Rap is a genre of music that has recently taken over the entire music industry. However, have you ever stopped to wonder who the absolute best rappers of all time were? Well, I sat down and thought about this question really hard to bring you the most definitive answer possible.
After taking several factors into consideration such as awards, raping skills, and overall impact on the music industry, I’ve compiled a list of the 120 best rappers of all time. While this list isn’t in any specific order, every single rapper on it has contributed to the rap scene in some way and can be a potential contender for the title of best rapper of all time.
Below are the 120 best rappers of all time
- Jay Z
- Kanye West
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- Kendrick Lamar
- Nas
- DMC
- Tupac
- Eminem
- Lil Wayne
- Drake
- Canibus
- Snoop Dogg
- Andre 3000
- Ice Cube
- 50 Cent
- Nicki Minaj
- Rakim
- J. Cole
- KRS-One
- LL Cool J
- Scarface
- Lupe Fiasco
- DMX
- Big Daddy Kane
- Missy Elliott
- Chuck D
- Method Man
- Kurtis Blow
- Black Thought
- Prodigy
- Big Pun
- Q-Tip
- Pusha T
- Busta Rhymes
- Future
- Lauryn Hill
- Common
- Mos Def
- Masta Ace
- Jadakiss
- Havoc
- T.I.
- Big Boi
- Treach
- Lil Kim
- Gucci Mane
- Dr. Dre
- Aesop Rock
- Ludacris
- MF Doom
- Redman
- Ghostface Killah
- Mac Miller
- A$AP Rocky
- Logic
- Queen Latifah
- Puff Daddy
- GZA
- Big L
- Killer Mike
- E-40
- Kurupt
- El-P
- Cardi B
- MC Lyte
- Styles P
- MC Eiht
- Melle Mel
- Rev. Run
- Inspectah Deck
- Phonte
- Guru
- Kool Keith
- Rick Ross
- Immortal Technique
- Ol’ Dirty Bastard
- Ja Rule
- Jean Grae
- Beanie Sigel
- Raekwon
- Slick Rick
- Royce Da 5’9
- AZ
- Sean Price
- Flo Rida
- Post Malone
- Chris Brown
- MC Hammer
- Travis Scott
- Wiz Khalifa
- Stormzy
- Easy-E
- Childish Gambino
- Nate Dogg
- Tyler, the Creator
- Juice Wrld
- Kid Cudi
- XXXTentacion
- Chance the Rapper
- Joey Bada$$
- Denzel Curry
- The Game
- 21 Savage
- Tech N9ne
- Joyner Lucas
- Schoolboy Q
- Nelly
- Ice T
- 2 Chainz
- Famolous
- Elzhi
- Cam’ron
- Blu
- Too $hort
- Posdnuos
- Brother Ali
- Twista
- Ras Kass
- Chief Keef
- Project Pat
1. Jay Z
Come on, what better rapper to start this list off with than the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame? Jay Z’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal. Coming out with genre defining hits after hits, I think he’s one of, if not the best rapper of all time.
Don’t believe me? Well, maybe the fact that Jay Z has won 24 Grammys can convince you that Jay Z is, for lack of better terms, the GOAT.
2. Kanye West
If we’re judging rappers based on how many Grammys they’ve won, then Kanye West, or Ye, deserves a spot on this list too. After all, he is tied with Jay Z for being the rapper with the most Grammys won.
While Kanye’s personal stances might be rather controversial for many, there’s no doubt that he’s a lyrical genius. His verses in songs like “All Falls Down” and “Old Kanye” are still some of my favorite verses of all time.
3. The Notorious B.I.G.
Ah yes, The Notorious B.I.G. Considered the best rapper of all time by many, Biggie Smalls made a name for himself in the rap scene in the 90s. In under a decade, he climbed the industry to be at the very top, until his career was cut short because of a drive-by shooting in 1997. If he had still been here today, I have no doubt he would have easily been the most popular rapper.
4. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is a rapper who has climbed the industry thanks to his thought provoking and sometimes controversial lyrics. His agile yet masterful rapping skills have earned him both an enormous fanbase as well as 17 Grammys throughout his career.
5. Nas
Nas is seen by many rap enthusiasts as a rap prophet. I mean that’s his nickname too. Often referred to as the “God MC” and “Nasty Nas,” the thing I like most about him is his ability to evolve with the times.
6. DMX
DMX was a rapper who eventually transitioned into a successful actor. Originating from New York, he released smash hit albums like “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” and “… And Then There Was X” to truly establish himself as a household name.
7. 2pac
While Tupac began his career originally as an underground artist, his larger than life personality and insane rapping skills eventually made it to the mainstream music industry. Despite his rather short career and life, he still made such a big impact on rappers all over the world and his legacy continues to live on in them.
8. Eminem
Come on, Eminem is a rapper who doesn’t need any introduction. Being one of the most popular rappers of all time, it’s only natural that he’d make the list of the best rappers of all time. I mean, I still can’t go through that one verse of his “Rap God” without being out of breath, but here he is consistently dropping out of this world verses.
9. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne, the former dropout honors student, burst into the mainstream music industry thanks to his 2008 “Lollipop” smash hit. Ever since he has continued to drop banger verses that often overshadow the other artists in any song. Having inspired new school rappers like Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti, his impact on the music industry is undeniable.
10. Drake
Drake is one of the most consistently top rated rappers of all time, as he continues to release insane albums even today. Many individuals believe he has the Midas touch as anyone he sets his eyes on ends up having a successful career, but that isn’t to say he isn’t a highly skilled rapper himself.
With his super catchy beats, thought provoking lyrics, and charming flow, he has garnered a humungous fanbase, and you know what? I think he has deserved all of it. Call it “God’s Plan.”
11. Canibus
In his prime, Canibus was a top contender for the best rapper of all time. While he took a break from rapping to enlist in the army, he has since then made a return and he seems to be just as good at rapping as he was back then, though he doesn’t have nearly as much commercial success anymore.
12. Snoop Dogg
Ah yes, Snoop Doggy Dogg. While some rap enthusiasts don’t really like his more laid back approach to rapping, there’s no denying his skills with the mic. His flow is always impeccable, and his unique personality makes it so that every time Snoop Dogg is on a track you just know you’ll be listening to that song for a while.
13. Andre 3000
With a career in rapping spanning over three decades, Andre 3000’s unique ability to switch from being humorous to serious at the drop of a pin is unparalleled. I think the best thing about him is that, despite it being so long since he first began his career, he’s still in every conversation talking about the best rappers of all time.
14. Ice Cube
Ice Cube’s legacy of being one of the best rappers of all time might be overlooked by today’s generation because of so many new school rappers popping up. However, you just need to listen to albums like “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” and “Death Certificate” to realize just why he’s a West Coast legend.
15. 50 Cent
With insane hits like “In Da Club,” Curtis James Jackson III has had a super successful rapping career. Thanks to how he was able to manifest his tough growing up in his lyrics, many rap fans around the world were able to connect to his songs, making him one of the best and well known rappers of all time.
16. Nicki Minaj
Some of you might disagree with placing Nicki Minaj in our list of the best rappers of all time, but her impact on the music industry is undeniable. Being one of the only rappers to have over 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries, Nicki Minaj has paved the way for female rappers all over the world thanks to her versatile rapping and entertaining music videos.
17. Rakim
Because of how Rakim had introduced jazzy themes to the otherwise hip hop only rap world, it could be argued by many that Rakim is truly the best rapper of all time. Newcomers to the rap genre just need to listen to tracks where he’s collaborating with other legendary rappers like Eric B to understand the scope of his influence that can still be felt today.
