Top 10 Legendary Hip Hop Artists of All Time

Thanks to the massive success of Straight Outta Compton, hip hop has dominated recent cultural discussions. Currently at its peak of popularity, with a rapidly growing fan base and exceptional new talents emerging annually, hip hop is frequently misinterpreted by outsiders. To shed light on the genre, we at Goliath have curated a list of the most iconic hip hop acts in history, highlighting their standout works to guide newcomers. Below, you’ll find our ranking of the top 10 hip hop artists of all time. We acknowledge this list may spark debate, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

10. Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys, established in New York City in 1981, present a fascinating narrative in hip hop history. Selected to lead our list, their unique musical approach and the unparalleled success it garnered remain unmatched in modern music. Transitioning from a hardcore punk background, they ventured into rap rock and hip hop, achieving monumental success with their debut album, Licensed to Ill (1986). Their journey continued with groundbreaking albums such as Paul’s Boutique (1989) and Hello Nasty (1998). Recognized as pioneers in both hip hop and rap rock, the Beastie Boys are undeniably pivotal to the genre and an ideal starting point for discussing hip hop’s legends.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/beastie-boys-win-1-7-million-in-monster-energy-copyright-lawsuit-20140605 Source: Rollingstone.com

9. N.W.A

Returning to Straight Outta Compton, N.W.A, formed in Compton, California, in 1986, emerged as a cornerstone of West Coast hip hop. Comprising Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazy-E, N.W.A transcended music, becoming a revolutionary force in using hip hop for cultural expression and social critique. Their lyrics and fame highlighted racial, social, and cultural issues of the 20th century, cementing their legacy in hip hop and rap. Their album Straight Outta Compton remains a seminal work in the genre.

https://fanart.tv/artist/3a54bffa-2314-44a2-927b-60144119c780/nwa/ Source: Fanart.tv

8. Run-D.M.C.

We’re making a bold claim here, and we hope most readers will agree. In terms of sheer influence, few hip hop or rap acts match the cultural significance of Run-D.M.C. Formed in Queens, New York, in 1981, the trio of Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jam Master Jay pioneered the hip hop movement. They were the first in the genre to win a Grammy, achieve platinum sales, and inspire countless artists who credit them as the founding fathers of rap. Run-D.M.C. transformed Rick Rubin’s Def Jam Records into a powerhouse, shaping the sound and direction of hip hop as we know it today. Their impact is immeasurable and undeniable.

http://www.legacyrecordings.com/a/#/artist/run-dmc/1158/ Source: Legacyrecordings.com

7. Outkast

At Goliath, we hold Outkast in high regard, and it’s unfortunate they don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Maybe it’s because they transcended hip hop, blending other genres into their music, or perhaps it’s because Andre 3000 and Big Boi made innovation look effortless. Regardless, it’s a travesty that Outkast and their iconic albums like Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik (1994) and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003) aren’t universally hailed as hip hop masterpieces. The latter, in particular, stands out for its experimental brilliance, cementing its place as one of the finest works of the past two decades.

https://fanart.tv/artist/73fdb566-a9b1-494c-9f32-51768ec9fd27/outkast/ Source: Fanart.tv

6. Nas

When discussing the most iconic hip hop albums ever, our next artist is credited with creating what many consider the pinnacle of the genre. Nas, who debuted in 1991 and has been hailed as one of hip hop’s finest ever since, released his groundbreaking album Illmatic in 1994. Instantly, it propelled him to a level of acclaim few rappers ever achieve. Praised for its intricate lyrics, masterful production, and compelling storytelling, Illmatic is frequently ranked among the top five, if not top three, greatest hip hop albums of all time. It set a standard for aspiring artists and played a pivotal role in the East Coast rap resurgence. Nas’s legacy, built on Illmatic and his subsequent work, solidifies his status as one of hip hop’s all-time greats.

http://www.audiomack.com/song/dj-arabmixtapes/the-world-is-yours-white-lotus-hip-2-da-game-blend Source: Audiomack.com

5. Jay Z

Ah, Hova. Despite the media saturation in recent years, fueled by your marriage to Beyoncé and collaborations with Kanye West, your legacy remains untouchable. The Black Album stands as one of the most polished and iconic rap albums ever created, cementing your place in hip hop history. Jay Z, as he’s widely known, has been a dominant force in rap since his debut with Reasonable Doubt in 1996. While his recent work hasn’t garnered the same critical praise as his earlier masterpieces, his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time and his contributions to hip hop ensure his spot among the genre’s greatest.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/category/jay-z/ Source: Theoriginalwinger.com

4. The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G., a true icon. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he burst onto the scene with his debut album Ready to Die in 1994, forever altering the hip hop landscape. As the face of the East Coast revival, Biggie Smalls, as he was also known, became one of music’s most influential figures. His role in the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s, combined with his intricate lyrics and seamless production, created a sound that solidified his cultural legacy. Revered by fans and fellow artists alike, his tragic death only deepened the mystique surrounding this legendary figure.

http://www.jumpradio.ca/2015/03/09/25661/ Source: Jumpradio.ca

3. Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan’s immense influence and extensive network of artists are challenging to summarize briefly, but we’ll try. Established in New York City in 1982, the group initially included RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, among others. Since their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), dropped in 1993, the clan has expanded, though the core members remain largely unchanged, except for the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Universally recognized as one of the greatest hip hop groups ever, the Wu-Tang Clan continues to tour and boasts a fiercely dedicated fanbase.

http://billions.com/wutangclan Source: Billions.com

2. Eminem

When compiling lists like this, some artists require little introduction, as their impact is deeply ingrained in popular culture. Eminem is one such figure. Whether you love him, hate him, or ignore him, his legacy is undeniable. Slim Shady secured his place in music history long ago, and his continued output is a bonus. His story, popularized by the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, and his influence on hip hop are too vast to fully capture here. For a true appreciation of his artistry, listen to The Marshall Mathers LP or The Eminem Show repeatedly. It won’t take long to understand why he’s one of the most significant artists in the genre.

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1. Tupac Shakur

Was there ever any doubt? Tupac Shakur’s immense talent and influence make it hard to label him as anything less than a true artist. Widely regarded as the greatest rapper of all time, this title is not only deserved but has become so universally accepted that some now question it purely for the sake of debate. Emerging during the mid-1990s East Coast hip hop resurgence, Tupac’s legacy as a cultural and musical icon is profound, though often misunderstood. His music, which vividly portrays the struggles of inner-city life, remains timeless and essential for anyone who considers themselves a fan of hip hop.

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/tupac-biopic-to-begin-shooting-june-2015.html Source: Okayplayer.com