Top 10 Best Hip Hop Artists
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. Eminem has kept the same incredible, jaw dropping momentum for about 20 years. His lyricism and wordplay is intuitive, thought provoking, and intricate almost to the point of being incomprehensible. His vocal delivery is very articulate and his lines are very cohesive. Every single line is written in a way that can be dissected and it will often take the average listen more than one listen in order to comprehend it all. Never is one of his lines 'filler,' every single line makes a point whether it be subliminal, ambiguous, or a reference. This is what happens when an absolute genius, goes into music. He has been #1 on my list for a long time now, and I don't think that will ever change. Although his music is not for anyone, his skill and stature can not be denied.
People that criticize Eminem's latest music are ridiculous. You can prefer his older stuff, that's fine, but he is the best, and will never be surpassed. His latest music is from a more mature and adult mind, and his flow and wordplay has evolved over time. I honestly believe he is the most talented artist of all time, not just rapper. When he is no longer rapping hip hop loses its God. I'm also a massive hip hop fan and love real hip hop with real lyrics, but Eminem has more variety than anyone in the game and is the most complete package. In 100 years you will struggle to think of somebody more legendary than Slim Shady. Put some damn respek on his name!
My hommie is number one for a reason. He's changed the way so many people have viewed rap/hip hop. He can pretty much say anything and make it rhyme, this allows him to make emotional and thought provoking raps and make them sound 10x better than anything another rapper has made. A great example of going against the odds, a white guy from Detroit rising from the underground to the worlds best, truely inspiration if you're looking for it. He's got the voice for rap aswel! Like why does no one credit that? Sure he sold his soul but he belongs in his own league anyway, own flow, own voice that he changes in ways to improve what he spits. I COULD write a book on why he's the best but this is already to long. I don't give toss if y'all think that he's not the best, that's your problem
I believe the reason for Eminem's huge success is his relations to Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre has been Eminem's lead producer for years. He is the one who made Eminem stand up. His life played a bad joke on him for a long time, therefore Eminem always had something to write about, especially after 2Pac's death, as the world of rap purged into darkness, more and more people discovered the "underworld" and Eminem's albums. I guess this sums up pretty tight the Eminem's "road to success". And maybe all of this is just his huge luck, this still does not change the fact, that this guy is, and will always be THE GREAT KING OF RAP.
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 ...read more. How can Eminem be better than pac! hate the system.
1- em has sold bout 100 million records in 20 YEARS, while pac has sold 75-100 million records in just 5 YEARS.
2- pac is a better story teller and has a story in all of his songs and have changed many pepoels thinking about the world and also about each other.
3- pac came from nothing and told os how to treat people and make a better community. Eminem had also a bad childhood but he didn't changed the world and the community like Tupac.
4- rap aren't about rapping fast its about lyrics and storytelling, and with all this I've said, Tupac is the "rapod"
Well here is my 2 cents in this, I believe that if you ask who is the BEST RAPPER EVER? It would be Eminem because he is a very well rounded rapper. He got the whole package (flow, wordplay, technique, content, metaphors, etc.). But if you ask who is the BEST HIP HOP ARTIST OR MUSICIAN? I'm going to say TUPAC because he influence the game time. He rap every song from his heart and all of his songs had a purpose. More importantly, he made songs about REAL LIFE and wanted to change the world and life style through his music!
2Pac is the best ever and no one ever can reach his level never. Respect to all gone and coming generations. As we have got one love, one life amd one 2pac, any best rapper considerent number two after pac forever and this os what supose to be done for the man who changes the world. Number one will be exclusively booked for Pac and should removed as kimd of respect, so from now and on all rap charts and top lists should sgart with number 2!
All his songs have meaning, he was a tough guy who grew from concrete, when tupac was young he was poor and a lot of people crushed his dreams from him becoming a rapper so he was slangin to support his mother and younger sister, pac is a real man, when he and biggie died, hip hop died along with them. ALTHOUGH I am rooting for 2014 MAKAVELLI!
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 ...read more. Biggie Smalls is definitely better than Eminem! MArshall MAthers might be a lyrical genius, but Biggie is a lyrical MASTER!
