Like fine wine, some music just gets better with time. A few notable albums from some of hip-hop’s finest will turn 20 this year. Equipped with chart-topping hits, unforgettable deep cuts, top-tier production and/or scene-stealing guest appearances, a few of the projects that dropped in 2001 still have replay value. Two decades after being released, undisputed classics courtesy of the likes of Jay-Z and Nas, as well as fan favorites from Missy Elliott, Ja Rule, DMX, Fat Joe, Trick Daddy and others have proven worthy of a trip down memory lane. Wondering if any of your favorite albums turn 20 in 2021? Check out the list below.
The Professional 2
Artist: DJ Clue
Release Date: February 27, 2001
Singles: “Change the Game (Remix)” featuring Jay-Z, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek
Thugs Are Us
Artist: Trick Daddy
Release Date: March 20, 2001
Singles: “Take It to da House” featuring Trina; “I’m a Thug”
Miss E… So Addictive
Artist: Missy Elliott
Release Date: May 15, 2001
Singles: “One Minute Man” featuring Ludacris; “Get Ur Freak On”
The Saga Continues…
Artist: P. Diddy & The Bad Boy Family
Release Date: July 10, 2001
Singles: “Bad Boy for Life” featuring Black Rob and Mark Curry; “Let’s Get It” featuring Black Rob and G Dep; “Diddy””
Broken Silence
Artist: Foxy Brown
Release Date: July 17, 2001
Singles: “Oh Yeah” featuring Spragga Benz; “Candy” featuring Kelis; “Tables Will Turn” featuring Baby Cham
Kiss tha Game Goodbye
Artist: Jadakiss
Release Date: August 7, 2001
Singles: “We Gonna Make It featuring Styles P; “Knock Yourself Out” featuring Pharrell Williams
In Search of…
Artist: N.E.R.D.
Release Date: August 6, 2001
Singles: “Rock Star”; “Lapdance” featuring Lee Harvey and Vita
Ghetto Fabolous
Artist: Fabolous
Release Date: September 11, 2001
Singles: “Can’t Deny It” featuring Nate Dogg; “Young’n (Holla Back)”
The Blueprint
Artist: Jay-Z
Release Date: September 11, 2001
Singles: “Girls, Girls, Girls”; “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”; “Song Cry””
Pain Is Love
Artist: Ja Rule
Release Date: October 2, 2001
Singles: “Livin’ It Up” featuring Case; “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” with Jennifer Lopez, “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti; “Down Ass Bitch” featuring Charlie Baltimore
The Great Depression
Artist: DMX
Release Date: October 23, 2001
Singles: “Who We Be” and “We Right Here”
Word of Mouf
Artist: Ludacris
Release Date: November 27, 2001
Singles: “Rollout (My Business)”; “Move Bitch” featuring Mystikal and I-20
Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)
Artist: Fat Joe
Release Date: February 27, 2001
Singles: “We Thuggin’” featuring R. Kelly”; “What’s Luv?” featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti
Stillmatic
Artist: Nas
Release Date: December 18, 2001
Singles: “Got Ur Self A…”; “One Mic”
Doggy Bag
Artist: Lil’ Bow Wow
Release Date: December 18, 2001
Singles: “Thank You” and “Take Ya Home”