Top 10 Best Rap Groups of All Time

The Top Ten
1 Wu-Tang Clan The Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group from New York City, originally composed of East Coast rappers RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Cappadonna.

No one can touch the Wu-Tang Clan. They drop classic albums nearly every time, and everyone in this group is a true emcee. When these nine rappers spit together, their rhymes are just magic, creating masterpieces such as "C.R.E.A.M.," "Reunited," "Triumph," "The Mystery of Chessboxin'," and "Protect Ya Neck." No other rap group can claim to have the influence and the catalog to back it up within the hip-hop game as the Wu-Tang has shown. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Method Man, RZA, GZA, Masta Killah, and ODB (R.I.P.) each can rhyme tight circles around these coward rappers today getting promotions such as Tyga and Wale. It wouldn't even be fair to compare the greatest rap group of all time to losers who couldn't even drop a good line if their lives depended on it. Not only do the Wu drop classic albums together, but they also drop masterful albums in their own solo careers. Like Ol' Dirty Bastard said when he famously interrupted the Grammy Awards to speak the truth: "Wu-Tang is the Greatest. Wu-Tang is for the Children."

2 N.W.A. N.W.A was an American hip hop group from Compton, CA. They were among the earliest and most significant popularizers and controversial figures of the gangsta rap subgenre, and are widely considered one of the seminal groups in the history of hip hop music.

With Dr. Dre, who was very good in rapping just as in producing, Ice Cube's well-timed lyrical flow/rhymes which never failed, MC Ren very exotic and better than Tupac before Biggie & Tupac's rise (after N.W.A had disbanded), and Eazy E with the sound of the rarest (and equally engaging voice), I say this group swept all before them alongside, but NOT below Wu Tang. They inspired two decades of cult followers. Way to go.

No rap group has ever been better than N.W.A. Everyone knows they are listening to the world's most dangerous group when they hear it. They made amazing music as a group, had great solo careers, and created careers for so many new rappers (mainly by Dr. Dre at Aftermath). This includes Eminem, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg. They are the greatest group in history. I wish they had never broken up. Stupid Jerry.

Let's face it, hip hop wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for N.W.A. They had to overcome a lot more than any other hip hop group. Almost all of their songs have a meaning, even though it may seem they don't. And let's also not forget that this group has produced more successful solo rappers than any other hip hop group: Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, and MC Ren. These guys made magic that hasn't gotten old even after 28 years. Songs like Straight Outta Compton, Gangsta Gangsta, 100 Miles and Runnin', F*** the Police, and Express Yourself never get old. Wu Tang Clan? Second by a long shot.

3 Public Enemy Public Enemy is an American hip hop group consisting of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Khari Wynn, DJ Lord, and the S1W group.

Even though groups like N.W.A, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and Wu-Tang Clan were great, Public Enemy deserves to be number 1. Public Enemy was one of those groups that changed the face of hip-hop and gave it a distinct political message. Every emcee respects Chuck D and listens to what he has to say, because of his legendary hip-hop status. Flavor Flav (even though he lost his mind) continues to be the world's greatest hype man and actually employs B-Boying unlike a lot of hype men these days. They also inspired groups in other genres, such as Rage Against the Machine in hard rock/metal. They always drop real knowledge with true, certified hip-hop!

These guys are the true public enemy against all those big corporations and all those government people who care about nothing but themselves. Public Enemy raps the truth in their music and is still going strong even today. Nobody beats Public Enemy, not even the Wu-Tang Clan.

4 Outkast Outkast is an American hip hop duo formed in 1991, in East Point, Atlanta, Georgia, composed of Atlanta-based rappers André "André 3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. The duo achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success in the 1990s and early 2000s, helping to popularize Southern hip hop while developing distinctive personas and experimenting with diverse... read more

Lyrics, rhymes, beats, soul, personality, creativity, originality, social and cultural awareness, and vision. Outkast had it all, and more. There's an Outkast song for everyone and every occasion. Their music wasn't just hood, or Southern, or club, or mainstream, or underground, or old school, or new school, or rap, or hip-hop music. It simply was, and will always be, great music.

It wasn't music for only one race or culture, but poetry and art for anyone. It was fun and serious, chill and hype, smooth and rough, light and dark. Big Boi and Andre 3000 weren't just lyricists and rappers. They were true artists and absolute originals. There's not one person, who appreciates rap, hip-hop, urban music, or any similar genre or sub-genre, who doesn't like at least one Outkast song.

There are many incredibly talented groups and solo artists in the history of rap and hip-hop, whose impact and influence can never be questioned, but Outkast will always be at the top of my list of favorites.

