Hip hop music has been a dominant force in popular culture for decades, with its roots in the African American and Latino communities of the Bronx in the 1970s. Since then, the genre has evolved and diversified, giving rise to countless iconic artists who have shaped the sound and style of hip hop. From the pioneering work of early MCs to the chart-topping hits of modern rap superstars, hip hop has produced some of the most influential and popular singers of all time. In this article, we will explore the top 15 most popular hip hop singers, delving into their unique styles, groundbreaking careers, and lasting impact on the world of music.
1. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, also known by his stage name 2Pac, was one of the most iconic and influential hip hop artists of all time. Born in New York City and raised in California, Shakur’s music was characterized by its raw, honest lyrics that addressed issues of racism, poverty, and violence in America. His albums, such as “All Eyez on Me” and “Me Against the World,” showcased his incredible storytelling abilities, his versatile flow, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Shakur’s influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and image becoming a symbol of resistance and empowerment for generations of fans. Despite his tragic death at the age of 25, Shakur’s legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and resonate with listeners around the world. With his uncompromising artistry, his charismatic personality, and his dedication to using his platform to speak truth to power, Tupac Shakur will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of all time.
2. The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls or simply Biggie, was one of the most talented and influential hip hop artists of the 1990s. Born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, New York, Biggie’s music was characterized by its smooth, laid-back flow, its vivid storytelling, and its ability to paint a picture of life on the streets of New York. His albums, such as “Ready to Die” and “Life After Death,” are considered classics of the genre, showcasing Biggie’s incredible wordplay, his ear for catchy hooks, and his ability to create music that was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Biggie’s influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style becoming a blueprint for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Despite his tragic death at the age of 24, Biggie’s legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be celebrated and revered by fans and critics alike. With his unparalleled flow, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to capture the essence of life in the hip hop world, The Notorious B.I.G. will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of all time.
3. Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is one of the most successful and controversial hip hop artists of all time. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Eminem’s music is characterized by its fast, aggressive flow, its dark, often shocking lyrics, and its ability to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream music. His albums, such as “The Slim Shady LP,” “The Marshall Mathers LP,” and “The Eminem Show,” have sold millions of copies worldwide and have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Eminem’s influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style becoming a cultural touchstone for a generation of fans. His ability to tackle taboo subjects, his incredible technical skill as a rapper, and his willingness to bare his soul on the mic have made him one of the most compelling and influential artists of his generation. Despite the controversies that have surrounded his career, Eminem’s legacy as one of the greatest and most important hip hop singers of all time is secure, with his music continuing to inspire and provoke listeners around the world.
4. Jay-Z
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, is one of the most successful and influential hip hop artists of all time. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z’s music is characterized by its smooth, confident flow, its clever wordplay, and its ability to capture the essence of the hustler’s life. His albums, such as “Reasonable Doubt,” “The Blueprint,” and “The Black Album,” are considered classics of the genre, showcasing Jay-Z’s incredible storytelling abilities, his ear for catchy hooks, and his ability to create music that is both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Jay-Z’s influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and business savvy helping to shape the direction of the industry for decades. His ability to adapt to changing trends, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his dedication to using his platform to promote social justice have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in hip hop history. With his unparalleled flow, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to create timeless music that speaks to the human experience, Jay-Z will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most important hip hop singers of all time.
5. Nas
Nas, born Nasir Jones, is one of the most talented and influential hip hop artists of all time. Hailing from Queens, New York, Nas’s music is characterized by its introspective, socially conscious lyrics, its vivid storytelling, and its ability to capture the essence of life in the inner city. His debut album, “Illmatic,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, showcasing Nas’s incredible lyrical prowess, his ear for classic beats, and his ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Nas’s influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style becoming a blueprint for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. His ability to tackle complex social and political issues, his commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity, and his willingness to evolve and experiment with his sound have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in hip hop history. With his unparalleled storytelling abilities, his poetic sensibility, and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, Nas will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most important hip hop singers of all time.
6. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar, born in Compton, California, is one of the most acclaimed and influential hip hop artists of his generation. Known for his introspective lyrics, his innovative production, and his ability to push the boundaries of the genre, Lamar has become a leading voice in modern hip hop. His albums, such as “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and “DAMN.,” have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music. Lamar’s music is characterized by its complex themes, its jazz and funk-influenced beats, and its ability to capture the struggles and triumphs of life in America. His influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring a new generation of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. Lamar’s commitment to social justice, his willingness to tackle difficult subjects, and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in modern music. With his unparalleled lyrical skills, his innovative approach to production, and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, Kendrick Lamar will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest and most important hip hop singers of his generation.
7. Kanye West
Kanye West, born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern hip hop. Known for his innovative production, his genre-bending music, and his outspoken personality, West has become a cultural icon and a lightning rod for controversy. His albums, such as “The College Dropout,” “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” and “Yeezus,” have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a place on numerous “best of” lists. West’s music is characterized by its lush, layered production, its clever wordplay, and its ability to blend elements of hip hop, soul, rock, and electronic music into a unique and compelling sound. His influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring countless artists and producers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. West’s willingness to take risks, his dedication to his craft, and his ability to create music that is both commercially successful and critically acclaimed have made him one of the most important figures in modern music. Despite the controversies that have surrounded his career, Kanye West’s legacy as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of his generation is secure.
8. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. in Long Beach, California, is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in hip hop history. Known for his laid-back flow, his smooth vocals, and his iconic image, Snoop has become a cultural icon and a beloved figure in the music industry. His albums, such as “Doggystyle,” “Tha Doggfather,” and “No Limit Top Dogg,” have sold millions of copies worldwide and have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Snoop’s music is characterized by its G-funk-influenced production, its playful lyrics, and its ability to capture the essence of West Coast hip hop. His influence on the genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring countless artists and helping to define the sound of hip hop in the 1990s and beyond. Snoop’s longevity in the industry, his ability to adapt to changing trends, and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected and influential figures in hip hop history. With his unparalleled flow, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful, Snoop Dogg will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most important hip hop singers of all time.
9. Drake
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto, Canada, is one of the most successful and influential hip hop artists of his generation. Known for his introspective lyrics, his catchy hooks, and his ability to blend elements of hip hop, R&B, and pop music into a unique and compelling sound, Drake has become a global superstar and a dominant force in the music industry. His albums, such as “Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” and “Scorpion,” have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a record-breaking number of Billboard Hot 100 hits. Drake’s music is characterized by its emotionally vulnerable lyrics, its lush, atmospheric production, and its ability to capture the complexities of modern relationships and the struggles of fame and success. His influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring a new generation of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. Drake’s willingness to be open and honest in his music, his dedication to his craft, and his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience have made him one of the most important figures in modern music. With his unparalleled success, his innovative approach to the genre, and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, Drake will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of his generation.
10. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most prolific and influential hip hop artists of his generation. Known for his rapid-fire flow, his clever wordplay, and his ability to create infectious, chart-topping hits, Lil Wayne has become a true icon of the genre. His albums, such as “Tha Carter III,” “Tha Carter IV,” and “I Am Not a Human Being,” have sold millions of copies worldwide and have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the hardest-working artists in the industry. Lil Wayne’s music is characterized by its high-energy production, its witty lyrics, and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the moment. His influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring countless artists and helping to shape the sound of hip hop in the 2000s and beyond. Lil Wayne’s dedication to his craft, his willingness to experiment with different styles and genres, and his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience have made him one of the most important figures in modern music. With his unparalleled work ethic, his innovative approach to the genre, and his ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful, Lil Wayne will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of his generation.
11. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the most successful and influential female hip hop artists of all time. Known for her bold fashion choices, her versatile flow, and her ability to create catchy, empowering anthems, Minaj has become a true icon of the genre and a role model for women around the world. Her albums, such as “Pink Friday,” “The Pinkprint,” and “Queen,” have sold millions of copies worldwide and have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of the most dynamic performers in the industry. Minaj’s music is characterized by its high-energy production, its clever lyrics, and its ability to blend elements of hip hop, pop, and electronic music into a unique and compelling sound. Her influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with her music and style inspiring a new generation of female artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. Minaj’s willingness to be unapologetically herself, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience have made her one of the most important figures in modern music. With her unparalleled success, her innovative approach to the genre, and her ability to create music that empowers and inspires, Nicki Minaj will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of her generation.
12. André 3000
André 3000, born André Lauren Benjamin in Atlanta, Georgia, is one half of the iconic hip hop duo Outkast and one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation. Known for his eclectic fashion sense, his poetic lyrics, and his ability to blend elements of hip hop, funk, and soul into a unique and compelling sound, André has become a true icon of the genre and a respected figure in the music industry. His work with Outkast, including classic albums like “Aquemini,” “Stankonia,” and “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,” has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the most creative and visionary artists of his time. André’s music is characterized by its genre-bending production, its introspective lyrics, and its ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in hip hop. His influence on the genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring countless artists and helping to shape the sound of hip hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. André’s willingness to take risks, his dedication to his craft, and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant have made him one of the most important figures in modern music. With his unparalleled creativity, his innovative approach to the genre, and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, André 3000 will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of all time.
13. J. Cole
J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamarr Cole in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is one of the most talented and respected hip hop artists of his generation. Known for his introspective lyrics, his socially conscious themes, and his ability to create music that is both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, J. Cole has become a true icon of the genre and a voice for his generation. His albums, such as “2014 Forest Hills Drive,” “4 Your Eyez Only,” and “KOD,” have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and a reputation as one of the most authentic and honest artists in the industry. J. Cole’s music is characterized by its soulful production, its thoughtful lyrics, and its ability to tackle complex social and political issues with nuance and sensitivity. His influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with his music and style inspiring a new generation of artists to use their platform to speak truth to power and to create music that is both meaningful and impactful. J. Cole’s dedication to his craft, his commitment to social justice, and his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience have made him one of the most important figures in modern music. With his unparalleled talent, his innovative approach to the genre, and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, J. Cole will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of his generation.
14. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill, born Lauryn Noelle Hill in East Orange, New Jersey, is one of the most talented and influential female hip hop artists of all time. Known for her soulful voice, her socially conscious lyrics, and her ability to blend elements of hip hop, soul, and reggae into a unique and compelling sound, Hill has become a true icon of the genre and a role model for women around the world. Her work with the Fugees, including the classic album “The Score,” and her groundbreaking solo debut “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the most gifted and visionary artists of her generation. Hill’s music is characterized by its raw, emotional honesty, its powerful messages of empowerment and self-love, and its ability to speak to the experiences of women and people of color. Her influence on the hip hop genre cannot be overstated, with her music and style inspiring countless artists and helping to pave the way for a new generation of female MCs. Hill’s dedication to her craft, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant have made her one of the most important figures in modern music. With her unparalleled talent, her innovative approach to the genre, and her ability to create music that speaks to the human experience, Lauryn Hill will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of all time.
15. Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliott in Portsmouth, Virginia, is one of the most innovative and influential female hip hop artists of all time. Known for her avant-garde fashion sense, her futuristic production style, and her ability to create music that is both wildly experimental and incredibly catchy, Elliott has become a true icon of the genre and a trailblazer for women in music. Her albums, such as “Supa Dupa Fly,” “Da Real World,” and “Miss E… So Addictive,” have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the most visionary and creative artists of her generation. Elliott’s music is characterized by its genre-bending production, its playful lyrics, and its ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in hip hop. Her influence on the genre cannot be overstated, with her music and style inspiring countless artists and helping to shape the sound of hip hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Elliott’s willingness to take risks, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful have made her one of the most important figures in modern music. With her unparalleled creativity, her innovative approach to the genre, and her ability to create music that is both wildly entertaining and deeply empowering, Missy Elliott will always be remembered as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop singers of all time.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
