10 Best Hip-Hop Artists You Must Know

Hello folks! how you have been? Hope you are doing well. In this post, we will consider the best hip-hop artists. Hip-hop has given rise to a multitude of talented rappers who have reshaped the music industry and made a lasting impact on society.

From its origins as a marginalized subculture to its current status as a global phenomenon, hip-hop has continually reinvented itself, pushing artistic boundaries and challenging societal norms.

Beyond their musical talents, certain artists have become cultural icons, exerting influence beyond the realm of music. From Jay-Z to Snoop Dogg to Eminem and many more, there have been several male rappers who established themselves as celebrated hip-hop artists. Some of them released numerous chart-topping hits and became one of the best-selling artists in the world. However, female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and many others earned success in the hip-hop scene.

Not only this but these artists also transformed hip-hop into a powerful medium for social commentary and empowerment, striking a chord with audiences around the globe. They are famous for blending introspective lyrics with compelling melodies that solidified them as some of the best rappers in the hip-hop music scene.

Hence, we have compiled a list of Top 10 Hip-hop artists you should know. Let’s explore more about these influential artists who continue to inspire emerging artists.

1- Jay-Z

Jay-Z is one of the best-selling hip-hop artists. He has sold over 140 million records worldwide. The rapper is also a successful entrepreneur who owns Def Jam Records, Roc-a-Fella, 40/40 Club, and Roc Nation Sports. Publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone ranked him among the greatest artists of all time. Some of the best works of the rapper include:

• Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life
• Girls, Girls, Girls
• Jigga That Nigga
• The Black Album
• The Blueprint

2- Eminem

The next one on the list is non-other than Eminem. Eminem also got the title “King of Hip-Hop”. The famous rapper has sold over 220 million records and become one of the best-selling music artists. His ten albums consecutively debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart he is the first one to achieve it. The best works of the popular rapper include:

• Slim Shady EP
• Lose Yourself
• Kamikaze
• Revival
• Superman

3- The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. or Christopher Wallace was a famous rapper from Brooklyn. His debut album “Ready To Die” is considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Despite his short career due to his untimely death, he left a lasting legacy. He was famous for popularizing gangsta rap in the hip-hop music scene.

• Big Poppa
• Life After Death
• Juicy
• One More Chance
• Mo Money Mo Problems

4- Tupac

Tupac Shakur aka 2Pac was a famous rapper. His music often depicted social issues and his life struggles. He used introspective and provocative lyrics to address them. With 75 million records sold, he was one of the best-selling artists. However, Tupac died at 25 he released several hit albums. He also appeared in various films and documentaries too. Let’s consider his best music:

• 2Pacalypse Now
• Keep Ya Head Up
• Changes
• Thugz Mansion
• Dear Mama

5- Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg was one of the best hip-hop artists. It was Dr. Dre. who recognized the artist and featured him in the solo single Deep Cover. His debut album Doggystyle debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He worked with various record labels and founded his label Doggystyle Records. His most notable works include:

• Doggystyle
• Tha Doggfather
• Bush
• Gin and Juice
• Tha Blue Carpet Treatment

6- Nas

American rapper Nas is one of the most celebrated artists. He released fifteen albums out of which ten are certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. Billboard named him among the 10 Best Rappers of All Time and The Source ranked him second on their list of “Top 50 Lyricists of All Time”. Let’s have a look at his most notable works:

• Illmatic
• God’s Son
• Stillmatic
• Street’s Disciple
• Life Is Good

7- Drake

Drake is a Canadian rapper who is famous for popularizing singing and R&B elements into hip-hop music. Prior to his music career, he showcased his talent in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. The studio album Thank Me Later played a significant role in propelling him to stardom. He continued to release a string of highly successful albums. He is one of the best-selling hip-hop artists. Here are his best music works:

• Find Your Love
• Scorpion
• Hotline Bling
• Take Care
• Best I Ever Had

8- Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential rappers, began his music journey at sixteen. He released his first mixtape titled “Youngest Head Nigga in Charge.” He received various accolades including Grammy Awards, MTV Awards, MOBO Awards, and BET Awards. Lamar’s best works include:

• Swimming Pools(Drank)
• Good Kid
• To Pimp a Butterfly
• Backseat Freestyle
• Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe

9- 50-Cent

Curtis James Jackson III aka 50-Cent is a famous rapper from South Jamaica. He rose to prominence with the album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. It was certified 9x platinum by RIAA. The multi-talented artist also tried his hand at acting and business. He founded the record label G-unit Records, SMS Audio company, SK Energy, and others. Here are his best works:

• Curtis
• Candy Shop
• In da Club
• P.I.M.P.
• 21 Questions

10- Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time. Wayne has sold over 200 million records. His original name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. He was the youngest member to join the Cash Money Records. He also worked with other labels including Universal Records, Republic Records, and Young Money. Some of the most successful works of the artist include:

• Tha Carter III
• Lights Out
• 500 Degreez
• Tha Block Is Hot
• Lollipop

Tell us, which one is your favorite artist out of them? Well, my personal favorite is Eminem. Apart from it, was this post helpful to you? If yes, then don’t forget to like and share it.