The Best New York Rappers
It probably goes without saying, but New York City is undeniably the birthplace of rap. Its impact is still very much alive as the genre continues to grow and change around the world. This is a list of the best New York rappers and hip hop music artists. As you know, there's a long list of them, but who do you think are the best rappers from NYC?
When ranking the most famous or even top 10 NY rappers, the Big Apple can count Biggie, Jay-Z, Rakim, 50 Cent, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, KRS-One, Mos Def, Slick Rick, Nikki Minaj, Run-D.M.C., Mase, and Wu Tang among its influential children, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rappers from New York! While a pretty good amount of research went in to compiling this list, there's always room for improvement. From underground artists and old school rappers to hip hop groups from the 90s and today, there are so many New York rap luminaries to choose from, finding a spot for them all is near impossible.
Vote up the greatest New York City rappers, and see which names crack the top five.
A titan of the hip-hop genre, Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G., made an enormous impact on the music scene. Despite his tragically short career due to his untimely death, Biggie's incredible storytelling abilities coupled with his powerful presence behind the mic led to iconic tracks such as "Juicy" and "Mo Money Mo Problems." His ability to paint vivid pictures of life in Brooklyn established him as a lyrical genius and a forerunner in the New York rap game.
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Hailing from Queensbridge, Nas solidified his status as one of the greatest emcees with his groundbreaking debut album, Illmatic. With raw, introspective lyrics that showcased his unmatched storytelling skills and an unparalleled flow, Nas captivated listeners and influenced generations of rappers. He continued to deliver thought-provoking content throughout his career, cementing his place among the best New York lyricists.
Few can argue with the massive success and influence of Shawn Carter, known worldwide as JAY-Z. As a rapper, entrepreneur, and industry mogul, he has been a dominant force in the music world since the release of his seminal album, Reasonable Doubt. JAY-Z's undeniable knack for clever wordplay and keen business acumen have helped him become not just one of the greatest New York rappers, but also a global icon.
The Wu-Tang Clan burst onto the scene in 1993 with a sound that was both gritty and innovative, forever changing hip-hop. Hailing from Staten Island and led by producer extraordinaire RZA, the nine-member collective blended kung-fu imagery with street narratives, creating a unique sound that resonated with fans around the globe. Their masterpiece, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), remains a seminal piece of work that solidified their place among the greatest New York rap groups.
Mobb Deep, composed of Havoc and Prodigy, formed in Queens and quickly established themselves as staples in the New York hardcore hip-hop scene. Their second album, The Infamous, brought them considerable success and acclaim, with tracks such as "Shook Ones Pt. II" showcasing their knack for dark, gritty storytelling and razor-sharp lyricism. The duo's undeniable chemistry and authentic representation of life in the city helped cement their legacy as one of the best rap acts to emerge from New York.
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Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, rose to prominence with his distinctive voice, raw lyrics, and unmatched energy levels. Born in Mount Vernon but raised in Yonkers, DMX became a powerful force in the late '90s and early 2000s, delivering explosive performances and chart-topping albums. His relentless intensity and ability to captivate an audience made him a standout artist in the competitive New York rap scene.
