best hip hop album in 1995

Ready to Die

Notorious B.I.G.

Though released in late 1994, this debut defined the East Coast sound dominating 1995 with Biggie's unmatched storytelling and cinematic street narratives.

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

Raekwon

A dense, cinematic mafioso rap masterpiece built on Ghost's verses and RZA's grimy production — one of the most respected LPs in hip hop history.

Liquid Swords

GZA

GZA's razor-sharp lyricism over RZA's haunting, chess-themed production makes this the most cerebral Wu solo effort and a true 1995 landmark.

The Infamous

Mobb Deep

Prodigy and Havoc captured the cold, paranoid despair of Queensbridge housing projects with a sonic bleakness that remains unmatched in hardcore rap.

Doe or Die

AZ

AZ's silky, introspective debut showcased one of the most naturally gifted lyricists of the era, riding Nas-era production with effortless cool.

Dogg Food

Tha Dogg Pound

Kurupt and Daz delivered a quintessential Death Row G-Funk album that captured the West Coast at its commercial and creative peak.