Essential hip-hop soul albums

Although it is a hip-hop album, Lauryn Hill's strong vocal presence and the fusion of reggae, soul, and R&B with hip-hop beats make it essential for hip-hop soul. Its eclectic mix of genres and lyrical depth maintain its status as an influential and enjoyable record.

This album is a neo-soul milestone with deep roots in hip-hop soul, combining Hill's singing and rapping with live instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Its ambition, musicality, and timelessness make it a benchmark for hip-hop and neo-soul.

This project by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak is an ode to 70s soul and funk, but with a modern sensibility and production that often incorporates the energy and groove of hip-hop. It demonstrates the enduring appeal and ability of soul to return to the mainstream with a contemporary touch.

This album is considered one of the founders of neo-soul, but its hip-hop rhythmic foundation and focus on groove connect it directly to hip-hop soul. D'Angelo fused classic soul with hip-hop production sensibilities, aging incredibly well.

Erykah Badu's debut album is a pillar of neo-soul, but its production with strong hip-hop elements firmly places it in the orbit of hip-hop soul. Her distinctive vocal style and conscious lyrics made it unique and it remains fresh and relevant.

This album marked a turning point in Mariah Carey's career, where she more explicitly embraced hip-hop, collaborating with producers like Sean 'Puffy' Combs and Missy Elliott. It is a crucial album for understanding how mainstream pop artists incorporated hip-hop soul.

Another key neo-soul album that incorporates hip-hop elements in its production, being a conceptual album that explores the stages of a relationship. Its sophistication and ability to tell a story through music maintain its status as an influential and elegant album.

Considered Mary J. Blige's masterpiece, this album delves into themes of pain and overcoming with brutal honesty, solidifying her status in hip-hop soul. Its lyrical vulnerability and raw sound keep it an emotional and sonic benchmark.

This debut album by the female trio SWV is an R&B classic with a strong hip-hop influence in its beats and production, making it an essential hip-hop soul album. Its vocal harmonies and innovative production keep it a benchmark for early 90s sound.

The duo of Amel Larrieux and Bryce Wilson created an album that is a cult classic of hip-hop soul, featuring Larrieux's distinctive voice over relaxed and sophisticated rhythms. It represents the smoother, jazzier side of the genre, and its sound remains appreciated for its quality and originality.

With production by Rich Harrison, this album is known for its go-go rhythms and contagious energy, fusing soul with a very rhythmic hip-hop production. Amerie is one of the 'new generation' artists who revitalized the genre in the early 2000s.

Jodeci pioneered 'new jack swing' and then hip-hop soul, with a sound 'harder and more violent' than new jack swing, using samples and highlighting East Coast hip-hop elements. It is an influential album that showcases the transition from new jack swing to hip-hop soul.

Largely produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, this album pushed hip-hop soul to new frontiers with its futuristic and experimental rhythms, and Aaliyah's ethereal voice. Timbaland's innovative production on this album remains influential in contemporary music.

With production by Rodney Jerkins, this album showcased Brandy's vocal maturity and her ability to fuse R&B with hip-hop elements. It's an album that defined the sound of late 90s R&B, with polished production and intricate vocals.

Although often classified as neo-soul, this album's production features strong hip-hop elements, especially in the rhythms and the cadence of its 'spoken word' and singing. It is an influential album that continues to be a source of inspiration for artists who fuse poetry, soul, and hip-hop.

This album, which includes the mega-hit 'No Diggity', is a perfect example of mid-90s hip-hop soul, with smooth vocal harmonies over hard-hitting hip-hop beats. 'No Diggity' remains an anthem of the genre, and the album is a testament to Teddy Riley's mastery.

Hamilton brought a more traditional, grittier soul voice to the genre, combining it with production that often incorporated hip-hop elements and a focus on narrative lyrics. It represents a more 'roots' facet of hip-hop soul, with an authenticity and vocal depth that make it stand out.

Although primarily a hip-hop album, Little Simz's orchestral production, soul melodies, and lyrical depth elevate it to a status where soul influences are undeniable and crucial to its sound. It has been acclaimed as one of the best hip-hop albums of the 2020s.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, this album continues Simz's exploration of personal and social themes, with production that maintains soul and orchestral elements. It solidifies Little Simz as one of the most important voices in current hip-hop with a strong connection to soul sensibilities.