Here Are the 50 Rappers Who Have Shaped Music History

In the last 50 years, rap and hip-hop have revolutionized the music industry. Pinpointing the exact creation of a music genre can be impossible as genres evolve from multiple influences. Rap and hip-hop are extraordinary examples of this, drawing inspiration from multiple influences in an ever-evolving music landscape.

The evolution of hip-hop and rap can be credited to several iconic rappers who ignited, revolutionized, and subverted the rap genre. These talented rappers left their mark on the genre by constantly redefining rap and showcasing their unparalleled creativity.

Kanye West

In the last decade or so, Kanye West has steadily gone downhill. However, the rapper created iconic music at his peak. West curated his creative sound from his debut album The College Dropout to his other works, like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Witty lyrics and bold sounds cemented him as a legendary rapper, and his 24 Grammy wins don’t hurt the legacy either. While it’s disappointing for many fans to see him go off the rails, his impeccable flows and evocative lyrics mean his music will always be iconic in the community.

Kendrick Lamar

When discussing the best rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar often gets brushed aside. However, Lamar is one of the most original artists of his time. His versatility and consistency make him an inspiration.

Unlike many other rappers, Lamar’s messages can be introspective and sensitive as well as political and controversial. The young rapper is flipping expectations while delivering strong flows. On top of all of that, Lamar is a super kind person and seems like a joy to work with. There is certainly space in the music industry for a rapper who’s also a sweetheart!

Eminem

Eminem changed music history by bringing rap to Middle America. Before his fame, rap was mostly popular in urban areas and along the coasts, but his story resonated with a lot of people in the heartland.

He’s credited with breaking down racial barriers in the rap community, not to mention his impeccable writing, edgy flows, and 15 Grammy wins. His features and collaborations are also spectacular, showcasing his versatility as a solo and collaborating artist.

Lauryn Hill

We have a special place in our hearts for Miss Lauryn Hill. Her melodic style of music created a whole new category of rap that top rappers today use. Her edgy lyrics and meaningful music completely transformed the rap and hip-hop communities.

While she made room for women in the community, she also normalized vulnerability and emotion in rap. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill remains one of the greatest rap albums ever.

Tupac Shakur

We couldn’t make this list without Tupac and Biggie. Tupac pushed the envelope with every rap he released. From discussing violence, using profanity, and recounting his life in the hood, Tupac was legendary in the music industry.

As one of the best-selling artists of all time, he did wonders to boost rap’s presence in mainstream music, something many of us take for granted today. He set the bar for rap and introduced storytelling elements and consistent flows that people continue to draw inspiration from.

The Notorious B.I.G.

We can’t talk about Tupac without mentioning Biggie. His music contrasted Tupac’s, offering a more laid-back vibe with flawless delivery and flow. The rapper’s relaxed demeanor and dark lyrics helped many people realize the versatility and range of rap music.

His unorthodox style opened up people’s minds to redefine rap music. The unique style of his music is part of his legacy, but his involvement in coastal rap beef makes him an important part of rap history.

Missy Elliott

A woman who isn’t talked about enough, Missy Elliott is one of the greatest rappers of all time. Elliott is not only one of the greatest female rappers, but she is one of the greatest rappers, period.

The rapper has sold over 30 million records thanks to her sensational lyricism and unapologetic attitude. Her gruff delivery is feisty and engaging, which creates genuine space for women in the industry as rappers, not just background vocalists.

Schoolboy Q

Schoolboy Q is still an underrated rapper with an extremely unique style. Aside from playing with funky sounds and abstract music, Schoolboy Q has mastered storytelling through his music. He’s a highly intelligent person and a doting father, offering a distinct perspective that continues to captivate listeners.

It seems every album he releases takes a new look at the sounds in rap music and the type of lyrics that work with his flow. Schoolboy Q will likely never be done experimenting, which means we get to enjoy fresh flows for the rest of his career.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj has sold over 100 million records worldwide. She’s dubbed herself the Queen of Rap, and while her throne is being threatened by up-and-coming artists, her legacy remains intact.

Minaj was practically the only female rapper hitting the charts in the 2010s, and her discography is diverse and powerful. Nicki has a reputation for being feisty and confrontational, which can be intense, but it’s also part of her unforgettable and bold rap persona.

Mac Miller

A rapper we lost way too young, Mac Miller, offered limitless creativity and meaning in his music. Miller’s music was vastly different than everyone else’s at the time, delivering thought-provoking, personal, and complex lyrics that spoke to many.

The late rapper’s meditations on addiction, life, and mental struggles made him stand out as a rapper willing to be sensitive and get deep. It’s heartbreaking that we’ll never get to embrace more of his distinct style, but his existing discography is still immaculate and compelling enough to land him on this list.

