Hip Hop Double Albums: 11 Essentials From Tupac, Biggie, & More

Throughout the history of hip hop, many rappers have tried their hand at making a double album. Many contain filler tracks throughout their lengthy runtimes, making for an exhausting listen. While a long tracklist can diminish an album's replay value, a handful of classic double albums have been released. Making a double album is an accomplishment in itself, but making a classic double album is a testament to the quality of the music.

We've previously compiled lists of double albums to revisit and some guidelines for what makes a great double album. This is a list of some essential hip hop double albums in chronological order. Only double-disc albums were considered, and the list does not include those released in separate parts. Albums split into different acts are also not technically double albums, so they weren't reviewed here. Did your picks make the cut?

The last album that 2Pac released during his lifetime contained most of his iconic songs. All Eyez on Me includes some of 2Pac’s biggest anthems like “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” and “California Love (Remix).” It is arguably 2Pac’s best-produced album, with instrumentals from Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and many others, including 2Pac himself. All Eyez on Me marked a significant change in 2Pac’s sound, including elements of funk and fully embracing West Coast gangsta rap. It was the first hip hop double album to be released by a solo artist, and its impact is still celebrated today. Essential Tracks: “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” “Heartz of Men,” “California Love (Remix),” “All Eyez on Me”

Life After Death was completed during Biggie’s lifetime but was released just sixteen days after his death. The album was highly anticipated following Ready To Die, the iconic debut that made Biggie a superstar. Unfortunately, he passed away before seeing the significant impact of his second album. Life After Death is aptly titled as the album is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums. It contains iconic songs like “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” The album carries on Biggie’s legacy and is undoubtedly one of the most essential hip hop double albums. Essential Tracks: “Hypnotize,” “Kick in the Door,” “Ten Crack Commandments,” “Sky’s The Limit,” “You’re Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)”

After the first string of classic solo albums, Wu-Tang Clan regrouped for their sophomore effort and established a fresh sound. On Wu-Tang Forever, the group expanded on their signature RZA-produced sound. The music is more polished, containing live instrumentation, allowing every member to spit lethal verses. Wu-Tang Forever is an essential hip hop double album because there is minimal filler despite its two-hour runtime. Every song is well-produced, and every member impresses. The album also includes “Triumph,” arguably the greatest posse cut in hip hop. Essential Tracks: “Reunited,” “Severe Punishment,” “Triumph,” “Impossible,” “Heartz”

JAY-Z’s seventh studio album received very mixed reviews at the time of its release. The reception was due to its 25-song tracklist and the fact that it was the sequel to the acclaimed The Blueprint. The Blueprint 2 was seen as a flop by JAY-Z standards, but one of Hov's worst albums is better than most rappers’ best albums. He tried new sounds, making dancehall with Sean Paul and rap-rock with Lenny Kravitz. He also made rap-heavy songs for his diehard fans with tracks like “Hovi Baby” and “I Did It My Way.” There is even the pop crossover hit, “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,” with Beyoncé. There is something for everyone in The Blueprint 2. It may be long but it is still a quality double album. Essential Tracks: “A Dream,” “Hovi Baby,” “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Poppin’ Tags,” “U Don’t Know (Remix).”

In the early 2000s, The Diplomats quickly established themselves as cultural icons who went on to run East Coast hip hop for a short period. Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zeekey moved hip hop culture in the 2000s, and Diplomatic Immunity perfectly encapsulates that time. Primarily produced by The Heatmakerz, their debut album was a double disc that contained plenty of street classics. The album consists of the group’s best material and represents when The Diplomats were at top of their game. Essential Tracks: “Ground Zero,” “Dipset Anthem,” “I Really Mean It,” “My Love,” “I’m Ready”

Outkast’s fifth studio album is an anomaly, consisting of two distinct discs. The first is spearheaded by Big Boi and the other by André 3000. Big Boi’s Speakerboxxx leaned into the classic southern sound of Outkast, while André's The Love Below is an eclectic mix of pop, funk, and soul. The double album includes timeless hits such as “Hey Ya,” “Roses,” and “The Way You Move.” Speakerboxxx / The Love Below is one of the two hip hop albums ever to win Album of the Year at the Grammys and is an all-time classic double album. Essential Tracks: “Bowtie,” “Happy Valentine’s Day,” “Prototype,” “Hey Ya!,” “Roses”

Street’s Disciple is one of Nas’s most ambitious albums, a double-disc effort that followed his highly acclaimed God’s Son. Street’s Disciple consisted of more socially conscious and politically active topics that would pave the way for future Nas albums like Untitled. He raps over traditional hip hop breakbeats and incorporates live instrumentation on songs like “Sekou Story” and “Virgo.” Album highlights like “Thief’s Theme” and “Bridging the Gap” use famous samples that do the originals justice. It may not be one of his most critically praised albums in his discography, but Street’s Disciple has stood the test of time. It is an essential hip hop double album. Essential Tracks: “Sekou Story,” “Just A Moment,” “Remember the Times,” “Bridging The Gap,” “Thief’s Theme”

Blu had a very unorthodox career, succeeding alongside Exile with 2007’s Below The Heavens. While Below The Heavens is his definitive classic, 2014’s Good to Be Home is one of his best albums. The 20-track double album is entirely produced by Bombay and is an alternative take on traditional West Coast hip hop, utilizing lo-fi production. The album also boasts an impressive guest list of legends in the West Coast underground. Good to Be Home stands out amongst Blu’s extensive catalog as a monumental double album in underground hip hop. Essential Tracks: “The Return,” “Boyz N the Hood,” “The LA,” “Red & Gold,” “Bobby Brown”

Now considered a classic by many, Vince Staples’s major label debut is a double album that never compromises itself. Vince established his sound in Summertime ‘06. The album combined traditional West Coast rap elements with dark and experimental production. Summertime '06 contains some of Vince Staples’s biggest hits, including “Norf Norf" and “Señorita.” It established Vince Staples as one of the most promising voices in hip hop, leading to his future mainstream success. Summertime ‘06 also helped Vince Staples create his own lane separate from the Odd Future affiliation he started with. Not only was it a double album, but it was his debut on a major label that consisted of a unique sound and story. Essential Tracks: “Norf Norf,” “Birds & Bees,” “Lemme Know,” “Jump off the Roof,” “Señorita”

After leaving Def Jam, Big K.R.I.T. went fully independent and released what many view as his magnum opus. 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time is arguably one of the only hip hop double albums where its length is justified. Disc One is the “Big K.R.I.T.” side, drawing inspiration from classic southern hip hop artists featured on the album. The songs are more upbeat and consist of K.R.I.T.’s signature sound. Disc Two is the “Justin Scott” side that consists of very personal and introspective songs, including soul, jazz, and gospel elements. Both discs reveal two sides of Big K.R.I.T: the persona and the person, and those identities are soundtracked by two distinct sounds. Essential Tracks: “Confetti,” “Big Bank,” “Keep the devil Off,” “The Light,“ “Bury Me In Gold”

Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated follow-up to DAMN. was a deeply personal look into his thoughts and perspectives. The album stands out in his discography not only because it is a double album but because it discusses Kendrick’s struggles with trauma, grief, fame, relationships, and other transparency themes. Departing from the sounds of previous albums, it is another substantial album that gives fans a glimpse into Kendrick's psyche. The album is split into two halves that go hand-in-hand with one another, making it one of the latest essential hip hop double albums. Essential Tracks: “United In Grief,” “Father Time,” “Purple Hearts,” “Count Me Out,” “Savior”

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