Top 10 Best Rap Metal Bands

Rap metal isn't just some passing fad from the late '90s and early 2000s. It's a genre that threw two of music's most rebellious voices, hip-hop and metal, into a blender, hit pulverize, and cranked the volume until your neighbors moved out. It's loud. It's raw. It's got something to say, and it's going to say it while drop-tuning a seven-string guitar and tearing through a verse faster than your brain can process.

The bands in this category know how to blur lines, rip up rulebooks, and build something entirely their own. Some came out of the underground and clawed their way into the mainstream. Others exploded straight onto the charts and became generational icons.

The Top Ten

Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine is an American rap metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. The lineup consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.
Their politically charged music, which blended rock, hip-hop, and funk, debuted... read more

RATM practically invented rap-metal. There are so many other successful rap-metal bands out there, but the majority came after Rage, and none can match the political ferocity that defines this band.
Rage had an undeniable sound that was professional and sharp right from the beginning. I do love Linkin Park, but in my opinion, they are not rap-metal.
Nothing comes close to Tom's insane guitar effects, Tim's funky bass, Brad's offbeat drumming, and Zack's venomous vocals. Best of all, despite the mesmerizing and awakening sound, they bring a message of human rights and justice on stage with them.

Rage Against the Machine is much better than Linkin Park. They're not even rap metal. They're just a terrible pop rock group with a rapper. RATM actually has metal and rock and roll in it. Linkin Park should be lower than Limp Bizkit and Slipknot. Slipknot isn't even close to rap metal, but they are still much better than Linkin Park. As for ICP, they shouldn't even be on this list. Their music is the worst I have ever heard, and they make my ears bleed. Whoever likes ICP doesn't like music.
Linkin Park

Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin Park... read more

Linkin Park is the only band to combine hip-hop and rock perfectly. You're not hip-hop just because you decide to rap over guitar riffs. LP uses electronica and experimental hip-hop beats over their guitars to create music only they can. They are a fantastic band that has shown they are more than one-trick artists. Also, Mike Shinoda is the best MC out of a rap-rock band. Zach De La Rocha is a mediocre rapper at best. Mike Shinoda uses more multisyllabic, internal, and technical rhyme schemes on average than all other bands on this list. In other words, Shinoda is as close to a legit rapper as anyone else.

I'm angry how everyone disses Linkin Park when really most of those haters listen to death metal, hate rap, and say Eminem is the best rapper alive. Really shows people that just because you listen to real metal, like classical music, or have no knowledge of hip hop besides Eminem, your music is the best.
Sorry for going off topic, but Linkin Park is a great band coming from an old school rap fan.
Limp Bizkit

Limp Bizkit is an American nu-metal/rap metal/rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1994. The band's core lineup includes Fred Durst, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and Wes Borland. They are known for popular singles such as Break Stuff, My Way, My Generation, Nookie, Eat You Alive, Rollin', and Take... read more

Limp Bizkit has the single fastest-selling album ever (that is a fact). Limp Bizkit's singer Fred Durst is good at every type of singing. Guitarist Wes Borland is the most underrated guitarist I've ever seen. Bassist Sam is a boss. DJ Lethal is crazy. Drummer Jon Otto makes some PHAT beats. Linkin Park is overrated. They're not all that talented, and Rage Against the Machine? Really, why are they even in the top 10?

What happened? Linkin Park wasn't rap metal much, except for their songs Papercut and Faint. Linkin Park doesn't deserve to be rated as the best rap metal band ever. Limp Bizkit should be ranked as number one in rap metal. By the way, how can you beat Shotgun and Nookie (Limp Bizkit songs)?
Hollywood Undead

Hollywood Undead is an American rap-rock band from Los Angeles, California. They released their debut album Swan Songs on September 2, 2008, followed by the live CD/DVD Desperate Measures on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released on April 5, 2011. All band members... read more

Most of the bands on here aren't rap metal. I love System of a Down, Slipknot, and Korn, but they're nu-metal, not rap metal. There's a reason Rage Against the Machine is number 1 on this list. They are one of the few bands that actually successfully combined rap and metal. Hollywood Undead is another. I highly recommend them if you're looking for an ACTUAL rap metal band. All the members rap, giving the band an old-school hip-hop feel like Wu-Tang Clan, Bone Thugs, NWA, etc. Bullet, Paradise Lost, Undead, Scava, and We Are are all great songs.

