The East Coast of the United States of America has often been called a laboratory of rap. Why?
Well, because it has churned out talent after talent in the rap scene, and it seems as though it has no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
From well-known rappers like 50 Cent to some niche yet extremely talented rappers like Talib Kweli, there’s certainly no shortage of talented rappers from the East Coast.
Today, I want to highlight the 50 best East Coast rappers of all time. To make this list, several factors were taken into consideration such as overall lifetime accolades, influence in the rap scene, and, of course, sheer rapping skill.
It’s important to clarify that the list is in no particular order. This means that any one of the rappers I’m about to mention can take the title of best East Coast rapper.
Below are the 50 best East Coast rappers of all time
- Jay-Z
- The Notorious B.I.G.
- DMX
- Canibus
- Nas
- 50 Cent
- Rakim
- Mos Def
- Prodigy
- Havoc
- Chuck D
- Puff Daddy
- KRS-One
- MF Doom
- Black Thought
- Ghostface Killah
- Method Man
- Mac Miller
- Big Pun
- LL Cool J
- A$AP Rocky
- Big L
- Logic
- Raekwon
- Redman
- Masta Ace
- Lil’ Kim
- Meek Mill
- Queen Latifah
- Kool G Rap
- J. Cole
- Ol’ Dirty Bastard
- Lauryn Hill
- GZA
- Slick Rick
- Big Daddy Kane
- Q-Tip
- Cardi B
- Inspectah Deck
- Immortal Technique
- Jadakiss
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Princess Nokia
- Guru
- Beanie Sigel
- Busta Rhymes
- LL Cool J
- Aesop Rock
- Ja Rule
- Jean Grae
1. Jay-Z
There’s no denying the insane impact Jay-Z had on the entire rap world. First coming into the scene way back in the 1980s, he has managed to outshine just about every rapper, East Coast origin or otherwise. His first studio album might have been released in the 1990s, but his songs are still listened to worldwide, even today.
When it comes to influence, you only need to look at Jay-Z’s incredible collaboration history to realize how far his reach is. Beyonce, Rihanna, Kanye West, and even J. Cole, his partnerships know no limits. Finally, with so many Grammys, METs, and even Billboard Music Awards under his belt, he has cemented himself as one of the most famous names in the rap space.
2. The Notorious B.I.G.
Up next is someone many rap enthusiasts consider to be the greatest rapper of all time. That’s right, a title that big is no small feat, but if anyone deserves it, it’s Biggie Smalls. After all, his rap career is nothing short of inspirational. He came onto the scene in the early 90s and almost instantly turned the entire rap genre for the better.
In under a decade, he garnered worldwide fame for his catchy flow and memorable beats. Unfortunately, his life was tragically taken in a drive-by shooting in 1997. However, many rap talents owe their inspiration to The Notorious B.I.G., even today.
3. DMX
DMX was an East Coast rapper who eventually transitioned into a successful actor. Hailing 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. While he lost his life back in 2021, his legacy, both as one of the best East Coast rappers and as an actor, continues to live on.
4. Canibus
Ah yes, Canibus is a name some of you newcomers to rap might not recognize all that much. In his prime, Canibus was a top contender for the best rapper of all time, although he took a break from rapping to enlist in the army.
This specific rapper has a more than impressive career profile. Coming out with his debut album, “Can-I-Bus,” in 1998, he was mostly known for his scientific approach to rapping. The way he mixed in metaphors and the like so naturally in his wordplay was out of this world. Don’t believe me? Just do what I did and take a listen to his verse in “Beast From the East.”
5. Nas
Nas is seen by many rap enthusiasts as a, well, rap prophet. Often referred to as the “God MC” and “Nasty Nas,” his lyrical prowess and way of storytelling changed the genre of rapping entirely when he first debuted in the early 1990s. As a matter of fact, his debut album, “Illmatic,” is considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
The thing I like most about Nas is his ability to evolve with the times. Whereas he first rapped about themes such as social issues and street life, he eventually moved on to become an entrepreneur, actor, and philanthropist.
6. 50 Cent
When it comes to overall worldwide influence, few East Coast rappers come even close to 50 Cent. Having grown up living a difficult life, he was able to manifest that experience into his rap lyrics that really resonated with people all over the world.
With insane hits like “In Da Club,” Curtis James Jackson III has had a super successful rapping career. That’s not all though, as he’s also an actor, television producer, and businessman. I mean, he made an appearance at the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show so he HAS to be big news, right?
7. Rakim
When Rakim first came into the rap scene with “Paid in Full” in 1987, he immediately left his mark in the hip-hop industry. Although some of his work where he’s collaborating with other legendary rappers like Eric B. is considered amazing, he also had a more than impressive solo career.
