Over the decades, hip hop has seen its fair share of legendary producers ; from Dr. Dre to Marley Marl, RZA to Pete Rock, DJ Quik to Mannie Fresh.
When you think about it, great production is really what separates the best hip hop albums of all time, from the rest of the pack. There have been countless amazing rappers throughout history who never got their time in the spotlight due to their weak production choice.
Think about how many times you’ve zoned out of listening to an artist rap because the production was back, regardless of how dope the bars were. The beats, samples, and overall sound of the record are what keep us coming back for more.
On this list, we rank the 80 best produced hip hop albums of all time; from Doggystyle and Liquid Swords to Illmatic and The Blueprint .
80. Eminem – Relapse
Released: May 19, 2009
Label: Aftermath, Shady, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre, Doc Ish, Eminem, Dawaun Parker, Jeff Bass, Mark Batson, Trevor Lawrence, Jr.
Best produced song on the album: “Stay Wide Awake”
79. Rapsody – Eve
Released: August 23, 2019
Label: Jamla, Roc Nation
Producers: 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G, Mark Byrd
Best produced song on the album: “Nina”
78. Jeru the Damaja – The Sun Rises in the East
Released: May 24, 1994
Label: Payday, FFRR, PolyGram
Producers: DJ Premier
Best produced song on the album: “Come Clean”
77. The Game – The Documentary
Released: January 18, 2005
Label: Aftermath, G-Unit, Black Wall Street, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre, Buckwild, Che Vicious, Cool & Dre, Danja, Eminem, Focus, Havoc, Hi-Tek, Jeff Bhasker, Jeff Reed, Just Blaze, Kanye West, Luis Resto, Mark Batson, Mike Elizondo, Needlz, Scott Storch, Timbaland
Best produced song on the album: “How We Do”
76. Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition
Released: September 27, 2016
Label: Fool’s Gold, Warp
Producers: The Alchemist, Black Milk, Evian Christ, Paul White, Petite Noir, Playa Haze
Best produced song on the album: “Really Doe”
75. Drake – Take Care
Released: November 15, 2011
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Republic
Producers: 40, Boi-1da, Chantal Kreviazuk, Chase N. Cashe, Drew Murray, Illangelo, Jamie xx, Just Blaze, Kromatik, The Weeknd, T-Minus, Doc McKinney, Supa Dups
Best produced song on the album: “Marvins Room”
74. Travis Scott – Astroworld
Released: August 3, 2018
Label: Cactus Jack, Grand Hustle, Epic
Producers: 30 Roc, B Wheezy, Bkorn, Cardo, Cubeatz, FKi 1st, Frank Dukes, Hit-Boy, J Beatzz, John Mayer, June James, Mike Dean, Murda Beatz, Nineteen85, Oz, Rogét Chahayed, Sevn Thomas, Sonny Digital, Tame Impala, Tay Keith, Thundercat, TM88, Travis Scott, Wallis Lane, WondaGurl
Best produced song on the album: “Sicko Mode”
73. The Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
Released: November 24, 1992
Label: Delicious Vinyl, EastWest
Producers: J-Swift, L.A. Jay, SlimKid 3
Best produced song on the album: “Passin’ Me By”
72. Future – DS2
Released: July 17, 2015
Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
Producers: Allen Ritter, Cassius Jay, DJ Spinz, Frank Dukes, G Koop, Jake One, Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital, Southside, Zaytoven
Best produced song on the album: “Thought It Was a Drought”
71. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II
Released: September 8, 2009
Label: Ice H2O, EMI
Producers: The Alchemist, Young Justice, BT, Dr. Dre, Erick Sermon, Icewater Productions, J Dilla, Mark Batson, Marley Marl, Mathematics, MoSS, Necro, Pete Rock, Raekwon, RZA, Scram Jones, True Master
