LISTEN: These Iconic Rap Albums Turn 20 In 2025

By Tony M. Centeno
50 Cent, Missy Elliott & Jeezy

Photo: G-Unit, Interscope Records, Aftermath/Atlantic Records/Island Def Jam

2005 was a turning point for some of Hip-Hop's biggest acts.

It's been two decades since 50 Cent released his second studio album, The Massacre. It remains one of Fif's most commercial album thus far, especially after the success of hits like "Candy Shop," "Just a Lil Bit," and "Disco Inferno." Despite its mainstream appeal, the album also gave us classic bangers like "Outta Control," "Ski Mask Way," "Gatman & Robbin" featuring Eminem, and "Get In My Car." The album went on to sell over 1.1 million copies in its first week, making it his second consecutive no. 1 album.

50 Cent celebrated the album's 20th anniversary earlier this year. He's one of several rap artists who've paid tribute to albums that have reached the rare accomplishment. Jeezy is another MC who's currently paying homage to his major label debut. The Snowman is currently on the road, bringing his third studio album Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 to life on stages across the country as part of his "TM: 101 20th Anniversary Live Tour." He enlisted Adam Blackstone and the Color of Noize orchestra to help him perform songs like "Go Crazy," "Soul Survivor," "Trap or Die," "My Hood," and more like you've never seen him before.

"20 years... we celebrating 101," Jeezy said on the first night of the tour. "I remember writing that muthaf**ka... 20 years of Thug Motivation 101, 20 years of motivation... that was some of my thought process. But my first thought process was... I want y'all to think about where you were 20 years ago, and where the f**k you at right now. That's what we celebrating tonight."

There are plenty of other albums that turn 20 this year, from Missy Elliott's The Cookbook to Ye's Late Registration. Scroll below and click on each album cover to relive timeless projects from The Game, Beanie Sigel, Mike Jones, Common, and more.

  • 1 of 20

    The Game, 'The Documentary' - January 18Photo: Aftermath/G-Unit/Interscope Records

  • 2 of 20

    Geto Boys, 'The Foundation' - January 25Photo: Rap-a-Lot 2K Records

  • 3 of 20

    Krayzie Bone, 'Gemini: Good vs. Evil' - February 8Photo: Ball'r Records

  • 4 of 20

    Pimp C, 'Sweet James Jones Stories' - March 1Photo: Rap-a-Lot 2K Records

  • 5 of 20

    50 Cent, 'The Massacre' - March 3Photo: Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records

  • 6 of 20

    C-Murder, 'The Truest Sh!t I Ever Said' - March 22Photo: Koch Records

  • 7 of 20

    Beanie Sigel, 'The B-Coming' - March 29Photo: Def Jam Recordings

  • 8 of 20

    Will Smith, 'Lost & Found' - March 29Photo: Interscope Records

  • 9 of 20

    Mike Jones, 'Who Is Mike Jones?' - April 19Photo: Warner Records

  • 10 of 20

    Memphis Bleek, '534' - May 17Photo: Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam Recordings

  • 11 of 20

    Common, 'Be' - May 24Photo: Geffen Records

  • 12 of 20

    Sean Price, 'Monkey Barz' - May 31Photo: Duck Down Music

  • 13 of 20

    Buckshot & 9th Wonder, 'Chemistry' - June 21Photo: Duck Down Music

  • 14 of 20

    Ying Yang Twins, 'United States of Atlanta' - June 28Photo: The Orchard

  • 15 of 20

    Missy Elliott, 'The Cookbook' - July 4Photo: Atlantic Records

  • 16 of 20

    Jeezy, 'Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101' - July 26Photo: Def Jam Recordings

  • 17 of 20

    Proof, 'Looking For Jerry Garcia' - August 9Photo: Iron Fist Records/Proof 5 Legacy

  • 18 of 20

    Jim Jones, Harlem: Diary of a Summer' - August 23 Photo: Koch Records

  • 19 of 20

    Kanye West, 'Late Registration' - August 30Photo: Roc-a-Fella Records

  • 20 of 20

    Tony Yayo, 'Thoughts of a Predicate Felon' - August 30Photo: G-Unit/Interscope Records

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