One of the best. Hard rock but not too intense. The music really gets inside your soul. It should be number three.
P.O.D.

Payable on Death, also known as P.O.D., is a Christian nu metal band formed in 1992 and based in San Diego, California. The band's music combines elements of metal, rap, and reggae. They rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like Alive and Youth of the Nation.

Why the HELL is P.O.D. not in the top 5? Every song on the Satellite album kicks ass. The Testify album has a few good tracks too. Undisputed best Christian metal band ever. Linkin Park's new slower style sucks compared to Hybrid Theory and Meteora. RATM is also good because all of the sounds are made from instruments, nothing is computerized. P.O.D. is still the best because Sonny flows the lyrics naturally with the music. It doesn't sound forced, and he only screams where it's needed, sounding fitting and natural. He can sing, rap, and can even do screams nearly as good as Chester from LP. Payable on Death rules!

Payable on Death (P.O.D.) is a brilliant and innovative rap metal band. It deserves to be in the top 5, at least. P.O.D. rules!
Youth of the Nation, Satellite, School of Hard Knocks, Execute the Sounds, Messenjah, Alive, Goodbye for Now, and Going in Blind are perfect examples of their masterworks. Additionally, Sleeping Awake from The Matrix soundtrack and Booyaka Booyaka: 619 Rey Mysterio's Anthem are notable additions.
Reveille

Definitely my favorite rap metal/nu-metal band. Great bands on this list, but this is my favorite. Huge fan!

Best band ever. Too bad they broke up.
Mushroomhead

Mushroomhead is an American nu metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound, which combines heavy metal, art rock, and electro-industrial influences. They are also recognized for their elaborate masks, costumes, and... read more

I recently discovered this band and I immediately fell in love! They're a great band and very much worth checking out!
Hed PE

Hed PE, also known as (Hed) P.E. or Planet Earth, is an American band from Huntington Beach, California. They are known for blending genres such as punk rock, hip-hop, and metal to create a unique sound. The band formed in 1994 and has released multiple albums exploring social and political themes.

Why is Hed PE better than the rest of these bands? Because they aren't huge (yet) and haven't sold out or gotten pushed by record companies to do commercial songs. And Linkin Park is NOT metal or rap, so take them off the list.

Love these guys! Yeah, some of their stuff wasn't so good and such. But this is still an awesome band. Love this music, for sure. One of my favorite bands.

Thank you for sharing this interesting band! Absolutely amazing! Perfect mix of rap and metal! I liked the "Feel Good" song very much, a collaboration with my favorite band, System of a Down.
Stuck Mojo

Stuck Mojo is the first rap metal band. They predated most of the bands on this list. The great thing about Mojo is that they put way more emphasis on metal, which I feel is where most rap metal bands fall short. They are essentially a metal band with a rapping vocalist.

Seriously, Stuck Mojo is much better than all of these bands altogether. All rap metal bands should be like these guys. Their style is very cool. They rap, but they are much more metal.

Obviously, they deserve to be number 1. Come on, it's some pretty heavy stuff they've got going on. And their rap is superior.
Thousand Foot Krutch

Thousand Foot Krutch is a Canadian Christian alternative rock band that was formed in 1995. They have released nine studio albums, including Phenomenon, The Art of Breaking, and Exhale. In addition, they have released two live albums and several remix albums. The only original member remaining in the... read more

Look, listen to my voice
If you're making the choice
Tell all the girls and the boys
Either scream or rejoice
Let's make that noise
Either move or we will all be destroyed!

Listen to Fly on the Wall. A perfect combo of rich rock and meaning.

The Newcomers

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The Contenders

Insane Clown Posse

Insane Clown Posse is an American hip hop, horrorcore, and rap rock duo consisting of rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. The group was formed in 1989 in Detroit.
They are known for their violent and outrageous lyrics that often incorporate horror elements and religious symbolism, all set in... read more

Best band ever. The Mighty Death Pop is the best album they ever made.

