When it comes to rap, everyone has their favorite artists. Here are my top 10 rappers who have really impressed me. These artists come from different parts of the country and have each made a big mark on the music scene with their own special styles and amazing talent. Let’s take a closer look at these legendary figures who have definitely made their mark in hip-hop history.
1. The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)
Who doesn’t love a little Biggie, man? Hard flow, cool player, songs destroyed. “Juicy” and “Who Shot You,” one of New York’s finest.
2. Tupac Shakur
I could make a 90-minute documentary on this man, and it still wouldn’t be enough to do his influence and messages justice. Not the most technically skilled, of course, but his lyrics have stood the test of time for sure. Whether it be police brutality or teenage pregnancy, Tupac’s message always hits home. Also, “Hit ‘Em Up” is the best, and I mean the best, diss track ever.
3. Andre 3000
One half of Outkast, which made some of the best rap albums ever. Never heard a bad verse by this man. Charismatic, eccentric, consistent, positive, lyrically sound too. Even in this day and age, he won a Grammy with Killer Mike and Future. His performance on Kanye’s song “Life of the Party” really stands out as well.
4. Lil Wayne
Mixtape Wayne is hands down the best rapper ever. Punchline for punchline, this man freestyles everything he said. “Real G’s move in silence like lasagna.” He’s so good that I had to put his face on my single cover, which, I’m not going to lie, you guys need to check out for sure. I’m not going to lie, it’s really good.
5. Eminem
Eminem is cringe now, but I’ve revisited his first three albums plus the 8 Mile soundtrack, and the guy is really technically skilled. One of the first cool white men in history as well, paving the way for the likes of Jack Harlow and maybe me. “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile won an Oscar to go with the man’s numerous Grammy Awards. He’s hungry, he’s funny, he’s lyrically amazing. He’s Eminem.
6. Drake
Drake is a big name in rap. He keeps dropping hit songs and albums like “Take Care” and “Scorpion.” People love his catchy tunes and lyrics they can connect with. He can rap and sing, which makes his fans love him even more. Drake’s songs are always on top of the charts, and he’s a big deal in the music world.
7. Nas
Nas wrote the best hip-hop album of all time when he was just 17. A few of his projects fell flat on their faces, but “King’s Disease” brought home a Grammy in 2021 that shut all the critics up, basically. And there’s really no one that’s messing with Nas lyrically, besides maybe Eminem, Kendrick, maybe Black Thought, and a few others too. Really elite company.
8. Jay-Z
Jay is the American rap mogul, the business himself. He started with Biggie and ended with Beyoncé. A few of his projects really just don’t hit all the way through, and of course, “Ether” still exists by Nas. Other than that, his lyricism and musical ear are undeniable. He’s not just a rapper; he’s a visionary who paved the way for many in the industry, including Kanye West. Jay-Z’s impact extends beyond music, as he’s also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
9. Kanye West
Kanye’s albums for me go 11 for 13. “Yeezus” and “Jesus is King” are just kind of low-hanging fruits, to be honest. Still, like, decent, but not at the level that he has been producing. Damn near flawless discography otherwise. The craziness, the genius, the egotistical nature, the creativity. Kanye is a star. A very talented but tormented genius. He is absolutely still a jackass though.
10. Kendrick Lamar
“Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” was an incredible album, but “To Pimp a Butterfly” is one of the greatest albums ever in any genre of music. The biggest reason I had for making this video was Kendrick’s “To Pimp a Butterfly.” What an incredible album. Within 16 tracks, Kendrick covers depression, racism, financial literacy (or lack thereof), self-acceptance, and most songs end with additions to a poem he eventually tells to Tupac that correlate to the song’s themes. Kendrick is also the only rapper in history to win a Pulitzer Prize. In 2017, he won five Grammys in one night. Flawless material that never gets old. Pays homage to the greats. Incredible lyricism, vulnerability. Kendrick is the GOAT. Kendrick is hip-hop at its core.
Final Message
To sum it up, these 10 rappers are the best of the best, each adding their own unique style and impact to hip-hop. Whether they hail from New York or California, their music breaks barriers and continues to inspire me wherever I am. Whether you’re enjoying Biggie’s smooth rhymes or pondering deeply over Kendrick’s lyrics, these artists have undeniably shaped hip-hop culture. Here’s to the legends, and let’s keep their music going strong for years to come!