Rakim is one of those artists whose influence continues to affect the next generation too. No wonder he is often referred to as the “God MC.”
8. Mos Def
Mos Def is a multi-talented artist who has managed to garner a super dedicated fanbase thanks to his lyrical prowess. While many initially assumed that he was only good as a duo with fellow rapper Talib Kweli, he quickly proved them wrong. Mos Def’s solo 199 debut, “Black on Both Sides,” solidified the fact that Mos Def was a rapper who could stand on his own two feet.
9. Prodigy
Gangster rap might be a style of rapping that’s more commonly associated with the West Coast, but Prodigy was able to put his own East Coast spin on it. Having started his career as part of a duo alongside fellow rapper Havoc, he eventually started a successful solo career that cemented him as one of the greats.
10. Havoc
With one part of Mobb Depp covered, how could we forget the other half of it, Havoc? Havoc met Prodigy back in high school, and they eventually went on to find Mobb Depp. Mobb Depp then, in turn, went on to become one of the most legendary rapping duos of all time, with many of their songs and albums ranking high in the Billboard 200.
11. Chuck D
Having been the vocal powerhouse behind the rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D’s influence in the East Coast rap scene is unquestionable. He frequently tackled real world social and political problems, with the impact of all of his verses being multiplied thanks to his strong voice and stronger aura.
12. Puff Daddy
Being born in New York, Puff Daddy has more than left his mark in the hip-hop world both as a rapper and as a producer. While he started his career way back in the 1990s, he’s still considered to be one of the best rappers, even today. Many actually say the secret to his success was his catchy yet easy to sing along to lyrical style.
13. KRS-One
WOOP WOOP! That’s the sound of KRS-One coming making this list of the best East Coast rappers of all time. KRS-One is a legendary figure in the hip-hop world for his role as a rapper, songwriter, and producer. He worked tirelessly to change the entire genre of music permanently.
Something just incredible is how his career began first in the 1980s. However, even now, more than four decades later, his impact can still be felt in the rap world as a whole. Many rap enthusiasts believe that the way he mixed catchy beats with all too real lyrics that tackled social and political issues was unmatched.
14. MF Doom
MF Doom is a rather unique case, as before his official debut he used to metaphorically set fire on open mic stages. However, when he eventually did debut with his 1999 album “Operation Doomsday,” he managed to successfully form a cult following. It’s thanks to the size of his following that he’s considered to be one of the best East Coast rappers of all time, even after his passing.
15. Black Thought
Up next is Black Thought, who’s best known as the frontman of The Roots. His lyrical prowess is considered to be unmatched by many, and there’s no surprise as to why. Despite his lyrics having so much depth to them, Black Thought is still able to successfully keep a consistent and razor sharp flow. How could we forget the 10-minute freestyle he dropped in 2017 on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 radio show?
16. Ghostface Killah
If you’ve been listening to East Coast rap for a while now, then you’ve most definitely heard of the Wu-Tang Clan before. Well, Ghostface Killah is who most rap enthusiasts believe catapulted that group to the top of the rap game.
While Ghostface’s work in the Wu-Tang Clan was more than impressive, he eventually went on to build a solo career too. This cemented the fact that he was a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry, with or without a group backing him up.
17. Method Man
Another rapper who emerged from the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man had an aura that just brought people to him like magnets every time he was on the stage. His way of storytelling and lyrical prowess were the reasons tracks like “Bring the Pain” and “Da Rockwilder” are still listened to worldwide, even today.
18. Mac Miller
Some rap elitists might disagree with this entry, but Mac Miller’s influence in the modern rap world is undeniable. Coming from Pennsylvania, Mac’s rap career first took off at the age of 15, which is already incredible. However, it was his debut album in 2011, “Blue Slide Park” that really put him on the map by charting in the Billboard 200.
19. Big Pun
If you were even the slightest bit interested in rap back in the mid 90s, then you’ve heard of Big Pun for sure. After all, he was one of, if not THE most popular rapper at that time. His career initially started when he was working closely with Terror Squad, and even his first ever album received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album of the Year. Talk about starting off strong!
20. LL Cool J
Three words. Ten. Platinum. Albums. That’s right, LL Cool J is a juggernaut in the rap world, and we honestly can’t blame anyone who claims to be his fan. With charm, energy, and charisma like him, he was practically made for the big stage. His skills as a rapper managed to take the entire genre of hip-hop to heights most never thought possible.
21. A$AP Rocky
A young talent from Harlem burst into the rap scene back in 2011 and made a name for himself. Having lyrics that resonated with the youth of that time, he quickly became a household name as one of the best East Coast rappers currently. We are, of course, talking about A$AP Rocky.
