Danny Brown Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Danny Brown is an artist who defies easy categorization. His discography is a thrilling, often chaotic journey through different eras of hip-hop and electronic music.

Trying to create a definitive list of Danny Brown albums ranked is a challenge, but one worth taking on. Fan consensus often points to the heart of what makes an artist's work resonate so deeply.

Here, we'll explore what many consider the best Danny Brown albums, guided first by fan sentiment.

We will also look at how his records stack up based on current popularity data.

Ranking Danny Brown's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Atrocity Exhibition (2016)

Atrocity Exhibition is the third studio album from Danny Brown. It was released in 2016 by Fool's Gold Records and Warp Records.

The record is primarily produced by English producer Paul White. It also features major guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, and Earl Sweatshirt.

Upon its release, the album received widespread acclaim from critics. It appeared on the year-end lists of many publications.

Key tracks:

• Really Doe
• Ain't it Funny

It’s no surprise that Atrocity Exhibition holds the top spot for so many fans. The album is a raw, unflinching, and brilliantly chaotic masterpiece.

Its blend of post-punk anxiety and experimental hip-hop production creates a sound that is uniquely Danny Brown. This is the record many point to as his definitive artistic statement.

2. SCARING THE HOES (2023)

SCARING THE HOES is a collaborative studio album between Danny Brown and fellow rapper JPEGMAFIA. It was released in 2023.

The project was produced entirely by JPEGMAFIA, creating a frantic and sample-heavy soundscape. It features a single guest appearance from rapper Redveil.

The album was praised by critics for the incredible chemistry between the two artists. It debuted at number 84 on the Billboard 200.

Key tracks:

• Kingdom Hearts Key (ft. redveil)
• Lean Beef Patty

This collaboration felt like an event, and its high ranking proves it delivered on the hype. The frenetic energy of JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown is a perfect match.

Fans immediately embraced the project's wild, unpredictable nature. It's a testament to what happens when two of modern hip-hop's most unique voices join forces.

3. Hot Soup (2008)

Hot Soup is the second overall mixtape by Danny Brown, self-released as a free download in 2008.

The project brought new success to his career and is often considered a direct predecessor to his official debut, The Hybrid.

It includes features from artists like Rapper Big Pooh and Marv Won. In 2014, it was re-released on vinyl and CD for Record Store Day.

Key tracks:

• Let's Go
• Dance

This mixtape's high placement speaks to the long-term fans. It's a look at the foundational elements of Danny Brown's style before he pushed his sound into more experimental territory.

For many listeners, Hot Soup represents the raw talent and hunger of an artist on the verge of a major breakthrough.

4. Quaranta (2023)

Quaranta is Danny Brown's fifth studio album, released in 2023. The title means "40" in Italian and serves as a spiritual bookend to his 2011 album, XXX.

It was Brown's second album of 2023, following his collaboration with JPEGMAFIA. The record includes collaborations with Bruiser Wolf, Kassa Overall, and Mike.

Brown has called it his "most personal" album. He explores his experiences with pain, isolation, and hitting rock bottom before entering rehab.

Key tracks:

• Celibate (feat. MIKE)
• Y.B.P. (feat. Bruiser Wolf)

As one of his most recent solo efforts, Quaranta showcases a more mature and introspective Danny Brown. It’s a dense, lyrical project that rewards close listening.

Fans who appreciate his storytelling and vulnerability often rank this album highly. It feels like a vital chapter in his personal and artistic journey.

5. Old (2013)

Released in 2013, Old was Danny Brown's second studio album and his major-label debut with Fool's Gold Records.

The album features production from A-Trak, Paul White, and Rustie, among others. It also includes guest appearances from artists like Freddie Gibbs, ASAP Rocky, and Charli XCX.

Old received widespread acclaim from critics and debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks:

• Kush Coma (feat. A$AP Rocky & Zelooperz)
• 25 Bucks (feat. Purity Ring)

Old is an album of two halves, famously split into a Side A and Side B. This structure showcased his artistic duality like never before.

