THE HIPSTORY OF HIP HOP

The story of Amerıcan rap, from hip to Pop

1970s

The Block Party and Breakdancing

Leading Artists: DJ Kool Herc, The Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow

Hip hop was born in the Bronx’s block party scene. DJ Kool Herc, who came from Kingston, Jamaica, arrived in the Bronx, New York City, and found it economically devastated. People lived in the Projects—cheap, low-quality public housing—surrounded by poverty and gangs.

Clubs played funk, soul, and disco. These tracks often had short breaks where the vocals dropped out and the drummer went wild. DJ Kool Herc noticed that people loved dancing to these drum breaks. So he set up two turntables side by side, put the same record on both, and cued up the drum breaks. He’d play one, and as that break ended, he’d switch to the beginning of the break on the other turntable. By bouncing back and forth, he could stretch a five-second drum break into however long he wanted. These extended drum sections became known as breakbeats.

At block parties (simply parties around the block, on the street), DJs looped breakbeats for dancers on cardboards—breakdancers. Early MCs hyped the crowd over these beats with brags and playful disses. There were no studios or records yet, just parties. But by the decade’s end, this raw street sound leapt onto vinyl, opening the curtains to rap’s journey into the dark heart of the music industry.

1. Fatback Band — “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” (1979)
A funky party jam that accidentally became the first rap record pressed to vinyl. King Tim’s freestyle over a live funk groove moved hip hop from block parties to record stores. It laid the seed for rap as a commercial music genre.
Released: 1979, single.
Sound: Live funk band, bouncy bassline, party rhymes.
Key Lines: Personality jock is gonna rock the spot...
Vibe: Funky, carefree, proto-rap.
Artist: Fatback Band
NYC funk innovators who stumbled into rap history with a spontaneous party rhyme.
– Origin: New York City, late 70s.
– Sound: Danceable funk, tight grooves, live band energy.
– Key Albums: Raising Hell, Brite Lites, Big City.
– General Vibe: Funk groove masters who unknowingly launched rap’s record era.
Notes: For a while, the next song, Rapper’s Delight, was considered to be the first rap track, but more and more, this earlier single is accepted as the first. Rapper’s Delight was made specifically to record rap. It was named after it. This funk single, however, had invited an MC just to liven up their song. His rapping on this funky track ended up being recorded and released earlier than Rapper’s Delight. Of course, since the characterization of a song or its elements as rap is not mathematically exact, people’s opinions differ on the first rap record. Some claim much earlier beginnings.

2. The Sugarhill Gang — “Rapper’s Delight” (1979)
This surprise disco-era hit turned block party rhymes into a pop radio phenomenon. By looping Chic’s “Good Times,” it brought rap to dance floors around the world. It paved the way for rap as a mainstream commercial force.
Released: 1979, single.
Sound: Disco bassline, light drums, long playful verses.
Key Lines: I said a hip hop, the hippie the hippie...
Vibe: Joyful, danceable, first wave mainstream rap.
Artist: The Sugarhill Gang
The first group to take hip hop from local party circles to the Billboard charts.
– Origin: Englewood, New Jersey, late 70s.
– Sound: Disco grooves, easy party rhymes, call-and-response.
– Key Albums: Sugarhill Gang, 8th Wonder.
– General Vibe: Playful, upbeat, pioneers of rap’s pop crossover.
Notes: The Sugarhill Gang was not a gang that terrorized Sugar Hill Street. No, these youths were hand-picked by Sugar Hill Records. They may not be from the Bronx, but they ended up being a huge hit there. They had turned a neighborhood style into a disco-era smash by looping Chic’s “Good Times.” This surprise hit sold millions and introduced the word rapper to the mainstream. Before King Tim III was arguably categorized as the first rap track, this was often considered the origin.

3. Kurtis Blow — “Christmas Rappin’” (1979)
Hip hop’s first solo superstar single proved an MC could be the main act, not just a DJ’s sidekick. Kurtis Blow’s holiday hit showed rap could charm radio and sell records nationwide. This opened major labels’ doors for future solo rappers.
Released: 1979, single.
Sound: Funky bassline, festive lyrics, party shout-outs.
Key Lines: Don’t you give me all that jive about things you wrote before I’s alive...
Vibe: Fun, charismatic, radio-friendly old school.
Artist: Kurtis Blow
The first solo rapper signed to a major label, paving the way for MCs to become stars.
– Origin: Harlem, NYC, late 70s.
– Sound: Funk grooves, catchy choruses, smooth delivery.
– Key Albums: Kurtis Blow, Deuce.
– General Vibe: Early rap showman with crossover appeal.

End of an Era
By 1980, the Bronx block parties evolved into studio hits. The old school recording boom began. Catchy, clean rhymes and funky beats led rap to its first big business meetings.

1980s

From Block to Boombox

Leading Artists: Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Beastie Boys, N.W.A.

In the 80s, rap escaped novelty status. DJs perfected scratching. MCs sharpened rhymes into storytelling and protest. MTV gave rap style and attitude a global stage. Rap was now culture, fashion, and spitting raw truth.

4. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five — “The Message” (1982)
This landmark single turned rap from party music into social commentary. Melle Mel’s grim verses painted the harsh reality of inner-city life. It tried to report the truth and push for change.
Released: 1982, on The Message.
Sound: Sparse drum machine, haunting synth line, storytelling verses.
Key Lines: Don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge...
Vibe: Serious, raw, socially conscious.
Artist: Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Early hip hop pioneers who elevated DJ scratching and lyrical depth. Pioneers of many turntable techniques.
– Origin: South Bronx, early 80s.
– Sound: Funk breaks, narrative lyrics, invention of turntable wizardry.
– Key Albums: The Message, On the Strength.
– General Vibe: Founding fathers of rap as protest and reality check.
Notes: If rap had a Mount Rushmore, DJ Kool Herc (as George Washington, the father, the founder) and Grandmaster Flash (as Thomas Jefferson, the visionary crafter of ideals and an innovator who doubled the size of the nation) would most likely be on it.

5. Whodini — “Friends” (1984)
Whodini bridged rap and pop with catchy hooks and synth-funk production. This song tackled betrayal in a relatable, danceable way :) It expanded rap’s emotional topics beyond brags and battles.
Released: 1984, on Escape.
Sound: Funky synth lines, steady drum machine, melodic chorus.
Key Lines: Friends, how many of us have them?
Vibe: Smooth, catchy, early radio rap.
Artist: Whodini
Trailblazers of fusing rap with radio-friendly pop and R&B.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early-mid 80s.
– Sound: Synth grooves, harmonized hooks, story rap.
– Key Albums: Escape, Back in Black.
– General Vibe: Party rap pioneers with a soulful touch.

6. Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick — “La Di Da Di” (1985)
An iconic beatbox and freestyle classic that spread through tapes and DJ sets. Doug E. Fresh’s human beatbox and Slick Rick’s playful storytelling made it endlessly sample-worthy. It shaped rap’s freestyle and a cappella culture.
Released: 1985, B-side single.
Sound: Live human beatbox, humorous freestyle lyrics, no instruments.
Key Lines: La di da di, we like to party...
Vibe: Playful, timeless, endlessly referenced.
Artist: Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick
A dynamic duo: beatbox king and UK-born master storyteller.
– Origin: Harlem (Doug), London-Bronx (Rick), mid-80s.
– Sound: Beatboxing, comedic tales, loose structure.
– Key Albums: Doug E. Fresh’s The World’s Greatest Entertainer; Slick Rick’s solo The Great Adventures.
– General Vibe: Pioneers of rap’s fun, freeform side.

