The history of hip-hop music

Key hip-hop artists and influential figures

2Pac

The Notorious B.I.G.

Nas

Jay-Z

Kendrick Lamar

The modern evolution of hip-hop music

Essential hip-hop albums and recordings

• 2Pac – All Eyez on Me: A double album that blends political activism with complex storytelling and authenticity. It's an absolute essential for any hip-hop collection.
• The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die: With an introspective yet gritty look into the life of a hustler, Biggie Smalls set a new standard on the East Coast.
• Nas – Illmatic: A masterful debut boasting poetic verses that remain a high-water mark for the genre.
• Jay-Z – The Blueprint: Introducing a new level of craftsmanship to hip-hop music, HOV rose to new heights with this release.
• Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly: Long before his feud with Drake took centre stage, Lamar delivered one of the most experimental and socially conscious hip-hop albums of the modern era.

The link between hip-hop and R&B

Why buy hip-hop & Rap albums from hmv?

• Our vinyl and CD formats are perfect for any hip-hop music fan who wants to pick up something special from their favourite artist or find someone new.
• You're guaranteed to find the best hip-hop albums in our selection because we've been in the music business for over 100 years, so we know what's good.
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