Biggest Rappers
After teasing this post for more than a month, I have finally completed my list of biggest rappers right now. I am considering commercial success, reputation, name recognition, and other factors along these lines. I broke them into two tiers based on whether I think they have a case to be among the top names or just missed. I also have sections for popular artists who are not in their prime and just missed the list, artists who have a case to be included but are likely in other genres, and some artists to watch for the future.
As a note, I excluded artists who are not active or have indicated
that they will likely not be active. For
example, Childish Gambino will not be included on the list because Donald Glover
has indicated he will be retiring the project.
I also excluded Logic who had previously retired but is returning from
retiring. I have also excluded DaBaby
because I’m not sure anymore what his popularity is for the short or long term
given his recent controversies.
Tier 1
1. Kendrick Lamar
I think Kendrick is the obvious selection for the number 1 spot. Anything he releases is critically acclaimed and a commercial success, he is one of the most highly regarded artists, can headline any festivals, was tapped upon to create/curate the Black Panther soundtrack, and has 3 albums that are considered among the best of all time (out of his 4 studio albums). He has signed deals with Nike and Reebok and is the only non-Jazz or Classical musician to win a Pulitzer. Yup, no brainer here.
2. J. Cole
Many would consider this a surprise to have him so high on this list, but I think this is one of the most reasonable positions on this list. First off, he released his 6th studio album that debuted at number 1 in the U.S. (which was also his 6th studio album). On that album, he released 3 singles with the biggest one, “My Life”, peaking at 2, and the second biggest, “Interlude”, peaking at 8. Further, 3 songs not released as singles reached the top 10, and all 12 songs on the album reached the top-40. Even the song “Snow on tha Bluff”, which was released to polarized reviews and much criticism in 2020, still hit 54 in the U.S. Lastly, he also founded his successful record label Dreamville, which had a number 1 album in its last compilation album and has several rising artists, including Bas, EarthGang, JID, and Ari Lennox.
3. Post Malone
While he is slowly shifting away from hip hop music, the majority of his releases are at least hip hop oriented, so he is included on this list. The release of Hollywood’s Bleeding resulted in his 4th number 1 with “Circles”, including 3 other top-10 hits; further every song from the album charted in the Billboard 200. Everything he touches seems to become a massive success, and he has been able to crossover into more pop-based genres as a result of his style, which makes it easier to sustain long-term success. The bigger question isn’t how long he will remain one of the top artists in music, but rather a question of how long it will be before his music isn’t considered hip hop anymore.
4. Drake
Sure, I wouldn’t consider him in his prime at this point (I would say 2015-2018 was when he was), but he is still one of the most popular rappers out there. He has had 6 number 1 hits as a lead artist since 2018 and regularly releases songs that are in the top-10. He has also had success with various business ventures and as a featured artist on many songs. That said, his albums have frequently received more mixed reviews after 2013’s Nothing Was the Same, as critics have felt that his albums were too bloated and long. However, his last two singles topped the charts, so he’s far from gone.
5. Travis Scott
Travis Scott’s meteoric rise was something that surprised me, since he went from an artist getting decent reviews for his music to being called a genius. The release of Astroworld and, in particular, “Sicko Mode” was probably a massive contributor to his breakthrough, but I also consider him among the most marketable hip hop artists ever. He did business ventures with McDonald’s, PlayStation, Fortnite, Nike, Dior, started a big festival in Astrofest, and formed Cactus Jack Records, which has signed Don Toliver and Sheck Wes. On top of that, he was set to headline Coachella in 2020 and has had 3 more number one hits since “Sicko Mode”. Yup, he’s set himself up well.
6. Cardi B
She might have her controversies, critics, and haters, but her fans and supporters greatly outweigh those who oppose her. She has yet to release a single as the lead artist that charted outside the top-30 and has now released 4 number-1 singles since her debut, “Bodak Yellow”, as well as back-to-back number 1 hits in her last two singles, “WAP” and “Up”. Most of releases have also received acclaim, especially for her lyrics and delivery, which is uncommon to see so much acclaim this early in a career. She is already one of the most commercially successful female rappers of all time; I expect her to rise on these rankings, so don’t be surprised to see her find more success.
7. Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator has dealt with his share of controversies throughout his career, especially with his first couple albums, but he seems to have reinvented himself with the release of his last few albums (as well as adapting his style). Now that he started incorporating more jazz, soul, and funk into his music and shifted away from horrorcore, his music and lyrics have received acclaim and, in turn, his popularity has skyrocketed. Now he has 2 straight number 1 albums, 6 straight top-10 albums, 2 top-20 singles, and was a headliner at Lollapalooza this year. As weird as the journey might have been and I don’t think he has reached the ceiling for his popularity.
8. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X hasn’t even released a studio album yet but already has multiple Grammys, 2 number one hits in “Old Town Road” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” (expect a third one soon from “Industry Baby”, which recently debuted at 2), 7 singles that released that have each charted (6 in the top-40), become a household name, and has managed to generate an absurd amount of praise and controversy with most releases. I know that there are some that are put off by his sexuality, but he has been beloved because he has been unapologetically himself and has gone over the top with his sexuality as well. I expect his popularity and acclaim will continue to rise for at least a few more years.
9. Eminem
Despite controversy throughout his career, Eminem continues to be one of the biggest rappers in the game at the age of 48. While he isn’t in his prime, his last album to miss number one was The Slim Shady LP, released in 1999 (9 number 1’s since then). Out of his last 7 singles as a lead artist (each of which charted in the top-100), 6 were in the top-40, 4 in the top-20, and 3 were in the top-10, with “Killshot” and “Godzilla”, which featured Juice Wrld, both reaching number 3. He likely isn’t in his prime at this point, but he is still one of the biggest names in the genre.
10. Kanye West
His position on this list seems to be falling due to him seemingly being past his prime and the last great album he released being Yeezus in 2013 (sorry The Life of Pablo). With that said, he hasn’t had a studio album that missed the top spot since his debut, he is still one of the most marketable rappers in hip hop, and he still makes headlines. The fact that his upcoming album, Donda, has enough hype that makes me feel like The Life of Pablo might not have had enough. He is a legend in the genre and should remain in Tier 1 for at least a few more albums.
11. Jay-Z
There is no denying that Jay-Z is not as popular a rapper as he was at several points in his career and he has focused on several business functions, but don’t mistake those for him not being one of the biggest names in hip hop to this today. His songs regularly chart on the Billboard charts and while his songs for 4:44 didn’t chart as high, all seemed to receive acclaim. He also has had 11 straight number 1 albums and hasn’t had one miss as a solo artist since 1997. Prior to it being cancelled, he was set to headline the final night of Woodstock 50 in an absolutely loaded year. Of course, the biggest reason he is still one of the biggest name is because he has consistently been a household name that everyone recognizes. While he is on the decline, he should stay in this tier for a while.
12. Future
Surprisingly, I almost had Future in Tier 2 because he still has a large number of critics, especially considering he is often the most notable rapper associated with mumble rap. That said, he is also one of the faces of trap music since its most successful mainstream popularity in the 2010s. He has had 6 straight albums top the charts and a pair of top-10 hits. While several of his singles haven’t been as successful as those by other artists in this tier, his large following and long-term success make it difficult to keep him out of this tier, especially given the number of young popular artists who cite him as a massive influence and the artists that have collaborated with him (most notably Drake).
13. Megan Thee Stallion
Theoretically, it might not make sense that she is so high on this list considering she hasn’t had the commercial success others have had; she has one top-10 hit to her name with the chart-topping “Savage” (though she did feature in two others, including “WAP”), and her lone studio album, Good News, hit number 2. That said, she is a household name at this point. Whether this is due to “Savage”, “WAP”, “Hot Girl Summer”, her lyricism, or her bravado, there’s no denying that she has planted herself in this tier and should only rise.
14. Lil Baby
I originally had him in Tier 2 since I thought he wasn’t yet
a household name but had garnered attention after his second album, My Turn,
debuted atop the charts and he had his first top-10 solo single in “The Bigger
Picture”. However, I changed my mind
after he won “Best Male Hip-Hop Artist” at the BET Awards over artists such as Drake,
J. Cole, DaBaby, and the late Pop Smoke.
I don’t feel like his name is anywhere near as recognizable as those,
but he did help his cause after all the attention surrounding his performance
of “The Bigger Picture” at the Grammys.
He is certainly on the rise.
Tier 2
1. Meek Mill
While some might expect his popularity was due to him being thrown into the role of civil rights activist, Meek Mill’s tended to have better commercial numbers for his albums than his singles, but he had a following. While his singles have been better since, he even had a number 1 album in 2015 and had a big following then. The big question is whether his popularity will wane at all.
2. Lil Uzi Vert
I was torn whether Lil Uzi Vert should be in Tier 1 or not, but I included him here because he’s not quite a household name yet. Give him one more album (which will likely top the charts, like his previous two) and contain a couple successful singles (which will happen), and he will be easily vaulted into Tier 1 for a few more albums, especially as emo rap and punk rap continue to grow.