7. LL Cool J — “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” (1985)
LL Cool J’s breakout hit celebrated boombox culture and MC swagger. His youthful confidence and battle rhymes marked rap’s turn toward solo superstar MCs. It helped cement Def Jam as the defining rap label.
Released: 1985, on Radio.
Sound: Heavy 808 drums, simple bassline, aggressive flow.
Key Lines: My radio, believe me, I like it loud...
Vibe: Brash, rebellious, classic old-school rap.
Artist: LL Cool J
Teen prodigy who made rap radio-friendly and ladies-friendly at once.
– Origin: Queens, NYC, mid-80s.
– Sound: Hard-hitting beats, braggadocio, smooth charm.
– Key Albums: Radio, Bigger and Deffer.
– General Vibe: Battle MC turned pop icon with lasting impact.
Notes: LL Cool J was Def Jam’s teen phenomenon and rap’s first solo heartthrob. He enjoyed a long acting career since then.

8. Run-D.M.C. — “My Adidas” (1986)
A street anthem that turned sneakers into a rap fashion statement. This single sparked the first major endorsement deal between hip hop and a global brand. It cemented Run-D.M.C. as style icons as well as rap legends.
Released: 1986, on Raising Hell.
Sound: Sparse drum machine, rock-influenced beat, call-and-response rhymes.
Key Lines: My Adidas walk through concert doors...
Vibe: Hard, stylish, braggadocious.
Artist: Run-D.M.C.
Kings of early hardcore rap who fused street culture with mainstream success.
– Origin: Queens, NYC, mid-80s.
– Sound: Minimal beats, shouted rhymes, rock swagger.
– Key Albums: Raising Hell, King of Rock.
– General Vibe: Street rockstars, trailblazers of rap’s streetwear, bringers of rap to MTV.
Notes: Run-D.M.C. is one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture. As one of the most famous rap acts of the ‘80s (along with Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, etc.) they pioneered new-school hip hop music and helped usher in the golden age.

9. Run-D.M.C. — “Walk This Way” (w/ Aerosmith) (1986)
A genre-busting remake that smashed the wall between rap and rock. Their collaboration with Aerosmith revived the band’s career and brought rap to MTV’s rock audience. It turns out hip hop could rule both pop and rock charts.
Released: 1986, on Raising Hell.
Sound: Hard rock guitar riff, rap verses, sing-along rock hook.
Key Lines: Walk this way, talk this way...
Vibe: Loud, rebellious, crossover classic.
Artist: Run-D.M.C.
Pioneers of rap’s mainstream explosion who blended rock and hip hop with confidence.
– Origin: Queens, NYC, mid-80s.
– Sound: Rock guitar samples, breakbeats, tough MCing.
– Key Albums: Raising Hell, King of Rock.
– General Vibe: ‘80s hip hop superstars with wide appeal and mainstream commercial success

10. Beastie Boys — “Paul Revere” (1986)
This playful cowboy rap story flipped a drum beat backward for its unique sound. The Beasties’ punk mischief and Rick Rubin’s raw production made it an alt-rap gem. It highlighted their knack for chaos and genre-bending.
Released: 1986, on Licensed to Ill.
Sound: Reversed drum loop, simple bassline, storytelling verses.
Key Lines: Now here’s a little story I’ve got to tell...
Vibe: Wild, funny, rebel rap.
Artist: Beastie Boys
Rowdy NY trio who brought rap to punk and rock kids worldwide.
– Origin: Manhattan, mid-80s.
– Sound: Rock riffs, party rhymes, DIY attitude.
– Key Albums: Licensed to Ill, Paul’s Boutique.
– General Vibe: Disobedient crossover icons with endless reinvention.
Notes: Beastie Boys are a bunch of suburban white kids that started rapping. They were raging against authority, but also had a mischievous and innovative side to them. This song showcases backward beats (beats played in reverse on tape) and sampling tricks. It shows their playful chaos on top of raw energy.

11. Ice-T — “6 ‘N the Mornin’” (1986)
A calm, matter-of-fact tale that laid the blueprint for West Coast gangsta rap. Ice-T narrated LA street life with unfiltered realism and a laid-back flow. This track foreshadowed the West Coast’s rise and rap’s grittier side.
Released: 1986, on Rhyme Pays.
Sound: Sparse drum machine, deep bassline, clear storytelling.
Key Lines: Six in the morning, police at my door...
Vibe: Cold, narrative, early gangsta rap.
Artist: Ice-T
One of the first MCs to shape LA’s gangsta rap identity and street attitude.
– Origin: LA by way of Newark, early West Coast pioneer.
– Sound: Hard-hitting beats, calm street tales, pimp swagger.
– Key Albums: Rhyme Pays, Power.
– General Vibe: Streetwise realist with crossover charisma.
Notes: Ice-T is very famous, not just because of the music, but also because he’s been an actor on movies and TV for decades. Originally, he was a West Coast hustler that became an MC and laid the blueprint for gangsta rap: calm narration of street life, no filters.

12. Salt-N-Pepa — “Push It” (1987)
An infectious dance anthem that proved women could dominate rap’s club scene. Salt-N-Pepa’s playful rhymes and pop hooks made them the first superstar female rap group. This song showed that hip hop’s energy belonged on the dance floor too.
Released: 1987, on Hot, Cool & Vicious.
Sound: Electro synth riff, punchy drums, flirty chants.
Key Lines: Push it real good...
Vibe: Flirty, upbeat, dance-ready.
Artist: Salt-N-Pepa
Trailblazers who made rap empowering and fun for women worldwide.
– Origin: Queens, NYC, mid-late 80s.
– Sound: Dance beats, playful rhymes, attitude.
– Key Albums: Hot, Cool & Vicious, Blacks’ Magic.
– General Vibe: Bold, confident queens of hip hop dance floors.

13. Eric B. & Rakim — “Paid in Full” (1987)
A cool, smooth revolution in MC technique and DJ production. Rakim’s complex rhyme patterns and laid-back flow changed lyricism forever. It set the bar for how sophisticated rap could be.
Released: 1987, on Paid in Full.
Sound: Deep bassline, Egyptian sample, poetic verses.
Key Lines: Thinking of a master plan...
Vibe: Smooth, intellectual, timeless.
Artist: Eric B. & Rakim
The duo that elevated MC skill and DJ sampling to new heights.
– Origin: Long Island & Harlem, mid-late 80s.
– Sound: Jazzy loops, intricate wordplay, minimalist beats.
– Key Albums: Paid in Full, Follow the Leader.
– General Vibe: Cool masterminds of lyrical rap.

14. Boogie Down Productions — “South Bronx” (1987)
A sharp Bronx battle cry that ignited the legendary Bridge Wars with Queensbridge’s MC Shan. KRS-One’s hard-hitting lyrics defended the Bronx as hip hop’s true birthplace. This song is a hip hop history lesson intended for their rivals in Queensbridge. You can’t find a more primary source than that.
Released: 1987, on Criminal Minded.
Sound: Hard breakbeats, reggae bassline, battle rhymes.
Key Lines: South Bronx, the South-South Bronx!
Vibe: Aggressive, proud, old-school battle rap.
Artist: Boogie Down Productions
KRS-One’s crew that mixed street education with battle rhymes.
– Origin: Bronx, late 80s.
– Sound: Hard beats, dancehall influence, sharp lyricism.
– Key Albums: Criminal Minded, By All Means Necessary.
– General Vibe: Streetwise teachers and fierce Bronx defenders.