5 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is an American hip hop group from Cleveland, Ohio. It consists of rappers Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone and Flesh-N-Bone.

Some people like to say Wu Tang's and NWA's music has never been recreated, but just sit and think. Have you ever heard a reproduction of the Bone Thugs? Well, if you're telling the truth, then you would say "Hell No."

Everything about the Bone Thugs is 100% original. The music, the style, the beats, all original. And never once have they ever changed their style for any reason. They are true to the bone and they are still rapping to this day!

They spit fast as hell in all of their songs, without even putting 100% effort into it, and they are still known as one of the fastest rap groups of all time. Plus, they love their fans to death. Always talking to their fans on Facebook and Twitter and saying what's up, what's not to like about the Bone Thugs?

They have rapped with every major rapper there ever was, Tupac, Biggie, etc. They are truly the #1 best rap group of all time in my eyes and will always be! Bone Thugs for life! EST for life! I love you, Cleveland!

6 Beastie Boys The Beastie Boys were an American Rap/Rock group that was formed in 1981 by its three original members, Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, and Adam "MCA" Yauch.

The Beastie Boys are, in my opinion, far more insightful and creative than most of the other groups in the top ten, with the exception of OutKast and Wu-Tang Clan. I'll concede that Licensed to Ill wasn't the most lyrical of albums, but Paul's Boutique and their subsequent albums are fantastic. Paul's Boutique offers more consistency than any Eminem or D12 album. Check Your Head conveys a better message than any Eminem album, and Ill Communication has superior beats and structure. People often judge the Beastie Boys based on the two songs they've heard, but in reality, they are so much better than all these other groups. Also, Eminem isn't even the best white rapper in my opinion.

Anyone who doesn't consider the Beastie Boys at least "in the conversation" for the best rap group of all time either: is under the age of 25, and/or has no respect for music that "came before" what is popular now, and/or discounts and disrespects them for being white and Jewish, thinking that just because of that, they don't deserve to be in the conversation. There are no other explanations...

7 A Tribe Called Quest A Tribe Called Quest were an American hip-hop trio that was formed in 1985, and was composed of MC and producer Q-Tip, MC Phife Dawg and DJ and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

They should be in the top 5 at least. I'll go as far as to say top 3. They had great lyrics that went with the flow. They knew how to rap, and they did it to perfection.

Ask yourself one question. How many of these groups' music do you still listen to today? A Tribe Called Quest could re-release a digitally remastered "Midnight Marauders" and it'd go platinum... Ay Yo, Swing Swing Swing... Chop, Chop, Chop!

Huge influence on hip hop. Consistently awesome music. One of the best rap albums of all time. What more could you ask for?

8 D12 D12, an initialism for The Dirty Dozen, was an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. D12 has had chart-topping albums in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Yes, they may only be known because of Eminem, but either way, they were going to make it anyway. All of these guys are lyrical (maybe except Bizarre) but D12 was all about coming up with the funniest, weirdest stuff you could think of but at the same time be lyrical. Bizarre could do that, but the others are all talented rappers and are overlooked as a group because of Eminem. RIP Proof.

The only group that could consistently keep up with Eminem, where I would argue that Proof outdid Em in many songs too. They are the best group to ever do it, bringing entire funny stories while still being incredibly lyrical and having insane flows. Eminem's best time was in D12 too.

D12 is the best group ever! No one can beat these guys! They are just so awesome! It's sad that Proof died, but they can and will go on kicking other groups' butts! The only groups that could probably be better than D12 are Dirty Boyz.

9 Run-D.M.C. Run-DMC was an American pioneering hip hop group consisting of Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay. They were formed in 1981 and disbanded in 2002 after Jam Master Jay was murdered.

Though I don't think they're the best out there, come on people, they at least deserve respect. Their years in hip hop, along with the Beastie Boys, produced nothing short of the blueprint for basically any hip hop you see today. Look at your favorite rappers' influences, and they always get traced back to either LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, or Run D.M.C.

Run-D.M.C. defined what rap was all about. You can't touch My Adidas. Peter Piper is STILL one of the bangingest records ever. I'm the King Of Rock, there is none higher. They paved the way for everybody.

They were the first successful rappers. Why is 50 Cent so popular on this site? It doesn't make sense. I get it, he got shot nine times, but that doesn't make him a good rapper.

10 The Roots The Roots is an American hip hop group, formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

The Roots are, without a doubt, the best rap group. They stay true to their roots and have continued to produce classic music for over 15 years. Black Thought is a genius who can deliver lyrically on any track. His talent deserves more recognition. The rest of the group is equally impressive, and their ability to play their own instruments is a bonus in an era dominated by artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. I firmly believe they deserve recognition as the greatest rap group of all time. For anyone unfamiliar with their work, I recommend listening to How I Got Over to understand why they deserve to be at the top.