Best produced song on the album: “10 Bricks”
70. Company Flow – Funcrusher Plus
Released: July 22, 1997
Label: Rawkus
Producers: El-P, Bigg Jus, Mr. Len
Best produced song on the album: “8 Steps to Perfection”
69. The Pharcyde – Labcabincalifornia
Released: November 14, 1995
Label: Delicious Vinyl
Producers: The Pharcyde, Jay Dee, Diamond D, M-Walk
Best produced song on the album: “Runnin’”
68. T.I. – King
Released: March 28, 2006
Label: Grand Hustle, Atlantic
Producers: DJ Toomp, Just Blaze, Kanye West, Mannie Fresh, Swizz Beatz, Keith Mack, Travis Barker, The Neptunes, Khao, Nick Fury and Tony Galvin
Best produced song on the album: “Front Back”
67. A$AP Rocky – At. Long. Last. ASAP
Released: May 26, 2015
Label: ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds, RCA
Producers: ASAP Rocky, Che Pope, Danger Mouse, Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Emile Haynie, FnZ, Frans Mernick, Hector Delgado, Jim Jonsin, Juicy J, Kanye West, Mario Loving, Mark Ronson, Nesbitt Wesonga, Plu2o Nash, S.I.K., Thelonious Martin, Vulkan the Krusader
Best produced song on the album: “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)”
66. Clipse – Lord Willin’
Released: August 20, 2002
Label: Star Trak, Arista
Producers: The Neptunes
Best produced song on the album: “Grindin’”
65. Little Brother – The Listening
Released: February 25, 2003
Label: ABB Records
Producers: 9th Wonder, Eccentric
Best produced song on the album: “Speed”
64. Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Released: July 21, 2017
Label: Columbia
Producers: Tyler, the Creator
Best produced song on the album: “See You Again”
63. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter II
Released: December 6, 2005
Label: Cash Money, Universal
Producers: The Runners, DJ Nasty & LVM, Robin Thicke, Young Yonny, The Heatmakerz, Cool & Dre, Deezle, Bigg D, DVLP, Filthy, T-Mix, Batman, Matlock
Best produced song on the album: “Fireman”
62. Young Jeezy – Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101
Released: July 26, 2005
Label: Corporate Thugz, Def Jam
Producers: Shawty Redd, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Midnight Black, Lil’ C, Jazze Pha, Nitti, Mr. Collipark, Don Cannon, Mannie Fresh, Drumma Boy, Khao, Sanchez Holmes
Best produced song on the album: “Go Crazy”
61. Travis Scott – Rodeo
Released: September 4, 2015
Label: Grand Hustle, Epic
Producers: Allen Ritter, Ben Billions, Charlie Heat, DJ Dahi, Eestbound, FKi, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Kanye West, Maneesh Bidaye, Mano, Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Pharrell Williams, Sonny Digital, Southside, TM88, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, WondaGurl
Best produced song on the album: “90210”
60. Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version
Released: March 28, 1995
Label: Elektra, WMG
Producers: RZA, True Master, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, The 4th Disciple, Ethan Ryman
Best produced song on the album: “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”
59. Mac Miller – Watching Movies with the Sound Off
Released: June 18, 2013
Label: Rostrum
Producers: AdoTheGod, The Alchemist, Chuck Inglish, Clams Casino, Diplo, Earl Sweatshirt, Flying Lotus, ID Labs, J. Hill, Mac Miller, Pharrell Williams, Sap, Tyler, the Creator
Best produced song on the album: “Suplexes Inside of Complexes and Duplexes”
58. Roc Marciano – Reloaded
Released: November 13, 2012
Label: Decon
Producers: Roc Marciano, The Alchemist, Q-Tip, Ray West, The Druids
Best produced song on the album: “Death Parade”
57. Deltron 3030 – Deltron 3030
Released: May 23, 2000