15. Public Enemy — “Bring the Noise” (1987)
A thunderous blast of political rap and chaotic production that woke up the world. Chuck D’s commanding voice and the Bomb Squad’s dense beats made protest hip hop powerful and loud. It defined rap’s militant edge for years to come.
Released: 1987, on It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.
Sound: Layered samples, relentless scratches, booming voice.
Key Lines: Bass! How low can you go?
Vibe: Urgent, defiant, revolutionary.
Artist: Public Enemy
The group that made rap America’s most radical protest music.
– Origin: Long Island, late 80s.
– Sound: Dense production, powerful speeches, political fire.
– Key Albums: It Takes a Nation of Millions, Fear of a Black Planet.
– General Vibe: Loud, militant, voice for the people.

16. N.W.A — “Boyz-n-the-Hood” (1987)
Eazy-E’s laid-back but explicit street tales gave birth to West Coast gangsta rap. Ice Cube’s writing and Dr. Dre’s beats turned LA’s raw reality into a musical movement. This single laid gangsta rap’s foundation for the entire West Coast takeover.
Released: 1987, single (before Straight Outta Compton).
Sound: Funky synth groove, slow rolling beat, vivid street narrative.
Key Lines: Cruisin’ down the street in my 6-4...
Vibe: Cool, menacing, street-hardened.
Artist: N.W.A
Compton crew that rewrote rap rules with uncensored tales and attitude.
– Origin: Compton, late 80s.
– Sound: Funk samples, hard beats, raw lyrics.
– Key Albums: Straight Outta Compton, Efil4zaggin.
– General Vibe: Controversial pioneers of gangsta rap.
Notes: N.W.A. is one of the deepest, strongest roots of the upcoming golden age. Their influence on the entire genre cannot be underestimated. Like I mentioned five songs ago about Ice T’s 6 ‘N the Mornin’, these songs are the foundations of the ‘90s West Coast 2Pac would lead one day. N.W.A. stands for Niggaz Wit Attitudes. The lineup changed a bit over time, but members Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren all became platinum sellers themselves in their solo careers. Other members like Arabian Prince and DJ Yella also had decent solo careers, even if not as big. The 2015 movie Straight Outta Compton chronicles the formation and rise of N.W.A., their conflicts with the police and each other, and how they brought gang life and police brutality into mainstream music. Ice Cube is played masterfully by his son, O’Shea Jackson. The movie doesn’t have founding member Arabian Prince, even though he was there in real life throughout most of it, to streamline the story (and let’s face it, because Arabian Prince is not as famous as the others).

17. Slick Rick — “Children’s Story” (1988)
A timeless rap fable about a young criminal’s downfall, told with Slick Rick’s signature wit. Its playful yet tragic narrative made it a gold standard for storytelling in hip hop.
Released: 1988, on The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.
Sound: Bouncy bassline, simple beat, smooth flow.
Key Lines: Once upon a time not long ago...
Vibe: Playful, cautionary, classic story rap.
Artist: Slick Rick
The original master storyteller who inspired generations with vivid characters and humor. Proved rap could be cinematic, witty, and narrative-driven long before concept albums became common.
– Origin: London-born, Bronx-raised, late 80s.
– Sound: Conversational flow, vivid scenes, clever twists.
– Key Albums: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.
– General Vibe: Charismatic narrator and hip hop’s bedtime storyteller.

18. EPMD — “You Gots to Chill” (1988)
A laid-back golden age groove that made funk samples a rap staple. EPMD’s cool bragging style shaped the mellow side of East Coast hip hop.
Released: 1988, on Strictly Business.
Sound: Funky Zapp sample, mellow beat, smooth verses.
Key Lines: Relax your mind, let your conscience be free...
Vibe: Cool, funky, effortlessly confident.
Artist: EPMD
Masters of blending funk with slick rhymes, setting the tone for countless chill rap classics. Their formula influenced producers and MCs well into the 90s.
– Origin: Long Island, late 80s.
– Sound: Funk loops, easy delivery, catchy hooks.
– Key Albums: Strictly Business, Unfinished Business.
– General Vibe: Smooth operators of golden age rap.

19. Public Enemy — “Fight the Power” (1989)
A thunderous anthem that turned rap into America’s most defiant protest music. Its raw power and radical message made it a timeless call to action.
Released: 1989, on Fear of a Black Planet.
Sound: Layered samples, booming drums, rally chant hook.
Key Lines: Fight the power, fight the powers that be...
Vibe: Fiery, revolutionary, crowd-mobilizing.
Artist: Public Enemy
Redefined hip hop as a platform for militant political activism and truth-telling. Their noise-heavy production and confrontational lyrics influenced generations of conscious rap.
– Origin: Long Island, late 80s.
– Sound: Bomb Squad’s chaotic production, sharp raps, radical message.
– Key Albums: It Takes a Nation of Millions, Fear of a Black Planet.
– General Vibe: Fearless voice for social justice through noise and rhyme.
Notes: Fight the Power is in the soundtrack of Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s early cinema masterpiece that captured the spirit of Black neighborhoods. It’s a heightened, raw snapshot of a single block in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, on the hottest day of the year. Spike Lee fills it with the music, slang, rivalries, mundane daily rhythms, and simmering racial tensions that were deeply familiar in urban Black communities — especially in New York in the late ‘80s. The song itself is a big achievement in terms of cementing rap as America’s rebel voice.

End of an Era
The raw 80s gave way to hip hop’s Renaissance. The ‘90s would bring the golden age — an explosion of lyrical mastery and sonic diversity.

1990s

The Golden Age

Leading Artists: Tupac Shakur (2Pac), The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie), Dr. Dre, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z

In the early 90s, rap hit its lyrical peak and cultural stride. Boom bap from the East Coast, G-Funk from the West, and fresh Southern voices turned hip hop into a genre of classic albums, fierce rivalries, and unstoppable mainstream influence. This is rap’s golden age.

20. A Tribe Called Quest — “Scenario” (1991)
An explosive posse cut of playful bars and bouncy jazz beats. It introduced Busta Rhymes’ wild style and defined the golden age’s fun, crew-based energy.
Released: 1991, on The Low End Theory.
Sound: Funky bassline, jazz loop, group verses.
Key Lines: Here we go yo, here we go yo...
Vibe: Energetic, witty, feel-good anthem.
Artist: A Tribe Called Quest
Redefined hip hop with jazz samples and clever, laid-back rhymes that balanced humor and insight. Cornerstones of the Native Tongues movement and blueprints for alternative rap.
– Origin: Queens, NYC, early 90s.
– Sound: Smooth jazz loops, playful back-and-forth, positive vibes.
– Key Albums: The Low End Theory, Midnight Marauders.
– General Vibe: Smart, soulful pioneers of jazz rap.
Notes: A Tribe Called Quest are not just important for jazz rap, but for the entire alternative hip hop scene. Native Tongues was an influential hip hop collective from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It also included Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, etc. Think of it as a loose crew of artists who shared a positive-minded, Afrocentric, playful, and jazzy approach to rap. This was very different from the harder street rap that was also blowing up at the time.

