eyez on Me TIED with Makaveli by Tupac

If y’all were around in 1996, you know it was Tupac’s year. Straight up, no one dominated hip-hop—or music in general—like Pac did that year. He dropped All Eyez on Me in February, and it was an instant classic. A double album packed with bangers like “California Love,” “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha.” Every track felt larger than life, bruh. It was like Tupac was speaking directly to the streets, the clubs, and the culture all at once.

And just when you thought the year couldn’t get any crazier, Pac gave us Makaveli (The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory) in November—two months after his tragic passing. This album hit different. It was raw, emotional, and almost prophetic. Tracks like “Hail Mary” and “To Live and Die in L.A.” felt like Tupac was leaving us with his final message. The crucifixion artwork on the cover? Man, it was like a statement to the world.

1996 wasn’t just the year of Tupac—it was the year he cemented his legacy. These two albums weren’t just music; they were moments in history. It felt like we were living in a movie, dawg. All Eyez on Me gave us the celebration, and Makaveli gave us the reflection. Together, they’re untouchable.

Celebrate Tupac’s Legacy:

Honorable Mentions: Dope Albums That Didn’t Make My Final 5

Man, narrowing down my list to just five albums was tough. 1996 was stacked with iconic releases, and there are some albums that didn’t make my Top 5 but still deserve their flowers. Keep in mind that when I make my lists, these are not necessarily the songs/albums that are the best selling, or best produced, or aged the best. They are often the songs that I was listening to at the time for whatever reason. Those reasons could be where I was in my life at the time, or personal connections with the artists. Regardless, here are a few that almost made the cut:

Illadelph Halflife by The Roots

The Roots brought live instrumentation to hip-hop in a way that was revolutionary. Illadelph Halflife is packed with lyrical gems and jazzy beats, with tracks like “What They Do” and “Concerto of the Desperado” standing out. This album proved that hip-hop could be both intellectual and soulful.

Stakes Is High by De La Soul

De La Soul came through with a socially conscious, thought-provoking album that challenged the direction hip-hop was taking in the mid-90s. Tracks like “Stakes Is High” and “Itzsoweezee” were both funky and reflective, reminding us why De La Soul is one of the most creative groups in the game.

Ironman by Ghostface Killah

Ghostface’s solo debut was packed with soul samples and storytelling. Tracks like “Daytona 500” and “All That I Got Is You” showed his ability to balance raw energy with heartfelt emotion. Wu-Tang fans know this one’s a gem.

Muddy Waters by Redman

Redman’s Muddy Waters was the perfect mix of humor, funk, and raw lyricism. Tracks like “Pick It Up” and “Whateva Man” showcased his unique personality and razor-sharp bars. This album is a certified East Coast classic.

Ridin’ Dirty by UGK

UGK brought that Southern flavor with Ridin’ Dirty. Tracks like “One Day” and “Murder” were smooth but gritty, showcasing Bun B and Pimp C’s chemistry. This album was a blueprint for Southern hip-hop.

Hell on Earth by Mobb Deep

Mobb Deep followed up The Infamous with this gritty, dark masterpiece. Tracks like “G.O.D. Pt. III” and “Hell on Earth (Front Lines)” captured the raw essence of East Coast street life. Prodigy and Havoc were in their bag on this one.

Hardcore by Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim’s Hardcore was a game-changer for women in hip-hop. She brought unapologetic confidence and style to the forefront with tracks like “No Time” and “Crush on You.” This album set the standard for female MCs in the 90s and beyond.

Final Thoughts

1996 was a defining year for hip-hop, a time when the culture was thriving with creativity, diversity, and groundbreaking talent. From Tupac’s dual masterpieces to Nas’ lyrical brilliance, and the countless other iconic albums that didn’t make the final cut, this year gave us music that still resonates decades later. At The Urban Rewind, we’re all about celebrating these moments and keeping the nostalgia alive. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, these albums remind us why the 90s were the golden era of hip-hop. Let me know your Top 5 in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on TikTok (@theurbanrewind) or Instagram (@theurbanrewind), for more throwback vibes and animated breakdowns. Word up.

Ken Giden
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