Classic Hip-Hop Albums By Clipse, Rick Ross, Nas & More Turn 20 In 2026

Hip-Hop went through a bit of a renaissance in 2006

The snap era, which erupted out of Atlanta's Bankhead area, was in full effect with songs like Dem Franchise Boyz's "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" and Lil Jon's "Snap Yo Fingers" in constant rotation on radio stations across the country. While other Southern artists like Juvenile, Bow Wow, and Lil Scrappy dominated the airwaves, rappers from up top, like Ghostface Killah, Cam'ron, and Busta Rhymes, maintained Hip-Hop's braggadocio sound with their respective albums from Cam's Killa Season to Busta's The Big Bang. Despite all the hits that emerged that year, Nas declared Hip-Hop Is Dead on his eighth album.

As the debate over hip-hop's longevity consumed artists and fans alike, new movements were brewing just outside of New York City and Atlanta. Brothers Pusha T and Malice, with assistance from Pharrell Williams, made a major comeback with hits like "Mr. Me Too" off their second album Hell Hath No Fury. Meanwhile, a Miami-based radio personality by the name of DJ Khaled released his first-ever album as an artist. Listennn... The Album brought the biggest names in rap together for rare collaborations like "Grammy Family" featuring Kanye West, Consequence, and John Legend, and "Holla at Me" featuring Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull.

Speaking of Rick Ross, the Maybach Music founder dropped his debut album, Port of Miami, in 2006. The album features classics like "Hustlin', "Push It," and "Blow." Rozay plans to celebrate the mighty milestone with his lavish "Port of Miami 20th Anniversary Black-Tie Experience." Rick Ross, the Renaissance Orchestra, and the Sainted Trap Choir will travel to 17 cities to perform hits from his first studio album in a high-end gala setting. Tickets are on sale now.

2006 was full of iconic albums by Lil Wayne & Birdman, Fat Joe, JAY-Z, and Snoop Dogg. Relive those albums and more below.