Armand Hammer Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Diving into the discography of Armand Hammer presents a fascinating challenge.

The duo of billy woods and Elucid has consistently pushed boundaries, making each album a dense, rewarding experience. The question of which release stands as their best often leads to passionate debate among fans.

Here, we are exploring the Armand Hammer albums ranked according to fan sentiment. We've looked at community discussions and general reception to build a list that reflects the voice of their dedicated listeners. This provides a unique path to finding what many consider the best Armand Hammer albums.

Later, we’ll see how this compares to current popularity data.

Ranking Armand Hammer'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. Haram (2021)

This 2021 album is a full-length collaboration between Armand Hammer and legendary producer The Alchemist.

Released via Backwoodz Studioz, Haram was immediately met with widespread critical acclaim upon its arrival.

Its controversial cover art, depicting two decapitated pigs, even drew criticism from the animal rights group PETA.

Key tracks:

• Falling out the Sky
• Black Sunlight

Topping the fan-voted list, Haram is often seen as a watershed moment for Armand Hammer.

The potent combination of The Alchemist's murky, sample-heavy production and the duo's dense lyricism created an undeniable classic. It's an album that fans point to as both a perfect entry point and a new creative peak.

2. Rome (2017)

Rome is the second studio album from the New York duo, released in 2017 through Backwoodz Studioz.

The record was praised by critics for carving out a shadowy, left-field sound that moved beyond traditional boom-bap conventions.

Outlets like Pitchfork and Vulture hailed it as one of the best rap albums of the year, highlighting its unique style and thematic depth.

Key tracks:

• Carnies
• Pakistani Brain

Holding a strong second place, Rome is cherished by many longtime fans as the moment Armand Hammer truly solidified their distinct artistic voice.

Its grim, insightful, and poetic atmosphere made it a standout release that has only grown in stature over time.

3. Paraffin (2018)

Armand Hammer's third studio album, Paraffin, arrived in 2018.

Initially released on vinyl only, the album's availability later expanded to digital, cassette, and CD formats.

Critics noted its smoggy, volatile production and its sharp attunement to the political and social realities of the time.

Key tracks:

• Alternate Side Parking
• No Days Off

Paraffin is frequently celebrated in fan circles for its unflinching and powerful commentary.

Its dense, challenging nature resonates deeply with listeners who appreciate the duo's ability to tackle heavy subjects with incredible lyrical dexterity.

4. Shrines (2020)

Released in 2020, Shrines is the fourth studio album from Armand Hammer.

Its memorable cover features a photograph of an NYPD officer preparing to tranquilize Ming of Harlem, a tiger famously discovered in a city apartment.

Reviewers described the album's production as more spacious than its predecessor, allowing the density of the duo's bars to stand out even more.

Key tracks:

• Ramesses II
• Charms

For many listeners, Shrines represents a compelling evolution in the Armand Hammer sound.

The album is admired for its clarity and poetic imagery, proving the duo can explore new sonic territory without sacrificing their core identity.

5. Race Music (2013)

Race Music served as the official debut studio album from Armand Hammer, released in October 2013.

It followed their debut mixtape, Half Measures, which was released just a month prior.

The album was recognized by publications like The Village Voice as one of the best New York City rap albums of that year.

Key tracks:

• Shark Fin Soup
• Hatchet Job

As the duo's first full-length project, Race Music holds a special place for longtime followers.

It's viewed as the foundational text of their discography, establishing the potent lyrical and thematic concerns that would define their work for years to come.

6. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips (2024)

Released in late 2023, We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is the sixth studio album by Armand Hammer.

Notably, it was their first album not released on the Backwoodz Studioz label, instead finding a home on Fat Possum.

The record features a wide range of guest appearances, including JPEGMAFIA, El-P, Moor Mother, and Pink Siifu.

Key tracks:

• Woke Up and Asked Siri How I'm Gonna Die
• The Gods Must Be Crazy

This album is regarded by fans as another innovative step forward for the duo.

Its eclectic production and all-star list of collaborators showcase Armand Hammer's continued growth and influence within the experimental hip-hop scene.

7. Furtive Movements (2014)

Furtive Movements is a 2014 EP that followed the duo's official debut album, Race Music.

Despite being a shorter project, it continued to build on their growing reputation and critical success.

The Village Voice also included this release on its list of the 10 best New York City rap albums of 2014.

Key tracks:

• CRWNS
• Touch & Agree

While EPs can sometimes be overlooked, Furtive Movements is an essential piece of the Armand Hammer puzzle for dedicated fans.

It serves as a potent, concentrated dose of the duo's early energy and a crucial bridge between their first two full-length albums.

8. Mercy (2025)

Released in November 2025, Mercy marks the second full-album collaboration between Armand Hammer and producer The Alchemist.

The project follows their highly successful 2021 album Haram and their 2023 release We Buy Diabetic Test Strips.

Critics noted that The Alchemist delivered some of his weirdest and most harrowing production on this record.

Key tracks:

• Laraaji
• Peshawar

As the newest entry in their discography, Mercy is still finding its long-term place among fans.

Initial reactions praise the continued chemistry with The Alchemist, though it naturally takes time for a record to build the same legacy as established classics in a beloved catalog.

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

Armand Hammer 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 Armand Hammer's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Quick FAQs about Armand Hammer's albums

Q: Why was the album cover for Haram controversial?

A: The album art featured a graphic image of two decapitated pigs. This drew criticism from the animal rights organization PETA for what they called its "cruel" and "terrifying" nature.

Q: Who produced the album Haram?

A: The entire album was a celebrated collaboration with hip-hop producer The Alchemist. He handled the production for every track on the record.

So there you have it, a comprehensive look at Armand Hammer's albums ranked by the fans.

This discography is a testament to consistency and artistic integrity. Each album offers a unique world to explore.

Ultimately, the "best" Armand Hammer album is a personal choice. It's the one that connects with you the most deeply.

What does your ranking look like? Let us know which album holds the top spot for you and why.