Top 10 Most Inspirational Rappers of All Time

The Top Ten
1 Eminem Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce da 5'9") half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil. Rolling Stone ranked him 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the King of Hip Hop. Including his work with D12 and Bad Meets Evil, Eminem has had ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and 13 worldwide.

His story coming into the rap world and fame inspires anyone who hears it. He grew up in the very bottom of life (like his song "rock bottom"), and made his way into being the BEST RAPPER EVER. Everyone bullied him and said he couldn't do it. Even his own mom was mean to him. His good friend/uncle Ronnie committed suicide, his best friend proof was killed, and his other uncle committed suicide. He was beaten up and put in a coma for 3 weeks. He was addicted to drugs for years. He was divorced twice. He was sued by his bully growing up, his own mother, his wife, and many other figures. He uses his scars in his songs. He is DEFINITELY the best, most inspirational rapper ever.

Eminem is the most inspirational, his songs have deep meaning and messages in them and can also mix lyricism with fun. His storytelling is better than any rapper alive, one of the songs called Stan which is brilliant tells a really easy to follow story. Marshall Mathers really inspires people such as me to go ahead, grab a piece of paper an write rhymes, a true inspiration! Keep doing what you're doing RAP GOD!

Eminem is the best rapper personally. He inspired me to a lot of things. He has the best lyrics to all of his songs. He is the first rapper I've ever heard I love all his songs and his movie 8 mile for me the best song probably 8 mile or the real slim shady he is the best for ever. He is my inspiration to be a rapper. He is great at rap and music.

His songs have meaning and not just a lot of random crap that rhymes and just about gang fights, girls, and drugs. He raps about his life and about other peoples lives. He puts in in words and a song.

2 Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor born on June 16, 1971 in East Harlem, New York. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to in multiple major publications such as Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music artists of all time. 2Pac was assassinated on September 1996 at the age of 25. ...read more.

A man with spirit. A man who even did ballet has overcome others with lyrics (even though can be harsh) can send a message to others to- not be a gangster, but to be YOU.. He had his life and look what he did... Died, yes! But spoke with honesty (unfortunately it became his demise) and this has now created an era that others can do this... - gangster or not, people who think they're bigger than they are get put in their place. If you are just you (who you really are) then you may get dissed, yet respect will amplify through your truth... You have to be strong either way, win or not, be real to who you are- because people who respect you for you- are people you may like to have in your life.

Tupac is not Just a rapper but he is a poet, freedom fighter and he also has enough brain power to be president. Eminem is a good rapper but Tupac is just the greatest. His Music is Raw and Authentic. It tells a story and Tupac can make you laugh, cry, dance, be crazy anything. Eminem even said himself that Tupac is the Greatest and most influential artist. Honestly just listen closely to his Words. Tupac has a song that everybody can relate. Just think about it a guy that can make such a huge impact in the music industry at the age of 25 has to be the greatest. If Tupac was still alive nobody would even talk about Eminem. Tupac also suffered many hardships. He only had two pants and a sweate. But he brang himself out of this struggles. He was the only rapper who was not scared to take on the police, and illumanati. His last album was called Killumanati. All these rappers of today are sell outs. So I don't care how famous you are or how much records you sell there will never be a man ...more

"Here's a message to the newborns, waitin' to breathe
If you believe then you can achieve
Just look at me
Against all odds, though life is hard we carry on
Livin' in the projects, broke with no lights on
To all the seeds that follow me
Protect your essence
Born with less, but you still precious
Just smile for me now"

Pretty inspiring if you ask me.

When it comes to inspiration, no-one can touch Pac. He was more than a rapper - he was a revolutionary icon. In terms of the impact he had on his audience, we should be comparing him to Malcom X and Martin Luther, not Eminem and Nas! The passion and raw emotion in his music is so moving that sometimes only hearing his songs can get me through tough times.

3 Nas Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper and entrepreneur born on September 14, 1973 in New York City. His album, Illmatic, is considered to be one of the best rap albums of all time. He is also considered to be one of the best rappers of all time.

He is so inspirational! I've watched two documentaries about him and his story is so powerful and emotional! How is Eminem and Lil' Wayne even inspirational!? They just make hit songs. Nas is extremely inspirational and should be #1 on this list. There are just too many Eminem fans and worshipers on this site that vote him for everything!

I'm a fan of Eminem and even I can face the fa the that the most inspirational rappers of all time are biggie smalls and Nas. No one is more inspirational than these 2.

This guy right his is extremely inspirational Eminem even said he's one of the best. Go listen to I Can by him and One Mic and all his songs with Damian Marley.

