Korn, Slipknot, Linkin Park, and more—here are the 20 albums that defined nu metal's brief but unforgettable reign.
Jamie Iovinenu metal
Nu metal emerged in the mid-1990s as a fusion of heavy metal, hip-hop, and alternative rock, born out of the same suburban angst that fueled grunge but channeled through a completely different sonic palette. Bands like Korn, Deftones, and Limp Bizkit pioneered the sound—down-tuned guitars, hip-hop-influenced rhythms, and raw, confessional lyrics that spoke directly to a generation of disaffected teenagers.
Featured
Mac Miller left behind a collection of albums, mixtapes, EPs, and oddball projects to keep fans debating for years.
Jon BarlasOn Sept. 11, 2007, two rap heavyweights went head to head in a sales battle and changed hip-hop forever. Here's how Kanye West killed gangsta rap.
Noah Callahan-BeverAutographs by artists like YG, Gunna, and G Herbo appear on these special edition pressings that you can purchase on Complex now.
Complex Staff


