In the latest episode of HipHopDX‘s debate show The Bigger Picture, the three hosts gave their own spin on Pitchfork‘s recent 100 Best Albums of the 2020s So Far list.
Kicking off the discussion, host Jeremy Hecht offered his list of contenders for classic Hip Hop albums of the decade, naming The Forever Story by JID, Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, The Creator, Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs, and Dave’s We’re All Alone in This Together.
Aware of the controversy that might come his way, Jeremy anticipated the criticism, saying: “I know there’s gonna be JPEGMAFIA stans and Little Simz stans, but those [picks] are mine.”
However, his co-hosts Ellliott Wilson and DJ Hed begged to differ. While acknowledging the quality of the albums Jeremy picked, they suggested that the 2020s have produced few true classics. Instead, they argued, what people often refer to as classics are more like personal favorites.
As the conversation continued, Jeremy made additional suggestions for Hed and Elliott to choose from, adding Kanye West’s Donda, Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, Pray for Paris by Westside Gunn, Burden of Proof by Benny the Butcher, The Off-Season by J. Cole, and Drake and 21 Savage’s collaboration Her Loss.
Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was also suggested by DJ Hed. But this didn’t sway Elliott, who bluntly shot down the idea of any of these albums being classics, stating simply: “None, none, none.”
Elliott elaborated on his stance, pointing out that while some 2020s albums have been “big upped” as future classics — Nas and Hit-Boy‘s trio of King’s Disease projects, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s Savage Mode II — he doesn’t believe they quite measure up.
“I like that album a lot,” he said of the Savage/Metro project, “but I feel like most of these albums still fall short.” He explained that while some records might be close, they aren’t quite deserving of classic status: “I wouldn’t give that stamp to a lot of them. Even if they’re on that tier, I don’t think they’re fully there.”
Adding to the debate, DJ Hed threw in his own pick: Michael by Killer Mike, which earned the Best Rap Album award at the 2024 Grammys.
As the hosts wrapped the conversation, it became clear that defining a classic is a difficult task, and the debate is far from over. You can check out the whole 2020s classic albums discussion at the 47:30 mark of the video below.
To catch the full episode, tune in to The Bigger Picture on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Additional reporting by Shawn Setaro.
Still on heavy rotation after more than two years is 2000 by Joey Bada$$. Pretty sure I‘ll consider it a classic in a few years
Flawless, (except for the Diddy skits)
Laraete – Masenko, is a classic album
Laraete – Masenko, is a classic album that noone knows.
little simz – sometimes i might be introvert
Alfredo – Freddy Gibbs/Alchemist
Elephant Man’s Bones – Roc Marciano/Alchemist
Pray For Haiti – Mach Hommy
Bandana – Freddy Gibbs/Madlib
Reasonable Drought – Stove God Cooks
Michael – Killer Mike
A Written Testimony – Jay Electronica
Blue Lips – Schoolboy Q
I’m not sure they are classics but still are in heavy rotation for me:
Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately
Ab Soul – Herbert
Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry
Lloyd Banks- The Course Of The Inevitable
Nas king disease 3 magic is classic
Let’s face it. He hasn’t put a decent project since Hip Hop Is Dead including and especially production-wise. And he rhymes off beat now. Love NaS, but he got rich and forgot how to rap and choose decent beats. Happens to a lot of folks. Nothing to be ashamed of. He’ll always be a legend and a hip hop staple.
Life is Good is way better than HHID.
You’re. a casual stop talking
Make me you lame azz keyboard warrior.
Life is Good is in my top 3 Nas albums. It’s an incredible album 🔥
Fuck is you sniffing? Magic series / KD>>>>>>>> HH is dead any day of the week. Sounding crazy stupid righ tnow.
@jaynice it’s a very good album, but wouldn’t call it a classic by any means.
Try again….this is so unoriginal and regurgitated. It screams I just want attention.
Blackstar no fear of time
Bandana was better than Alfredo
I agree.
Lil Nas X- Montero. Possibly the greatest album ever made
Busta Rhymes ELE 2 and LL The Force are the best albums i heard this decade.
KD2
Coupe de Grace
Only classic albums this decade is Lil Baby My Turn & Please excuse me for being antisocial.
The last groundbreaking artist of the last 15 or so years has been Drake to be honest. Before that Eminem and the bling era hip hop and then anything 90s like Wu, Biggie, Snoop,Pac. Most albums today are only good for a few listens and in the trash the week after
This is nonsense, you’re just not listening to the right albums.
STOVE GOD COOKS – REASONABLE DROUGHT
KA – THE THIEF NEXT TO JESUS
Victory Lap not a front to back classic? TFOH, Cinematic, Substance, Production, Song writing, No filler, I’m a WSG FAN, no way was pray for Paris front to back classic, it had classic moments, not a full body of work, NIP HUSSLE tmc,
For real!! Classic the first week it droooed.
Its Almost Dry
In order for album to become a classic it must stand the test of time. For me. I do not even consider any album of 2020+ a classic till it is 2030. For me, the last real classic rap album is Madvillainy or The College Dropout. Summertime 06’ is a candidate. Other than that? No. Lots of great music but classics? No.
RTJ4 given the political context it dropped in (For free!!). Also Miles by Blu & Exile as an underground classic. Also Circles by Mac Miller
Killer Mike’s album is the only one that comes to mind. A lot of great albums but classic? Not really.
Victory lap
Dre – 2001, Snoop – Tha last meal & Eminem – mmlp are classics!
Tha Last Meal really isn’t that solid IMO. Looking back, the only truly great song IMO was “set it off”. Even The Blue Carpet treatment was better, and it aged very badly.
3 of the most out of touch dudes in Hip Hop! These dudes are part of the reason Hip Hop is hurting. Always promoting and praising some bullsh** they got paid to promote and praise. Meanwhile you got a bunch of independent and underground artists making some of the best music right now from guys like 38 Spesh, Flee Lord, Boldy and more.
3 of the most out of touch dudes in Hip Hop! These dudes are part of the reason Hip Hop is hurting. Always promoting and praising some bullsh** they got paid to promote and praise. Meanwhile you got a bunch of independent and underground artists making some of the best music right now from guys like 38 Spesh, Flee Lord, Boldy and more.
Ka The Thief Next To Jesus
Lollllll at Jeremy Hecht. That corny cringy culture vulture Joo don’t know jack shit about rap music.
Nope! I don’t think there were any classic albums in the 2010’s either. There were a few really good albums in the 2010’s but Classic albums? Nah…people forgot what classic albums are.
Nas Magic 1. Busta Rhymes Extension Level Event 2. LL Cool J The Force. Common and Pete Rock The Auditorium. Rick Ross Richer than I ever been. Rich Ross lyrics on that album is incredible. 21 Savage is the hottest rapper of the decade so far. 21 Savage is dope on the mic with his wordplay.
Where is Victory Lap?????? You cant be serious…
Elliot Wilson said Prodigy from Mobb Deep isn’t a good lyricist lol dude’s a clown