18. J. Cole
If I had to pick one of the nicest rappers of all time, then J. Cole would definitely be one of the first names to come to mind. With his genuine and passionate rapping skills, he has garnered a huge fanbase through out the years. 2010 was definitely the best year for him as he did something few are able to when he went platinum with all five of his 2010 albums.
19. KRS-One
WOOP WOOP! That’s the sound of KRS-One. Come on, how could I miss the chance to do this every time this legendary rapper is mentioned? KRS-One is a legendary figure in the hip-hop world for his role as a rapper, songwriter, and producer, and his work to positively change the entire music industry is something people still look back at today.
20. LL Cool J
Signing with Def Jam Records as its first artist in 1984, LL Cool J became a jack of all trades by being a successful rapper, actor, and philanthropist. Not only was he the first rapper to be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, but he also relaunched the Rock the Bells Festival in Queens which had performances from huge names like Rick Ross and even Ice Cube.
21. Scarface
Scarface is definitely one of the most versatile rappers on this list. If there’s a certain subject you want your favorite rapper to rap about, then chances are that Scarface has already done it. From verses about mental well being to those about the ins and outs of street life, Scarface has done it all.
22. Lupe Fiasco
While Lupe’s career has definitely seen its fair share of ups and downs, his influence in the overall rap industry is undeniable. After all, his approach to rapping and his lyricalism have both influenced an entire generation of new school rappers.
23. DMX
When someone talks about dogs, the first rapper to pop in my head is always DMX. Now, this might sound a little weird, but you have to be a fan of this legendary rapper to know what I’m talking about. With one of the best presences in the entire rap industry, DMX is a rapper to listen to.
24. Big Daddy Kane
The 1980s was a blessed time. Why? Because it saw the rise of Big Daddy Kane, of course. His fast-flowing, double-time rap style, and his affiliation with the Juice Crew, a well known rapping group at that time, made him an authoritative figure in the rap industry.
25. Missy Elliott
Missy is another rapper who paved the way for female rappers all over the world. With her super unique and futuristic approach to rapping, she dominated the women’s rapping industry in the ’90s and made tracks that people can’t help but listen to on repeat even today.
26. Chuck D
Having been the vocal powerhouse behind the rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D’s influence in the entire rap scene is unquestionable. His lyrics carry a heavy weight that makes him an extremely well known figure in the rap industry.
27. Method Man
Method Man was a lyrical masterpiece, especially when he was in the Wu-Tang Clan. His way of storytelling and lyrical prowess were the reasons tracks like “Bring the Pain” are still jammed to, even years after it first came out.
28. Kurtis Blow
Kurtis Blow was one of the best rappers in the world even before the rapping industry became as big as it is today. With his genre defining rapping abilities, his influence is still seen today in some of the most popular rappers of today like Nas and Jay-Z.
29. Black Thought
With an unparalleled ability to create stories through his lyrics, Black Thought was a rapper in the early ‘90s who turned the entire rap genre on its head. Whether it be with a group like the legendary Roots crew, or when going completely solo, Black Thought can drop banger verses out of nowhere anytime.
30. Prodigy
Having started his career as part of a duo alongside fellow rapper Havoc, Prodigy is a rapper who was able to use his insane skills with gangster rap to cement himself as one of the greats. That’s right, this East Coast rapper was able to bring gangster west, a style typically associated with the West Coast, to his homeplace.
31. Big Pun
Big Pun might have passed away, but his influence in the rap scene continues to be obvious. With so many smash hits, especially in his 1998 hit “Still Not a Player,” he went on to become the first Latino rapper to sell over a million copies and go platinum
32. Q-Tip
.As the frontman of A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip is one of the most influential rappers of all time. Thanks to his in depth lyricism, he garnered a sizeable fanbase. However, what I like most about him is just how he continued to push the boundaries of what it means to be a rapper.
33. Pusha T
Virginia has produced an insane number of talents, especially in the rap industry. Well, Pusha T is one of those said talents. While he began his career in the 2000s alongside his brother, he eventually went on to make a name for himself as a solo rapper, and boy was his solo career successful.
34. Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes might be known as an actor and producer more, but he has also enjoyed a more than successful rapping career in the past. I mean, he was mentored by the legendary Chuck D, so it’s only natural that he would know a thing or two about being an extraordinary rapper.
35. Future
Future might be one of the most well known rappers out there right now, but not too many people talk about how a single year propelled him to the top of the industry. We are, of course, talking about 2015.
I mean, Pluto’s epic mixtape of “Monster,” “Beast Mode,” and “56 Nights” followed by “DS2” and his “What a Time to Be Alive” joint project with Drake. Future was busy that year, that’s for sure.
36. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill was the first female rapper to truly challenge what it meant to be a rapper. Experimenting with so many different genres and incorporating them together, like soul, boom bap, R&B, jazz, and rap, she’s a legendary figure in the rap world today.
37. Common
We won’t say much about Common. What we will say is that he was the first rapper to get the first 3/4 of the way to an EGOT. This means he won an Emmy, Grammy, AND an Oscar. If that doesn’t tell you how great he is as a rapper, then I don’t think anything will.
38. Mos Def
He might be going as Yasin Bay now, but Mos Def is still a name that carries an insane amount of influence in the rap scene. His solo 1999 debut, “Black on Both Sides,” solidified the fact that Mos Def was a rapper who could stand on his own two feet.
39. Masta Ace
I think that Masta Ace is one of the most underrated artists in the entire industry. This might be a bit of a bold statement, but think about it. From his iconic verse on Marley Marl’s “The Symphony” to how he’s able to reinvent himself across various eras of hip hop, Masta Ace has versatility in spades.
40. Jadakiss
Jadakiss’s raspy voice and endless treasure trove of punchlines brought him into the spotlight and helped him build a sizeable fanbase. Having collaborated with some of the biggest names in the rap world like Nas and DMX, he’s a very respected figure in the entire music industry.
41. Havoc
Havoc was the second part of Mobb Depp alongside another rapper we mentioned on this list, Prodigy. These two high school friends went on to become one of the best rapping duos the world has ever seen, which is a testament to both of their rapping abilities.
42. T.I.
While T.I. didn’t have a strong start in 2001, he was able to more than make up for his shortcomings in 2003 when he dropped his breakthrough album ”Trap Muzik.” Today, with three Grammys and seven top five Billboard 200 albums, he’s one of the biggest names in the rap world.
43. Big Boi
Known for his smooth, streetwise flow and clever wordplay, Big Boi is a rapper who most people know either for his masterful storytelling or for being one of the best rapping duos with Andre 3000.
44. Treach
Being considered one of the best rappers in the world, Treach is the frontman of Naughty by Nature. He has the unique ability to masterfully blend both street anthems and radio-ready hits to deliver consistent bangers.
45. Lil Kim
Lil Kim is the master of raunchy and catchy hip hop lyrics that just make you want to get up and dance. Having studied under the tutelage of the late Notorious B.I.G., she successfully shattered multiple barriers in the music industry for women.
46. Gucci Mane
While Gucci Mane did indeed have a rather successful rap career in the 2000s with a bunch of hits and collaborations, it was when he got out of prison in 2016 that he managed to enter the mainstream music industry to become the rap icon he is today.
47. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre has had perhaps one of the saddest yet most motivational life out of all the rappers we mentioned on this list. With a deep and commanding voice as well as partnerships with major rappers like Eminem, he’s one of the biggest names in the rap industry by far.
48. Aesop Rock
Being one of the best rappers that the underground of New York has produced, Aesop Rock has the lyrical mastery to rival some of hip hop’s greats. His vocabulary is what most might consider limitless, and paired with his way of delivery, it’s always a treat for anyone listening to his tracks.
49. Ludacris
Ludacris was one of the first crossover rap superstars to emerge from Atlanta. Having dominated the airwaves and the clubs with an arsenal of Dirty South anthems at his disposal, he went on to win a best rap song Grammys in 2007 to solidify his place as one of the greats.
