Considered to have started on August 11, 1973, hip-hop has become synonymous with music and pop culture for well over five decades. Originating from the Bronx, New York City, hip-hop essentially has five elements: deejaying, breakdancing, graffiti art, MCing, or rapping.
Rapping, arguably the most popular element of hip-hop, has grown into a global phenomenon. It has defined the music industry over the past decades with many influential acts coming out of the scene.
In this article, we shall take a look at the 50 most influential rappers of all time, as identified by Forbes.
The Top 50 Rappers
1. Jay-Z
Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and business mogul. He is widely considered one of the most successful hip-hop artistes of all time. Not to mention his estimated net worth of $2 billion, a true businessman indeed. Jay-Z’s catalogue includes classic albums like Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and 4:44. Also, he has collaborated with the top artistes, adding to his impressive music collection.
2. Kendrick Lamar
Born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth and hailing from Compton, Kendrick Lamar is an African American rapper and songwriter. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and storytelling in his music.
Interestingly, Lamar is the first rapper to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize Award for Music in 2018 for his album, “DAMN.” The Pulitzer Prize is awarded to individuals for their outstanding public service and achievement in American journalism, letters, and music.
Additionally, Kendrick is the first person to receive this award outside of classical music.
Lamar has several other awards including 17 GRAMMYs for his albums.
3. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. is one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artistes of the 21st century. He has an impressive net worth of $170 million and has managed to stay relevant despite debuting in 1999. Lil Wayne’s discography includes hit albums like “Tha Carter III,” “I Am Not a Human Being,” and “Tha Carter IV.”
Also, he created an entertainment label, “Young Money”, that housed big stars like Nicki Minaj and Drake who are also on this list.
4. J. Cole
J. Cole is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his deeply emotional lyrics, as well as his production skills. Cole’s albums, such as “2014 Forest Hills Drive,” “4 Your Eyez Only,” and “KOD,” have greatly received commercial success.
5. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was a widely influential rapper, actor, and activist. Shakur’s albums, including “2Pacalypse Now,” “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.,” and “All Eyez on Me,” have had a lasting impact on the genre of hip-hop.
Additionally, rappers who have come after him have tried to emulate his rap style and overall aesthetic.
Sadly, Tupac passed away when he was shot and killed at a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.
The other 45 names on this list are:
Drake
Kanye West
Nicki Minaj
Nas
Eminem
Andre 3000
The Notorious B.I.g
Missy Elliot
Chuck D
A$AP Rocky
Lil Kim
Tyler, The Creator
Snoop Dogg
Ghost Face Killah
Common
Rakim
Big Daddy Kane
DMX
50 cent
Ice cube
MF Doom
Juice WRLD
Lauryn Hill
Dr Dre
Queen Latifah
Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)
Busta Rhymes
Future
Childish Gambino
LL Cool J
Mc Lyte
Roc Marciano
E-40
Method Man
Bad Bunny
Lupe Fiasco
Prodigy
Melle Mel
Takeoff
M.I.A
Pusha T
Chief Keef
Cardi B
Young Thug
Talib Kweli
Finally, this list created by Forbes is subjective and is bound to cause a debate among rap fans. Who do you think deserves a higher spot? Who was unfairly snubbed?