Whoop whoop! Down with the clown until I'm dead in the ground! Mmfwcl.
Insolence
Resorte
Skindred

Skindred is a Welsh alternative metal and rap rock band formed in Newport, Wales, in 1998. Their music blends heavy metal, alternative rock, punk, and ragga, creating a distinctive and energetic sound. The band has gained international recognition for its dynamic live performances and genre-mixing style... read more

They are not high on the list because they are not well-known. Half these bands don't even qualify for this list. They are just popular metal bands with a handful of lyrical spit sections.

Reggae, rap, alternative, metal, techno, rock. What don't these guys do? Epic band. 19 feels a little low, though, and they should be a bit higher than this.

Found out about them in about 2023 with Gimme That Boom. Really good.
Body Count

Picture this: Ice-T, easily among the 20 best rappers of all time. Now take him and make him the lead vocalist of a thrash metal band that does everything right. What do you get? You get Body Count, beeatch.

I think this is one of the best rap metal bands. Not well-known as the top 10, but they should be in the top 5. Just listen to Cop Killer, Body Count, and 99 Problems.

Should be in the top 3. Most of the bands on here fit the description of nu-metal more.
Biohazard

Biohazard is an American band formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1987. They are recognized as pioneers of the fusion between hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1990, and they gained wider acclaim with their 1992 album Urban Discipline... read more

Urban Discipline, that's enough.
Papa Roach

Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California. Formed in 1993, their major-label debut album Infest was released in 2000 and certified triple-platinum. The band is known for hits like Last Resort and has continued to release albums into the 2020s.

Ok, come on, guys. You clearly haven't heard Last Resort before. Papa Roach is amazing!

Holy hell... Talking about rap metal, who on earth misses Papa Roach? At number 24? I mean, seriously?

Their first album was so awesome!
Slapshock

The best kick-ass rap metal band from the Philippine islands!

I hope that Slapshock will sing with Aldrex Genesis of Sound of Silence, the best rap metal in Cebu City, because they are the best Filipino musicians ever.
Primer 55

Primer 55 is an American nu-metal band from Louisville, Kentucky. The name combines "Primer," symbolizing something that is unfinished, and "55," referring to Interstate 55, which is associated with drug trafficking routes through Memphis to Chicago. Their debut album, Introduction to Mayhem, was released... read more
Twiztid

Twiztid is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. Formed in 1997, Twiztid consists of Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric, who perform under the stage names Jamie Madrox and Monoxide, respectively. They were formerly signed to Psychopathic Records and are known for their association with the "Juggalo... read more

One of the most underrated rap acts out there today!
Crazy Town

Crazy Town is an American rap rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret "Epic" Mazur and Seth "Shifty Shellshock" Binzer. The band is best known for its 2000 hit single "Butterfly," which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of the single helped their debut album The... read more
Saliva

Saliva is an American hard rock band that originated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1996. The group released their self-titled debut album on August 26, 1997, through Rockingchair Records. This independent label was founded by Mark Yoshida, who recorded and produced the album at his studio, Rockingchair Studios... read more
Attila

Attila is an American metalcore band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2005. The band was started by Chris Fronzak while he was in high school. He chose the name Attila after reading about Attila the Hun, seeking something unique rather than typical death metal terminology.

Pretty much the only real metal band here mixed with a bit of rap.
Clawfinger

Clawfinger rules. Not sure what most of these bands are doing on this list. Sure, put RATM on top, and yes, Body Count must be there - they deserve it. But most of these bands are just for kids.

When it comes to adopting it as a genre, it all started with these guys. And they do it in such an uncanny way only pioneers can. Clawfinger #1 without a shadow of a doubt.

These guys are from Sweden, and they are AWESOME! Check out "Deaf, Dumb and Blind" and their self-titled CD from, I believe, 2000/2001. ("2 Sides" is the opening track on this one.) Hopefully, they impress you!
311

311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, and bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills. Their music fuses rock, reggae, hip hop, and funk, and they are known for hits like "Down" and "Amber."

Impossible. How can you beat All Mixed Up and Down? These songs create epic rap metal songs, and 311 should be better than all rap metal bands except for Limp Bizkit and Rage Against the Machine. By the way, Kid Rock should be higher on the list, too.