25 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums Of All Time

Coming out in 1984, Run-DMC's debut record was a landmark in rap from the get-go. With its aggressive rhymes, heavy beats and focus on the relationship between rappers (Rev Run, DMC) and DJ (Jam Master Jay), the self-titled album helped usher in the new school era of hip-hop.

Part of the albums appeal stems from the number of firsts the songs achieve. Not only is "Sucker MCs" credited as one of rap's earliest diss tracks, but "It's Like That" is seen as the first mainstream hardcore rap song, and the record's themes of social injustice and protest helped pave the way for basically every rap act to come.

Aside from the influence, Rev Run and DMC are undeniable masters of their craft, creating heavy-hitting but effortless rhymes that work wonders with Jay's groundbreaking DJing.