Lyrically the greatest hip hop artist of all time! He was unbelievably talented he made songs that changed the game juicy big poppa one more chance hypnotize all #1 hits he held it down for the east coast at the time its tragic he died at a young age only 24 yrs old he dropped 2 albums and they both went platnium! To me him and pac r #1 and 2 and the rest can fight for the 3 end of story
He is the Notorious B. I. G. the greatest rap lyricist of all time, and if he was still alive he would be the best there is in the Hip Hop industry
He is better than Eminem by far! Lyrically the greatest rapper ever be!
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. Nas deserves better recognition as a TRUE lyricist, rapper and MC. ILLMMATIC is probably one of the best albums I've heard and he's got plenty more. Especially when he did this at the age of 19 and dropped out of school. I would put him as number 1 cause I've realised what he brings to the table that other rappers do or don't. He brings a message and he delivers it.
The greatest PERIOD. But sadly since these list are predominantly made up of suburban white kids who know NOTHING about hip hop, Eminem's overrated ass will more than likely always remain #1. Sad.
Better lyricist than BIG, more classics than 2Pac, more positive messages and storytelling skills than Eminem. Creator of Illmatic an album that changed the whole hiphop game forever
I think Nas and Biggie Smalls were the best rappers... Really hard to separate, but Nas gets my nod for his insane flow.
Ye (born Kanye Omari West; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and fashion designer. He is regarded as one of the most influential, as well as controversial, artists of the 21st century. ...read more. When you separate the art and the artist, you can tell that Kanye is not only the best rapper of all time, but one of the greatest artists of the last 20 years. He's one of the most consistent artists, something that rappers like Eminem and Nas lack (albums like Revival, Recovery, Life is Good, etc. that are from not good to awful are included). Not only is he a great artist, but he's an amazing producer. He produced masterpieces like Ghost Town Pt. 1 and 2, POWER, The Games We Play, all of the KIDS SEE GHOSTS songs, Flashing Lights, and possibly hundreds more.
Most seem to dislike Kanye for one of two reasons, one being his occasionally corny lyrics. I find this fairly hypocritical as I see most rap fans that say this are also fans of Logic and Eminem, who write a lot more corny lyrics, and that he is very controversial, which I seem is unfair. To say an artist's music is bad because of their personal life is unfair, except if they are bragging about their horrible decisions ...more
If the question was, best RAPPERS he'd barely make the top ten. But when it comes to ARTISTS no one is capable of doing what he is able to do. He raps, he writes, he makes beats, he samples. And on top of all that he is always switching sounds which why he is still one of the most relevant artists in 2018. Most rappers find their style and stick with it until people get tired of listening. This is why no one is bumping 50 cent or Nas anymore. As long as Kanye is making music, people will listen and that is attributed to his ability an ARTIST. No two Kanye albums are truly alike.
This ranking is about hip-hop ARTISTS and all I see in the top 3 are RAPPERS. Kanye is on another level. Grade-A production combined with clever rapping and inspiring visual art makes him one of the GOATS if not the GOAT. All these Eminem fans only know 3 hip-hop songs and think they are hip hop experts because their favorite is a washed up rapper who used to be big 18 years ago
YES! This is why I looked this up. Kanye is the hip-hop GOAT! While not being the most amazing RAPPER of all times, he is a jack of all trades kind of master of all. He's one of the most influential cultural icons of our time and deserves to be #1 on this list.
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 ...read more. People might think that Kendrick being number 6 on this list is stupid, but I think it's right. I think he is one of the greatest of all time for several reasons
One of the best discographies in hip hop history
Amazing lyricist
Great storytelling
Great songwriting
Very versatile
Great flow
Great beats
Great rytham
And those we're only a handful of great things about Kendrick
Bar none the greatest lyricist of all time. Deepest lyrics of all time. Sing about me, I'm dying of thirst is mind blowing. If you doubt me look up the lyrical analysis of that. He also has very intelligent insights on popular issues. Blacker the berry is also a great example on how his lyrics often can have many meanings and hold two thoughts. He makes a statement on racism the entire song, but at the end the song comes full circle which adds a whole new thought to it. He talks about the presence of racism in America the whole time, while hinting that what he is saying is hypocritical. At the end (I don't want to give it all away) another message that the song embodies is that racism can come from everybody and everybody has been racist. The most poetic lyrics and is technically adept
Kendrick Lamar could only be second to Tupac. Not only for his lyrics, which are pure poetry relating to every possible theme, from the hood ghetto life, to love, from politics to religion, black emancipation and so on, and each of these themes is seen and told by a whole new perspective; but he also has an outstanding sense of music, with old school, funky, jazz, blues, classic and soul influences. No better rapper or artist in general. He is making a revolution not only in the industry, but also in music history.