Man Nas deserves the number one spot. How is birdman even inspirational, Lil Wayne? Please don't make me laugh.

4 Mike Shinoda Michael Kenji "Mike" Shinoda (born 11 February 1977) is an American musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, graphic designer, manager and film composer. He co-founded Linkin Park in 1996 and is the band's rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter, keyboardist, producer, and co-lead vocalist.

Mike Shinoda has always been a major inspiration to me. His lyrics spoke out to me more than any other rapper that I knew. His work on Linkin Park was amazing, and helped me get through a major depressive stage in my life. Fort Minor was a great side project and has many amazing songs, my personal favourites being Right Now and Where'd You Go? His solo career with Post Traumatic is also one of the most underrated albums of the year so far, as it flew under the radar from many people. His lyrics speak on the issues that many people of different ages can touch on and interperet in their own ways.

Finally a list with mike shinoda in it...though I think he should be at 2nd or 3rd but I never heard about 3,4,5 but Eminem rap are good but to fast for me making me hard catch the meaning between song since English is not my 1st language and I never heard about Tupac but he seem respected by many people...sorry for my long comment...

Mike is gem. He's multi-talented. He's a keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter, record producer, graphic designer, painter, artist, etc. His creativity knows no bounds, yet the fame never got to his head. He's been humble ever since the beginning. A true role model.

"In the end, it doesn't even matter, " is one of the most famous modern song lyrics today. Songs that tell you to let it go, and to be yourself rather than the person people want you to be. He I much better than Eminem, he should be number 1. And plus, Eminem always swears even when he doesn't need to. And his voice is awful. M SHINODA FOR LIFE!

5 T.I. Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr., better known by his stage names T.I. and Tip, is an American hip hop recording artist and actor born on September 25, 1980 in Atlanta, GA.

He stopped a man from committing suicide. How is that not inspirational?

6 Dr. Dre Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), known professionally as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and previously co-founded, co-owned, and was the president of Death Row Records. Dr. Dre ...read more.

I think that this kind of rankings are pointless because everybody has an opinion, but if I had to tell Who inspired me the most, it has to be the Dr. He's a true artist, he releases perfect pieces of art. Truly a genius

Best producer in hip hop? Um no. Maybe in The LA scene but there are many better than him. And also he isn't that great a lyricist either

His music is the best

I myself am a huge fan of Dre but think about it.Dre has never written an inspirational song.he is a great rapper but not inspirational by any standards

7 Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter. Raised in Compton, California, Lamar embarked on his musical career as a teenager under the stage name K-Dot, releasing a mixtape that garnered local attention and led to his signing with indie record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).

The best rapper alive. His lyrical talents nach thise of nas and pac. He ets the message through perfectly. Kids of this generation are listening to crappy rappers like migos and Lil Wayne when they should be listening to this guy.K. dOT is truly amazing.

Should be higher, to pimp a butterfly describes his fight against depression and finally getting out of it, and that's the most inspirational album I have ever heard. And that's saying something

Never have I heard such deep, influentional messages in rap. Absolutely amazing, each album has a different theme, and every song he makes you can find the deep meaning of it.

Honestly deserves top 3 behind Tupac because the meaninng behind each and every single one of his songs are mind blowing and really make you think. guys he saved someone's life with his music.

8 Lil Wayne Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was discovered by Brian "Baby" "Birdman" Williams at a very young age, and was signed to Cash Money Records, where he would be one quarter of the rap group Hot Boys. In the years to follow, he would go on to find his own label, Young Money, where he would sign popular artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga, and he would go on to be one of the most popular rappers of all time. ...read more.

It's inspiration a guy can flunk school, sound like that... and have no knowledge of vocabulary and still make millions. That's magic

Lil Wayne ain't inspiring in any way all he talks about is women and drugs and being "gangsta". If you ask me he is the tounechi

Lil Wayne is inspirational? Haha! Good one!

Yeah, cause rapping about hoes being on your bed and rhyming n- with n-. So Inspirational (double facepalm

9 Rakim William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim Allah (or simply Rakim), is an American rapper and record producer. One half of golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time. ...read more.

When it comes to the likes of Pac and Eminem, they indicated at some point in their career that Rakim had an influence on their music.

What has the world come to when the guy who inspired all these others here is not number 1?

One of the fathers of rap. Shoulb be in top 10 along with kendrick lamar.

10 B.o.B Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr., better known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American recording artist and music producer from Decatur, Georgia.

Most of his songs are amazing but the drugs and sex ones let him done

The Contenders
11 Common Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., better known by his stage name Common, is an American hip hop recording artist, actor, film producer and poet from Chicago, Illinois.

