Top 10 Best Hip Hop Artists

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 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... 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.

2. 2Pac

   

   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!

3. Nas

   

   Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (born September 14, 1973) is an American rapper and entrepreneur from Queensbridge, New York. His 1994 debut album Illmatic is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Nas has stayed relevant over decades by releasing acclaimed albums and pursuing ventures... read more

   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.

4. 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 simply Biggie), was 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

5. Kanye West

   

   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 and controversial artists of the 21st century.

   Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West initially gained fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella... 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.

6. Kendrick Lamar

   

   Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter from Compton, California. He began his career under the stage name K-Dot, releasing mixtapes that gained local recognition and led to his signing with Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamar has become one of the most critically... 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

7. 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 served as 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

8. Jay-Z

   

   Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as JAY-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and investor born December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He's best known for influential albums like Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album and is widely regarded as one of the greatest... 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.

9. 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, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Cappadonna, who was initially a close affiliate, later became an official member of the... read more

   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.

10. Snoop Dogg

    

    Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known as Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, actor, record producer, and television personality from Long Beach, California. He first achieved fame in 1992 on Dr. Dre's debut solo single Deep Cover and the album The Chronic. Snoop has since sold over... read more

    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
11. ?

    Heartsdales

    

    They are awesome rappers and I love Rum's singing. They have lots of flow and energy

12. ?

    Lil Baby

    

    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

The Contenders

13. 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 the 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

14. Ice Cube

    

    O'Shea Jackson (born June 15, 1969) in Los Angeles, known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper, actor, filmmaker, and producer. He started his career with the group C.I.A. and achieved fame as a member of N.W.A before launching a successful solo rap career. Cube has also built a film career... 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!

15. Run DMC

    Best group of rappers in the 80s Era of hip hop.

16. Big L

    

    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. Coleman began his rap career with the hip hop trio Three the Hard Way. His first notable appearance came on Lord Finesse's "Yes You... 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

17. Tribe Called Quest

    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

18. 50 Cent

    

    Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and producer. He gained fame with his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was a commercial success and included hit singles like In da Club. In addition to music, he has built a diverse... read more

    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

19. OutKast

    

    Outkast is an American hip hop duo formed in 1991 in East Point, Atlanta, Georgia. It consists of rappers André "André 3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. The group gained widespread critical and commercial success in the 1990s and early 2000s.... 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

20. Lupe Fiasco

    

    Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, born February 16, 1982, is better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco. He is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in 2006 with the release of his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor.... 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...

21. Eric B.

    

22. N.W.A.

    

    N.W.A was an American hip hop group from Compton, California. They were among the earliest and most influential figures in the gangsta rap subgenre, widely regarded as one of the most seminal groups in hip hop history. Their 1988 album Straight Outta Compton played a pivotal role in shaping the sound... read more

    Most dominant group of rappers in the 80s Era of hip hop in front of Run DMC.

23. MF DOOM

    

    Daniel Dumile (July 13, 1971 - October 31, 2020), known professionally as MF DOOM, was a British-American hip hop artist known for his intricate lyrics and iconic metal mask. He spent most of his life in the United States. His death occurred on October 31, 2020, but it was not publicly announced until... read more

    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.

24. Lil Wyte

    Patrick Lanshaw, known professionally as Lil Wyte, is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee. He first gained attention in the early 2000s as part of the Hypnotize Minds collective. Lil Wyte blends rapid-fire lyrics with Southern hip-hop beats and has released several studio albums. Over the years... read more

    Hell yeah, I'm glad I got him up to 25. Let's get him even higher!

25. SevenSixx

    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!

26. Matisyahu

27. B-Nasty