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”