Fans celebrate this record for its ambition and its perfect balance of introspective rhymes and high-energy bangers. It was a crucial step in his evolution.

6. XXX (2012)

XXX is the eighth mixtape by Danny Brown, released in 2011 by Fool's Gold Records. The title refers to his age at the time of its creation, 30.

Production was handled by a range of producers, including Frank Dukes, Paul White, and Skywlkr. The project features his Bruiser Brigade cohorts Chips and Dopehead.

This release served as Danny Brown's major breakthrough. It received widespread critical acclaim and was named the top hip-hop album of 2011 by Spin.

Key tracks:

• Die Like a Rockstar
• XXX

For many, XXX was their introduction to Danny Brown, and it remains a monumental project in his catalog. It’s the album that put his unique voice on the map.

Its combination of shocking humor and dark, personal storytelling established the blueprint for the artist he would become. It’s a raw and essential listen.

7. Black And Brown (2011)

Black And Brown is a collaborative EP with Detroit producer Black Milk, released in 2011.

The project showcases the chemistry between two of Detroit's most prominent hip-hop figures. It was released during a highly prolific period for Brown, right after his breakthrough with XXX.

The EP is a concise, focused effort that pairs Brown's distinctive rapping with Black Milk's signature production style.

Key tracks:

• Black and Brown
• Wake Up

This project is often seen as a hidden gem by dedicated fans. It's a quick, hard-hitting collaboration that doesn't overstay its welcome.

While it may not have the conceptual weight of his solo albums, the potent combination of Danny's rhymes and Black Milk's beats makes it a respected entry in his discography.

8. uknowhatimsayin¿ (2019)

Released in 2019, uknowhatimsayin¿ is the fourth studio album by Danny Brown. The project was executive produced by the legendary Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.

It features guest appearances from Run the Jewels, JPEGMAFIA, and Blood Orange. Production contributions also came from Paul White, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat.

The album was met with widespread critical acclaim. Many praised its more refined sound while still maintaining Brown's signature wit and energy.

Key tracks:

• Best Life
• Dirty Laundry

Working with Q-Tip brought a different kind of focus to Danny Brown's music. This album is leaner and more polished than some of his wilder projects.

While some fans might miss the sheer chaos of his earlier work, many appreciate this record for its sharp writing and masterful production. It's his "stand-up comedy" album.

9. Stardust (2025)

Stardust is the sixth studio album by Danny Brown, released in late 2025 under Warp Records.

The album features a wide range of guests from the hyperpop and electronic scenes. Collaborators include Quadeca, Jane Remover, Underscores, and Frost Children.

It marks his first album recorded entirely sober. Brown has described the sound as the "most different" music he has ever made, exploring hyperpop and digicore.

Key tracks:

• Book of Daniel
• Starburst

As his newest and most experimental album, Stardust is still finding its place among the broader fanbase.

Its bold dive into hyperpop is a significant sonic shift. While it has passionate defenders, its recency and stylistic departure mean it hasn't yet climbed higher in the overall fan consensus.

Picked your top Danny Brown classic? Check out Danny Brown's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

Danny Brown albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Danny Brown's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Quick FAQs about Danny Brown's albums

Q: Where did the album title Atrocity Exhibition come from?

A: The title was inspired by two sources. Danny Brown took it from both the Joy Division song and the J. G. Ballard novel of the same name.

Q: Did Jonah Hill direct a music video for a track from Atrocity Exhibition?

A: Yes, actor and director Jonah Hill directed the surreal, sitcom-themed music video for the song "Ain't It Funny."

So there you have it – a look at Danny Brown's albums ranked by two different metrics.

We've explored the passionate choices of the fanbase and the current landscape of streaming data.

Ultimately, the "best" Danny Brown album is a personal choice. Each record offers a unique window into his singular artistic mind.

What does your personal ranking look like? Let us know which Danny Brown album you think deserves the top spot.