Queen Latifah

Despite her no longer being on the charts, many still consider Queen Latifah the Queen of Hip-Hop. Her crossover style was exciting and encouraged people to explore rap if they hadn’t before.

Latifah empowered others and challenged social norms in her music, bringing a more positive energy to rap music. To this day, she remains hip-hop royalty.

JAY-Z

JAY-Z holds impressive records with 24 Grammy wins and a whopping 88 nominations. His collection of iconic albums makes him a legendary rapper, but his entrepreneurial spirit and business success redefined what rappers thought they could do.

The rapper’s music shaped the genre, but his moves in the business world shifted people’s perspective of the community. Beyonce and JAY-Z’s power marriage also makes them unique artists, as their collaborations give each discography a special flair.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion isn’t famous for her insane beauty or enviable attitude. The artist is famous for her exquisite freestyle flows. Her career hasn’t even turned 10 yet and she has three Grammy wins and six nominations.

Stallion’s ability to switch flows and improvise on tracks makes her an irresistible artist who continuously raises the bar for herself and other rappers. The young rapper is a feisty girl who is never afraid to speak her mind and defend her music, loved ones, and self.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne’s rap legacy is fascinating, as he brought a completely new flow to rap music and created an unorthodox sound that mesmerized people. No one does it quite like Lil Wayne.

The nuanced and sometimes silly wordplay, cheeky metaphors, and raspy voice intrigued people, leading to his immense success and five Grammy wins. The rapper’s music topped charts and he was one of the most popular rappers in the early and mid-2000s.

Drake

Drake’s influence extends beyond the world of rap by influencing all of pop culture and different music genres. He meshes R&B, hip-hop, rap, and afro beats to create compelling sounds paired with emotional lyrics.

By doing so, Drake made it acceptable for rappers to be singers, which is now the norm in the industry. The artist’s raw lyrics, romantic subjects, and vulnerability were things that the rap industry rejected before he came along.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg’s relaxed, hazy rap style was new in the community during the height of his career. For many, he embodies what we know as West Coast hip-hop, and his more recent endeavors changed how people viewed rappers.

Snoop’s charming voice, slow flows, and positive lyrics — which match his positive attitude — were not the norm and introduced the world to what we now call G-funk music.

André 3000

André 3000 is a true poet. The writer’s lyrics are exceptional, tackling political issues and other complex ideas with nuance and creativity. He has a calm cadence that doesn’t conform to gangsta rap and matches his idiosyncratic flows that are beautifully rhythmic.

One thing that extended the rapper’s influential reach is his affinity for guest features with other artists, allowing him to be heard by more and more people.

J. Cole

As the years go by, revisiting J. Cole’s older lyrics and being impressed by their timelessness and topical nature simultaneously is a must.

The rapper finds clever ways to connect with his audience emotionally, using humor, grief, romance, betrayal, and every other feeling on the spectrum. One song will make you laugh, and the next one on the album will have you in your feelings.

50 Cent

Who is ever tired of 50 Cent’s music? Many of his hooks and verses feel historical, like the beginning of “In Da Club” or his verses in “Crack a Bottle.”

The artist’s collaboration with rappers like Eminem only showed his ability to stand out while meshing with someone else’s flow. Despite his gangster vibes, he’s a genuine artist who explores different mediums and opens new doors for rappers.

Cardi B

No one wanted to take Cardi B seriously when she first hit the scene. However, her irresistible flows, edgy voice, and raw lyrics make her one of the best rappers of all time anyway.

The rapper continues to break records and wholesomely supports other artists, and her huge personality and strength come through in every song. For example, the soft warning in “Be Careful” to the saucy attitude in “I Like It” highlight her strong personality.

Logic

While rap beef does sell albums, Logic has always taken a different approach. He supports every other rapper in the game, creating a self-assured and charismatic persona that people hear in his music.

Logic doesn’t feel the need to show how tough and scary he is. Instead, he’s taken a more honest and mild approach to rap, showing that you can dominate without becoming something you’re not.

Doja Cat

Whether you like Doja or not, there is no denying her ability to provoke people with her music or social media posts. Doja’s relationship with her fans is unusual and sometimes bitter, but that doesn’t stop people from falling in love with her spunky style.

The rapper and singer has one Grammy win and 19 nominations, so the Academy recognizes her talent. Doja is not afraid to be weird and experiment with different genres, lyrics, and sounds.

Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator also designed his own kind of rap that has yet to be emulated. His lyrics can be extremely grim and violent, but his music is sonically very smooth and cerebral.

The artist layers in elements of jazz, pop, and other music genres people rarely associate with rap. His artistic talents are apparent, and he’s another rapper who revealed a different path for this ever-changing genre.