Label: 75 Ark
Producers: Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien
Best produced song on the album: “3030”
56. Slum Village – Fantastic, Vol. 2
Released: June 13, 2000
Label: GoodVibe
Producers: J Dilla, Pete Rock, D’Angelo
Best produced song on the album: “Fall in Love”
55. Pusha T – Daytona
Released: May 25, 2018
Label: GOOD Music, Def Jam
Producers: Kanye West, Andrew Dawson, Mike Dean, Pi’erre Bourne
Best produced song on the album: “The Games We Play”
54. Pete Rock & CL Smooth – The Main Ingredient
Released: November 8, 1994
Label: Elektra
Producers: Pete Rock
Best produced song on the album: “I Got a Love”
53. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music
Released: May 15, 2012
Label: Williams Street
Producers: El-P
Best produced song on the album: “Reagan”
52. LL Cool J – Mama Said Knock You Out
Released: September 14, 1990
Label: Def Jam, Columbia
Producers: Marley Marl, LL Cool J, Bobby “Bobcat” Erving
Best produced song on the album: “The Boomin’ System”
51. Cypress Hill – Cypress Hill
Released: August 13, 1991
Label: Ruffhouse, Columbia
Producers: DJ Muggs
Best produced song on the album: “The Phuncky Feel One”
50. Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels 2
Released: October 24, 2014
Label: Mass Appeal, RBC
Producers: El-P
Best produced song on the album: “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry”
49. Rick Ross – Teflon Don
Released: July 20, 2010
Label: Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide, Def Jam
Producers: Clark Kent, Danja,
Best produced song on the album: The Inkredibles, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Kanye West, Lex Luger, No I.D., The Olympicks, The Remedy
48. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
Released: August 8, 2011
Label: Def Jam, Roc Nation, Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Kanye West, 88-Keys, Hit-Boy, Pete Rock, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, The Neptunes, Q-Tip, RZA, Sak Pase, Swizz Beatz, S1, Southside, Lex Luger
Best produced song on the album: “Otis”
47. Group Home – Livin’ Proof
Released: November 21, 1995
Label: Payday, FFRR
Producers: DJ Premier, Guru, Big Jaz
Best produced song on the album: “Inna Citi Life”
46. Blu & Exile – Below the Heavens
Released: July 17, 2007
Label: Sound in Color
Producers: Exile
Best produced song on the album: “Simply Amazin’”
45. El-P – I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead
Released: March 20, 2007
Label: Definitive Jux
Producers: El-P
Best produced song on the album: “The Overly Dramatic Truth”
44. Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele
Released: February 8, 2000
Label: Epic, Sony, Razor Sharp
Producers: Mathematics, RZA, Black Moes-Art, The Blaquesmiths, Carlos Bess, Carlos Broady, Choo the Specializt, Hassan, Inspectah Deck, JuJu
Best produced song on the album: “Mighty Healthy”
43. Gang Starr – Hard to Earn
Released: March 8, 1994
Label: Chrysalis, EMI Records
Producers: DJ Premier, Guru
Best produced song on the album: “Mass Appeal”
42. The Diplomats – Diplomatic Immunity
Released: March 25, 2003
Label: Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella, Diplomat
Producers: The Heatmakerz, Just Blaze, Kanye West, Hiroshima, Mafia Boy, DR Period, E-Bass
Best produced song on the album: “I’m Ready”
41. Cannibal Ox – The Cold Vein
Released: May 15, 2001
Label: Definitive Jux
Producers: El-P
Best produced song on the album: “Ox Out the Cage”
40. 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Released: February 6, 2003