He is the best ever rapper his song are like fire in they sky...

12 J. Cole Jermaine Lamarr Cole, better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer.

I can't believe people forgot about him... Wow all those rappers aren't even as inspirational as him (except maybe common)... Come on Dr. dre that dude doesn't even write his own lyrics he has several ghost writers including jay-z in one song
Any ways Cole is better and more inspirational.. No affence but biggie isn't that inspirational neither is Eminem or all those others

I'm out here wondering why Lil Wayne and Fetty Wap tops Jcole in inspiration lyrics, unless you mean inspiration as in inspired to get drunk and have sex with prostitutes, although Fetty Wap is an exception at times because he talks about love. I don't know about Tupac or Eminem, but none of these rappers above Cole top him in lyrics, period.

Let's look at this list for a second Eminem fanboys. What is the title? Now I know a majority of you haven't heard of Cole or his story, but when you hear the word inspirational, Jermaine Cole beats everyone on here by a mile. He is the definitive every man. Even if his songs which alone should propel him to top ten on this list aren't enough to convince you, his story should crow him number one every time. Grew up in a rough neighborhood with an abusive father and a drug addicted but caring mother. Went to college for a degree but became poor due to student loans, moved to NYC waiting outside of Jay Z's studio for an entire year to hand him his mixtape, gets signed to Roc Nation, becomes a big success and is now one of the greatest rappers of the new generation. If that doesn't make you feel like you can do anything you put your mind to than I think you suffer from some sort of disorder, and because why not DOUBLE PLATIINUUUM WITOUTTT NO FEATUURREZ!

How is J Cole not top 10? Or at least top 15. One of the most inspirational rappers of our generation, if not all time. This list appears to be very random

13 Ice Cube O'Shea Jackson, born June 15, 1969 in Baldwin Hills, CA, known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and filmmaker. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A and later joined the seminal gangster rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music and films.

Godammit!
Sick and tired of seeing this Rap God lost and forgotten.

So Tyga is on this list and Ice Cube wasn't this makes me faith in the people who use this site

14 Jay-Z Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name JAY-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and investor born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his albums Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album. He is considered to be one of the best rappers of all time.

Being a member of Illumanati is a tough time for me to say he is good his only song is Izzo (O.V.A.H. ) only reason he is famous otherwise today hed be working at Arbys

15 Hopsin Marcus Jamal Hopson, better known by his stage name Hopsin, is an American rapper, record producer, director and actor from Los Angeles, California. Hopsin was born on July 18, 1985. His first album was called Emurge but he's best known for his album titled Raw.

One of the only rappers that doesn't need drugs or alcohol to keep the day going. Speaks the truth and his flow is super consistent.

One of the best newschool rapper, with consistent flow and great lyrics! Listen fly track and you'll know why he's one of the best.

Most of all hopsins music is inspiring or actually just benefiting us in general on a day to day basis. Funk Volume is great and will live forever! #FanForeverTillIDIE

In my opinion hopsin is the greatest if I could meet him I wouldn't know what to say. He should be way biger then he is now.

16 50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, investor, record, film, and television producer.

50 cent is cool and all but I really like Tupac. Tupac was I think is the best rappers of all time and isn't that why he's the prince of rap? Tupac was just like 50 cent... Pac grew up in the ghetto and had a mom affiliated with something that involves crime. 50 cents mom did drug dealing and Tupacs mom was in the black panther group. Again they were gangsta rappers inspirational and alike. So 50 cent is a sort of reincarnation of Tupac

A true gangster unlike most who claim they are like Drake and Lil Wayne and he is also quite dope but he hasnt really touched deeper themes like Tupac and Eminem. Certain inspiration isn't really a specialty of his.

50 Cent was a true gangster who was shot 9 times and lived, and he got out of the ghetto. His songs aren't all about money and sex most of them have some real meaning.

50 Cent, a true inspiration to us all,

He inspires us to f up any b! tch or ho we see, do drugs and use the n word constantly

50 cent you are a real inspiration.

17 Logic Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, better known as Logic, is one of the most influential artists in the rap game today. He was Born on January 22, 1990, in Gaithersburg, Maryland and first gained major fame through making 2013's edition of the XXL Top-10 Freshmen List and has easily become the most successful in that entire class (Only Schoolboy Q, Joey Badass and Chief Keef come close). Logic even got more popular in 2017, when he released his song, 1-800-273-8255. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. It also reached number 1 on the billboard charts. It was on his album, Everybody.