3. Migos
While many might think the group should be in Tier 1 (I considered it), their popularity in the last few years seems to be waning a bit. Is it a fluke that they haven’t had a top-20 hit since 2018, just 2 top-40 hits since 2019 (after 7 from 2016-18), and their last album hitting number 2 (after their previous two topped the charts)? Not sure; they could end up back in Tier 1 though.
4. Nicki Minaj
There is a case to be made that Nicki Minaj could be in Tier 1, but I think that case isn’t as clear-cut as that of the artists mentioned before. While her first two albums topped the charts, her most recent two didn’t, both peaking at number 2. Further, she has 3 top-10 hits since 2015 where she is credited as a lead artist, with only one featured on an album of hers. Still, the rerelease of her 2009 mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty reached number 2 this year and she has still had commercial and critical success.
5. Chance the Rapper
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. In 2018 (a couple years after the release of Coloring Book), I declared Chance the second biggest name in hip hop behind Kendrick Lamar due to the increase of gospel music infused in hip hop following the mixtape’s release. Alas, The Big Day was not received well by fans, so he fell out of the top tier. I expect his next release could bring him back up to the top tier.
6. 21 Savage
It’s tough to include 21 Savage any higher due to his lack of hit singles compared to many above him on the list, but he now has a number 1 album, as his album I Am > I Was topped the charts and received critical acclaim. Most of the songs on this album charted as well, and his name is rapidly rising in hip hop music. That said, he’s not quite a household name and his singles are more successful with others.
7. Lil Wayne
There was a point where Lil Wayne was one of the most marketable hip hop artists in the world (think back to the hype around Tha Carter IV prior to its release and the attention Free Weezy Album received); while these days are past, his last two albums topped the charts and he still has found some success with singles.
8. Wiz Khalifa
While Wiz Khalifa has 4 top-2 albums and has been a household name since the release of “Black and Yellow”, he doesn’t have as many memorable songs or hit songs as others on this list. In fact, his last top-40 hit as a lead artist that was not solely from a movie soundtrack came back in 2012, his last top-40 hit period came in 2016, and his last charting single was released in 2018. I think he’s falling here.
9. Polo G
Polo G isn’t a household name by any means, but he must be included on this list now that he has a number one single (“Rapstar”) off a number one album (Hall of Fame), something that isn’t as common as you’d expect. Each of his three albums hit the top-10, but he doesn’t have as many hit singles or recognizable songs to be higher on the list yet.
10. Rick Ross
Despite several controversies over the years and a lack of hit singles, Rick Ross remains one of the most notable names in rap. His presence on this list might be more due to his founding Maybach Music Group, which currently hosts rappers such as Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Wale. While it’s been 4 albums since he hit number one, all of his hit the top-10 (10 total).
11. Kid Cudi
There’s no denying that Kid Cudi’s music has had some mixed-negative reviews at times (I guess that’s the price to pay for enough experimentation) and he doesn’t have a ton of hit singles (same statement about experimentation holds). That said, he continues to be influential in music as a whole (especially hip hop), and his last album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, brought him back to the top-2.
12. Roddy Ricch
Some might have speculated that Roddy Ricch was a one-hit wonder after “The Box” topped the charts, but this wasn’t totally unexpected and more has happened since. He already featured in hit songs by Mustard and the late Nipsey Hussle and had a mixtape that was commercially successful. Since then, he has featured in 4 other top-40 hits) and released 2 other top-20 hits. In short, he fits in this tier.
13. Trippie Redd
Trippie Redd has only one top-20 hit (peaking at 11), but has performed with other big names and has 5 top-10 albums/mixtapes, including his mixtape A Love Letter to You 4, which topped the charts. He’s not a household name yet so he can’t be listed as higher than this, but he is a massive name in emo rap. He is releasing Trip at Knight on Friday (8/20); could that be another number 1? He’s against Lorde though.
14. ASAP Rocky
I was expecting he would be higher going into this, but he hasn’t had the success of others lately; his last top-40 hit as a featured artist was 2017, his last as a lead artist was in 2012, and he released his first album to not top the charts in 2018. That said, Testing still reached 4 on the charts, he frequently has songs that still chart, and his music gets well reviewed while testing the limits; he’s not going away yet.
15. Young Thug
Young Thug is an interesting case on this list: he doesn’t have many hit singles, but his albums/mixtapes frequently sell well, his music is well reviewed, and he has much respect from others in the industry. I’m not quite sure where to rank him on this list (I’ve had him as high as top-5 in Tier 2), but he has earned a place on this list and should remain on it.
16. Big Sean
With 5 top-5 albums, 3 number one albums, and several top-20 hits, Big Sean’ commercial success warrants at least consideration for this list. That said, he previously released several songs that view women as more of sexual objects and was also arrested for sexual assault in 2011 (the charges were dropped in a plea bargain). While the changed Detroit 2 worked, will future music?