Label: Shady, Aftermath, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre, Eminem, Sha Money XL, Sean Blaze, Darrell Branch, Dirty Swift, DJ Rad, Terence Dudley, Mike Elizondo, John “J-Praize” Freeman, Megahertz, Denaun Porter, Red Spyda, Reef, Rockwilder
Best produced song on the album: “In da Club”
39. DJ Quik – Safe + Sound
Released: February 21, 1995
Label: Profile
Producers: DJ Quik, G-One, Robert Bacon
Best produced song on the album: “It’z Your Fantasy”
38. Run-D.M.C. – Raising Hell
Released: May 27, 1986
Label: Profile
Producers: Rick Rubin
Best produced song on the album: “Walk This Way”
37. Fugees – The Score
Released: February 13, 1996
Label: Ruffhouse, Columbia
Producers: Pras, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Jerry “Te Bass”, Duplessis, Diamond D, John Forté, Shawn King, Warren Riker, Salaam Remi
Best produced song on the album: “Fu-Gee-La”
36. Common – Be
Released: May 24, 2005
Label: Geffen, GOOD
Producers: Kanye West, J Dilla, James Poyser, Karriem Riggins
Best produced song on the album: “Love Is…”
35. The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die
Released: September 13, 1994
Label: Bad Boy, Arista
Producers: Sean “Puffy” Combs, Easy Mo Bee, Chucky Thompson, Poke, Bluez Brothers, DJ Premier, Lord Finesse
Best produced song on the album: “Warning”
34. Kanye West – Yeezus
Released: June 18, 2013
Label: Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Kanye West, Mike Dean, Daft Punk, Travis Scott, Che Pope, Evian Christ, Lunice, 88-Keys, Hudson Mohawke, S1, No I.D.
Best produced song on the album: “Blood on the Leaves”
33. Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca and the Soul Brother
Released: June 9, 1992
Label: Elektra
Producers: Pete Rock, Nevelle Hodge, Large Professor
Best produced song on the album: “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”
32. EPMD – Strictly Business
Released: June 7, 1988
Label: Fresh, Sleeping Bag
Producers: Erick Sermon
Best produced song on the album: “It’s My Thing”
31. Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet
Released: April 10, 1990
Label: Def Jam, Columbia
Producers: The Bomb Squad
Best produced song on the album: “Fight the Power”
30. N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton
Released: August 8, 1988
Label: Ruthless, Priority
Producers: Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Arabian Prince
Best produced song on the album: “Gangsta Gangsta”
29. De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising
Released: March 3, 1989
Label: Tommy Boy
Producers: Prince Paul, De La Soul
Best produced song on the album: “Me Myself and I”
28. Kanye West – Graduation
Released: September 11, 2007
Label: Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Kanye West, Brian “AllDay” Miller, DJ Toomp, Eric Hudson, Nottz, Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, Plain Pat
Best produced song on the album: “Flashing Lights”
27. UGK – Ridin’ Dirty
Released: July 30, 1996
Label: Jive
Producers: Pimp C, N.O. Joe, Sergio
Best produced song on the album: “Murder”
26. Kanye West – Late Registration
Released: August 30, 2005
Label: Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Kanye West, Jon Brion, Just Blaze, Devo Springsteen
Best produced song on the album: “Drive Slow”
25. 2Pac – All Eyez on Me
Released: February 13, 1996
Label: Death Row, Interscope
Producers: 2Pac, DJ Bobcat, Daz Dillinger, DeVante Swing, DJ Pooh, DJ Quik, Doug Rasheed, Dr. Dre, Johnny “J”, Mike Mosley, QDIII, Rick Rock
Best produced song on the album: “Heartz of Men”
25. The D.O.C. – No One Can Do It Better
Released: August 1, 1989
Label: Ruthless, Atlantic
Producers: Dr. Dre
Best produced song on the album: “It’s Funky Enough”
