Explore a curated selection of the most influential rappers and hip-hop artists who have defined each decade, from the pioneers of the 80s to the voices shaping today's urban music. This list celebrates the figures who have transformed the genre with their lyricism, style, and cultural impact. Discover who the true innovators are and how their legacy continues to resonate in the global hip-hop scene. Participate and help build the definitive list of rap legends.
Widely agreed upon as one of the top three artists of the 2010s
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J. Cole has demonstrated exceptional storytelling and production skills, enabling him to create works with profound cultural impact. His album '2014 Forest Hills Drive' stands as a testament to his lyrical mastery and artistic vision, resonating with a wide audience and solidifying his legacy in the genre.
Named Billboard's Artist of the Decade (2010s)
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Drake has redefined the hip-hop landscape with his musical versatility and ability to dominate global charts. He has broken streaming records, becoming the most-streamed artist on Spotify with over 110 billion streams, and has influenced a generation of artists with his genre-blending and lyrical style.
One of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop
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NBA YoungBoy has demonstrated undeniable influence over the past decade, breaking records as the rapper with the most albums on the Billboard 200 chart and the youngest artist to chart 100 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. His impact is reflected in billions of streams across platforms like Spotify and YouTube, solidifying his position as a central figure in contemporary hip-hop.
Yeat has demonstrated significant influence by becoming the first 2020s rapper to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify, a milestone that underscores his massive reach. His albums '2093' and 'LYFESTYLE' debuted at #2 and #1 on the Billboard 200, respectively, showcasing his commercial and cultural impact on contemporary hip-hop.
One of the best-selling female rappers of all time
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Doja Cat has demonstrated an exceptional ability to fuse hip-hop with R&B and pop, creating a distinctive sound that has resonated globally. Her album 'Scarlet' (2023) solidified her foray into hip-hop, reaching the top five of the Billboard 200 and highlighting her lyrical and vocal prowess within the genre.
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Rodeo was a defining album of the 2010s
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Travis Scott has redefined the sound and feel of modern hip-hop, inspiring a new generation of artists with his unique style that blends traditional hip-hop with lo-fi and ambient elements. His influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion, branding, and album rollout culture, turning each new release into a global event.
Most in-demand producer of 2017
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Metro Boomin has been a driving force in shaping the sound of 2010s trap music with his distinctive production style. His collaborations with key artists like Future, 21 Savage, and Travis Scott have yielded genre-defining hits and influenced countless artists.
Quickly rose to prominence
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Jack Harlow has demonstrated a remarkable ability to fuse hip hop with pop appeal, broadening his reach to a diverse audience. His ascent to the A-list, with major hits and prominent collaborations, has cemented his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip hop.
Eclectic and experimental music
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Tyler, the Creator has redefined hip-hop with his innovative style, blending genres like jazz and rock, and expanding rap's cultural sensibility. His influence extends to streetwear and the popularization of rap as an internet-based phenomenon, earning him the Cultural Influence Award at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Influences trap and conscious rap scenes
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21 Savage has had a significant influence on modern hip hop, particularly within the trap genre. His music represents a more introspective, emotional side of street rap, which has helped push the trap sound to mainstream audiences. His commercial success and distinctive style establish him as a key figure in the genre's evolution over the past decade.
Poised to become a great American rap star
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A$AP Rocky has been a trendsetter in hip-hop, shaping an entire generation through his forward-thinking sound and aesthetic. His influence remains visible in the artists he has uplifted throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as a cultural innovator.
Influential and recognizable figure in modern hip-hop
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Nicki Minaj has been a central figure in hip-hop over the last decade, driving the resurgence of female rap with her unique style and versatility. Her impact is reflected in over 54 million certified singles sold in the US and multiple diamond certifications, solidifying her status as one of the most influential rappers of all time.
Listed among the greatest rappers of all time
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Kanye West revolutionized hip-hop by introducing a prolific use of soul samples and paving the way for more expressive and honest music. His work facilitated the emergence of rappers who did not conform to gangsta rap, marking the transition to a more eclectic and postmodern era of the genre.
Influence studied academically
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Feid has redefined the sound of reggaeton and Latin trap with his focus on mood creation and his mission to take the genre back to its grittier street roots. His influence extends through his prolific songwriting career for other artists and his ability to fuse urban rhythms with a unique melodic softness.
Our methodology for ranking the most influential hip-hop artists of the decade is based on a comprehensive analysis of their cultural and musical impact, as reflected in public discourse and industry references.