Yet another year has passed in the world of music, and per usual, it came a big helping of worthwhile rap. Although hip-hop is no longer dominating the music landscape in terms of sheer popularity, that doesn't mean that the genre has nothing to offer anymore. Far from it, in fact.
Composing a list such as this is difficult, and tough cuts were necessary to make. Despite that, this list still highlights the cream of the crop from this year of rap, while simultaneously representing a number of different styles within the genre.
So, without further ado, here are 2025's top five rap albums. If you've already heard them all, that's awesome. If not, do yourself a favor and get caught up to speed on what you're missing. You will not regret it.
These rap releases were at the top of their class
5. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo 2
Freddie and The Alchemist set quite a high bar with the first installment of Alfredo in 2020, and they managed to live up to it with the sequel. Both artists are talents in their own rights, but when together, they're in rare form. Freddie's confident and bold rapping and Alc's intricate, entrancing production is a recipe that never gets old. It's tried and true, but still potent.
4. Rich Brian - WHERE IS MY HEAD?
Rich Brian's evolution from his meme rapper roots is crazy, but absolutely real. With his first album since 2019, Brian gives listeners some of his most personal material yet, and demonstrates his abilities both as a rapper and singer. Plus, his songcraft has come incredibly far. Whether it's a trap cut or a flowery ballad, solo or with a guest, his execution meets the moment and is consistently terrific.
3. De La Soul - Cabin In The Sky
De La Soul showed the music world what aging and adapting gracefully looks like with Cabin In The Sky. They took their classic sound and charm, and applied it to a plethora of topics on this record in a way that still came across as fresh. Plus, in the midst of sadly losing founding member Trugoy the Dove, De La paid homage to him beautifully.
2. McKinley Dixon - Magic, Alive!
Even considering his previously evident talent, McKinley Dixon really outdid himself with this one. By far the year's most standout concept album, Magic, Alive! paints a narrative centered around bringing back a friend from the dead. The instrumentation is lively and theatric, and the lyrics truly captivate, being densely layered with a number of recurring themes.
1. Clipse - Let God Sort Em Out
The reunion of a stellar duo for the first time in 15 years? Check. Excellent lyrical flash from said duo that offers quotable after quotable? Check. Beats provided from start to finish by legendary producer Pharrell? Check. One of the most memorable album rollouts in hip-hop in recent years? You bet. Let God Sort Em Out is the top rap album of the year, and deservedly so.