The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2025: Staff Picks

After being spoiled by a monstrous three-peat from Future, a lyrical face-off between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and scintillating releases from Doechii and Tyler, the Creator, the rap world feasted in 2024.

This year, though things simmered down a bit, the competitive fire for rap hierarchy remained high for many suitors. 2025 saw the return of Cardi B following a seven-year hiatus, while Clipse doused gasoline on the genre with their fiery comeback. Tyler, the Creator even doubled back around with his dance-heavy album in Don’t Tap the Glass, proving his creativity can’t be tamed in the slightest.

And while it’s always great seeing familiar faces feud for the No. 1 spot, we also noticed a promising youth movement. Budding MCs like Samara Cyn, Ovrkast, and Central Cee staked their claim in the crowded rap space with memorable statement projects.

Even on the production side, there were highlights galore, capped by The Alchemist’s tireless work ethic. The elusive hybrid lent his signature production prowess to Larry June and 2 Chainz, Freddie Gibbs, Hit-Boy, and more, while also stepping back into the booth himself. Metro Boomin further solidified his hall-of-fame run after paying homage to Atlanta with his mixtape, A Futuristic Summer. Not only did he sprinkle nostalgia throughout the project by working with local legends Roscoe Dash and Travis Porter, but he blended that with forward-thinking energy, enlisting YK Niece and Breski on his heater “Take Me Thru Dere.”

With the dust finally clear, Billboard gathered our picks for the 20 best rap albums of 2025. Check out our list below.