Best rappers of all time

Finally, a definitive list of the best rappers of all time, ranked by fans all over the world.

Born in the gritty South Bronx during the s, hip hop culture emerged as a voice for the marginalized, with park jams and block parties serving as the stage for its rapid growth. Over the decades, the culture has emerged as a local phenomenon in New York to become one of the most powerful pop culture forces in recent history. Along the way, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of rappers who have graced the microphone with all of them battling it out to be the dopest MC in the game. From the poetic mastery of Melle Mel and Kool Moe Dee, who crafted vivid narratives and intricate wordplay, to the captivating stage presence of Run-D. The s saw the emergence of commercial juggernauts like 50 Cent, whose gritty street tales and melodic hooks took hip hop to new heights, and Lil Wayne, whose eclectic approach to wordplay and punchlines set the stage for a new era of lyrical creativity. Enter the likes of Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J.

Best rappers of all time

Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Complex is proud to present the Best Rapper Alive, Every Year Since , a comprehensive look back at every year of rap and which MC moved the crowd the most. Rap fans tend to get into arguments with other rap fans, and it doesn't take much more than someone declaring their Favorite Rapper. Your favorite rapper is a personal preference, one that requires the most subjective defenses. The choice is yours. The favorite rapper discussion is cool and all, but the coveted distinction in hip-hop is still being named the GOAT Greatest of All Time. Rookies and new jacks need not apply—this debate is strictly for the catalog artists, people who have shifted the culture in previously unmovable ways, artists whose music has permeated and resonated over an extended period of time. But there is one debate that every rap fan not only loves to have but ought to have. A debate that pits a rapper in their prime against any and all competitors. A debate that gawks at the cultural landscape and plucks out the one who stands alone: the debate about who is the Best Rapper Alive. Anyone can become the Best Rapper Alive. Some came out the gate with next-level rhymes that had everyone running back to the lab; for others it was a culmination of their gifts that coalesced for one great year.

The album, with its loose narrative structure, aggressive funk tracks, vicious battle raps, and hilarious stories, gave listeners a uniquely rugged ride through the Bricks. If you see modern-day Melle Mel out in New York City rocking a powder blue tuxedo with long tails and calling himself "Muscle Simmons," you might not suspect that this is the same dude who rhymed the immortal words "Don't push me, best rappers of all time, 'cause I'm close to the edge.

After finding God, Rev. His lyrical intensity and fearless aggression are battle-tested, as he sparred with the likes of 50 Cent and Beanie Sigel in the s before single-handedly dismantling Dipset in a Verzuz battle. However, the Port Arthur native born Bernard James Freeman twangy flow ended up being far more influential than his initial underground career aspirations. Now a rap elder statesman, Bun keeps a keen eye on next-gen talent, offering key co-signs to such contemporary stars as Drake and Kodak Black. Thee Album became an instant hip-hop classic with its early use of funk samples and hilarious punchlines. But few rappers, if any, have repped the Bay longer or stronger than E Dre would be the first to tell you that he is not a traditional MC.

Any list of the greatest rappers of all time is going to be divisive. Everybody has an artist they think of as their favorite or think they know who has the best skills on the mic when compared to everyone else. MC skills, flow, linguistics, vocabulary, rhyme schemes, speed, personas, themes, and even the era they came up in can all play a part in how a rapper is viewed. For our list, we took into account all of those skills but also added weight to the commercial success a rap artist was able to achieve and how big of an influence they became in the hip hop landscape. Lil Uzi Vert is one of the best and brightest rappers in the emo rap and SoundCloud rap communities. Each of his releases has added layered complexity and subtle shifts in tone, becoming enigmatic of the modern-day rapper. Wiz Khalifa was one of the most prominent rappers of the s, releasing a long string of hit songs that resonated with both the urban hip hop and pop music communities. His studio debut single Black And Yellow was an instant hit and rose to the top of the Hot , with plenty more following it up. A smooth flow and detailed imagery characterize his raps and turn him into one of the most sampled artists and most influential rappers in the history of music. Vividly painted narratives drove his work and inspired a generation of rap artists like Snoop Dogg, Nas, and Jay-Z to add layers to their own work.

Best rappers of all time

Pimp C might not have been the most successful rapper, and he might not have had the longevity he died prematurely after an overdose on lean , but his influence is undeniable — Frank Ocean and Big Sean count themselves as disciples. For proof of his genius, you don't need to look any further than "Big Pimpin'," the Jay Z track he and fellow U. In just eight bars, Pimp C snatches ownership from Hov. His delivery was so sick nasty, he didn't even feel like he had to be in the music video for the song. But more importantly, Pimp C posed one of hip hop's greatest rhetorical questions: "Now, what y'all know about them Texas boys? The man who's a.

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In determining these rankings, the Billboard and Vibe editorial teams opted first to limit the rap arena to North America. Some have been on top longer than others. But those wicked raps only scratched the surface of what was to come. He had a point, and OutKast certainly played a key role in that. Dre is at the door Next up is Benny the Butcher. Ross Scarano ,. We sat in the parking lot, blowing it down, drunk, with bellies full of mamposteao, when the homie decided to give me a sneak peak. Snoop cruised over beats with soft intonation and self-assured ease. Hailing from Houston, Texas, this enigmatic artist has captured the attention of the rap world with his experimental production, memorable hooks, and unforgettable live performances. Down to earth and humble, Cole possesses a passion that pulsates throughout his raps and beats. Childish Gambino. Rule of thumb: You're definitely in the Best Rapper Alive conversation if people will listen to any artist's song just because you're on it. Battle Rappers. Much of the criticism surrounding Billboard 's list was centered around the exclusion of Tupac Shakur.

After finding God, Rev. His lyrical intensity and fearless aggression are battle-tested, as he sparred with the likes of 50 Cent and Beanie Sigel in the s before single-handedly dismantling Dipset in a Verzuz battle. However, the Port Arthur native born Bernard James Freeman twangy flow ended up being far more influential than his initial underground career aspirations.

The playlists, good reads and video interviews you need—delivered every week. It was in the following year, , that Biggie remixed and refined his sound. More Drake. Unconcerned with the melodic trends of the moment, a fresh new face from Charlotte named DaBaby confidently zigged when everyone else was zagging. Kanye had a run of five straight smashing successes. At first he reached out to Dr. When Drake emerged on the scene in he was more than just a rapper with crossover potential—just like LeBron is more than a 6'8" dude with a jump shot—he was a rapper with superstar potential. More Tyler, the Creator. Throughout the year Drake would swoop in, drop a new song or several , and basically nothing else in hip-hop would matter for the next few days. But the following year, Jeezy took off, beginning with the growing buzz around his Trap or Die mixtape. Their counterpart G-Unit may have sold more records, but the Diplomats had the more powerful movement. For those really in the know, this might have been expected. The best way to describe it in a word?