Top 10 Best Rappers of the 2020s

As the 2020s are basically half over already, I'm surprised there wasn't a list for this yet, but then again, most hip-hop heads probably left a long time ago. So here it is: the best rappers of the 2020s so far.

For this list, I am focusing on the skill level of rappers and the quality of their musical output, which doesn't necessarily mean that just because someone has released a lot of music, they will be on here.

Don't be surprised if your favorite big-name mainstream rapper does not make the list. As I said, I am including rappers based on skill and consistency, not simply mainstream dominance or hits.

The Top Ten

Don Trip

Most consistent rapper in the game, imo. He's the only rapper I know who can drop multiple projects a year and still never seem to run out of content. He's always coming with sharp bars and wordplay that also manages to have a message to it as well.
The only complaint I have about Don Trip's music is that I hadn't been checking for it sooner. I mean, I knew who he was, but I just never dove into much of his music like that until pretty recently, and now he's become one of my favorites.
Your Old Droog

I mean, anyone who has listened to him knows he's an obvious choice. His bars and wordplay are some of the best out there. Not only that, but he can also make great and creative concept records. Don't believe me? Check out "The Magic Watch" and you'll be hooked on his music for good.
Maxo Kream

I've honestly been enjoying his music a lot more recently than I previously thought possible. Some of it sounds kinda surface level at first, but if you really listen, and to the right songs, you realize there's a lot of substance there, and he's definitely one of the more entertaining rappers to rap about the trap life.
The only thing I don't like about some of his more recent music is how he tends to repeat the same verse multiple times, as if the verse becomes the chorus. I've also been pretty baffled by many of his feature choices, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of his music. I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what he does next, and I do hope he can switch it up just a little now.
Chris Webby

Christian Webster, better known by his stage name Chris Webby, is an American rapper from Norwalk, Connecticut. He gained early attention through a series of mixtapes and built a strong following with his energetic performances and lyrical style. Webby has released several independent albums and continues... read more

I mean, at this point, Webby Wednesdays speak for themselves, as well as his Raw Thoughts series and his multiple independent album releases over the last damn near decade now.
Rittz

Jonathan McCollum, better known by his stage name Rittz, is an American rapper from Gwinnett County, Georgia. He gained national recognition after signing with Tech N9ne's Strange Music label in 2012. Rittz is known for his rapid-fire lyrical style and has released several studio albums, including The... read more

Definitely more prominent during the 2010s, but he's still released good music during this decade that deserves attention, and I was deeply saddened to learn of his recent health problems.
Locksmith

Davood Ali Asgari, better known by his stage name Locksmith, is an American rapper from Richmond, California. He gained recognition in the early 2000s as part of the rap duo The Frontline. Locksmith is known for his intricate lyricism and socially conscious themes.

Anyone who remembers me from 2018 (probably not many) would know that I was a huge fan of this guy's lyrics, and almost a decade later already (can you believe that?), nothing has changed. He's maybe not as prolific as some other artists, but the plus side is that when he does drop, you know it's quality.
Chad Armes
K-Rino

Eric Kaiser, born on September 9, 1970, is better known by his stage name K-Rino. He is an American rapper and record producer from Houston, Texas. K-Rino is considered a pioneer of the Southern hip hop scene and has been active since 1983.... read more

He was more prolific during the 2010s (one year he dropped 7 albums in one day), but he still drops an album every 1-2 years, and when he does, you know it's high quality.
Vin Jay

A lot of people probably only know him for "Mumble Rapper Vs. Lyricist," but honestly, he has even better songs, and that one doesn't even reflect his true skill.
Nick Grant

This dude is ill. He's got some of the best punchlines and wordplay when it comes to modern rappers, and I'm disappointed that I only discovered him a few years ago. Now he's also one of my favorites.

The Newcomers

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Ace Hood

Antoine McColister, better known by his stage name Ace Hood, is an American rapper. He was born in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and raised in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He rose to prominence with hits like Hustle Hard and was previously signed to DJ Khaled's We the Best Music Group.
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Caskey

The Contenders

Z-Ro

Joseph Wayne McVey IV is better known by his stage names Z-Ro and The Mo City Don. He is an American rapper from Houston, Texas. Z-Ro is recognized for his lyrical delivery, often addressing themes such as hardship and resilience. Over the years, he has released numerous solo albums and collaborated... read more
501Bryze
T-Rock

T-Rock, born Anthony Revelt Wells Jr., is an underground rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He started his career under the Memphis-based label Hypnotize Minds, which was run by DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia.
After parting ways with the label over disputes regarding pay and promotion, he launched... read more
Dee-1
Oswin Benjamin
Anoyd
Jarren Benton

Jarren Giovanni Benton is an American rapper from Decatur, Georgia. In early 2012, he signed to rapper Hopsin's independent record label Funk Volume and released a mixtape called Freebasing with Kevin Bacon in June 2012. On June 11, 2013, he released his debut studio album My Grandma's Basement, which... read more
Propain

A great rapper from Houston, who, like Don Trip, is able to incorporate powerful lyrics and sharp wordplay at the same time.
Joey Badass

Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott (born January 20, 1995), known professionally as Joey Badass, is an American hip hop recording artist and actor. He first gained recognition with his debut mixtape 1999, which received critical acclaim. In addition to his music career, he has appeared in television series such... read more
J. Cole

Jermaine Lamarr Cole, better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer. He gained recognition with his debut mixtape The Come Up in 2007 and was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. J. Cole has released multiple critically acclaimed albums... read more
Stormzy

Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., known professionally as Stormzy, is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained widespread recognition with his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer in 2017, which won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. He is also known for his activism and support for racial... read more
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
Fred Durst

William Frederick "Fred" Durst, born as Frederick Allen Mayne III on August 20, 1970, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and film director. He is best known as the frontman and lyricist of the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. The band was formed in 1994 and became a major force in the late 1990s... read more
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
RM

Kim Nam-joon, better known by his stage name RM, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is the leader of the K-pop group BTS, where he also serves as the main rapper. RM is known for his lyrical depth and has released solo music alongside his work with the group.