Logic is an incredible artist. With his touching storytelling, wicked lyricism and impeccable flow he is one of the leaders of the new school rap. He spread the message "Peace, love and positivity". A true artist to be remembered, and to be admired.

Logic came from a place so bad it's hard to put it in words. From what he said in his interviews shows he had to push through crazy screams, drugs everywhere, basically living alone because all his family had got their own stuff. All this everyday.

Logic does not talk about drugs and women but talks about real world things like his song 1-800-273-8255 (which is the suicide hotline number) that song saves lives how is this man not in the top 10?

He is coming up hardcore listen to his albums he has. And he's barely 24

18 Lupe Fiasco Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 16, 1982), better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. He also performs as the frontman of rock band Japanese Cartoon ...read more.

Preach! Like I love Em don't get me wrong. But Lupe ONLY makes inspirational songs. This vote is for inspirational rappers and he needs to be top 5. Get Lil Wayne out of there. I know he's not top 5. But Wayne shouldn't even be top 100

How are mainstream rappers like Lil Wayne, Big Sean. etc. are on this list. Man you never heard Lupe's lyrics at all. Seriously? He raps about political/social issues and also has a great meaning associated with it.

19 Snoop Dogg Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr., (born October 20, 1971) known professionally as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, actor, record producer, and television personality from Long Beach, California.

This guy is legendary.. so damn inspirational, deserves to be in TOP 5

A very bad rapper

20 Foxy Brown Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand, better known by her stage name Foxy Brown, is a Trinidadian American rapper.
21 Sagopa Kajmer

Best lyrics, deepest meaning, strongest beats... That concludes Sagopa Kajmer is the best rapper in Turkey and maybe in the whole world!

He will touch you with his text. Simple but deep.

Sagopa Kajmer big rapper

I heard a song of his I 50% liked it 1 half it had good beat to it other half I can't understand it

22 LeCrae Lecrae Devaughn Moore, mononymously known as Lecrae, is an American Christian hip hop artist, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is also the co-founder of reach records.

I'll admit, I don't really like rap anyway, but LeCrae's messages are better than anyone else above him here. His lyrics are often directly inspired or taken from scriptures- usually inspirational scriptures.

Amazing rapper and amazing story. He's inspired so many people so should definitely be higher on this list.

Christian rapper, amazing. He raps about his faith and what he believes in. Not only that, he also talks about life

23 The Notorious B.I.G. Christopher George Latore Wallace, born May 21, 1972, better known by his stage name The Notorious B.I.G (sometimes Biggie Smalls or just simply Biggie), is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. On March 9, 1997, he was murdered in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles, California at the age of only 24. To this day it’s unknown who murdered him. ...read more.

B.I. G and TuPac deserve fist place on any list!
It was these two indivduals that brought meaning 2 hip-hop and rap music.
Listen to there songs, these guys are the best! Ever!
To prove it! We still talk about them and listen to there songs as if there are still alive!

Now if that's not it then what is?!

Eminem, Lil Wayne,50 cent, Michael Jackson... *and even more quoted his lyrics in there songs... And plus the man is rated the 3rd Greatest rapper of all times, it proves something

The absolute greatest rapper of all time. Scary to imagine how successful he'd be if he hadn't been shot.

Hell no he should not be here. This is the most inspirational rappers list, not the most influential.

24 Drake Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, born on October 24, 1986 in Toronto, Canada. He started his career on Canadian reality show "Degrassi: The Next Generation".

How's he an inspiration? He keeps saying that he struggled growing up in the hood even though he's never been in the hood. He's from Canada! There are no actual criminals in Canada most of the time.

Isn't inspirational at all, he didn't start from the bottom whatsoever, he cannot relate to what rappers growing up in Compton and New York City were surrounded by whatsoever.

He has been the one that has helped me through everythihng! Whenever I'm upset I listen to his songs and they calmed me down! Especially TUSCAN LEATHER

Funny that drake rhymes with fake. Hidden message? Hell no we already knew he was a fake.

25 Machine Gun Kelly Colson Baker, better known by his stage names MGK and Machine Gun Kelly, is an American rapper and actor, from Cleveland, Ohio.

He literally came from the bottom and truly against all odds held his own as an incredibly unique artist who's been through hell and back. And through all his fame and good fortune he's nowhere near jaded and is, at least in my book, a potential contender for one of the best lyricists alive. A lot of his songs really hit home to me and I genuinely appreciate him. Kells.

Probably the best for he made fight depression while I was down his songs 'Her song' and " See my Tears' are just breathtakingly awesome.

What how can MGK be so far behind. He should be at least in the Top 10!...

Listen to 'The Return' if you haven't listened to MGK's Lace Up mixtape.

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