50. MF Doom
MF Doom started off by setting every open mic stage on fire. However, with talent like his, his debut in the mainstream rap industry was inevitable. He managed to form a sort of cult following thanks to his lyrical prowess and is considered one of the best rappers of all time even after his passing.
51. Redman
Redman was a force to be reckoned with back in the 90s. With her humorous personality and catchy rhymes, he climbed the ranks of rappers to become one of the best ones out there. Oh, and that’s all without me mentioning how he joined forces with Method Man to take over the rap world.
52. Ghostface Killah
Ghostface Killah is who most rap enthusiasts believe catapulted the legendary Wu-Tang Clan to the top of the rap game. With his out of this world rapping skills and endearing personality, he also went on to create a successful solo rap career.
53. Mac Miller
This one might be a bit of a sore topic for some rap fans out there, but Mac Miller, a rapper whose career first began in 2015, garnered a dedicated fanbase thanks to his lyrics tackling some serious real world issues. Even after his passing, many of those said fans look back at his rap career fondly.
54. A$AP Rocky
While A$AP Rocky is a rapper who hasn’t been in the rap scene for nearly as long as some other names on this list, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His lyrics successfully resonate with the youths of today, cementing his name as one of the best new school rappers currently.
55. Logic
Logic is another new school rapper who’s constantly being compared to the likes of Eminem. Naming the legendary Wu-Tang Clan as his inspiration for pursuing a career in rapping, he has successfully garnered a super dedicated fanbase.
56. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah might be better known as an actress, but the fact of the matter is that her rap career was what truly put her on the map. Being one of the first women to have a successful rap career, she paved the path for women to enter the rap industry.
57. Puff Daddy
While Puff Daddy first started his career way back in the 1990s, he’s still considered to be one of the best rappers, even today. I think the secret to his success is how easy to sing along his lyrics were.
58. GZA
GZA is, to put it simply, a master lyricist. The way he mixes up and delivers words when rapping is just majestic, and I think he deserves to have more eyes on his career.
59. Big L
Like Biggie and Tupac, two rappers we mentioned on this list. Big L was also a rapper with an untimely death. What made his passing all the more tragic was just how much potential he had to change the entire rap world for the better.
60. Killer Mike
Throughout the 2000s, Killer Mike worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the best rappers in the industry. The fact that his lyrics tackle social issues and other real world problems just makes me like him more.
61. E-40
E-40 is who people would say repped San Francisco’s Bay Area the hardest out of all the rappers that originated from there. After all, his contributions are what helped bring the Bay Area into the hip-hop’s mainstream.
62. Kurupt
Kurupt is one of the only rappers who managed to successfully blend East Coast and West Coast rap styles to create something entirely unique.
63. El-P
Before his career as a rapper even began, El-P already had a label full of underground. Even still, he went on to become one of the most successful underground rappers New York had ever known.
64. Cardi B
Cardi B might not be a rapper in the traditional sense, at least that’s what any old school rap enthusiast would say, but the fact of the matter is that she has managed to build a huge fanbase thanks to her personality and skills. Oh, and all the social media feuds she gets in.
65. MC Lyte
Keeping the train of influential female rappers going, MC Lyte is next on the list. Even though she was only 16, she managed to make her way into hip-hop’s boys club in 1987. Ever since she has had the title of The Original Queen of Rap associated with her name.
66. Styles P
Being a founding member of the Lox, Styles P is considered by many to be one of the best lyricists of all time. His story from nothing to everything is one full of motivation, and his skills are nothing to scoff at.
67. MC Eiht
Hailing from the West Coast, MC Eiht has consistently been a driving force in the L.A rap scene for three whole decades. A rapper that has been in the scene for that long has to have learned a thing or two, right?
