CLASSIC ROTATION

Five years after the release of Young Thug's "Barter 6," we reflect on how the project set up Thug for stardom.

Twenty years later, the landmark album by the Philly rap band is one that perfectly straddles popular appeal and critical reverence.

Ten years after its release, "Tha Carter III" holds up in spite of— or maybe because of— its pop crossovers and weirdo ambition.

Ten years on, "Graduation" stands as Kanye's first major stylistic shift, as well as his most ill-advised.

Gang Starr's second album, turning 25 today, is a low-key classic.

Five years ago, Future emerged with an album that initially confused the masses but was quickly absorbed into the fabric of rap music.

The Notorious B.I.G. predicted his own death and conquered the world on "Life After Death."

A Tribe Called Quest's "The Low End Theory," which turns 25 today, brought jazz and hip hop closer than they'd ever been.

Exploring the mystical themes at the heart of Outkast's "ATLiens" on its 20th anniversary.

We celebrate five years since the release of Kendrick Lamar's critically acclaimed "Section.80" with an infographic.

"Reasonable Doubt" gave us an uncompromising portrait of Jay Z the hustler before the superstardom and entrepreneurial exploits.

T.I.'s crowning achievement, "King," turns ten today. Let's look back.

Busta Rhymes' solo debut "The Coming" turns 20 today.

We revisit Guru and DJ Premier’s 1994 classic "Hard To Earn," released 22 years ago today.

Revisiting Tupac Shakur's fourth studio album 20 years later.

In honor of Dilla's 42nd birthday, as well as the 10th anniversary of the classic album, we look back at the Detroit producer's final gift to the world: "Donuts."

The Game dropped "The Documentary" on January 18, 2005.

Looking back at The Roots' sophomore album 21 years later.

"Tha Carter II" is where Lil Wayne came into his own, transforming into the most dominant rapper of the mid-2000s.

The best-received and most ambitious album of Kanye West's career turns five today.

On this day in 2004, MF Doom released his album "Mm..Food." We reflect on the album for Classic Rotation.

GZA's Seminal debut "Liquid Swords" turns 20 today.

Looking back at the Dogg Pound's debut album 20 years later.

20 years ago today, AZ released "Doe or Die." We take a look back for Classic Rotation.

17 years ago today, OutKast released "Aquemini." We take a look back for Classic Rotation.

We re-visit Jay Z's classic album, The Blueprint, on the day it was released 14 years ago.

Looking back at Kanye West's sophomore LP 10 years later.

We take a look back at OutKast's "ATLiens" on the day of its release, 19 years ago.