This is the best rap ever, I believe. They are the total package! They play instruments, have real emcees, and stay true to the hip-hop culture. They never sold out. In fact, their newer stuff is just as good, if not better, than their older stuff. Black Thought, the lead emcee of the group, is a very dope emcee, and his rhymes are some of the best that hip-hop has to offer. Their music continues to elevate real hip-hop, despite the fake trends out there. They raised the bar to a new level.

The Contenders
11 Mobb Deep Mobb Deep was an American hip hop music duo from Queensbridge Houses, New York. The group consisted of Havoc and Prodigy, and were a hardcore East Coast hip hop group.

Their second and third albums alone could solidify them as top 10. Throw in their legacy and influence on the culture, and a series of successful albums and tours until Prodigy's unfortunate death last year, and they secure their place as top 10.

I love these cats. They had drama-filled music for the '90s, straight war music. Their music was like theme music when something was about to go down. Classic albums like The Infamous, Hell on Earth, and Murda Muzik are straight headbangers, and Havoc is one hell of a producer too.

That was real rap from the 90s. This sort of rap will never die. Listen to Shook Ones and there will be no doubt!

12 Bad Meets Evil

Bad Meets Evil has had some great songs - Living Proof, Fast Lane, Above the Law - really, most of the Hell: The Sequel album was really good. They've had some lyrical genius and some speedy lyrics. But do I think they're the best? No. Don't get me wrong, I love this duo. Eminem is one of my favorite rappers of all time, and Royce is great too. But they really haven't made that many songs together, and they even beefed for a while, with Eminem & D12 and Royce & Slaughterhouse (Slaughterhouse is better than D12, as well).

Anyway, they aren't the closest group, similar to that of Eazy-E and N.W.A. They have a lot of great songs, but they're not the best team or the most prolific. Overall, they're a great duo, and you should definitely check them out, but I don't think they're the best duo.

Damn, I'm just going to say that they rapped really fast. Hands down, man. I think they should at least make it to Top 10. Royce and Eminem are one of the best duos. You don't always need a group to kill. Sometimes you just need two to ill.

13 Eric B. & Rakim

The God MC, Rakim, is the greatest of all time. He changed the game when he came out, elevating it with his vocabulary. No one was dropping knowledge in their rhymes like he was. If you want to know how a real MC is supposed to spit, go back and listen to Paid in Full, Follow the Leader, Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em, and Don't Sweat the Technique. All classic albums. Rakim is the greatest of all times.

Most influential rap group of all time. Legendary songs like Paid in Full and I Ain't No Joke, and awesome albums like Paid in Full. Old group with no long but untouchable careers. Also, it has Rakim, one of the best MCs ever!

Eric B. & Rakim are the best. They redefined hip hop and what it means to be a good lyricist. They evolved it from simple rhymes to using internal and multisyllabic rhymes.

14 Gang Starr

Guru is like an uncrowned king when it comes to rap. He was one of the best lyricists who never got the credit he was due. For real, he was the most underrated MC. If you listen to his early albums like Step into the Arena, Daily Operation, Hard to Earn, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and The Moment of Truth, you will agree that Guru deserves to be in the top 5 when it comes to being one of the greatest lyricists of all time. He sounds so intellectual on the mic and has one of the best voices. He was streetwise in his records.

And when it comes to that real street-level, real hip-hop sound, DJ Premier is the greatest of all time. Listen to the tracks on Jeru the Damaja's album The Sun Rises in the East, and you will agree with me that Premier is the greatest hip-hop producer of all time. He made tracks for everybody in the rap game, from the East Coast to the West Coast. His tracks are all-time classics.

15 Hieroglyphics

Hiero should be number 3 on this list after D12 and Wu-Tang. Just listen to their songs. They're great. Casual, Del the Funky Homosapien, Domino, Pep Love, A-Plus, Opio, Tajai, Phesto, DJ Toure, Snupe, Mike G, Jay-Biz. Most of them are unknown, but still, in my opinion, they are the third-best rap group ever.

16 Outlaw Immortalz

In my opinion, The Outlawz create the best music out of all the groups listed. One of their challenges is living under the shadow of arguably the best rapper of all time. Some people expect to hear an unreleased Tupac verse in every song they produce. People really need to give them a proper listen, as the industry has blackballed them for far too long. Yes, Wu-Tang Clan are amazing emcees and are well-respected for their skills, but for me, The Outlawz make better songs. Here are some songs to check out: The Outlawz - Black Rose, Pushing On, Our Life, Remember Me, Real Talk, and many more.