21. Geto Boys — “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” (1991)
A dark Southern rap milestone mixing paranoia and raw confession. Scarface’s vivid verses gave rap deep psychological storytelling rarely heard before.
Released: 1991, on We Can’t Be Stopped.
Sound: Bluesy guitar loop, steady beat, haunting lyrics.
Key Lines: My mind’s playing tricks on me...
Vibe: Introspective, eerie, street noir.
Artist: Geto Boys
Put Houston on the map with brutally honest tales of mental struggle and street survival. They paved the way for Southern rap’s gritty realism and complex narratives.
– Origin: Houston, early 90s.
– Sound: Soulful samples, dark street tales, confessional style.
– Key Albums: We Can’t Be Stopped, Grip It! On That Other Level.
– General Vibe: Gritty Southern pioneers with a psychological edge.

22. Dr. Dre — “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” (1992)
A laid-back G-Funk anthem that changed West Coast rap forever. Dre’s lush production and Snoop Dogg’s smooth flow made it a new blueprint for crossover rap hits.
Released: 1992, on The Chronic.
Sound: Funk bassline, high-pitched synth, relaxed delivery.
Key Lines: One, two, three and to the four...
Vibe: Smooth, chill, cruising vibe.
Artist: Dr. Dre
Inventor of G-Funk. He brought funk’s bounce to gangsta rap, reshaping the sound of the ‘90s. Also mentored rap’s biggest stars, repeatedly showcasing his genius as a producer and hitmaker.
– Origin: Compton, early 90s solo era.
– Sound: Slick synths, rolling bass, polished mixes.
– Key Albums: The Chronic, 2001.
– General Vibe: Visionary producer and king of West Coast sound.
Notes: Dr. Dre, the biggest hand in shaping N.W.A., also invented G-Funk with its smooth synths and deep bass built for LA cruising. Snoop Dogg’s effortless flow made this West Coast anthem iconic worldwide. In time, not only would G-Funk prove incredibly influential, but Dr Dre would raise and produce generations of rap legends such as Snoop Dog, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, etc.

23. Ice Cube — “It Was a Good Day” (1992)
A mellow gangsta rap daydream picturing LA life without drama. Cube’s vivid storytelling flipped his hardcore image and showed gangsta rap’s softer, poetic side.
Released: 1992, on The Predator.
Sound: Soulful Isley Brothers sample, warm beat, clear verses.
Key Lines: Today was a good day...
Vibe: Nostalgic, chill, urban day-in-the-life.
Artist: Ice Cube
Voice of N.W.A.’s militant edge who became a master solo storyteller. Cemented his status as a top-tier MC blending street grit with everyday reflection.
– Origin: South Central LA, early 90s solo peak.
– Sound: Funky samples, crisp lyrics, vivid scenes.
– Key Albums: AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, The Predator.
– General Vibe: Uncompromising street poet and West Coast icon.
Notes: Just like his cold cousin Ice-T, Ice Cube is famous not only because of his music, but also because he’s now been an actor for decades. Remember the sixty or so Friday sequels?

24. House of Pain — “Jump Around” (1992)
A loud, rowdy party anthem driven by that squealing horn loop. It fused rap energy with mosh pit chaos and sports hype culture.
Released: 1992, on House of Pain.
Sound: Screeching horn sample, heavy drums, shout-along hook.
Key Lines: Jump around! Jump up, jump up and get down!
Vibe: Wild, bouncy, hype machine.
Artist: House of Pain
Brought an Irish-American punk attitude to rap’s early 90s party scene. Their frat-boy chaos blurred lines between hip hop, rock crowds, and arena sports culture.
– Origin: LA/Boston blend, early 90s.
– Sound: Hard beats, rowdy delivery, unforgettable samples.
– Key Albums: House of Pain, Same as It Ever Was.
– General Vibe: Loud, reckless party starters with a lasting anthem.

Start of a New Era
By the early ‘90s, hip hop’s foundation had matured into a full renaissance: intricate rhyme schemes, regional rivalries, cinematic beats, and albums as complete art. The golden age flourished coast to coast.

25. Cypress Hill — “Insane in the Brain” (1993)
A stoner rap anthem blending Latino street vibes and psychedelic funk. Its rebellious sound and B-Real’s nasal voice made Cypress Hill alt-rock festival favorites and rap legends.
Released: 1993, on Black Sunday.
Sound: Funky bass, squealing samples, hazy chant hook.
Key Lines: Insane in the membrane! Insane in the brain!
Vibe: Trippy, rebellious, weed-smoke vibe.
Artist: Cypress Hill
Blazed a trail for Latino rappers and weed culture in hip hop. Their fusion of hip hop, funk, and rock expanded rap’s fanbase far beyond the streets.
– Origin: Los Angeles, early 90s.
– Sound: Funk grooves, nasal delivery, psychedelic samples.
– Key Albums: Black Sunday, Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom.
– General Vibe: Smoky misfits with a cult following.
Notes: Cypress Hill, LA’s stoner rap pioneers, mixed Latino street flair with psychedelic funk. DJ Muggs’ beats and B-Real’s nasal voice made this an alt-rock festival favorite and a hip hop anthem.

26. Wu-Tang Clan — “C.R.E.A.M.” (1993)
A gritty New York classic that turned street hustle into poetic wisdom. Raw beats and timeless slang made “Cash Rules Everything Around Me” rap’s ultimate hustler’s motto.
Released: 1993, on Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
Sound: Soulful piano loop, dusty drums, somber verses.
Key Lines: Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money...
Vibe: Raw, streetwise, cold winter rap.
Artist: Wu-Tang Clan
A legendary crew that redefined rap as a cryptic, street-level martial arts saga. They launched solo legends and kept New York’s hardcore sound alive through the 90s.
– Origin: Staten Island, early 90s.
– Sound: Gritty beats, kung-fu references, layered slang.
– Key Albums: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Wu-Tang Forever.
– General Vibe: Rugged street poets with mystical edge.
Notes: Wu-Tang Clan is an extremely fundamental and influential supergroup from Staten Island. These mo’fuckas laid raw, gritty beats and used cryptic slang to tell street tales. Cash Rules Everything Around Me became the mantra for 90s hustle rap. In terms of street cred, earned respect, and importance in history, Wu-Tang Clan sits way up there with the icons of the game.

27. Jeru the Damaja — “Come Clean” (1993)
A grimy East Coast classic with a dripping faucet beat and razor-sharp rhymes. Jeru’s poetic street wisdom and DJ Premier’s minimal production embodied pure boom bap.
Released: 1993, on The Sun Rises in the East.
Sound: Sparse beat, eerie water drip, dense lyricism.
Key Lines: You wanna front, what?! Jump up and get bucked...
Vibe: Minimalist, gritty, underground sharpness.
Artist: Jeru the Damaja
Symbol of Brooklyn’s no-frills lyricism, standing strong during rap’s golden age. Revered for his thought-provoking bars and Premier’s iconic production backing him.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early 90s.
– Sound: Stripped-down beats, dense verses, street philosophy.
– Key Albums: The Sun Rises in the East.
– General Vibe: Gritty sage of 90s East Coast underground.

28. Nas — “N.Y. State of Mind” (1994)
An East Coast masterpiece of street storytelling and moody jazz production. Nas’s vivid verses made him the poet laureate of New York rap overnight.
Released: 1994, on Illmatic.
Sound: Dark piano loop, dusty drums, cinematic narrative.
Key Lines: I never sleep, 'cause sleep is the cousin of death...
Vibe: Gritty, literary, street realism.
Artist: Nas
One of rap’s greatest lyricists, praised for his sharp imagery and thoughtful storytelling. He vividly painted his neighborhood. Illmatic set the gold standard for classic hip hop albums.
– Origin: Queensbridge, NYC, early-mid 90s.
– Sound: Jazz-infused beats, intricate bars, poetic detail.
– Key Albums: Illmatic, It Was Written.
– General Vibe: Urban poet with timeless street wisdom.
Notes: Nas was a prodigy, a pivotal figure in early rap history. He’s among the most influential golden age rappers, one of the founding fathers.