17. Rod Wave
With Rod Wave’s third album, SoulFly, he now has a
number one album and two top-20 hits, his highest being “Tombstone” at 11. He was far from a household name entering
this album, but now he has suddenly vaulted himself into this tier. His albums have consistently received positive
reviews and have been praised for their consistency, so expect him to rise.
Older
These are some rappers who are likely not in their prime and might not be in one of the tiers above (though Nas is making a case), but still have a following and warrant some attention.
1. Big Boi
2. 50 Cent
3. Big K.R.I.T.
4. Busta Rhymes
5. Common
6. De La Soul
7. Fabolous
8. Fat Joe
9. Flo Rida
10. Jadakiss
11. Jeezy
12. Lloyd Banks
13. Ludacris
14. Lupe Fiasco
15. M.I.A.
16. Missy Elliott
17. Nas
18. Pitbull
19. Snoop Dogg
20. Wu-Tang Clan
Not necessarily in the genre
There artists are arguably hip hop/rap, but also emphasize other genres to an extreme that it is difficult to solely classify as hip hop (or were previously in the genre and have shifted away from it).
1. 6lack
2. Anderson. Paak
3. Anuel AA
4. Ashnikko
5. Bad Bunny
6. Blackbear
7. Bryson Tiller
8. Burna Boy
9. Doja Cat
10. Jacquees
11. Jon Bellion
12. Jxdn
13. Kelis
14. Kris Wu
15. Lizzo
16. Machine Gun Kelly
17. Maluma
18. Quinn XCII
19. Shaggy
20. Yungblud
Ones to watch
Hip hop is an interesting genre since it seems to evolve quicker than most other genres, especially in the last few years where many of the biggest names are young. That said, there are several artists do appear to be approaching massive success. These are some artists to expect to rise in popularity over the next 5 years or so.
1. 21 Savage
Already commercially successful, his second album suggests he is destined for greatness.
2. Bas
In addition to his solo work, he has performed with J. Cole, Lil Tjay, 6lack, 50 Cent and more.
3. Cordae
His music has resulted in acclaim, a top-20 album, and 2 Grammy nominations after his debut.
4. D Smoke
Now a 2-time Grammy nominee, the winner of Rhythm & Flow is no longer the best kept secret in rap.
5. Don Toliver
His debut album reached top-10 to pair with multiple hits, which is a good indicator for success.
6. G Herbo
While he already has 2 top-10 albums, an appearance with Miley Cyrus at Lollapalooza doesn’t hurt.
7. Gunna
While his breakthrough was a collab with Lil Baby, he had a #1 album on his own since.
8. Isaiah Rashad
After two acclaimed albums, his most recent reached top-10 and might be is best yet.
9. Joyner Lucas
An appearance on an Eminem song helped boost a career already on the rise, and he continues to rise.
10. The Kid Laroi
The 18-year old has found much commercial success and should find more with a blend of pop.
11. Lil Baby
While he has several hits, “The Bigger Picture” might show what will separate him from his peers.
12. Lil Nas X
Not only does he have 4 top-10 hits, but he is also a household name and generates attention.
13. Lil Uzi Vert
2 #1 albums, 2 top-10 singles, several top-100 hits, and critical acclaim? Yup, he might top the list.
14. Megan Thee Stallion
While already a household name, multiple big hits now make it impossible to think she’s a fluke.
15. Moneybagg Yo
His albums have risen to the point he has a #1 album, and his singles are rising too; it’ll keep up.
16. NLE Choppa
The 18-year-old already has 3 top-40 hits and a top-10 album; it hasn’t seemed to be a fluke.
17. Noname
One of the best kept secrets in the genre, her talent and book club will change that soon.
18. Polo G
He had his biggest single off his biggest album, suggesting he’s just getting started.
19. Pooh Shiesty
His debut mixtape hit #3, he has hit singles, and he is in demand as a featured artist; all are good signs.
20. Rapsody
She has released 3 critically acclaimed albums and the Grammys agree, as she earned 2 nominations.
21. Rico Nasty
She has received acclaim for her lyrics and experimentation, both of which could be vital in the genre.
22. Roddy Ricch
Now that he has several other hits in addition to “The Box”, the hype around him isn’t a fluke.
23. Rod Wave
He is breaking out; his top 3 singles all came from his newest album, which topped the charts.
24. Toosii
His debut album cracked top-20 and he has gained attention of some artists. He will gain more soon.
25. Travis Scott
While he’s already in the top 5 for my list, he is
incredibly marketable, and marketability lasts.
What do you think about this list? Any surprises? Let me know in the comments!
Comments
Post a Comment