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... read more 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.
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"
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.
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
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 in their music, like if R. Kelly rapped about his... obsession. In conclusion, Kanye is one of the most inspirational, energetic and charismatic rappers of all time. GOAT.
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 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
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
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 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.
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.
The Newcomers
Hell yeah, I'm glad I got him up to 25. Let's get him even higher!
Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, was born on December 3, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. He is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence following the release of his 2017 mixtapes Harder Than Hard and Too Hard... read more Lil baby is getting known of most his songs which is getting more now which Is very amazing. proud of him
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
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!
Best group of rappers in the 80s Era of hip hop.
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
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
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
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
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 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...
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.
Daniel Dumile (July 13, 1971 - October 31, 2020), also known as MF DOOM, was a British-born hip hop recording artist who spent most of his life in the United States. He died on October 31, 2020, however, his death wasn't revealed until December 31. DOOM is an incredible rapper and producer. His wordplay is unique and fantastic, and he was part of the best hip hop album of the 2000s (Madvillainy). It pains me to see him this low.
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!
Eric Kaiser (born 9 September 1970), better known by his stage name K-Rino, is an American rapper and record producer from Houston, Texas. He is a pioneer of the Southern hip hop scene, and has been rapping since 1983. K-Rino's first release was the single "rocking It" with his group Real Chill in 1986,... read more Drake is higher than this guy. Let that sink in...