The Best Rappers From Los Angeles
From new artists to some of the greatest hip hop artists of all time, here are the best rappers from Los Angeles. Including both solo artists, like Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar, and hip hop groups, like N.W.A and Odd Future, this list of the most popular Los Angeles rappers features rap artists who were born or raised in the California city. Known for their gangsta rap style of hip hop, these famous Los Angeles rappers also popularized other rap subgenres, like G-funk and West Coast hip hop. Who are the top LA rappers of all-time?
Vote up the best rappers from Los Angeles, which also includes LA areas and neighboring cities, like Compton, South Central, Long Beach, and Inglewood.
A founding member of the groundbreaking hip-hop group N.W.A., Ice Cube crafted hard-hitting rhymes that fueled the fire of West Coast rap during the late '80s and early '90s. After departing from the group, his solo career skyrocketed with classic albums like Amerikkka's Most Wanted and Death Certificate. His raw, unapologetic portrayal of life in South Central LA through powerful storytelling and razor-sharp wit makes Ice Cube an incontestable figure in the annals of Los Angeles hip-hop history.
Emerging onto the scene in the late 2000s, Kendrick Lamar quickly ascended to rap royalty with his intricate wordplay, thought-provoking lyrics, and undeniable talent as a storyteller. With masterpieces like To Pimp a Butterfly and good kid, m.A.A.d city, he expertly captured the essence of growing up in Compton while addressing themes of race, inequality, and personal growth. Lamar's ability to connect with listeners through his awe-inspiring storytelling and mind-bending lyricism undoubtedly solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest rappers from Los Angeles.
Smooth, laid-back, and effortlessly cool, Snoop Dogg made his mark on the rap world with his debut album Doggystyle, which burst onto the scene in 1993. With a unique flow that's instantly recognizable, Snoop's distinctive voice and captivating storytelling have made him a household name. Combining elements of funk, R&B, and classic gangsta rap, Snoop has continued to dominate the scene for nearly three decades, making him not only one of LA's finest rappers but also an everlasting icon in the hip-hop community.
With the release of their seminal album Straight Outta Compton, N.W.A. changed the game for Los Angeles rap by introducing the world to gangsta rap. Comprised of Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Dr. Dre, and DJ Yella, this legendary group provided brutally honest and at times controversial perspectives on life in South Central LA. N.W.A.'s impact on the rap scene is undeniable, as they paved the way for other West Coast artists and solidified the burgeoning sound that would come to define Los Angeles hip-hop.
Renowned producer-turned-rapper Dr. Dre has cemented his status as an indispensable figure in the Los Angeles rap scene through his work with N.W.A., his groundbreaking solo album The Chronic, and serving as a mentor to other legends like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and countless West Coast rappers. Dre's contributions to hip-hop are immense – his innovative G-funk production style laid the foundation for the entire genre, while his own lyrical prowess showcased the razor-sharp wit and introspection that characterized West Coast rap.
Often dubbed the "Godfather of Gangsta Rap," Eazy-E's impact on the Los Angeles rap scene cannot be overstated. As a founding member of N.W.A., his raw, unbridled performances on songs like "Boyz-n-the-Hood" captured the social and political issues faced by the African American community in Los Angeles. With his distinctively rugged voice and intense lyrics, Eazy-E left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop before his untimely passing in 1995.