29. The Notorious B.I.G. — “Juicy” (1994)
A rags-to-riches anthem balancing street grit with pop sweetness. Biggie’s warm storytelling made him rap’s East Coast king and a crossover legend. An uplifting pop hit that balances nostalgia with boasting.
Released: 1994, on Ready to Die.
Sound: Smooth Mtume sample, big drums, nostalgic bars.
Key Lines: It was all a dream...
Vibe: Uplifting, braggadocious, street fairytale.
Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
East Coast’s crown jewel whose vivid tales and effortless flow made him an icon. A Mount Rushmore-level MC whose tragic murder immortalized him as a rap martyr.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early-mid 90s.
– Sound: Funky samples, storytelling flow, charming bravado.
– Key Albums: Ready to Die, Life After Death.
– General Vibe: Smooth hustler turned lyrical giant.
Notes: Biggie Smalls, the man, the legend, Brooklyn’s crowd prince, leader of the East Coast. As rap turned gangsta, two big centers would rise: The West Coast and the East Coast. 2Pac would end up best representing the West, and Biggie would end up best representing the East. If DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash are the George Washington and Thomas Jefferson of rap’s Mount Rushmore, then Biggie and 2Pac are its Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. They were both shot to death in gang-related drive-bys. They were both absolute legends that shaped hip hop.

30. Beastie Boys — “Sabotage” (1994)
A wild rap-rock explosion that blurred genre lines and brought punk chaos into hip hop. Its raw energy and iconic video cemented Beastie Boys as fearless experimenters.
Released: 1994, on Ill Communication.
Sound: Fuzzy bass, screeching guitars, shouted verses.
Key Lines: I can’t stand it, I know you planned it...
Vibe: Frenzied, rebellious, rock-fueled rap.
Artist: Beastie Boys
Young rap legends who mixed hip hop with rock, funk, and DIY spirit. Opened doors for crossover hits and kept reinventing their sound every decade.
– Origin: Manhattan, mid-90s peak.
– Sound: Rap vocals, live instruments, genre-hopping attitude.
– Key Albums: Licensed to Ill, Ill Communication.
– General Vibe: Mischievous boundary-pushers in every scene.
Notes: Let’s face it, Beastie Boys were punk pranksters. But they were also innovators, blurring rap and rock with high-octane rebellion. “Sabotage” is chaos on guitars with an immensely raw quality. It was an MTV and pop culture staple.

31. Warren G — “Regulate” (1994)
A smooth G-Funk classic blending West Coast storytelling with Nate Dogg’s soulful hook. It made cruising rap an art and topped charts worldwide. Imagine slowly cruising around LA, heads bobbing to music.
Released: 1994, on Regulate... G Funk Era.
Sound: Funky Michael McDonald sample, mellow groove, narrative lyrics.
Key Lines: Just hit the east side of the LBC...
Vibe: Relaxed, cinematic, cruising anthem.
Artist: Warren G
Defined the laid-back side of G-Funk and made storytelling radio-friendly. Helped push Long Beach’s mellow vibe into the mainstream alongside his stepbrother Dr. Dre.
– Origin: Long Beach, early-mid 90s.
– Sound: Funk samples, smooth hooks, clear scenes.
– Key Albums: Regulate... G Funk Era.
– General Vibe: Cool narrator of West Coast nightlife.
Notes: Warren G is Dr. Dre’s stepbrother and another important contributor to West Coast’s G-Funk sound.

32. Gang Starr — “Mass Appeal” (1994)
A sly jab at radio sellouts disguised as a chill boom bap anthem. DJ Premier’s timeless beat and Guru’s laid-back wisdom defined New York’s golden age sound.
Released: 1994, on Hard to Earn.
Sound: Jazzy piano loop, crisp drums, smooth monotone flow.
Key Lines: Money’s growin’ like grass with the mass appeal...
Vibe: Cool, sarcastic, true-school rap.
Artist: Gang Starr
Guru and DJ Premier set the standard for sharp lyricism over masterful beats. They embodied East Coast credibility and elevated boom bap to an art form.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early-mid 90s.
– Sound: Jazzy loops, scratched hooks, wise verses.
– Key Albums: Hard to Earn, Moment of Truth.
– General Vibe: Streetwise philosophers of classic NYC rap.
Notes: Gang Starr, DJ Premier and Guru, embodied New York’s lyrical pride. “Mass Appeal” slyly mocks sellouts while boasting razor-sharp beats and bars. I quite like this one.

33. Naughty By Nature — “Hip Hop Hooray” (1993)
An infectious party chant that bridged street rap and radio pop. Its call-and-response hook turned every crowd into a giant wave of hands in the air.
Released: 1993, on 19 Naughty III.
Sound: Funky breakbeat, catchy chorus, upbeat verses.
Key Lines: Hey! Ho! Hey! Ho!
Vibe: Joyful, anthemic, feel-good rap.
Artist: Naughty By Nature
Masters of balancing gritty neighborhood stories with crossover hits. Party rap was street-certified and chart-topping.
– Origin: East Orange, NJ, early 90s.
– Sound: Funky samples, playful hooks, tough rhymes.
– Key Albums: Naughty by Nature, 19 Naughty III.
– General Vibe: Fun-loving hitmakers with street roots.

34. OutKast — “Player’s Ball” (1993)
A smooth, funky debut that announced the South as hip hop’s next powerhouse. Andre 3000 and Big Boi’s unique style set Atlanta on the map.
Released: 1993, on Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.
Sound: Funky bassline, laid-back groove, Southern slang.
Key Lines: It’s beginning to look a lot like what? Follow me now...
Vibe: Laid-back, funky, Southern cool.
Artist: OutKast
Redefined Southern rap with poetic lyrics and genre-blending sound. Their creativity pushed hip hop’s boundaries for decades to come.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 90s.
– Sound: Funk guitars, smooth flow, playful attitude.
– Key Albums: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens.
– General Vibe: Visionary Southern poets with style and substance.
Notes: OutKast was a young duo made up of Andre 3000 and Big Boi. These two dropped a classic from Atlanta with some funky bass and Southern drawl. This was indeed an initial sign that South would soon lead. Keep your eyes on Atlanta! Also, we will encounter OutKast quite a few more times, in different styles. What would change in an even crazier manner, however, would be the look and fashion of Andre 3000. Seriously, if you’re not familiar, google how he looked in different eras. This man is always a fashion statement, whether you absolutely love or hate that day’s statement. It’s hard to feel just meh about it. We’re talking about bold choices, such as Django’s blue outfit in Django Unchained.

35. Mobb Deep — “Shook Ones Pt. II” (1995)
A cold-blooded East Coast anthem dripping with paranoia and street tension. Its haunting piano loop and grim verses defined hardcore New York rap in the mid-90s.
Released: 1995, on The Infamous.
Sound: Eerie piano, heavy bass, gritty bars.
Key Lines: Ain’t no such things as halfway crooks...
Vibe: Dark, raw, street survival mode.
Artist: Mobb Deep
Masters of grimy street realism, painting bleak pictures of Queensbridge life. Their production and icy delivery became a blueprint for hardcore NY rap.
– Origin: Queensbridge, NYC, mid-90s.
– Sound: Bleak loops, hard drums, menacing flows.
– Key Albums: The Infamous, Hell on Earth.
– General Vibe: Cold street poets with razor-sharp grit.