68. Melle Mel
Melle Mel is a rapper who literally changed the entire rap genre for the better. While it initially used to be full of people saying “yes” again and again, Melle came out of nowhere to show people that good rap could be done without that.
69. Rev. Run
While he ended up reinventing himself as a reality star later on, Run-DMC initially used to be a super talented rapper who was able to lead Run-DMC, a popular rap group, to historic heights
70. Inspectah Deck
While Inspectah Deck’s solo career was not able to take off like most fans expected thanks to a flood that ruined much of his assets, The Shaolin Rapper’s jaw-dropping delivery is still legendary, even today.
71. Phonte
Phonte has consistently been revolutionizing hip hop with his own soulful twist. Being a multi-talented rapper who has been in the scene for decades now, he’s one of the best rappers out there.
72. Guru
Guru might not have the flashiest videos or the catchiest flows, but what he did have is sheer skill in rapping. His steady and nonchalant flow allowed him to flex his lyrical muscles every time he was with a mic.
73. Kool Keith
Kool Keith was an extremely influential figure in the 80s who helped push the rap industry to what it is today. I definitely think he has undoubtedly earned his place among hip hop’s elite with the work he’s put in over the decades.
74. Rick Ross
Rapping about Miami’s lush style and colorful street tales, this gruff voiced rapper made his way into the mainstream when he signed with Def Jam and its ex-president Jay-Z.
75. Immortal Technique
Raised in Harlem, this politically charged rapper successfully formed a cult following thanks to his uncompromising stance on social issues. His lyrics forced listeners to think critically about the political and social background of the world around them, and many of those said listeners ended up coming back for more.
76. Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Being one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, modern rap owes a lot to the influence of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. He checked all the right boxes a rapper needs to be successful, and what more can anyone ask for?
77. Ja Rule
Ja Rule is an actor and rapper who emerged as a prominent talent back in the 90s. His rapping style was a rather unique blend of gritty street lyrics and melodic hooks which managed to set him apart from the rest of the rappers of that time.
78. Jean Grae
Jean Grae is one of the most respected figures in the rap world. I believe this is largely because of how she tends to rap about themes of social justice and personal experiences that resonate with listeners.
79. Beanie Sigel
While he isn’t nearly as well known as some of the other entries on this list, I think Beanie Sigel deserves a shot at the title of best rapper of all time. That’s how skilled and influential his career as a rapper was.
80. Raekwon
Raekwon rose to fame when he helped found the Wu-Tang Clan. While he was a cornerstone of that group for a long time, his skills as an individual rapper are also nothing to scoff at.
81. Slick Rick
Being the third artist to sign to Def Jam Records, I think Slick Rick was, without a doubt, one of the most influential rappers of that era. With a bunch of banging tracks and a more than impressive fanbase, his career is one to remember.
82. Royce Da 5’9
Royce Da 5’9, which is a mouthful to say in itself, is widely known primarily thanks to his association with Eminem as the Bad Meets Evil hip hop duo. Hey, if Eminem forms a duo with someone then you already know that someone has to be impressive.
83. AZ
Anthony Cruz, better known by his stage name, AZ, hails from New York. He is considered by those in the rap industry to be one of the best lyricists of all time, going as far as to be nominated for a Grammy back in 2003.
84. Sean Price
Sean Price made a name for himself in Brooklyn’s underground world. While he initially rolled with other rappers, it wasn’t until 2000 when he started his own solo career that his rapping journey truly began.
85. Flo Rida
Flo Rida has to be one of the most mainstream rappers on this list. While his music hasn’t really had the genre defining effect that some of the other entries have, his music has, nevertheless, been consistently successful.
86. Post Malone
This one might be a little tricky since many rap enthusiasts don’t consider Post Malone to be a rapper, but hear me out. In my opinion, what he does is what the rappers in the 80s and 90s did. He mixes several genres of music together, including rap, to create something new.
87. Chris Brown
Chris Brown had it all. He was charismatic, he had a large fanbase, and his energy on the stage was unmatched. However, because of controversies regarding his personal life, many consider his rap career to be finished unsavourly.
