Discography Ranked

All Denzel Curry Albums Ranked Best to Worst (2026)

Denzel Curry has released five studio albums, and this page ranks all five, from Nostalgic 64 (2013) to Melt My Eyez See Your Future (2022), plus his 2024 mixtape King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2. His other mixtapes, his EPs (including 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms and 13), the Unlocked projects with Kenny Beats, the 2026 collaborative album II with Kenny Beats (credited as Kenneth Blume) and his Scythe group project are not ranked.

Denzel Curry5 albums + 1 mixtape7 min readUpdated October 2026Hip-Hop

Why it ranks here

Ta13oo moves through three acts — Light, Gray and Dark — and was first released in three parts on consecutive days. Curry said he made the dark section while in a dark place, and the record turns from melodic songs like "Black Balloons" to the fury of "Vengeance" and "Black Metal Terrorist". FnZ produced much of it, with Charlie Heat, Ronny J, DJ Dahi and J Gramm. It scored 86 on Metacritic, and Pitchfork praised the power and color of his writing.

Context

His third studio album, released July 27, 2018 through PH Recordings and Loma Vista. It peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard 200, and "Clout Cobain" went Gold.

Highlights

  • Clout Cobain
  • Sumo
  • Black Balloons
  • Sirens
  • Vengeance

Weak Spots

  • The light first act is the weakest third
  • Some hooks lean on SoundCloud-era trends he was criticizing

Production

FnZ · Charlie Heat · Ronny J · DJ Dahi · J Gramm · Mickey de Grand IV

Influence

Established Curry as one of the most ambitious rappers of his class, and its blend of trap, metal-tinged aggression and confession remains his signature.

Replay Value

Very high — each act holds up on its own.

Why it ranks here

Curry said he was retiring his personas for this record, and it is his most open, personal writing, set to jazz-inflected and boom-bap production, with Robert Glasper, Thundercat, JPEGMafia, Kenny Beats and Karriem Riggins among the contributors. T-Pain, JID, Rico Nasty and Slowthai appear. It scored 85 on Metacritic and peaked at No. 17, his highest chart position.

Context

His fifth studio album, released March 25, 2022 through PH and Loma Vista. A live-band Extended Edition with the Cold Blooded Soul Band followed in September 2022.

Highlights

  • Walkin
  • Troubles
  • Zatoichi
  • John Wayne
  • The Last

Weak Spots

  • The samurai-film framing is mostly cosmetic
  • A few tracks feel short and unfinished

Production

Kal Banx · Kenny Beats · JPEGMafia · Thundercat · Robert Glasper · Dot da Genius

Influence

Moved Curry from the hardcore lane into a broader, more musical space.

Replay Value

Very high — it keeps revealing details.

Why it ranks here

Named after his nickname for Carol City, Florida, Zuu is a homesick love letter to Miami's rap history, packed with nods to local heroes. FnZ produced most of it, with Tay Keith, Charlie Heat and Ronny J, and Rick Ross appears on "Birdz". AllMusic called it worthy of a place in Miami's rap pedigree. It scored 85 on Metacritic.

Context

His fourth studio album, released May 31, 2019 through PH and Loma Vista, ten months after Ta13oo.

Highlights

  • Ricky
  • Speedboat
  • Wish
  • Birdz
  • Automatic

Weak Spots

  • Lighter in theme than Ta13oo
  • Two interludes in under 30 minutes

Production

FnZ · Tay Keith · Charlie Heat · Ronny J · Rugah Rahj

Influence

A model for short, regional tribute albums, and the best showcase of his Florida roots.

Replay Value

Very high — short and explosive.

Why it ranks here

Released free on SoundCloud, Imperial is ten tracks of hazy, aggressive Southern rap, mostly produced by Ronny J and FnZ, with Rick Ross on "Knotty Head" and Joey Bada$$ on "Zenith". Stereogum called it the work of an active mind. Its buzz helped put Curry on the 2016 XXL Freshman cover, and Loma Vista re-released a revised version later that year.