36. Coolio — “Gangsta’s Paradise” (1995)
A moral rap sermon that crossed over to global pop charts. Its gospel hook and message about street life made it one of hip hop’s biggest 90s hits.
Released: 1995, on Gangsta’s Paradise.
Sound: Stevie Wonder sample, choir vocals, dramatic beat.
Key Lines: Been spending most our lives living in a gangsta’s paradise...
Vibe: Somber, moral, mainstream anthem.
Artist: Coolio
Brought West Coast rap’s serious side to radio audiences worldwide. Known for turning street cautionary tales into chart-topping hits.
– Origin: Compton, mid-90s peak.
– Sound: Soulful samples, clear message, smooth delivery.
– Key Albums: Gangsta’s Paradise, My Soul.
– General Vibe: Crossover storyteller with street wisdom.
Notes: Coolio flipped Stevie Wonder (one of my favorite musicians) into a mainstream rap hit. The refrain is sampled from Stevie’s song Pastime Paradise. Pastime Paradise - Pastime + Gangsta Rap = Gangsta’s Paradise. This was on the soundtrack of Dangerous Minds. In that movie, Michelle Pfeiffer is a teacher trying to help the kids in the hood. In 1995, this song played everywhere. The combination of hip hop and gospel hook in a Hollywood movie where a White saves the Blacks turned this into a global mega-hit among White people, too, a lot of whom still hadn’t listened to any hip hop by choice before this.

37. 2Pac — “California Love” (1995)
A West Coast party anthem mixing Dre’s funky production with 2Pac’s rebellious charisma. It became a signature celebration of LA’s sunshine and street swagger.
Released: 1995, on All Eyez on Me.
Sound: Funk synth, booming drums, huge hook.
Key Lines: California knows how to party...
Vibe: Sunny, rowdy, West Coast pride.
Artist: 2Pac
One of hip hop’s immortal icons, blending poetic grit and raw emotion. His music and life made him a voice for struggle, rebellion, and untamed passion.
– Origin: Born NY, rose to power in LA, mid-90s legend.
– Sound: Funky beats, fiery delivery, deep storytelling.
– Key Albums: All Eyez on Me, Me Against the World.
– General Vibe: Rebel poet, martyr, and timeless legend.
Notes: 2Pac, rap’s rebel poet, fresh from prison, teamed with Dre for this. 2Pac is still considered at the top of the hip hop legends list by many artists. His heartfelt, cutting, powerful lyrics and his often imitated but never successfully replicated flow, along with his death in a gang shooting (adorned with a conspiracy theory that he faked his death and went on living in hiding) etched his name into hip hop’s soul. 2Pac and Biggie are the iconic representations of the West Coast and the East Coast, respectively. As I mentioned a few songs ago talking about Biggie, Mount Rushmore of hip hop would feature DJ Kool Herc as George Washington, Grandmaster Flash as Thomas Jefferson, Biggie as Theodore Roosevelt, and 2Pac as Abraham Lincoln.

38. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony — “Tha Crossroads” (1996)
A rapid-fire melodic tribute to lost loved ones. Their harmony-driven style gave rap a new spiritual, emotional dimension.
Released: 1996, on E. 1999 Eternal.
Sound: Fast harmonized raps, smooth beat, gospel undertones.
Key Lines: See you at the crossroads so you won’t be lonely...
Vibe: Emotional, mournful, melodic rap.
Artist: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Cleveland crew who fused fast raps with sung harmonies. Opened the door for melodic rap’s mainstream rise.
– Origin: Cleveland, mid-90s.
– Sound: Rapid-fire flow, layered vocals, soulful beats.
– Key Albums: E. 1999 Eternal, The Art of War.
– General Vibe: Street poets with a spiritual twist.

39. 2Pac — “Hail Mary” (1996)
A haunting, posthumous prayer from rap’s martyr. Its dark tone and prophetic verses deepened Pac’s legend after his death.
Released: 1996, on The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.
Sound: Brooding beat, somber bass, eerie echoes.
Key Lines: Come with me, Hail Mary...
Vibe: Ominous, mythic, spiritual gangsta rap.
Artist: 2Pac
One of hip hop’s immortal icons, blending poetic grit and raw emotion. His death made him a symbol of lost potential and rebellious hope.
– Origin: Born NY, rose to power in LA, mid-90s domination.
– Sound: Dark beats, intense delivery, layered messages.
– Key Albums: Me Against the World, The Don Killuminati.
– General Vibe: Rebel poet, martyr, and timeless legend.

40. Busta Rhymes — “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” (1996)
A wild, cartoonish banger that turned Busta into hip hop’s hyperactive showman. His rapid delivery and larger-than-life style made this an unforgettable party hit.
Released: 1996, on The Coming.
Sound: Bouncy breakbeat, playful samples, animated flow.
Key Lines: Woo hah!! Got you all in check!
Vibe: Zany, energetic, party chaos.
Artist: Busta Rhymes
Known for explosive energy and tongue-twisting rhymes. Pushed the limits of animated rap performances and music videos.
– Origin: Brooklyn, mid-90s solo takeoff.
– Sound: Fast raps, big ad-libs, chaotic production.
– Key Albums: The Coming, When Disaster Strikes.
– General Vibe: Lively showman and high-energy hitmaker.

41. Lauryn Hill — “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
A soul-infused anthem blending classic R&B and sharp raps. Lauryn’s smart advice and vintage vibe made her a one-of-a-kind hip hop soul queen.
Released: 1998, on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Sound: Warm horns, gospel touches, sung and rapped verses.
Key Lines: Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem...
Vibe: Wise, nostalgic, empowering.
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Merged rap with soul and gospel, raising the bar for conscious, heartfelt lyrics. Her solo work remains one of hip hop’s most respected fusions of rap and R&B.
– Origin: South Orange, NJ, late 90s peak.
– Sound: Soul samples, melodic flow, honest words.
– Key Albums: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
– General Vibe: Thoughtful, soulful, timelessly relevant.

42. DMX — “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” (1998)
An aggressive rally cry with Swizz Beatz’s minimalist beat. DMX’s raw bark and rebellious energy reenergized hardcore rap at the end of the 90s.
Released: 1998, on It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.
Sound: Simple drum loop, barked hooks, gritty verses.
Key Lines: Stop, drop, shut ‘em down, open up shop...
Vibe: Rugged, rebellious, pit bull rap.
Artist: DMX
Brought raw intensity back when shiny rap ruled the charts. His growl and honest pain made him beloved in the streets and mainstream alike.
– Origin: Yonkers, NY, late 90s.
– Sound: Hard beats, barking delivery, confessional lyrics.
– Key Albums: It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, Flesh of My Flesh.
– General Vibe: Ferocious, vulnerable king of late 90s grit.
Notes: After 2Pac and Biggie died within a 6 month span, hardcore rap took a big hit. DMX took the flag over as their heir. DMX was intense and gruff.