Kendrick entails three things most artistes lack; rap creativity, humility- he don' like money, but deeply loves God. And thirdly, truth about life. He actually talks about modern-day situations and challenges which makes us rethink about our own personal lives. Think of him as the only philosopher who raps- a musical and rapping philosopher.
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 wouldn't say Dre is the best rapper but he has had the biggest influence over Hip Hop/rap... he has made some of the kings of rap, including a god (Eminem) and has also made 2 of the best rap albums out there (2001 and The Chronic
Dr. Dre has without doubt the best beats of any producer to have ever been active in the rap scene. So even if he isn't the best rapper he is certainly the best producer.
Dr dre is either 1st or behind Eminem. Iconic g funk hits like nothing but a g thang, let me ride and the next episode. Also was part of nwa AND discovered Eminem, snoop dogg, Nate dogg, hittman, and even helped discover nas
Come on dre is the godfather of rap without him 2pac wouldve never been a star and who was nwa without him.
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 ...read more. JAY Z King of New York. Best Rapper Alive! All his albums are classic in rap history. Jay's dominance is largely fueled by his Grammy and BET omnipresence. Even if he hadn't taken home a single statue at these shows, his 16 Grammy nods and 23 BET nods would put him near the top; he earns the title thanks to his seven Grammy and nine BET wins, plus a handful of AMA and MTV wins.
I've always like Jay Z's flow and voice. I think he's 1 of the best Rappers ever.
Jay z is king Rapp all the times, please don't disappoint him. The best, number one 1.
The beginning of his career is perfect without doubt.
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. Snoop Dogg is the Boss dogg and is the greatest Hip Hop artist of this century. He may not have many followers but his songs are superb and humorous. Rhythms are sensible and crakalakin. He's got the jagger outta all em' kids. Go Snoop Doggy Dogg!
I love Snoop Dogg cause his music makes me feel much more cool and awesome than I already am!
Whenever you think of rap, he immediately comes to mind. Greatest ever.
Snoop Dogg isn't my favorite rapper, but he is rlly good and how did he become 9 when Kanye West is 7!?
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. The greatest rap group. They defined a generation. Wu-Tang's individual members could be considered for this list. Raekwon Meth ghost face Killah GZA inspecta deck. That's unheard of to have so much talent. Also C.R.E.A.M. is in my opinion the greatest rap song ever. They could have fun with protect ya neck and method man but also spit the honest truth about drug addiction and the struggle of the hood in CREAM and Can it all be so Simple. Every track has a smooth beat and intelligent lyrics that mean something. Their not just talking about money and hoes but about life. More than you can say about most of the other artists on this list.
The Wu made such a big impact with its huge amount of members, each one of them with their unique style. RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killah, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard.
With their shaolin style they are fantastic! Wu-Tang forever! Songs like C.R.E.A.M. and a better tomorrow are something truly amazing! They should be in The top 5
These guy's are awesome
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. Rakim Allah, appropriately named, transformed lyricism in adding newer facets, supported by the legendary DJing of Eric B, by accentuating rhythm and commensurately interspersing the rhyme frequency of his lyrics, as evidenced by "I Know You Got Soul" and "Lyrics of Fury." His idiosyncrasy in lyrical composition is unmatched and has influenced some of today's rappers, namely Eminem.
In rap you either rapped BR or AR. Before Rakim or after!
He changed rap and Pac, Biggie, M, non of them would be who they are today without him. Of course the best rappers are the ones still doing it because they can still innovate. But you must respect the history. We stand on the shoulders of GODS! Respect
This guy makes good music. My top 10 (in no order) for me is RAKIM and Gang Starr (whom I cannot believe is not even on this list at all) and then Tupac, Notorious BIG, NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Ice-T, Mobb Deep, Run DMC and Onyx...these guys are REAL HIP HOP! Many of the artists listed suck or unknown...
Rakim should be in the top 10 and should be 1 or 2 on the list or at least 3 or 4. He paved the way for every rapper on the top 10 list.
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, ...read more. This guy keeps rap near music.
