Beats. For most fans of rap music, they're just the background for the "real" action: the lyrics. To others, they can make or break a track completely. And to some, beats are music all by themselves.
Instrumental hip-hop isn't the most popular music out there, although the admiration of J Dilla, respect for Pete Rock, and mainstream success of a guy like Pretty Lights, you could make the case that it isn't exactly a secret either.
Instrumentals aren't always widely available, but you can find them on single versions of your favorite tracks. Additionally, there's a strong handful of artists who make these lyric-less tracks for our listening pleasure. Whether you're getting down to some Stones Throw Records or lurking around on Soundcloud, there's no shortage of great stuff out there. Today, we're compiling our list of must-listen instrumental hip hop albums.
J Dilla - Donuts
James Yancey, best known as J Dilla, definitely changed the beat-making game. Through his career, he was able to bridge the gap between mainstream and underground hip hop worlds. Dilla worked with The Roots, Common, Busta Rhymes, MF Doom and many more to create artisanal platforms for their music. His presence is missed, but his impact can be felt through his beats, most notably the masterpiece Donuts.
DJ Shadow - Endtroducing
Shadow's 1996 LP Endroducing is still heralded by critics as a magnum opus of the decade. His tasteful blend of turntablism and production yileded an album that changed hip hop forever. He did this through a unique sample-based method that yielded absolutely bangin' beats with heart and soul.
DJ Shadow continues to impact the rap world through his releases and DJ sets, most recently of which saw him collaborate with Cut Chemist to take on Afrika Bambaataa's discography.
Madlib - Shades of Blue
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's collaborative album Piñata had everyone impressed last year. Gibbs' gangster flow was surprisingly perfect over Madlib's incredible production, and both the regular and instrumental LPs have been flying off shelves across the country.
But before he was linking up with Freddie Gibbs and gaining the appraisal of critics across the country, Madlib was winning the respect of the underground through a variety of great music. One of his best releases is Shades of Blue, where he reinterprets tracks from the Blue Note Records legendary jazz catalogue for a new generation. It's pure, jazzy, beautiful bliss.
MF DOOM - Special Herbs
He's a genius MC, but he's also a master on the MPC. Check out MF DOOM's Special Herbs series if you're trying to dig into some incredible instrumental hip hop. Here's volumes 1 & 2 for your listening pleasure.
RJD2 - Deadringer
You might know him for his "Mad Men" theme track, but RJD2 produces a bunch of great hip hop beats. Deadringer is probably the best reference point if you're looking to get into this Philadelphia-based artist.
The guy also puts on a great live show, so if you see that he is coming to your town, definitely don't sleep. He brings elements of production and turntablism to life with a fantastic performance.
Alchemist - Covert Coup
Curren$y's collaboration album with Alchemist was awesome. The dark style of production was something different for the light-hearted Spitta, and the juxtaposition worked incredibly well.
Alchemist's instrumentals, which are available on Spotify and all over YouTube, were nothing short of stellar. As one of rap's most gifted beat-makers, he outdid himself with the Covert Coup batch of beats.
Pete Rock - Petestrumentals
With a name like Pete Rock, you can't half-ass an instrumental album, and he didn't. The legend crushed it on his Petestrumentals LP, which is finally going to see its sequel in the coming months!
Jaylib - Champion Sound
If Madlib and J Dilla are going to collaborate on an album, you know it's going to be fire. Taking turns on the production and microphone, the duo was able to create a really unique album that flexed both of their personalities.
The instrumentals are genius, and if you're in the mood for some boom-bap greatness, look no further than the Champion Sound.
Knxwledge - Klouds
Ever since Kendrick put him on, Knxwledge's name has been everywhere. To get started with his huge discography, check out Klouds for some top-notch beat-making.
Peanut Butter Wolf - My Vinyl Weighs a Ton
Stones Throw Records is a huge player in the hip hop world, specifically the instrumental hip hop world. Without them, it's tough to say where this art form would be, but let's just be happy their here.
Peanut Butter Wolf, also known as Chris Manak and the founder of Stones Throw, doesn't just release great records, he makes them as well. Check out My Vinyl Weighs a Ton, and if you feel inspired, peep the documentary (Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton) as well.
Pretty Lights - Glowing In The Darkest Night
Even though he's aligned closer to the electronic music world, Pretty Lights essentially made his name by making super-great hip hop beats. Check out his 2010 EP Glowing In The Darkest Night for proof of his genius.
Blockhead - The Music Scene
With ties to Rhymesayers, Blockhead make great beats with an indie sensibility. Flirting with genres like trip hop and IDM, he makes some heady instrumentals that double as exquisite background music and coolin' party jams.
Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
The biggest name in beat-making over the past few years has to be Flying Lotus. He sells out tours, plays mad festivals, collaborates with the likes of Kendrick and MF DOOM, and is an all-around a genius. Throw it back to his 2008 Warp Records LP if you need some proof as to how this dude has blown up over the past decade.