The list is based on publicity. Outlaw Immortals, A Tribe Called Quest, and Westside Connection are all top 10. How is D12 there? Just because of Eminem. Kadafi, Fatal, and Napoleon were better than Kuniva and the others. N.W.A should be followed by Westside Connection. A group with Tupac has to be second. I admit the remaining Outlaws now aren't decent, but the three I mentioned earlier are wild as hell! Kadafi was dope but died at like 19, raw talent gone early, then just like Pac.

17 Fort Minor

It's too bad they only have one album, but I think if they just released more, they would become one of the best rap groups out there. 100% Reason to Remember the Name.

Man, listen to their lyrics. The truth is so real. These guys need to be ranked higher, even though they only have one album, unfortunately.

Fort Minor is my favorite rap group EVER. A close second is FloBots, but these guys are amazing. The fact that they only have one album annoys me, though. Wonder why they stopped...

18 Cypress Hill Cypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. Cypress Hill was the first Latino American hip hop recording group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, selling over 18 million albums worldwide.

G-Unit shouldn't be near the top ten, and D.M.C. is only on here because of popularity/respect. Cypress Hill has all the skill these rappers don't possess. I say give this band at LEAST the #7 position.

These guys, N.W.A., and the Beastie Boys are the best rap groups ever. Individually not the best, but not bad either.

They have skill on the mic and on the turntables. They keep to what they know and are great at it.

19 Slaughterhouse

Slaughterhouse is Bad Meets Evil plus Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Joell Ortiz. I consider Eminem a member of Slaughterhouse (Session One, Asylum, Throw That, Psychopath Killer, Our House, etc.) I like them better than D12 because, with D12, it was always Eminem, Proof, and then waiting to see what unholy, but hysterical stuff Bizarre would say, but the others were average. Slaughterhouse has five solid contributors. They're like the Avengers of rap.

Are you kidding me? Slaughterhouse is all about lyrics, lyrics, and more lyrics. They are probably the best lyrical rap group ever. However, don't blame me if you get too hooked on them, as I did. Once you start listening to them, there is no way out.

What? I truly think they ARE the best rap group ever. I bought Welcome to Our House and was blown away! And when Em is featured on a song, it's even sicker. Any member of Slaughterhouse is lyrically better than Lil Wayne & YMCMB. Shady all the way! This is real rap!

20 Run the Jewels Run the Jewels, also known by the initialism RTJ, is an American hip hop duo consisting of rapper/producer El-P and rapper Killer Mike.

Killer Mike and El-P are some of the best rappers of the 2010s. El-P is also a GOAT-tier producer. They belong in the top 5 for sure.

There is no way all of this can be on this list. What makes a rap group good and a rap group a group is the chemistry. Groups without chemistry aren't really a group. That's what makes Run the Jewels one of the best.

21 The Fugees

One of the greatest hip-hop groups ever. Lauryn Hill is one of the best female MCs to ever bless the mic, plus Wyclef's production is amazing. Better than G-Unit!

The birthplace of Miss Lauryn Hill.

The Fugees aren't my favorite rap group, but I voted for them anyway since I can't take it that they're so far down. They should be 5-8.

22 De La Soul

True hip hop here. They are true masters of their craft. And they're still going! Many groups break up after a couple of years or albums, but De La Soul are still at it.

So overlooked, like water. You hardly notice it, but we all benefit from it.

23 Jedi Mind Tricks

The production is incredible, Stoupe kills every track. Vinnie Paz is one of the best lyricists ever, in my opinion. You need to check out some of their music.

Some of their earlier albums sit alongside the likes of Illmatic and Enter the Wu-Tang as achievements in hip hop.

Amazing production, incredible rappers (well, not just Allah nowadays). What more could you ask for?

24 The Sugarhill Gang

These guys were literally the first rap group ever, and they are not in the top 10 at least? Sad. These people only know the popular rappers and don't know their roots.

Not a big fan of them, but they should be higher than 36 because they created Hip Hop.

These guys were the pioneers of hip hop and are not even in the top ten. Sad.

25 Styles of Beyond

Why is Styles of Beyond not on the list? Ryu and Tak are some of the best rappers out there. They have been rapping since the late '90s till now. Their songs Superstars, Second to None, and Sugar Honey Iced Tea say it all.

Underrated band. They have amazing songs. Superstars was the soundtrack of Need For Speed Most Wanted.

Best rap group ever. Should be in the top ten at least.

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