Essential hip house listening

The albums that define hip house.

Our picks for where to start with hip house — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The hip house essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Fantasea

Azealia Banks

Fantasea

A whirlwind of eclectic beats and sharp, bold lyrics that blend hip-house with dance-pop sensibilities.

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Slay-Z

Azealia Banks

Slay-Z

An energetic blend of hip house and dance-pop, pulsating with fierce confidence and playful lyricism.

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Globalization

Pitbull

Globalization

A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and pop hooks that invites listeners to celebrate life and unity.

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Must B 21

will.i.am

Must B 21

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, dance, and electronic beats designed to energize any party atmosphere.

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#willpower

will.i.am

#willpower

A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic beats and pop hooks designed for dance floors and radio play.

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Money Is Still a Major Issue

Pitbull

Money Is Still a Major Issue

A vibrant mix of dance-pop and reggaeton that ignites the party spirit with infectious beats.

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Good Feeling

Flo Rida

Good Feeling

Euphoric anthems blend pulsating beats with catchy hooks, creating a dancefloor-ready soundscape.

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R.O.O.T.S.

Flo Rida

R.O.O.T.S.

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and EDM, pulsating with infectious hooks and celebratory energy.

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Free

Kid Cudi

Free

A surreal blend of introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes that oscillate between hope and despair.

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Insano (Nitro Mega)

Kid Cudi

Insano (Nitro Mega)

A vibrant fusion of alternative hip-hop and neo-psychedelia that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

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Boy in da Corner

Dizzee Rascal

Boy in da Corner

A raw, electrifying fusion of garage beats and sharp lyrical wit that captures London's gritty urban landscape.

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The Fifth

Dizzee Rascal

The Fifth

A vibrant fusion of grime and bassline that pulses with energy and sharp lyrical wit.

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Beat Space Nine

m-flo

Beat Space Nine

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop beats and J-pop melodies layered with playful lyricism and catchy hooks.

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Cosmicolor

m-flo

Cosmicolor

A vibrant blend of J-pop and hip-hop that radiates infectious energy and captivating melodies.

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Lacrizeomic

Jul

Lacrizeomic

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and house, pulsating with energetic beats and sharp lyrical commentary.

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Dans ma paranoïa

Jul

Dans ma paranoïa

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and streetwise lyrics that captures urban life in contemporary France.

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Identity

Far East Movement

Identity

A vibrant fusion of electronic beats and hip-hop rhythms layered with introspective lyrics and catchy hooks.

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Party Rock

LMFAO

Party Rock

High-energy beats and infectious hooks create a party atmosphere that invites listeners to dance.

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Free Wired

Far East Movement

Free Wired

A vibrant fusion of electro hop and hip house that ignites dance floors with infectious energy.

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Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)

Happy Mondays

Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)

A kaleidoscopic blend of euphoric beats and loose, irreverent lyrics that encapsulates the spirit of late '80s Britain.

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Yes Please!

Happy Mondays

Yes Please!

A kaleidoscopic blend of alternative rock and hip house, swirling with infectious grooves and surreal lyricism.

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He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper

DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper

A vibrant blend of playful storytelling and infectious beats that captures the essence of late '80s hip-hop.

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Homebase

DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

Homebase

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, funk, and R&B that captures summer's carefree essence.

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Party Rock Mansion

Redfoo

Party Rock Mansion

A high-energy blend of party anthems infused with playful lyrics and infectious beats.

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