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Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of the leading figures of the new generation of artists and rappers. He began gaining recognition in the rap scene in the early 2010s, and his first major studio album, "good kid, m.A.A.d city" (2012), was a turning point in his career.
The album received unanimous praise from critics and is considered one of the best rap albums of the decade. He continued his success with his album "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015), which was critically acclaimed and received multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.
One of the distinctive features of his music is his focus on social and political themes, including police brutality, racial inequality, and the African American experience in the United States. His lyrics are reflective, poetic and often provocative.
Rakim
Rakim is widely considered one of the pioneers of lyrical rap, and his influence can be felt in later generations of artists. Renowned artists including Jay-Z, Nas and Eminem have cited Rakim as one of their main inspirations and have praised his skill as an MC.
Although Rakim has had periods of inactivity in his musical career, his impact endures in the world of rap, and he remains a respected and revered figure. He is revered for his ability to elevate the art of rap to a higher level and his legacy remains an integral part of hip-hop culture.
His debut album, "Paid in Full" (1987), is considered a milestone in the history of rap and established him as one of the best lyricists and MCs of his time. In this album, he demonstrated his ability to rhyme in a sophisticated manner and his innovative approach to verse construction.
Andre 3000 (OutKast)
Although André 3000 has maintained a relatively low profile in terms of recent releases, his legacy as part of OutKast and his impact on music remain influential to this day. His ability to fuse different musical styles and his unique approach have made him an iconic figure in rap and beyond.
Throughout his career, he has been praised for his creativity, versatility, and ability to challenge musical conventions. In the year 2000, he released "Stankonia", an album that propelled the group to international fame.
The song "Ms. Jackson" became a massive hit and solidified their reputation as rap eccentrics.
Eminem
Eminem became considered one of the greatest rappers in history due to a combination of exceptional talent, innovation in rap, and significant cultural impact. His fluency, speed, complex rhyme schemes and ability to switch rhythms are unparalleled.
He is also known for his brutal honesty and willingness to address personal issues in his music, including his struggles with addiction, family problems and personal challenges. His lyrics are often emotional and revealing, which has created an emotional connection with his listeners.
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill's career is a story of exceptional talent, innovation, and artistic depth. Her journey in the music industry began in the 1990s as a member of the influential hip-hop and R&B group, Fugees.
The debut album, "Blunted on Reality" (1994), established her as a talented vocalist and rapper. However, it was with the second album, "The Score" (1996), that she achieved worldwide fame. There, she stood out for her distinctive voice, deep lyrics, and ability to blend rap with melodic singing.
Following her success with Fugees, she released her solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in 1998, which became an instant classic and received unanimous acclaim from critics. It combines elements of hip-hop, R&B, soul and reggae, addressing themes such as love, motherhood, spirituality and identity.
Kanye West
The career of Kanye West is a testament to creativity, ambition, and artistic vision. From his beginnings as a producer to his rise as one of the most influential rappers and producers in the world, he has left an indelible mark on contemporary music and continues to challenge conventions with his art.
In 2004, he released his debut album as a rapper titled "The College Dropout", which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, establishing Ye as an innovative force in rap. The creative musical production and introspective lyrics resonated with a wide audience.
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott's true recognition came in the 1990s when she released her debut solo album, "Supa Dupa Fly" (1997). This album was acclaimed by critics and established her as an innovative force in hip-hop. Her unique and experimental style, both in music and music videos, catapulted her to the top.
Her impact goes beyond music, as she has been a pioneering figure in representing women in hip-hop and the music industry overall. She continues to inspire artists from diverse generations with her innovation, creativity and authenticity.
Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)
Biggie Smalls is known for his lyrical ability and distinctive rap style. His debut album "Ready to Die" is considered a classic in hip-hop. Since his debut in the industry, he has been praised for his impactful storytelling and ability to depict life on the streets of New York.
His legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and he remains one of the most influential rappers of all time. Many new artists have drawn inspiration from the Brooklyn-born rapper as a foundation for their own work.
Tupac Shakur (2Pac)
Tupac Shakur, better known as 2Pac, was and is revered for his authenticity, passion and ability to connect with the audience through deep and emotive lyrics. His songs address issues like fighting against injustice, poverty and racism.
His charisma on stage and magnetic presence made him a cultural icon, with albums like 'Me Against the World' and 'All Eyez on Me' considered milestones in the history of rap.
Over time, not only has he become one of the most recognized, but he has also earned the title of legend, especially among his peers.
Nas
Nas's musical career, whose real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is one of the most influential and respected in the history of rap. He rose to fame in the 1990s with the release of his debut album, "Illmatic", in 1994, which has been widely considered one of the greatest of all time and a classic of the genre.
Throughout his career, Nas has maintained a reputation as one of the most talented lyricists. He is known for his ability to vividly and poetically narrate, addressing topics such as poverty, social injustice, politics and street life with palpable authenticity. His lyrics are often introspective and deep, showcasing a unique perspective on life and society.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z is known for his ability to tell stories in a smart and insightful manner. His lyrics are eloquent, filled with double entendres and metaphors, showcasing his skill as a wordsmith. He can tackle a variety of topics, from his life on the streets to success and overcoming challenges.
He has proven to be an innovator in rap, experimenting with different styles and blending it with other musical genres. He has adeptly adapted to industry changes and has maintained his relevance over decades, exploring new directions in his music.
Snoop Dogg
The longevity and lasting impact of Snoop Dogg in hip-hop are a testament to his talent and versatility as an artist, as well as his ability to stay relevant in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
He emerged on the rap scene in the early 1990s under the guidance of the legendary producer Dr. Dre. His appearance on Dre's album "The Chronic" (1992) catapulted him to fame and established his distinctive style of laid-back, melodic rap.
In 1993, he released his debut album, "Doggystyle", which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and became one of the best-selling rap albums of all time. It included hits like "Gin and Juice" and "What's My Name?", solidifying his status as a hip-hop star.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah emerged on the hip-hop scene in the late 1980s as one of the first female artists to stand out in the genre. Her debut album, "All Hail the Queen" (1989), established her as a talented rapper and an influential voice in feminist rap.
Throughout the 1990s, she continued to release successful albums that combined rap with soul and R&B, showcasing her ability to cross musical genres. Her lyrics addressed social and personal issues, resonating with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj began her music career in the 2000s, initially as a rapper on mixtapes and collaborations with other artists. She stood out for her versatility, exploring different musical styles and collaborating with a variety of musicians.
Her big breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of her debut album, "Pink Friday", which included hits like "Super Bass" and "Your Love".
This album established her as a prominent figure in the hip-hop and pop music scene, thanks to her unique style, witty lyrics, and ability to change her voice and flow.
Top Rappers Considered Among the Greatest of All Time?"