by Andrew Buckner

*Please note: The albums and EPs included in this list are done so based on the criteria of an original release date in 2025.

10. Black Hole Superette 

by Aesop Rock

9. GOLLIWOG

by Billy Woods

8. 12 

by Westside Gunn

7. Kingmaker 

by Xzibit

6. Victory 

by Slick Rick

5. 5816 Forest 

by Tech N9ne

4. Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon

by Chuck D

3. Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025 

by Public Enemy 

2. The Temple of Hip Hop Global Awareness 

by KRS-One

1. Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman 

by Wu-Tang Clan, Mathematics

Runners-up:

Excelsior (EP)

by Benny the Butcher

Hurry Up Tomorrow

by The Weeknd

RH3: Smoking Caterpillar

by Isaac Castor, Foul Mouth

Season of the Dragon…The Awakening (EP)

by Busta Rhymes