We would even go as far as to say he’s one of the best new school rappers currently, with his talent paving the way for even more talented rappers to enter the rap scene.
22. Big L
Big L’s career was tragically cut short at just 24 years old. However, his impact on the overall rap world is undeniable. His intricate wordplay paired with his dark sense of humor built him a super dedicated cult following, and he’s considered one of the most underrated rappers of all time.
23. Logic
Another new school rapper that has roots on the East Coast is Logic. Often compared to names like Eminem, Logic first debuted in 2010 with his mixtape “Young, Broke, and Infamous,” and it has all been uphill from there. He gives credit to big names like the Wu-Tang Clan for influencing him to pursue a rap career, and we’re sure in the future others will give credit to him for doing the same.
In addition to being known for raising mental health awareness, he’s very well known for a specific single he released promoting mental health and seeking to draw attention to the suicide hotline number.
24. Raekwon
Another name that got put on the radar for hanging with the Wu-Tang Clan is Raekwon. Having started his career back in the 90s, this New Yorker has been upping the rap game from the very start. One only has to look at his masterpiece album, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,” to truly understand just how talented Raekwon’s ability to create cinematic narratives with his music was.
25. Redman
How could we mention Method Man without also mentioning his partner, Redman? Redman built a super loyal fanbase thanks to his charming personality and knack for storytelling while rapping. His raw and unfiltered lyrics coupled with his sense of humor ensured that he would leave a mark in the rap industry for years to come.
26. Masta Ace
A rapper who had way more influence in the rap world than he’s given credit for is Masta Ace. His way of storytelling was just out of this world. He’d form such detailed narratives through his lyrical prowess that listeners would be fully captivated, wanting to hear more of it.
27. Lil’ Kim
Lil’ Kim might not be as well known as, say, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, but one thing we have to admit is that Lil’ Kim paved the path for future female rappers. Born in New York, Lil’ Kim started rapping in the mid 1990s and even collaborated with big names like Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent in their prime.
28. Meek Mill
I’m sure many of you might have heard of rap battles. No, not those YouTube ones, but the ones with no holds barred. Well, a rapper that found success thanks to those rap battles is Meek Mill. Thanks to his undeniable talent in rapping, he went on to sign with the Maybach Music Group and now has a successful career in rapping.
29. Queen Latifah
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Queen Latifah better known as an actress? While this is true, that doesn’t mean her career as a rapper should be overlooked. Being one of the first women to have a successful rap career, Queen Latifah’s influence in the space, especially for women, is undeniable.
30. Kool G Rap
Without Kool G Rap, who knows how the East Coast rap scene would have ended up today. That’s how influential this specific rapper was. Kool took boom-bap and combined it with a unique strain of gangster realism that only he could reproduce.
31. J. Cole
We mentioned J Cole briefly previously, but it’s time to expand on him because he’s also considered by many to be one of the best East Coast rappers around. Raised in North Carolina, J Cole’s soulful production and even more soul filled lyrics resonated with listeners all over the world.
J Cole has continued to push the boundaries of the hip-hop world, including holding several competitions and nurturing new talent. Who knows how the industry would have been without his presence?
32. Ol’ Dirty Bastard
As one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, modern rap owes a lot to the influence of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. His flow? Unpredictable. His personality? Eccentric. His lyrics? Unfiltered. And his energy? Enough to have an entire room dancing on their feet in a matter of seconds.
33. Lauryn Hill
Another female rapper who broke the barriers of entry into the rap world for women all over the world was Lauryn Hill. First gaining recognition as a member of the Fugees, she eventually went on to start a successful solo career as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Her soulful and thought provoking lyrics resonated with individuals all over the world, garnering her a sizeable fanbase.
34. GZA
As another founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA’s influence in the modern rap world is undeniable. He’s actually widely regarded as one of the best lyricists of all time, which is no small compliment, especially coming from rap enthusiasts. Using his impressive wordplay and vivid storytelling, GZA successfully managed to cement himself as one of the best East Coast rappers of all time.
35. Slick Rick
Oh, are you looking for a rapper who can successfully tell an entire story through his words? Well, who better than the rapper often hailed as “hip-hop’s greatest storyteller?” Slick Rick has the unique talent to captivate his audience through his out of this world storytelling skills that blend perfectly with his cheerful and melodic flow.
36. Big Daddy Kane
Ah yes, Big Daddy Kane and his unmatched fashion sense. Back in the 90s, which is considered to be the golden age of hip-hop, Big Daddy Kane successfully built a rapping empire out of his natural yet memorable flow and smooth delivery. Even today, many rappers credit him as their main inspiration for getting into the world of rap.