Gucci Mane

Many credit Gucci Mane with the invention of trap music within the hip-hop genre. Countless famous rappers cite him as a major influence in their music, from Young Thug and Waka Flocka Flame, to Nicki Minaj.

While Gucci Mane’s music and talent are extraordinary, one of his biggest influences on music history is his ability to discover new artists and prop them up.

Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim is one of the greatest rappers and an influential fashion icon. Her overall vibe has inspired many young artists to do everything to their full potential.

The rapper has never shied away from acknowledging rumors and comments about her in her music, taking back her power at every turn. Her bodily autonomy and confidence on the mic came through in every song, and many female rappers have followed suit.

DMX

DMX’s gritty and gruff voice is iconic in the rap world. He was constantly compared to Tupac at his career peak and came up alongside JAY-Z.

With legendary songs like “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” he will forever be remembered in the community. DMX’s fashion sense also influenced the scene, bringing horrorcore and street style to the forefront.

Busta Rhymes

If you know Busta Rhymes, you know how ridiculously fast his flows are and how flawlessly he delivers every verse. Similar to André 3000, his many guest verses make him respected in the community and show his incredible talent alongside contrasting artists.

Aside from his rapid-fire delivery, he also offers shady lyrics and visual performance elements that make him stand out. It’s hard not to recognize his flow when you hear it on any track, which exemplifies his one-of-a-kind style.

Future

Snoop and Biggie started the laid-back flow style, but Future may have perfected it with his mumbly vocals and raspy deliveries. Mumble-rap is a newer style that has a casual and moody vibe.

For a while, autotune was seen as cringe-worthy, but Future utilized it as a gaudy feature to make his music distinct. Some consider him the father of modern trap, with his unorthodox sounds and classic lyric style.

Young Thug

Young Thug is one of the most eccentric rappers on the scene. Like Future, he has a mumble style that is popular in the modern trap sphere.

The artist’s innovation and surprising vocal talent make him a fascinating rapper to watch. He never hesitates to try something new. Young Thug’s album Beautiful Thugger Girls is the perfect example as he explores country music, acoustic sounds, and even punk vibes.

2 Chainz

One of the most versatile rappers, 2 Chainz is known for his creative ad-libs, witty metaphors, and impeccable rhyme schemes. He’s a big player in the trap music scene, creating innovative music that entertains and soothes simultaneously.

2 Chainz found the perfect balance between street thuggery and mainstream appeal in his lyrics, making him easily accessible but not watered down or basic. He also tends to rap more respectfully about women, especially in more recent albums, which is refreshing and rare in rap music.

Ludacris

Ludacris has a sensational sense of humor that makes his music more than music; it’s comedy. His ability to crack jokes within a flow and use tongue-in-cheek lyrics that shock people is iconic.

The thoughtfulness in his lyrics is apparent and only elevated by his fiery sounds and enticing delivery that grab people’s attention. At this point, he’s his own brand, similar to JAY-Z’s business success.

Ice-T

Ice-T was an iconic figure in the West Coast rap scene and pioneered gangsta rap. Rappers like Snoop Dogg cite him as an important influence.

Ice’s intense delivery was harsh yet melodic and always perfectly timed. The provocative lyrics, diverse sounds, and political criticism contributed to his success and encouraged rappers to be bold in their music.

Wiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa bridged the gap between several genres, combining stoner music with classic hip-hop and adding elements of pop. Like 2 Chainz, his music has wide appeal without compromising the integrity of the rap lyrics, flow, and delivery.

The rapper’s persona gives us Snopp Dogg vibes, but Wiz Khalifa is undeniably his own brand of rapper who made the genre accessible to a new demographic.

Kid Cudi

We like to compare Kid Cudi and J. Cole, as they both came up around the same time and created music with rich emotions behind it.

However, Cudi is one of the more experimental rappers, bringing elements of classic rock and heavy drum components into his tracks. His music sways between many genres to the point that you might say Kid Cudi has his own genre.

Cousin Stizz

Cousin Stizz is ushering a new vibe in rap music that isn’t as soft as Drake’s sound but not as harsh as most classic rap. He slows down his tracks to create thoughtful and somber songs that often have motivational lyrics.

The rapper’s authenticity and calm demeanor come across clearly in his music, and he’s actively reshaping what rap looks like to everyone. People also say he’s an incredibly humble guy, which makes his rap music feel more accessible and inviting.

Flatbush Zombies

Flatbush Zombies experiment with different genres, like many other artists on here. However, they push the envelope more than most. Like Kid Cudi, they use rock and punk influences and infuse their tracks with psychedelic sounds that aren’t standard in rap.

Their fiery flows and unique voices make every track memorable, proving that rap isn’t done evolving. The divisive style isn’t for everyone, but they’ve created a new genre of rap that appeals to those who love rock as much as they do rap.

