The albums that define
experimental hip-hop.
Our picks for where to start with experimental hip-hop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top experimental hip-hop artists
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The experimental hip-hop essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
A$AP Rocky
Testing
Experimental beats intertwine with introspective lyricism, creating a soundscape that challenges conventional hip-hop boundaries.
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A$AP Rocky
At. Long. Last. ASAP
A surreal blend of psychedelic melodies and introspective lyrics creates a hypnotic soundscape that pushes hip-hop's boundaries.
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Tricky
Fall to Pieces
A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, echoing Tricky's signature trip-hop style.
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Tricky
Nearly God
Experimental sonics intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a disorienting yet captivating exploration of identity and emotion.
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Pete Rock
PeteStrumentals 3
A smooth blend of jazzy beats and soulful samples, creating a laid-back yet engaging instrumental hip-hop experience.
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Pete Rock
Monumental
A vibrant fusion of soulful samples and sharp lyricism that showcases the enduring legacy of East Coast hip-hop.
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Earl Sweatshirt
Some Rap Songs
A fragmented collage of introspective verses and abstract soundscapes that challenge conventional hip-hop structures.
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Earl Sweatshirt
I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside: An Album By Earl Sweatshirt
A raw exploration of introspection and isolation wrapped in sparse, haunting instrumentals and Earl's distinctive vocal delivery.
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M.I.A.
Arular
A frenetic blend of global sounds and sharp lyrics that fuse hip-hop with political urgency and eclectic beats.
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M.I.A.
Matangi
Eclectic rhythms and bold samples blend with provocative lyrics, creating a tapestry of cultural commentary and personal expression.
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Danny Brown
Hawaiian Snow
Eclectic beats blend with sharp lyricism, creating a vibrant and experimental soundscape that captures the essence of urban life.
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Danny Brown
XXX
A chaotic blend of raw lyricism and experimental production that challenges the conventions of hip-hop.
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Moor Mother
The Film
A disorienting blend of spoken word, layered instrumentation, and fractured rhythms that challenge conventional structures.
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Moor Mother
Circuit City
An avant-garde tapestry of sound, melding experimental hip-hop with deep sonic explorations and unorthodox rhythms.
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Death Grips
The Powers That B
Aggressive beats and chaotic soundscapes collide with raw, confrontational lyrics in this unrelenting exploration of modern disillusionment.
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Death Grips
Bottomless Pit
A disorienting blend of aggressive beats and chaotic vocals that pushes the boundaries of hip-hop and electronic music.
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JPEGMafia
Scaring the Hoes
A chaotic blend of industrial beats and avant-garde lyricism, reflecting the turbulent landscape of contemporary hip-hop.
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JPEGMafia
Black Ben Carson
Experimental beats clash with provocative lyrics, creating a chaotic soundscape that challenges conventional hip-hop norms.
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Kitty
Miami Garden Club
'Miami Garden Club' showcases a seamless integration of airy beats and diverse production techniques, making it an ideal entry point into Kitty's world. It balances accessibility with depth, inviting listeners to explore the complexities of her artistry.
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Busdriver
The Weather
Eclectic beats and rapid-fire lyrics intertwine to create a vibrant exploration of consciousness and urban life.
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Busdriver
Thumbs
A kaleidoscopic blend of rapid-fire lyrics and experimental soundscapes that challenge conventional hip-hop norms.
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Tommy Genesis
Tommy Genesis
A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental hip-hop and trap, pulsating with a raw, seductive energy throughout its brief runtime.
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Tierra Whack
Whack World
A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical narratives and experimental sounds, each track a microcosm of Tierra Whack's creative vision.
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Tierra Whack
Rap?
An eclectic mix of playful beats and sharp lyrics that challenge genre boundaries, showcasing a vibrant take on contemporary hip-hop.
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By decade
Where experimental hip-hop landed in each era.