24. DJ Shadow – Endtroducing…..
Released: September 16, 1996
Label: Mo’ Wax
Producers: DJ Shadow
Best produced song on the album: “Midnight in a Perfect World”
23. Madvillain – Madvillainy
Released: March 23, 2004
Label: Stones Throw
Producers: Madlib, MF Doom
Best produced song on the album: “Accordion”
22. GZA – Liquid Swords
Released: November 7, 1995
Label: Geffen
Producers: RZA, 4th Disciple
Best produced song on the album: “4th Chamber”
21. Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique
Released: July 25, 1989
Label: Capitol
Producers: Beastie Boys, The Dust Brothers
Best produced song on the album: “Shake Your Rump”
20. Ice Cube – AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
Released: May 16, 1990
Label: Lench Mob, Priority
Producers: The Bomb Squad, Da Lench Mob
Best produced song on the album: “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted”
19. Dr. Dre – 2001
Released: November 16, 1999
Label: Aftermath, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre, Mel-Man, Lord Finesse, Scott Storch
Best produced song on the album: “Forgot About Dre”
18. Mobb Deep – The Infamous
Released: April 25, 1995
Label: Loud, RCA
Producers: Mobb Deep, Q-Tip
Best produced song on the album: “Shook Ones (Part II)”
17. Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle
Released: November 23, 1993
Label: Death Row, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre
Best produced song on the album: “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)”
16. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly
Released: March 15, 2015
Label: TDE, Aftermath, Interscope
Producers: Boi-1da, Flippa, Flying Lotus, Knxwledge, KOZ, Larrance Dopson, LoveDragon, Pharrell Williams, Rahki, Sounwave, Tae Beast, Taz Arnold, Terrace Martin, Thundercat, Tommy Black, Whoarei
Best produced song on the album: “u”
15. J Dilla – Donuts
Released: February 7, 2006
Label: Stones Throw
Producers: J Dilla
Best produced song on the album: “Don’t Cry”
14. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Piñata
Released: March 18, 2014
Label: Madlib Invazion
Producers: Madlib
Best produced song on the album: “High”
13. OutKast – Stankonia
Released: October 31, 2000
Label: LaFace, Arista
Producers: Organized Noize, Earthtone III, Carl Mo
Best produced song on the album: “B.O.B.”
12. Mobb Deep – Hell on Earth
Released: November 19, 1996
Label: Loud, RCA
Producers: Havoc
Best produced song on the album: “Drop a Gem on ‘Em”
11. A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders
Released: November 9, 1993
Label: Jive
Producers: Q-Tip, Skeff Anselm, Large Professor
Best produced song on the album: “Lyrics to Go”
10. Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury
Released: November 28, 2006
Label: Re-Up, Star Trak, Jive
Producers: The Neptunes
Best produced song on the album: “Keys Open Doors”
9. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
Released: August 1, 1995
Label: Loud, RCA
Producers: RZA
Best produced song on the album: “Rainy Dayz”
8. OutKast – Aquemini
Released: September 29, 1998
Label: LaFace, Arista
Producers: Organized Noize, OutKast, Mr. DJ
Best produced song on the album: “SpottieOttieDopaliscious”
7. Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Released: November 9, 1993
Label: Loud
Producers: RZA
Best produced song on the album: “C.R.E.A.M.”
6. Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Released: June 28, 1988
Label: Def Jam, Columbia
Producers: The Bomb Squad
Best produced song on the album: “Rebel Without a Pause”
5. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Released: November 22, 2010
Label: Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Kanye West, RZA, No I.D., Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, S1, Plain Pat, Bink, Emile, DJ Frank E
Best produced song on the album: “Devil in a New Dress”
4. Jay-Z – The Blueprint
Released: September 11, 2001
Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam
Producers: Bink, Eminem, Luis Resto, Just Blaze, The Trackmasters, Kanye West, Timbaland
Best produced song on the album: “Song Cry”
3. Nas – Illmatic
Released: April 19, 1994
Label: Columbia
Producers: DJ Premier, Large Professor, L.E.S., Pete Rock, Q-Tip
Best produced song on the album: “The World Is Yours”
2. Dr. Dre – The Chronic
Released: December 15, 1992
Label: Death Row, Interscope
Producers: Dr. Dre
Best produced song on the album: “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang”
1. A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory
Released: September 24, 1991
Label: Jive
Producers: Q-Tip, Skeff Anselm
Best produced song on the album: “Jazz (We’ve Got)”
