🕊️🔥 The Top 20 Greatest Posthumous Rap Albums of All Time

The tragic loss of an artist in their prime inevitably leaves an aura of melancholy over the body of work they leave behind, intensifying the impact of their music on the listener’s consciousness.

In the realm of rap, where the culture’s roots are intrinsically entwined with life’s harsh realities and visceral expressions of the human condition, this effect is particularly profound. Posthumous albums serve as bittersweet epitaphs that encapsulate the artist’s legacy, often shedding light on the path they intended to tread, but were tragically denied.

These albums stand testament to the indomitable spirit and talent of artists who left us too soon. From the raw defiance of Eazy-E’s Str8 Off Tha Streetz Of Muthaphukkin Compton, Big L’s sharp-tongued lyricism in The Big Picture, to the soulful homage of Pimp C’s The Naked Soul Of Sweet Jones, these records exemplify the breadth of emotion and storytelling that embodies the genre. Gang Starr’s One Of The Best Yet and Sean Price’s Imperius Rex display the unyielding spirit of hip hop, while UGK’s UGK 4 Life and Mac Miller’s Circles serve as poignant reminders of the unfathomable talent we lost.

Each of these posthumous albums not only represents the music that these artists left behind, but they also stand as monuments to their artistry, their impact, and their enduring contribution to the evolution of rap music. So let’s get into it. From J Dilla’s The Shining to Tribe’s We Got It From Here and Biggie’s Life After Death, here are the top 20 greatest posthumous rap albums of all time.

20. Pop Smoke — Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon

Released: July 3, 2020

Label: Victor Victor, Republic

Forgoing the rough charm of his Brooklyn drill roots, Pop Smoke’s Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon ushered in an era of radio-friendly sounds for the late, young rapper. Yet, amidst this constellation of mainstream hip-hop, Pop’s unique charm risks being eclipsed. Tracks like “44 Bulldog,” “Tunnel Vision,” and “Make It Rain” lend credence to his drill origins, but commercial glitz too often overpowers the authentic vision of this departed luminary.

19. Bankroll Fresh — In Bank We Trust

Released: March 4, 2020

Label: StreetMoneyWorldWide

Heralded as a standout in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, Bankroll Fresh left a profound legacy that reverberates through In Bank We Trust. This posthumous release, delayed but never forgotten, amplifies his knack for dynamic storytelling and fluid lyrical flow. There’s an unflinching authenticity to tracks like “Extra” and “Quarter Million,” a testament to Bankroll’s grit and dedication to his craft.

18. Lil Peep — Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2

Released: November 9, 2018

Label: AUTNMY, Columbia Records

Casting a melancholic shadow, Lil Peep’s Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2 is a poignant exploration of the singer’s struggles. In the wake of his untimely death, this posthumous release echoes the depth of Peep’s battles with mental health and addiction. Highlights include “Run Away” and “Life is Beautiful,” the latter offering a glimmer of hope amid the album’s haunting narrative.

17. XXXTentacion — Skins

Released: December 7, 2018

Label: Bad Vibes Forever, Empire

For the die-hard fans, XXXTentacion’s Skins is a sonic tapestry of emotions and fragmented ideas. While some tracks may feel incomplete, there are moments of profound lyricism and haunting narratives, as evidenced in “Guardian angel” and “Train food.” Further, tracks like “whoa (mind in awe)” hint at what could have been, leaving listeners pondering the unrealized trajectory of this late artist’s career.

Check out the rest of the list on Beats, Rhymes & Lists: