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May 1, 2023 · “Rapping is just something you pick up in the ghetto.” In four-plus decades, the West Coast scene has blossomed with musical variety, not only in Los Angeles and the Bay Area but also...
- 4 min
- Rolling Stone
- Tupac Shakur. 13,845 votes. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the late Tupac Shakur had an unparalleled impact on hip hop and the music industry as a whole. From the raw emotion in his voice to the powerful messages in tracks like "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up," Shakur created a movement that transcended generations.
- N.W.A. 7,786 votes. When discussing groundbreaking hip hop groups, it's impossible not to mention N.W.A. Composed of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, the group's unapologetic and socially aware lyrics illustrated the harsh reality of life on the streets of Compton, California.
- Eazy-E. 5,768 votes. As one of the founding members of N.W.A, Eazy-E played a monumental role in the development of West Coast rap. His distinctive high-pitched, raspy voice and gritty storytelling made him stand out from the pack.
- Snoop Dogg. 10,124 votes. With his laid-back demeanor and smooth flow, Snoop Dogg has solidified his status as a West Coast rap legend. Bursting onto the scene with his debut album Doggystyle, Snoop quickly became a household name due in part to his affiliation with Dr. Dre and his unique style.
- Dr. Dre - 'Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang' You already knew what No.1 was going to be. And how could it not? “Nuthin But a ‘G’ Thang” was the starting point for most of the other songs on this list, as it raised the bar for hip-hop music in general.
- Ice Cube - 'It Was a Good Day' Ice Cube’s 1993 single has become such a hip-hop landmark fans have spent countless hours trying to figure out the specific day at the center of “It Was a Good Day.”
- Snoop Dogg - 'Gin and Juice' As far as timeless hip-hop songs and phrases go, it’s hard to beat “Gin and Juice,” a song that has hit pop-culture heights with generations that no longer actually sip on gin and juice.
- 2pac - 'California Love" “California Love” is Death Row Records at its peak, with its best emcee and lead producer firing on all cylinders. Dre’s piano-driven bass-heavy beat sets the stage for not only his best verse, but arguably 2pac’s most thrilling performance on one of the biggest hip-hop singles ever released.
- 2Pac. Arguably the Michael Jordan of hip-hop, 2Pac will always be considered as the greatest rapper to ever lived. Through his passion and heartfelt lyrics, 2Pac’s impact on society and many music lovers will forever live on.
- Snoop Dogg. The universal face of hip-hop music and hip-hop culture, there has been no artist in the history of rap music that has reached the levels of popularity as the Long Beach native.
- Ice Cube. One of, if not the, greatest storytellers of hip-hop, Ice Cube’s story is quite known, beginning with NWA, before launching his own solo career.
- Dr. Dre. Despite the ghostwriters, Dr. Dre has been often viewed as the Quincy Jones of hip-hop, a true hitmaker credited for production of many all-time classics.
Listen to the West Coast Hip-Hop Essentials playlist on Apple Music. 100 Songs. Duration: 7 hours, 13 minutes.
Best West Coast Songs: Gangsta Rap & Hip-Hop Music Playlist (Updated 2024) If you enjoyed listening to this playlist, we recommend you to check: West Coast R...
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What is West Coast hip hop?
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What is West Coast rap?
West Coast hip hop is a regional genre of hip hop music that encompasses any artists or music that originated in the West Coast of the United States.