88. MC Hammer
Newcomers to the rap industry probably haven’t even heard of MC Hammer before. However, he used to be called the King of ’90s Hip-Hop and the forefather of pop rap, which should show just how influential his initial career was.
89. Travis Scott
This American singer, rapper, and songwriter has quickly gone on to become one of the most popular new school rappers around. I mean, he had a concert in the game Fortnite of all places. If that isn’t boundary breaking then I don’t know what is.
90. Wiz Khalifa
Often associated with Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa started his career back in the 2000s with his mixtapes. Throughout his career, his two most successful tracks continue to be “Black and Yellow,” which he won a Grammy for, and “See You Again.”
91. Stormzy
Stormzy’s rap career might have started only in 2010, but this British rapper has seen some insane mainstream and commercial success that warrants him getting a spot on our list of the 120 best rappers of all time.
92. Eazy-E
Being a founding member of the pioneering gangsta rap group N.W.A, Eazy-E has had some major influence on the rap scene as a whole. His unapologetic lyrics helped pave the way for the West Coast rap scene.
93. Childish Gambino
In addition to being a rapper, Childish Gambino has continued to push boundaries as a singer and songwriter as well. This multitalented rapper has become a huge name in the mainstream media.
94. Nate Dogg
Despite his untimely passing in 2011, Nate Dogg had the unique skill to seamlessly blend R&B and rap helped to define the West Coast sound which made him a respected name in the rap world, something he is even today.
95. Tyler, the Creator
Emerging in the late 2000s, Tyler, the Creator’s controversial lyrics and unique sounds garnered him a cult following in the world of rap. It wasn’t until he dropped his smash hit, “EARFQUAKE,” that he started making a name in the mainstream media.
96. Juice Wrld
One of the most talented and promising names in the music industry, Juice Wrld had the potential to become one of the biggest names emo rap had ever known. Unfortunately, he passed away before that could happen.
97. Kid Cudi
Since his debut mixtape in 2008, Kid Cudi has become a pioneer of the aforementioned emo rap genre. He has singlehandedly encouraged countless rappers to rap about their own insecurities to connect better with their audiences.
98. XXXTentacion
Another young rapper with an unfortunate and untimely death was XXXTentacion. While he was garnering his fanbase and perfecting his craft of SoundCloud rapping, XXXTentacion was murdered in 2018 at just 20 years of age.
99. Chance the Rapper
Born in the south side of Chicago, Chance the Rapper made a name for himself in the rap scene thanks to his clever wordplay and unique ways of blending and delivering words.
100. Joey Bada$$
Another rapper who’s widely known thanks to his clever wordplay is Joey Bada$$. This Brooklyn rapper draws inspiration from the golden age of hip-hop and continues to push the boundaries of rap while staying true to his roots.
101. Denzel Curry
Hailing from Florida, Denzel Curry first made a name for himself thanks to his razor sharp delivery of words and the blending of elements of traditional hip-hop, metal, and electronic music.
102. The Game
Born in California, this rapper rose to fame thanks to his vivid storytelling, aggressive delivery, and undeniable passion for the craft of rap. Today, he has a sizeable fanbase and has collaborations with legends like Dr. Dre and 50 Cent under his belt.
103. 21 Savage
While he emerged from Atlanta’s rap scene, this British born rapper has attracted various fans of rap with his lyrics talking of themes of street life, violence, and survival.
104. Tech N9ne
As one of the most successful independent rappers of all time, how could we not mention Tech N9ne? Using his rapid-fire delivery, intricate rhyme schemes, and genre-blending sound, he has successfully made a name for himself as one of the best rappers of all time.
105. Joyner Lucas
Since coming into the rap scene back in the 2010s, Joyner Lucas has made a name for himself thanks to his thought-provoking lyrics, captivating narratives, and technical prowess. I really like how he isn’t afraid to speak his mind, no matter how much hot water he might be in on social media for it.
