Top 10 Greatest Rappers of All Time

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is a billionaire, entrepreneur, and rapper from Brooklyn, New York. Like Nas, Jay-Z is a rapper with complex skills but chooses a more laid-back style, giving him the freedom to refine and communicate his message. This is the true power of his artistry. When you listen to Jay-Z, you hear the voice of someone who has lived through life's challenges and has plenty of wisdom to share. Jay-Z is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history. His music is loved by many, which is why he’s the wealthiest American musician and the first rap billionaire. With 22 Grammy Awards, over 50 million albums sold, and 75 million singles, his success speaks volumes. You've probably heard his music, so what's left to say? Jay-Z founded Roc-A-Fella Records, created the clothing line Rocawear, and owns the upscale sports bar chain 40/40 Club. Recently, he purchased the streaming service Tidal. Perhaps the most impressive part of his life is his marriage to the legendary singer Beyoncé. Best Jay-Z songs of all time: The Story of O.J., Hard Knock Life, Empire State of Mind ft. Alicia Keys, 03 Bonnie & Clyde ft. Beyoncé Knowles.

Andre Romelle Young, better known as Dr. Dre, is truly a father figure in the American hip-hop industry. As both a rapper and a professional producer, Dre’s life story marks several milestones that have shaped the music industry's current landscape. Beginning his career as a member of the electronic group World Class Wreckin Cru, Dre later found success with the influential gangsta rap group NWA, which was his first major breakthrough.

Dr. Dre's natural musical talent made him a leading pioneer in the rap genre. His solo albums, "The Chronic" and "2001," were massive hits, and he introduced the world to the G-funk style, which quickly became a sensation. Interestingly, Dre’s career isn’t just defined by his own achievements; he has been a driving force behind the success of many hip-hop artists he's helped bring to the spotlight. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent all owe part of their success to Dr. Dre. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential producers in hip-hop history.

Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper and songwriter. He is both critically and commercially acclaimed, having started his musical journey as a teenager. Kendrick is widely considered not only the best rapper of his generation but also one of the greatest rappers of all time. He began recording mixtapes under the name K-Dot and signed his first record deal at 16 with Top Dawg Entertainment. He later formed a hip-hop group, released albums and singles, and became actively involved in live performances and tours.

Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar has collaborated with artists like Jay Rock, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Game, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna. Kendrick has received approximately 135 award nominations, winning nearly 45 awards, including 7 Grammy Awards, Teen Choice Awards, MTV Awards, MOBO Awards, Soul Train Awards, People's Choice Awards, Webby Awards, and YouTube Music Awards. He has been dubbed the 'New King of the West Coast' by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Game. Time magazine also named Kendrick Lamar one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.

The rapper Rakim has long been regarded as one of the finest talents in a genre that is often quick to replace its stars. Rakim is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time, the greatest rapper of the 1980s, and one of the best to ever step up to the mic. Known for his powerful delivery and sharp, nuanced imagery, he avoided profanity and instead adhered to a message of peace, spirituality, and social consciousness. In a way, he brought a fresh take on the philosophies of love and peace that were prominent in the 1960s.

Rakim's rapid-fire flow and unique take on rap and hip-hop rhythms continue to inspire his peers even as other early rap artists faded from the scene. After rising to fame as part of the duo Eric B. & Rakim, he emerged as a solo artist in the mid-1990s. Rakim signed with Aftermath Records in early 2002 before becoming an independent artist in 2003. Music critic Mark Anthony Neal referred to Rakim as the 'Poet Laureate of Hip-Hop' and recognized his talent as a product of his deep love for the art form.

Ice Cube rose to fame in the late 1980s as a member of the influential rap group NWA before achieving success as a solo artist and actor. As one of the pioneers of gangsta rap, NWA's raw sound and provocative lyrics shook up the music industry, leading to millions of records sold. The group's second album, Straight Outta Compton (1988), catapulted the young men into the spotlight.

Ice Cube also achieved considerable success as a rapper and producer, collaborating with artists outside the hip-hop world such as David Bowie and Trent Reznor. After leaving NWA, Cube launched his acting career with a standout role in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood (1992). He went on to star in several hit films, including Friday (1995), Three Kings (1999), and Barbershop (2002). Cube also delighted audiences with his raunchy portrayal of Captain Dickson in the 21 Jump Street film adaptations, reprising the role in 22 Jump Street (2014). During this period, he released his 10th studio album, Everythang's Corrupt.