Context

His second studio album, released March 9, 2016 on C9, then re-released October 14, 2016 with new tracks.

Highlights

  • ULT
  • Gook
  • Sick & Tired
  • Knotty Head
  • If Tomorrow's Not Here

Weak Spots

  • Mixing and sequencing feel rough next to his later work
  • Two editions with different tracklists

Production

Ronny J · FnZ · Lino Martinez · Steve Lacy · DJ Dahi

Influence

Bridged his underground Raider Klan origins and his national breakthrough.

Replay Value

High — short and hard-hitting.

Why it ranks here

Curry made his debut after leaving the Raider Klan collective, and it already shows his menacing delivery and taste for dark themes. Ronny J, Rem, POSHstronaut, Nuri and Freebase produce, and Lil Ugly Mane appears on "Mystical Virus, Pt. 3". Pitchfork contributor Mike Madden put it in his top ten of 2013, and the Miami New Times called it one of the best Miami rap projects that year.

Context

His debut studio album, released September 3, 2013 on C9, when he was 18.

Highlights

  • Threatz
  • Zone 3
  • Parents
  • Dark & Violent
  • N64

Weak Spots

  • Uneven production quality
  • The voice is still developing

Production

Ronny J · Rem · POSHstronaut · Nuri · Freebase

Influence

A cult favorite and an early document of Miami's SoundCloud underground.

Replay Value

Medium — mostly for fans of his early sound.

Why it ranks here

A sequel to his 2012 tape, KOTMS II is a party record built on Memphis and Florida rap, with Kingpin Skinny Pimp hosting and 2 Chainz, Project Pat, Juicy J, A$AP Rocky, Maxo Kream and Ski Mask the Slump God among the guests. It scored 74 on Metacritic. Curry later expanded it into a full reissue with five extra songs.

Context

His first commercial mixtape, released July 19, 2024 through PH and Loma Vista; it peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200.

Highlights

  • Hot One
  • Sked
  • Black Flag Freestyle
  • Hoodlumz
  • G'z Up

Weak Spots

  • Light on substance by design
  • Guests sometimes crowd Curry out

Production

Mickey de Grand IV · FnZ · Charlie Heat · Kwes Darko · Oogie Mane

Influence

A precursor to The Scythe, the Southern-rap group he announced in 2026.

Replay Value

High for summer listening.

Essay

The Complete Picture

Denzel Curry's catalog is strikingly consistent. The early albums show a teenager with a distinctive voice and a gift for menace; Ta13oo turned that into a fully realized concept; Zuu was a short, joyful homecoming; and Melt My Eyez See Your Future proved he could slow down and open up without losing intensity. The 2024 mixtape is a loud, fun return to his Southern roots.

Start with Ta13oo for the complete artist, Zuu if you want energy, and Melt My Eyez for the most mature version of him. Go back to Imperial and Nostalgic 64 to hear where it all began.

Denzel Curry Albums in Order

  1. 2013Nostalgic 64Ranked #5
  2. 2016ImperialRanked #4
  3. 2018Ta13ooRanked #1
  4. 2019ZuuRanked #3
  5. 2022Melt My Eyez See Your FutureRanked #2
  6. 2024King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2Ranked #6

Denzel Curry Albums: Common Questions

What is the best Denzel Curry album?
We rank Ta13oo (2018) as the best Denzel Curry album, with a score of 8.9/10: A three-act descent from light into darkness.
How many Denzel Curry albums are ranked here?
This ranking covers 6 Denzel Curry projects, released between 2013 and 2024.
What is the earliest Denzel Curry album in this ranking?
Nostalgic 64 (2013) is the earliest release in this list. We rank it #5.
What is the most recent Denzel Curry album in this ranking?
King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 (2024) is the most recent release in this list. We rank it #6.
Which Denzel Curry album is ranked lowest?
King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 (2024) sits at #6 with a score of 7.3/10.