the game

2016 was lit. With a half-decade of retrospection, XXL highlights 104 hip-hop albums turning five in 2021.

Rappers get caught up in tone-deaf moments often.

Do you agree?

These clapbacks are better than the songs they responded to.

Transitions on flawless.

Everything takes time.

The Game says check the numbers.

Megan Thee Stallion, Drake, Yo Gotti and more have tried shooting their shot in their lyrics.

That new new.

The hip-hop world is mourning the death of Chadwick Boseman.

A warning has been issued.

Flows are recycled in music just as much as plastic is recycled on Earth.

These rappers have insane tattoos.

The plot thickens.

Here are the best albums from 2005.

Eminem, Big Sean, Future, Tyga and more get in on the lyrical synergy.

These rappers had some awkward moments that are forever remembered.

Welcome to the candy shop.

Check out this week's episode of XXL's Hip-Hop Moments of Clarity.

From Lil Wayne's Tha Carter II to 50 Cent's The Massacre, 2005 gave birth to plenty of respected rap releases.

RIP.

Judge these works by their covers.

Here's a look at what's dropping this month.

The Game says his final album drops next month.

The marathon continues.

Rap's biggest battles.

Kodak definitely went too far this time.

T.I., Dreezy, Joey Bada$$ and others chime in.

The hip-hop world is paying their respects following the death of Aretha Franklin.

She's just playing.