LISTEN: 30 Classic Rap Albums That Turn 30 In 2025

It's been 30 years since the late Tupac Shakur gave us some of his best songs of his career.

On March 14, 1995, the revered West Coast rapper delivered his third studio album, Me Against The World. The 15-track album was a collection of 2Pac's most vulnerable records from his title track to "So Many Tears" and "Dear Mama." He recorded the album between 1993 and 1994, before he was sentenced to serve prison time for alleged sexual abuse charges. The album was released in 1995, while 'Pac was in prison; however, he was released that same year while appealing his conviction.

2Pac's third album was released the same year as other classic albums. While 'Pac dealt with his legal issues, a young Raekwon had just released his debut solo album. Rae dropped Only Built For Cuban Linx... (a.k.a. The Purple Tape) on August 1, 1995. It was executive produced by RZA and featured several contributions from Wu-Tang Clan members, including Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, GZA, Masta Killa, U-God, and Cappadonna. Nas is the only artist not affiliated with Wu-Tang who appeared on the album.

"A dream!!!! born from the struggle, the hustle, and the vision !" Raekwon said on the 30th anniversary of the album. "Me and my brothers shifted the planet with a classic that remains undeniably iLL. That purple tape album wasn’t just music… it was a street proclamation. A lifestyle. A legacy. A piece of history. To everyone who rode with me from day one — this moment is ours. Thank you for keeping the story alive all these years."

Raekwon's solo debut was one of several projects that stood the test of time in Hip-Hop history. In honor of Hip-Hop's 52nd birthday, scroll below and relive 30 classic rap albums that turn 30 this year, including The Roots' Do You Want More?!!!??!, Big L's Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous, Mobb Deep's The Infamous, and more. Click on each album cover and press play now!