Search results
Aug 8, 2023 · In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, GRAMMY.com presents a list of influential and impactful artists who shaped rap music and culture over the past five decades. From Jay-Z to Nicki Minaj, Eminem to Kendrick Lamar, explore the music and stories of these pioneers and futurists.
- Jay-Z. “I will not lose.” Brooklyn’s Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s defiant-yet-confident declaration has proven true through his legendary career. History is also on his side: Hov has 14 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums (the most amongst solo acts), and over 140 million records sold.
- Kendrick Lamar. The Compton native has become one of music’s most influential artists thanks to his vivid, thought-provoking — and sometimes controversial — lyrics, fearless genre experimentation, and agile-yet-masterful flow.
- Nas. At this point, hip-hop purists know Nas’ path to greatness all too well. In 1991, Large Professor tossed him an alley-oop on Main Source’s posse cut “Live at the Barbeque,” and Escobar delivered a rim-rocker of a performance.
- Tupac. Poet, actor, activist, and rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur was the ultimate polymath in the ’90s. Once a tag-along member in Digital Underground, ‘Pac’s larger-than-life demeanor became too big to shelter.
Mar 16, 2024 · Discover the greatest rappers of all time, celebrating the iconic voices and lyrical prowess that have shaped hip-hop's rich history.
3 days ago · Lil' Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Eminem, Andre 3000, and Tupac are among the top hip-hop artists that appear on this amazing countdown. Famous rappers from all cities, dead or alive, and all races, from white and Black to Asian and Hispanic, are all vying to be crowned the greatest rapper ever.
Jul 18, 2023 · Over five decades, hip-hop has grown from a new art form to a culture-defining superpower. In their own words, 50 influential voices chronicle its evolution.
People also ask
Where can I listen to the 50 artists who changed rap?
Who are the most influential rappers?
What makes a rapper a good rap artist?
Which hip-hop artist has the most Billboard albums?
Jun 28, 2023 · Billboard ranks the best hip-hop groups ever in honor of the genre's 50th anniversary. See the top 10 and the criteria for selection, from cultural impact to lyrics to flow.
While often controversial, the best hip hop artists have produced profound bodies of work on par with any genre. The artists on this list range from pioneers who created hip hop’s foundation to recent visionaries who continue expanding its future.
