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- The Notorious B.I.G. 12,420 votes. Hailed as one of the most influential rappers in history, this Brooklyn native's commanding presence and distinctive flow left an indelible mark on the hip-hop scene.
- Nas. 9,688 votes. Rising from humble beginnings in Queensbridge, this lyrical genius has been consistently regarded as one of the greatest MCs of all time.
- Wu-Tang Clan. 8,240 votes. This groundbreaking collective from Staten Island not only revolutionized the sound of hip-hop but also introduced a powerful movement that resonated with fans across the globe.
- Mobb Deep. 5,087 votes. As pioneers of hardcore rap during the golden age of hip-hop, this dynamic duo from Queensbridge delivered dark, menacing beats paired with brutally honest lyrics reflecting their harsh upbringing.
- JAY Z. To be brutally honest, any one of the top three could be shuffled and this list would be hard to argue, but it didn’t feel right with JAY Z not going at the top.
- Nas. Nas was always known as an incredible rapper and storyteller, but with his recent run of stellar projects with Hit-Boy, he essentially hit a second prime nearly thirty years after the release of his debut album, Illmatic.
- The Notorious B.I.G. In just a few years and over two albums, Biggie became one of the best rappers of all time and it’s insane to think about what he could have done, had it not been for his murder.
- MF DOOM. MF DOOM was a character like Hip-Hop has never known before and if he’d have hidden behind theatrics and his mask for his career, he wouldn’t have been taken seriously.
People also ask
Who are the best East Coast rappers?
Who is the best rap talent in the east coast?
Who is the most controversial East Coast rapper of all time?
Who is the greatest rap artist of all time?
- Big L. Top Song: "Ebonics" Album: The Big Picture (2000) At the top of our list of the best East Coast rappers, we've got Big L. Big L's wordplay and intricate rhymes have earned him a cult following.
- Jay-Z. Top Song: "Empire State of Mind" (with Alicia Keys) Album: The Blueprint 3 (2009) Jay-Z's longevity and influence in East Coast rap are undeniable.
- The Notorious B.I.G. Top Song: "Juicy" Album: Ready to Die (1994) was a lyrical giant, and his storytelling abilities were second to none.
- Wu-Tang Clan. Members: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Top Song: "C.R.E.A.M."
- The Notorious B.I.G
- Big Daddy Kane
- Jay-Z
- Dmx
- A Tribe called Quest
- Nas
- Gang Starr
- Ll Cool J
- Eric B. & Rakim
- Wu-Tang Clan
For many rap fans, it doesn’t get any better than the Notorious B.I.G. The man born Christopher George Latore Wallace took hip-hop to another level in the mid-90s before his tragic death at the age of 24. The Brooklyn MC aligned himself with producer turned rapper Puff Daddy (also known as P Diddy, Puffy, Diddy, and his government name, Sean Combs)...
A member of the Juice Crew, Big Daddy Kane rose to fame in the 80s and quickly established himself as one of New York’s great MCs. A pioneer of fast rapping, Kane also influenced the culture of hip-hop, creating several trends such as velour suits and the high-top fade hairstyle. It’s not just critics who love Kane, with a host of hip-hop legends, ...
Some hip-hop artists transcend rap. Jay-Z is one of those. While his career has spanned more than 25 years and includes accolades such as 140 million records sold, 24 Grammy Awards, and the most Billboard #1 albums by a solo artist (14), it’s outside of hip hop where Jay-Z has really excelled. As he raps on the remix of Kanye West’s “Diamonds From ...
There will never be another rapper like DMX. Possessed with a guttural voice, DMX’s raps found the New Yorker opening up about his personal demons, from addiction to mental illness. DMX was an open book who revealed his true self on wax and was never afraid to be vulnerable. That’s not to say he wasn’t tough, with many of his tracks hitting hard, b...
The original line-up of producer Q-Tip,rapper Phife Dawg, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and rapper Jarobi White was one of the great ensembles of the 90s. This East Coast foursome was part of a new alternative rap scene incorporating many different styles and genres into their sound. A Tribe Called Quest was active for more than 30 years, releasing six ...
When you think of the greatest New York rappers, Nas is one artist who’s always in the conversation. His debut album, Illmatic, is widely regarded as thebest hip-hop album of all time, a record that had a huge effect on the genre and turned Nas from an up-and-coming rapper into a global star. For over 30 years Nas has been a constant presence in hi...
Comprising of record producer DJ Premier and rapper Guru, Gang Starr combined traditional hip-hop beats with jazz compositions to create a unique and compelling sound. When it comes to producer/rapper combos, it doesn’t get any better, with Gang Starr responsible for hits like “Mass Appeal,” “Full Clip,” “Take It Personal,” and “You Know My Steez.”...
Ladies Love Cool James (LL Cool J) is better known for his role on NCIS: Los Angeles and for hosting Lip Sync Battle, but back in the day he was one hell of a rapper. Mixing hard raps (“Mamma Said Knock You Out,” “Rock the Bells”) with soulful slow jams (“Doin’ It,” “Hey Lover”), LL Cool J made a name for himself as a rapper with soul in the late 8...
Another famous East Coast rap duo is Eric B. & Rakim. Forming in 1986, the Long Island MCs created a buzz with their debut album Paid in Full, which is also one of the top ten best hip-hop albums of all time. Part of the “golden age” of hip hop, the two are masterful rappers with contrasting flows that work well together. Only lasting five years as...
Who would have thought nine delinquents from Staten Island would change the face of rap? The Wu-Tang Clan came out of nowhere and helped re-establish East Coast rap in the mid-90s after the G-funk era of the West Coast had taken over. Led by producer and rapper RZA; GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-Go...
- The Notorious B.I.G. I Got a Story to Tell (2005 Remaster) There is no way we can start this list with anybody else. is arguably the greatest rap artist of all time, let alone the greatest East Coast rapper.
- Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang Clan - As High as Wu-Tang Get (Official Audio) The Wu-Tang Clan is synonymous with rap. This group is unique among East Coast rap groups in that each member has gone on to enjoy a successful solo career as well.
- Beastie Boys. Beastie Boys - Sabotage. The Beastie Boys are synonymous with the rap movement in New York City. They debuted in the 1980s, releasing their first rap album in 1986.
- Jay-Z. JAY-Z - In My Lifetime. There is no denying the significant impact that Jay-Z has had on the genre. He burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, and he is the CEO of Def Jam Recordings.
5 days ago · Voting Rules. Rappers and hip hop artists who were based on the East Coast during the active years of their careers. Ready to show some love for the trailblazers of hip hop? This definitive list of the best East Coast rappers of all time is ranked by fans from around the world.
Jan 4, 2023 · Dive into our comprehensive rundown of the best underground East Coast rappers redefining the genre. Unearth the dynamism of the East Coast's underground rap scene. A look at the best, most underrated east coast rappers who are worth your time and attention.