37. Q-Tip
As the frontman of A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip is one of the most influential East Coast rappers of all time. His lyricism in some of the most viral tracks has garnered him immense respect in the rap world, and he has continued to push boundaries in this industry.
38. Cardi B
Oh boy, I’m certain some of you won’t like this one, but Cardi B’s influence in modern rap is undeniable. With smash hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP,” she has continued to pump out viral song after viral song. Of course, all the feuding she does with other celebrities on social media works toward keeping her in the spotlight to ensure she can do it all over again.
39. Inspectah Deck
Known for both his distinctive voice and for being part of the Wu-Tang Clan, Inspectah Deck is another recognizable name in the world of East Coast rap. While he is often overshadowed by the other members of the clan, his contributions to shaping the rap world into what it is today are undeniable.
After all, if he was able to make such a name for himself in the golden age of hip-hop when competition was at an all time high, just imagine how popular he would have been today.
40. Immortal Technique
Raised in Harlem, the politically charged rapper known as Immortal Technique garnered 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. While he stayed away from the mainstream music industry, people always end up finding talent, and that’s exactly what happened here.
41. Jadakiss
Coming from Yonkers, New York, Jadakiss first gained fame thanks to his association with the influential group The Lox. However, he eventually embarked on a solo career that ended up being more successful than even he could have imagined. With his solid voice, high charisma, and undeniable talent to weave engaging tales with his words, he built a huge and loyal fanbase for himself.
42. Lil Uzi Vert
Another new school East Coast rapper I want to go through is Lil Uzi Vert. Emerging from Philadelphia, he’s known for his emo and trap rap that resonates with his younger audience. While he initially built up his fanbase thanks to the internet, he is now part of the mainstream music industry and is loved by rap fans all over the world for his unique style.
43. Princess Nokia
While Princess Nokia is relatively new to the rap scene, especially when compared to some of the other picks on this list, she has still garnered a massive following. Her first album, “Metallic Butterfly” was released back in 2014, and since then, she has experimented with her style a lot. From gangster rap to hardcore and even punk, I think Princess Nokia is one of the most versatile East Coast rappers around.
44. Guru
The late Guru might be gone, but his influence in the rap industry still lives on. With a super smooth voice but lyrics that directly affected the hearts of listeners, he was able to successfully create an enormous fanbase for himself. Also, Guru was the lyrical half of Gang Starr, one of the most impactful rapping duos on the East Coast.
45. Beanie Sigel
Beanie Sigel was an iconic figure in the rapping landscape of the East Coast. He had a gruff and rough voice that commanded respect, and lyrics that hit harder than a truck. While he isn’t as well known as some of the other rappers on this list, his impact on the overall rapping world is undeniable.
46. 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. Having been mentored by Chuck D, a member of the group Public Enemy, his skills earned him a sizeable fanbase back in the 90s. With a total of nine studio albums under his belt, he eventually went on to try other endeavors.
47. LL Cool J
Another rapper who’s probably better known as an actor is LL Cool J. Well, you either know him as a rapper, an actor, or maybe an author since this guy has been in all sorts of fields. While he has made some notable appearances in TV shows and movies, his most popular piece of media has to be the album “I’m Bad and I Need Love” which pretty much put him on the map.
48. Aesop Rock
While Aesop Rock never managed to break through in the mainstream music industry, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t a big deal on the East Coast. To be more specific, this particular rapper was able to stand out in the 90s to go on and become one of the best rappers on the East Coast. Impressive rhythm and a large vocabulary. What’s there not to like?
49. 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. This successfully set him apart from the rest of his fellow East Coast rappers, resulting in him garnering respect and fame in the rapping world.
50. Jean Grae
Jean Grae is one of the most respected names in the entirety of East Coast hip-hop. Not only does she have immense talent in the art of rapping and wordplay, but she also deals with themes of social justice and personal experiences. This personal factor successfully resonates with a bunch of listeners.
FAQs
Who’s the most respected East Coast Rapper?
While this is a rather subjective question, I think the most respected East Coast rapper is probably The Notorious B.I.G. Because he managed to do so much in under a decade and would have become an even bigger name if he lived longer, rap enthusiasts respect him a lot.
Which East Coast rapper has the most Grammys?
Jay Z is the East Coast rapper with the most Grammys. As a matter of fact, he’s tied with Kanye West for the most Grammys won in general with a whopping 24 Grammys won.
Who are some of the most influential East Coast rappers in the history of hip-hop?
Some of the most influential East Coast rappers include The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, and Lauryn Hill. The lyrical prowess and impact left behind by all of these rappers has been unmatched.