43. Jay-Z — “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” (1998)
A clever flip of Broadway’s Annie hook into a street hustler’s anthem. It catapulted Jay-Z into superstardom and showcased his business-minded charisma.
Released: 1998, on Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.
Sound: Annie sample, crisp drums, smooth brag rap.
Key Lines: It’s a hard knock life for us...
Vibe: Aspirational, witty, slick hustler rap.
Artist: Jay-Z
A true mogul who turned street tales into an empire and crossed rap into boardrooms. Consistently shaped trends and mentored the next generation of artists.
– Origin: Brooklyn, late 90s empire rise.
– Sound: Soul samples, sharp wordplay, polished flows.
– Key Albums: Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint.
– General Vibe: Cool hustler turned rap’s ultimate businessman.
Notes: Jay-Z, along with his wife Beyonce, would keep rising from this point onwards to his current position ruling the music industry. Today, he is the emperor, the sultan, the most powerful, the top dog among producers. In hidden corners of cocktail parties, people suggest that Jay-Z determines who gets the Grammy awards. Be careful, don’t get on his bad side if you want to survive in this industry.

44. Big Pun — “Still Not a Player” (1998)
A flirty hit mixing Pun’s rapid fire bars with radio-ready bounce. It made him rap’s first solo Latino platinum star and a punchline legend.
Released: 1998, on Capital Punishment.
Sound: Funky piano, catchy chorus, double-time flow.
Key Lines: I’m not a player, I just crush a lot...
Vibe: Fun, cheeky, smooth-talker rap.
Artist: Big Pun
Broke barriers for Latino MCs with his lyrical dexterity and charisma. Influenced countless fast rappers with intricate rhyme schemes.
– Origin: The Bronx, late 90s.
– Sound: Punchy beats, witty bars, rapid delivery.
– Key Albums: Capital Punishment.
– General Vibe: Latin rapper with heavyweight wordplay.

45. OutKast — “Rosa Parks” (1998)
A bold fusion of Southern funk, acoustic guitar, and playful protest spirit. OutKast mixed old-school soul and futuristic slang to push rap’s sound forward. This track confirmed Atlanta as hip hop’s next creative capital.
Released: 1998, on Aquemini.
Sound: Funky harmonica, stomping beat, slick verses.
Key Lines: Ah ha, hush that fuss...
Vibe: Quirky, soulful, rebellious.
Artist: OutKast
Redefined Southern rap with wild imagination and genre-bending albums. Inspired a wave of Southern innovators to take creative risks.
– Origin: Atlanta, late 90s.
– Sound: Funk guitars, playful hooks, poetic flow.
– Key Albums: Aquemini, Stankonia.
– General Vibe: Visionary funk-rap poets with Southern pride.

46. Black Star — “Definition” (1998)
A crisp boom bap revival in an era crowded with shiny pop rap. Mos Def and Talib Kweli traded sharp bars about unity and staying real. Their chemistry gave underground fans hope that conscious rap would never die.
Released: 1998, on Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star.
Sound: DJ Hi-Tek’s rubbery bass, tight snares, quick bars.
Key Lines: One two three, Mos Def and Talib Kweli...
Vibe: Smart, grounded, backpack classic.
Artist: Black Star
Embodied late 90s conscious rap’s sharp edge and poetic message. Kept socially aware hip hop alive as the mainstream chased hits.
– Origin: Brooklyn, late 90s.
– Sound: Jazz-flecked loops, clever rhymes, unity themes.
– Key Albums: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star.
– General Vibe: Underground truth-tellers for rap purists.

47. Dr. Dre — “Forgot About Dre” (feat. Eminem) (1999)
A swaggering reminder that Dre was still rap’s top producer after a decade on top. His crisp beat and Eminem’s manic verse showed hip hop’s past and future in one song. This track cemented Dre’s rebirth and Em’s rise to superstardom.
Released: 1999, on 2001.
Sound: Tight drums, ghostly synths, punchline-heavy verses.
Key Lines: Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got somethin’ to say...
Vibe: Polished, fierce, triumphant.
Artist: Dr. Dre
Built gangsta rap’s blueprint, then refined it into platinum G-Funk for the new millennium. Launched legends like Eminem and 50 Cent, proving his genius twice over.
– Origin: Compton, late 90s comeback.
– Sound: Smooth yet hard-hitting beats, flawless mix, iconic hooks.
– Key Albums: The Chronic, 2001.
– General Vibe: Legendary producer always ahead of the curve.

End of an Era
By the late 90s, rap’s lyrical golden age gave way to platinum sales, big brand deals, and superstar moguls. The Platinum Era was ready: rap would be pop’s biggest product.

2000s

The Platinum Era & Mogul Rap

Leading Artists: Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent, OutKast, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, T.I.

The 2000s turned rap into the world’s pop music. Major labels minted multi-platinum superstars. Beats got glossier, hooks catchier, and rappers expanded into clothing lines, movies, and mogul empires. Southern sounds, from crunk to trap, rose fast. This was rap’s commercial peak — shiny, unstoppable, and everywhere. When something enters mainstream, studios flock around it and studify it, same-ify it to not offend ears on the radio. With this polish, you lose some of the rawness of early hip hop, but you print money. Thankfully, artists kept innovating and diversifying hip hop throughout this decade, too.

48. OutKast — “Ms. Jackson” (2000)
A heartfelt apology wrapped in playful rhymes and catchy soul hooks. OutKast turned messy relationship drama into a global singalong hit. This quirky classic is deep, funky, and it destroyed the charts.
Released: 2000, on Stankonia.
Sound: Sweet piano loop, funky bass, singalong chorus.
Key Lines: I’m sorry Ms. Jackson, I am for real...
Vibe: Witty, honest, soulful groove.
Artist: OutKast
Masters of blending street wisdom with wild creativity and Southern funk. Kept pushing rap forward with every album, inspiring artists far beyond the South.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2000s.
– Sound: Funky live instruments, soulful hooks, vivid verses.
– Key Albums: Stankonia, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.
– General Vibe: Genre-bending Southern trailblazers.
Notes: I told you to watch this space for Atlanta, but so far we got nothing but OutKast from there. Hold your horses, though, people. This city is about to blow up.

49. Eminem — “Stan” (2000)
A dark storytelling masterpiece about a fan’s obsession gone too far. Eminem’s vivid writing and Dido’s haunting hook made this one of rap’s most chilling cautionary tales. It raised the bar for narrative depth in hip hop.
Released: 2000, on The Marshall Mathers LP.
Sound: Melancholic Dido sample, rain effects, dramatic verses.
Key Lines: Dear Slim, I wrote you but you still ain’t callin’...
Vibe: Intense, haunting, tragic.
Artist: Eminem
Redefined mainstream rap with shock value, raw honesty, and lyrical genius. One of rap’s sharpest writers and biggest crossover stars ever.
– Origin: Detroit, early 2000s peak.
– Sound: Story-driven bars, dark beats, personal confessions.
– Key Albums: The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show.
– General Vibe: Fearless wordsmith and controversial icon.
Notes: Ask anybody, anybody, in the world of hip hop, who they would most fear getting into a diss battle with. Anybody. They would say Eminem, and they would be god damn right. Also, Eminem happens to be the first and only person in history capable of rhyming with orange. Google it.

50. Missy Elliott — “Get Ur Freak On” (2001)
An outlandish club banger driven by Indian-inspired beats and Missy’s playful swagger. She flipped rap’s sound with futuristic production and fearless weirdness. The track made her a household name and a genre rule-breaker.
Released: 2001, on Miss E... So Addictive.
Sound: Tabla drums, quirky synths, catchy chants.
Key Lines: Get your freak on, get your freak on...
Vibe: Bold, freaky, dancefloor magic.
Artist: Missy Elliott
Trailblazer for women in hip hop and an innovator who kept rap playful and futuristic. Constantly reinvented visuals and sound, influencing a generation of hitmakers.
– Origin: Virginia, early 2000s.
– Sound: Unconventional beats, playful rhymes, cutting-edge hooks.
– Key Albums: Miss E... So Addictive, Under Construction.
– General Vibe: Fearless hitmaker with an unstoppable imagination.