Remember, people thought of music a while ago as instruments, and then with vocals, and then came hip hop. He keeps it old school, and more than just talking over a beat. Best rapper.
Ice Cube GhostWrote Eazy-E's song! It is not far to have him infront of Ice Cube! That makes Ice Cube upset! The greatest rapper of all time is definitely O Shea, he is even better than Tupac! And the greatest member of the NWA!
The greatest hardcore West coast rapper of all time! A true innovator and legend in the game! Death Certificate was his best work!
I have no idea how he isn't in at least the top 5, he should definitely be ahead of Dre, considering he wrote many of his songs.
Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), best known by his stage name Big L, was an American hip hop recording artist, born and raised in Harlem, New York City, New York. Coleman embarked on his career in rapping, with the hip hop trio, Three the Hard Way. His first notable appearance came ...read more. Big L is a great rapper lyrical but unfortualy we didn't see much of him with only 2 albums, He was more knowed on the streets then in the game but he had a huge street cread. but the way he can make any song his own after his tragic lost. All of his songs has never been a hit it has been heard he has a great freestyling skills.
How the hell is Big L below Drake? You people don't know real hip hop
Best group of rappers in the 80s Era of hip hop.
They are the "King of Rock".
Rock... not hip hop
A Tribe Called Quest should be number 1. The Low End Theory one of the greatest LP's ever made, not just in hip hop. Then they made midnight marauders which is in the top five hip hop LP's of all time. The most consistent, influential and innovative group ever.
How is tribe called quest not placed higher than 22? They are the best MC in hip hop history; Tied with the roots and geto boys. However I don't even see the other two listed on here. Sad, that people consider the TURD FACE Lil Wayne better than the amazing, ATCQ
If Tribe isn't in your top ten and you listen to hip hop or rap then I don't know what you're listening to...
They are the most talented ever.
Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, investor, record, film, and television producer. He was one of the best rappers and he still continuous to bring that same gangsta rapper flow as when he started.
Beats are powerful, filled with raw energy.
He is amazing. I love his flow. Hopefully, he'll make a new album soon
Good rapper, but not on the top.
Death Grips is an American experimental hip hop band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2010. The group consists of vocalist MC Ride, drummer and producer Zach Hill, and recording engineer Andy Morin. By far one of the most game changing hip hop groups of the decade. They have created a very unique sound that is extremly abrasive, but remains to be catchy. Albums like No Love Deep Web, Exmilitary, and The Money Store have truly let death grips have their place in history. I can't believe Fetty Wap and Iggy are above a true original group suchas this.
Unapologetic, abrasive, confident, daring and exceptional. Best artists out there, let alone best hip hop outfit
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 under his real name. As an entrepreneur, Fiasco is the chief executive officer of 1st & 15th Entertainment. One of the only rappers that have countless videos and websites pages dedicated to trying to figure out what the meaning of his lyrics are. No other rapper has the wordplay ability to create such elusive metaphors. Truly one of the smartest to ever grab the mic. Although the I am willing to admit he does have a weak flow at times and doesn't have such great production to back him up.
Lupe should be at least top 15. I'd put him somewhere in the top ten or at least just outside of it...This list is almost as sad as my life is...
I understand lack of interest for the uneducated, but this man can be unstoppable if he wants to. Giving him the thumbs up.
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 ...read more. Sigh...how are they behind Eazy-E? No offense to Eazy, by the way, but he didn't have much of an album discography. Also, almost NONE of the rappers above can sing, whereas Andre CAN. Beat that suckers!
OutKast IS HIP HOP, plain and simple.
Most of the artists on this list are terrible.
Outkast have been in the game for a long time and they are the best duo ever.
What the hell people, Eminem isn't near of being a hip hop artist he is hardly a rapper anymore, outkast is awesome
They are good but not the best.
Hell yeah, I'm glad I got him up to 25. Let's get him even higher!
I voted for SevenSixx, because there music is lyrical high energy at its best! The hard songs like, "No Love","Get It Started" & "Not My Fault" get me pumped up and the soft songs like, "Deep", "Be Like This" "Miss Me" will have you sit back and think about life. Thank you guys! SevenSixx for life!
Great stage presence, well written music, needs more music videos!
These guys are incredible live!
Definitely on the rise!
Not bad! Who are these guys?
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. Most dominant group of rappers in the 80s Era of hip hop in front of Run DMC.