Chance the Rapper

Chance is one of the most approachable rappers in the industry, with a charismatic and almost cute aura that appeals to a wide audience. He brought a certain playfulness to rap that was never there before.

Beyond the strength of his music and persona, he refused to sign with a record label and was the first independent artist to win a Grammy, showing young artists that it could be done without a label. Chance is one of the most inspiring young rappers who has much more to show us.

Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino, a.k.a Donald Glover — or Troy Barnes for all of us Community fans — simply doesn’t care what rap is “supposed” to be.

The young rapper swings from heavy-handed deliveries with harsh cadences to soulful R&B sounds that feel trippy and futuristic. “Redbone” and “This Is America,” his two biggest singles, show his dynamic sound and versatility.

Skepta

Skepta is one of the greatest grime rappers, creating gritty music with revolutionary flows. He’s easily one of the best English rappers ever.

The technical precision in his music is admirable, but his clever lyrics and dirty rhythms bring a street vibe that feels original. He didn’t necessarily invent grime music, but he took it to the next level.

Vince Staples

For huge fans of Big Fish Theory, Vince Staples had to be included. His eccentric and unusual music features electronic beats, emotional lyrics, and amusing verses.

The artist brought his alternative sounds to collaborations with artists like Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt, creating forward-thinking music that didn’t play by the rules. He continues to prove his artistry, moving into television, and we’re excited to see what else he does.

A Tribe Called Quest

People credit A Tribe Called Quest for creating a crossover sound between hip-hop and jazz music. This eclectic music group focused on thought-provoking and perceptive lyrics that sparked conversations and changed the subject of rap.

Countless modern rappers say they were important influences on their careers. Amazingly, all six of their albums received gold or platinum status.

Bad Bunny

The rap scene was dominated by Black artists for a long time. Then the community made room for white artists like Eminem and Mac Miller. Only recently has a Latin rapper been the big name in rap, and that’s Bad Bunny.

This pop culture figure delivers rapid flows and multi-lingual lyrics that attract various demographics. He represents strides in cultural diversity within the rap community.

Pusha T

Pusha T curated a distinct style that people describe as a blend of coke and luxury rap. He uses traditional rhyme schemes and injects every verse with immense passion.

The rapper’s flawless executions raised the standard in the rap industry, and his relentlessly creative lyrics keep people coming back. Pusha T could say the same thing a million different ways, making him a top-tier lyricist.

Meek Mill

Meek Mill started as a battle rapper, much like Eminem. He raps enthusiastically while holding a steady flow. The most profound art within his music is his statements on the culture.

Mill often uses his tracks to educate people on societal problems, like prison reform. You can feel the anger and frustration in his music, bringing a level of emotion and authenticity that resonates with listeners.

Migos

Migos had their fair share of successful hits, such as “Bad and Boujee.” They were an influential trio in the trap music scene for a while and played with the seriousness of their rap.

Some lyrics were poignant and powerful, while others were cheeky and humorous. They found a brilliant balance between these two lyric styles and combined it with exceptional rhythms that entranced people.

Ice Cube

This list wouldn’t be complete without the rapper who gave us “Straight Outta Compton.” Ice Cube was among the most influential West Coast rappers because of his meaningful songwriting and brutal honesty.

The rapper’s tracks told vivid stories of his life and the experiences of others. He had a confrontational vibe in his music that motivated and engaged many listeners.

Nas

Nas’ music was influential for similar reasons as Ice Cube. He was an impeccable storyteller who captured snapshots of reality and put them into his music.

The list of reasons explaining how he shaped the modern rap scene goes on but is highlighted through his extraordinary rhyming skills that made his tracks irresistible to the ear.

Tory Lanez

Tory Lanez has not received the appreciation he deserves yet, but he will. The artist’s music is dynamic, and his skills are amazingly versatile.

He’s a rapper, singer, and songwriter, blending rap, reggae, and R&B into his tracks. Tory is comparable to Drake and also had a hand in changing the rap landscape to accept more emotional and soft music alongside rap.

21 Savage

Delivering a nuanced style of rap, 21 Savage manages to combine a subdued sound with trap music, creating a more melodic version of this brash genre. His unique delivery and artful lyrics meld to create simultaneously honest and exaggerated songs.

When listening seriously, you’ll notice a strong motif of tragedy in his writing, bringing even more meaning to every verse. 21’s many guest verses and collaborations showcase his far-reaching influence in the community.

Sugarhill Gang

Sugarhill Gang is a legend in the rap community. They were the first rappers to achieve mainstream success, igniting the genre and paving the way for every other rapper on this list.

The journey to releasing their popular track “Rapper’s Delight” was long, but it spurred interest in rap that wasn’t there before. Without them, we wouldn’t have the rap music we have today.