Nas is a renowned American rapper and entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. With over 25 million records sold worldwide, he has released eight platinum albums and several consecutive platinum singles. Nas began his career in 1991 with a standout performance on Main Source's 'Live at the Barbeque' track. His debut album, 'Illmatic' (1994), was met with critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

Like 'Illmatic,' most of Nas's subsequent albums have been hailed as 'masterpieces' and 'classics.' He was named one of the 'Top 10 Rappers' by 'Billboard' and ranked number one in 'About.com's' list of '50 Greatest MCs' for two consecutive years. Known for his lyrical genius, Nas has released eight platinum albums and has been involved in high-profile rap battles with the likes of Jay-Z, 2Pac, Cam'ron, and Young Jeezy. With 12 Grammy nominations, 5 MTV Video Music Awards nods, and multiple BET Hip Hop Awards wins, Nas has sold over 30 million records globally.

Before Pac and Biggie, before Em and 50, before Wayne and Drake, Snoop Dogg was the biggest and most iconic rapper in the world. Through his connection with friend Warren G, Snoop met Dr. Dre, which led to the start of his music career. His debut album, 'Doggystyle' (1993), hit number one on both the hip-hop charts and Billboard's Top 200, fueled by hits like 'What's My Name' and 'Gin and Juice.' Known for his smooth, laid-back rapping style, Snoop became synonymous with 90s gangster rap.

'Murder Was the Case' (1994) was a short film and soundtrack album starring Snoop Doggy Dogg. The Tha Dogg Pound single 'What Would You Do' was featured in the soundtrack of 'Natural Born Killers' and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996. Snoop continued to make waves in music, scoring his biggest hit with 'Drop It Like It's Hot' in 2004, which topped both hip-hop and pop charts. He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like 'Starsky & Hutch' (2004).

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as Eminem, born October 17, 1972, is one of the most successful artists of his generation. He began his career as an underground battle rapper in Detroit. His breakthrough came in 1997 when he traveled to Los Angeles for the Rap Olympics, where despite placing second, his performance caught the attention of Interscope Records and led to his signing with Dr. Dre. The following year, he sold millions of albums worldwide.

Eminem's music is known for its complex rhyme schemes, vocabulary, and clever wordplay that few artists can match. He starred in the film '8 Mile,' which was based on rap battle culture. Over his career, he has won 15 Grammy Awards, 8 American Music Awards, and 17 Billboard Music Awards, among many others. He has had 10 albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200, an unmatched feat. Some of his most iconic hip-hop tracks include 'The Real Slim Shady,' 'When I'm Gone,' 'Lose Yourself,' and 'Stan (Long Version)' featuring Dido.

Tupac Shakur was an American rapper and actor who became the epitome of 1990s gangsta rap. He began his music career as a rebellious figure, aiming to voice the pain and injustices faced by many African Americans. His powerful ability to speak on these issues made him not only the voice of his generation but also of those that followed, who continue to fight for the same equality. Today, Tupac is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop.

While Tupac is best known for his rap career, he was also a talented actor, poet, and vocal advocate for the poor and marginalized communities in the U.S. Throughout his life, he created an extensive body of work, including studio albums, Hollywood films, and published works. He is one of the best-selling music artists, with over 75 million albums sold. His career earned him six Grammy nominations and three MTV Video Music Award nominations. In 1997, Tupac was named Favorite Hip Hop Artist at the American Music Awards.

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known by his stage name Biggie Smalls, or simply The Notorious B.I.G, is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. At a time when West Coast hip hop was dominating the mainstream, his debut album 'Ready to Die' became an instant success. The following year, his protege group Junior MAFIA, which included childhood friends, released their debut album 'Conspiracy', further cementing Biggie’s influence in the industry. He was particularly known for his dark, autobiographical lyrics and his exceptional storytelling ability.

Biggie experienced success at a young age, becoming the best-selling solo male rapper in the U.S. At the start of his career, he used the stage name 'The Notorious B.I.G,' a name that would define his legacy. He later contributed to Mary J. Blige's 'What's the 411?' album and made his solo debut in the film 'Who's the Man?' with his single 'Party and Bullshit.' According to emcee Yukmouth, Biggie Smalls’ style was inspired by Tupac Shakur.