Why 2000 Was Hip-Hop’s Greatest Year

This week's episode of AFH's What's The Headline podcast is part of a continuing series where we examine some of the best years in Hip-Hop. In episode 41, we make the argument for 2000. Note: this was recorded before last week's tragic events with DMX. We are covering this story on ambrosiaforheads.com (link below) and send positive thoughts to him and his family.  0:00​ Intro 4:00​ The classic Hip-Hop albums that were released in 2000 4:40​ OutKast ends one of the greatest 4-album runs ever 10:18​ Nelly releases a debut that would reach Diamond status and put St. Louis on the Rap map 13:00​ Jay-Z releases his most underrated album 17:45​ Eminem releases the best album of his career 22:40​ Common makes magic with J. Dilla, DJ Premier and more on Like Water For Chocolate 26:32​ M.O.P. took a victory lap for smash mouth Rap 29:30​ The Soulquarians bring out the best in D’Angelo and Erykah Badu 36:10​ Ghostface Killah reigns supreme for Wu-Tang Clan 39:30​ Talib Kweli solidifies his eternal stardom without Mos Def 43:50​ What happened in 2000 that changed the direction of Hip-Hop 44:40​ Eminem starts a run that will make him the biggest artist of the decade 47:10​ OutKast stake their claim as the best artists of the last decade 48:10​ LL Cool J makes his case as Hip-Hop’s GOAT MC 50:45​ Nas reminds all of Queens’ place in Hip-Hop 52:10​ Jay-Z recruits Just Blaze, Kanye West, Beanie Sigel and more to solidify the Roc-A-Fella dynasty 53:10​ Snoop Dogg completely repositions his career and is still relevant 20 years later 58:13​ The end of an era for Death Row and No Limit Records 1:01:08​ The Rap songs released in 2000 that would define the decade 1:07:26​ Three of Hip-Hop’s greatest concert tours showcase all of the best aspects of Rap 1:12:50​ Why 2000 was a benchmark year for Underground Hip-Hop 1:19:00​ Napster changes the way we find and listen to music forever 1:25:34​ Several of Hip-Hop’s GOAT producers have banner years in 2000 1:28:12​ Hip-Hop is great in several areas of the country in 2000 1:29:50​ Many Hip-Hop veterans have resurgent years in 2000