The albums that define
chicago hip-hop.
Our picks for where to start with chicago hip-hop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top Chicago hip-hop artists
Start with one of these.
The chicago hip-hop essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Chief Keef
Almighty So 2
A raw blend of drill beats and confessional lyrics, capturing the chaos of modern life in Chicago.
Start here
Lil Durk
2X
Lil Durk's raw, introspective narratives intertwine with hard-hitting beats, embodying the gritty essence of Chicago drill.
Start here
Lil Durk
Life Ain't No Joke
Raw narratives of street life collide with hard-hitting beats and an unfiltered vocal delivery.
Start here
Chief Keef
Dedication
A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with gritty beats and distinctive flows.
Start here
Polo G
The Goat
A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic flows set against vibrant, contemporary trap beats.
Start here
Polo G
Hall of Fame
A dynamic blend of introspective lyricism and catchy hooks over vibrant trap beats.
Start here
King Von
Levon James
A gritty exploration of urban life, merging raw storytelling with hard-hitting beats and a relentless flow.
Start here
King Von
What It Means to Be King
A gritty exploration of street life imbued with raw emotion and storytelling finesse.
Start here
G Herbo
Humble Beast
A raw and introspective exploration of street life, layered with urgent delivery and gritty beats.
Start here
G Herbo
Swervo
G Herbo's gritty storytelling intertwines with menacing beats, capturing the raw essence of Chicago's drill scene.
Start here
Lil Bibby
Free Crack 3
A raw exploration of street life layered over gritty beats and introspective storytelling.
Start here
Lil Reese
Supa Savage
Start here
Fredo Santana
Trappin Ain't Dead
Start here