106. Schoolboy Q
As a member of Top Dawg Entertainment, one of the most critically acclaimed hip hop groups of all time, Schoolboy Q has had an undeniable impact on the rap world as a whole. His influence can be felt even today because of all the boundaries he pushed.
107. Nelly
Since bursting into the rap scene back in the early 2000s, Nelly has consistently been dropping bangers and staying in the spotlight. If it isn’t for being one of the best rappers of all time then it’s for being one of the sexiest musical artists of all time. Talk about variety.
108. Ice-T
As a pioneer of gangster rap in the 90s, Ice-T’s influence in the rap world is insane. While many newcomers to the rap scene might not know about him much, it’s undeniable that rap wouldn’t be the same without his contributions.
109. 2 Chainz
With his witty punchlines, entertaining character, and undeniable humor, 2 Chainz has consistently been captivating audiences since his debut as a solo artist in the early 2010s. I mean, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the rap world like Drake and Nicki Minaj.
110. Fabolous
I think Fabolous doesn’t get the recognition and credit he deserves for being able to adapt to the times. Despite coming up in the late 90s, he has been consistent with his ability to drop successful tracks, many of which have gone on to win platinum plaques.
111. Elzhi
Often called “Detroit’s Best Kept Secret,” Elzhi is a super skilled lyricist who has gained respect in the rap world thanks to his being true to his roots. In a world where trends are more important than everything, Elzhi has stayed consistent with what he’s good at.
112. Cam’ron
While Cam’ron did indeed have a major influence in the rap world as a rapper, I think he had an even bigger influence for bringing together a crew of rappers with a distinct sound and aesthetic that went on to redefine New York swagger in the 2000s.
113. Blu
I’m personally a huge fan of Blu because of the type of lyrics he puts out. He isn’t afraid to tackle themes like racism, black history, and his love for hip hop and music, all the while maintaining a consistent musical standard.
114. Too $hort
Too $hort, also known as Too Short, has been a genre definer in the rap world since the 1980s. His uncensored rapping skills and gritty lyrics paved the way for rappers of all ages and his influence can be felt even today.
115. Posdnuos
Oh, do you want to listen to some jazz rap? Then Posdnuos is your guy. He has been dropping sick jazz raps since 1989 and has been more consistent than most rappers could even dream of.
116. Brother Ali
Another rapper who tends to mix rap with themes of social justice is Brother Ali. Talking about themes like racism and oppression, he has made a name for himself for speaking his mind no matter the consequences, and I respect that immensely.
117. Twista
Some people believe that rapping is all about speed. While I don’t entirely agree with this, I do agree that speed is one aspect of rapping. Therefore, who better to place on this list than Twista who used to hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest rapper in the English language?
118. Ras Kass
Ras Kass has been a driving force in the underground hip hop scene for over three decades. His debut album was first released over two decades ago, and he continues to show why he’s a monster with a mic.
119. Chief Keef
At just 17 years old, Chief Keef almost singlehandedly gave birth to a whole new genre of rap. With his melodic raps and slurred delivery, his tracks are the type that you just can’t get enough of.
120. Project Pat
Being the older brother of Juicy J, Project Pat has frequently been associated with the group Three 6 Mafia. While never an official member, the collaborations that came out of their partnership were more than worth it.
FAQs
Who is considered one of the most respected rappers in the history of hip-hop?
2Pac is considered one of the most respected rappers of all time because his lyrics tackled social issues as well as his enduring influence on the genre of rap.
Which rapper has won the most Grammy Awards?
Jay-Z and Kanye West have each won 24 Grammy Awards, which is more than any other rapper. Lauryn Hill is the female rapper with the most Grammys with eight awards to her name.
Who is often referred to as the “King of Hip-Hop” and why?
Eminem is often referred to as the “King of hip-hop” because of his immense commercial success, lyrical prowess, and impact on the genre.