51. Missy Elliott — “Work It” (2002)
A playful flip of words, backward lines, and cheeky attitude made this an instant dance floor magnet. Missy rapped and sang over Timbaland’s wild beat like nobody else could. The song cemented her as rap’s weirdest and most fearless hitmaker.
Released: 2002, on Under Construction.
Sound: Backward vocals, dirty bassline, clever ad-libs.
Key Lines: Is it worth it, let me work it...
Vibe: Cheeky, bold, fun.
Artist: Missy Elliott
A pioneer of visual and sonic innovation in rap, especially for women. Her futuristic beats and unfiltered humor influenced pop and hip hop alike.
– Origin: Virginia, early 2000s.
– Sound: Bizarre samples, slick wordplay, genre-bending hooks.
– Key Albums: Under Construction, Miss E... So Addictive.
– General Vibe: Unpredictable, playful queen of left-field hits.
Notes: The cool accent of this song is Missy repeatedly saying “I put my thing down, flip it, and reserve it” in reverse (the tape is running backwards). So she’s actually saying “Ti esrever dna ti pilf, nwod gniht ym tup I”.

52. Nelly — “Hot in Herre” (2002)
A summer anthem that turned sweat and flirtation into pure pop-rap fun. The Neptunes’ bouncy beat and Nelly’s laid-back delivery made it irresistible. It became a soundtrack for countless parties and a crossover chart monster.
Released: 2002, on Nellyville.
Sound: Funky groove, catchy hook, playful lyrics.
Key Lines: It’s gettin’ hot in here, so take off all your clothes...
Vibe: Flirty, carefree, dance-ready.
Artist: Nelly
Bridged Midwest charm with universal pop appeal, turning catchy hooks into huge hits. One of the 2000s’ biggest hitmakers, bringing sing-song rap to the masses.
– Origin: St. Louis, early 2000s.
– Sound: Smooth vocals, pop melodies, lighthearted vibe.
– Key Albums: Country Grammar, Nellyville.
– General Vibe: Radio-friendly party rapper with crossover magic.

53. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz — “Get Low” (2002)
A rowdy club chant that brought crunk to mainstream. Lil Jon’s shouted hooks and bass-heavy beat turned dance floors into chaos zones. The anthem defined an era of wild Southern party rap.
Released: 2002, on Kings of Crunk.
Sound: Booming bass, repeated chants, high-energy beat.
Key Lines: To the window, to the wall...
Vibe: Loud, reckless, sweaty fun.
Artist: Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Masters of turning Southern nightlife into anthems shouted worldwide. Lil Jon’s hype-man style made crunk a mainstream phenomenon.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2000s.
– Sound: Heavy bass, shouted hooks, raw energy.
– Key Albums: Kings of Crunk, Crunk Juice.
– General Vibe: Party kings with zero volume control.
Notes: A-ha! I told you! Keep your eyes on Atlanta, I said. Boom, here’s another one from Atlanta: Lil Jon. This li’l guy turned strip club chants into stadium anthems. Crunk is the name for such rowdy let’s get high and fuck shit up, party, whooo-hooo approach to rap from the South around Atlanta and Mississippi. Get Low launched this drunk-as-hell Southern party rap into the charts. Bullseye. It’s sweaty, it’s loud, and it’s about to throw up.

54. Clipse — “Grindin’” (2002)
A minimal, hard-hitting beat paired with vivid tales of hustling made this a street classic. The Neptunes’ stripped-down production inspired a new sound for rap beats. Clipse’s sharp bars turned lunchroom tables into imaginary drum kits everywhere.
Released: 2002, on Lord Willin’.
Sound: Sparse drums, no melody, gritty rhymes.
Key Lines: From ghetto to ghetto, backyard to yard...
Vibe: Raw, stark, hustler rap.
Artist: Clipse
Virginia brothers who painted vivid coke rap stories with cool precision. Pusha T especially became a king of luxury street tales for decades to follow.
– Origin: Virginia Beach, early 2000s.
– Sound: Bare-bones drums, tight flows, street tales.
– Key Albums: Lord Willin’, Hell Hath No Fury.
– General Vibe: Cold-blooded dealers turned wordplay masters.

55. Eminem — “Lose Yourself” (2002)
A powerful underdog anthem that captured raw determination and fear of failure. Eminem’s urgent delivery and rock-rap beat made it his signature hit. It won an Oscar and turned rap into stadium motivation music.
Released: 2002, on 8 Mile Soundtrack.
Sound: Gritty guitar riff, driving drums, intense vocals.
Key Lines: You better lose yourself in the music...
Vibe: Inspiring, tense, adrenaline-pumping.
Artist: Eminem
Master storyteller whose brutally honest bars crossed rap into pop culture like no other. Continues to be rap’s unpredictable, relentless wordsmith.
– Origin: Detroit, early 2000s peak.
– Sound: Rock influences, confessional lyrics, complex rhyme schemes.
– Key Albums: The Eminem Show, The Marshall Mathers LP.
– General Vibe: Unfiltered rap poet with unstoppable drive.
Notes: 8 Mile is a rap battle in the hood movie, but it’s structured a lot like Rocky. An unlikely, shy underdog with a heart and pure raw talent beats the odds and smokes the reigning champion, and most of the movie is dialogue in the ghetto rather than fighting/rapping. The formula works, just as it did in Rocky, even if perhaps not to that extend. Eminem’s charisma does carry the movie with sufficient momentum, and the movie really pops when he starts doing what he does best: smoke muthafakkas in rapid-flow rap diss battles. The final battle climax is awesome. Eminem’s big bad opponent is played by Anthony Mackie. This is actually his debut movie, way before his meteoric rise to global fame as Falcon / the new Captain America in Marvel’s Avengers movies. Apparently, the day before they shot the final rap battle, Eminem chatted with Anthony Mackie for two hours, they talked abour their pasts, etc. The next day, Eminem comes to the set and starts rapping. Except, he isn’t dissing the film’s villain character (played by Mackie), he’s dissing Anthony Mackie himself. Check out Mackie’s face, his actual reaction to that first take is In the movie. Savage.

56. 50 Cent — “In Da Club” (2003)
A bulletproof party anthem that ruled radios, clubs, and car stereos for a year straight. Dre’s slick production and 50’s effortless hook turned a gritty hustler into a mainstream icon overnight. It defined early 2000s rap swagger and birthday shout-outs for decades.
Released: 2003, on Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
Sound: Bouncy bassline, sharp drums, catchy chorus.
Key Lines: Go shorty, it’s your birthday...
Vibe: Confident, carefree, club-ready.
Artist: 50 Cent
Mixtape king turned hitmaker whose survival story added real grit to his catchy hits. One of the 2000s’ biggest rap stars, known for street smarts and pop hooks alike.
– Origin: Queens, early 2000s.
– Sound: Gangsta rap edge, radio-ready beats, unforgettable hooks.
– Key Albums: Get Rich or Die Tryin’, The Massacre.
– General Vibe: Bulletproof hustler with pop appeal.
Notes: 50 Cent, mentored by Dre and Eminem, was a bulletproof mixtape king — someone that produces mixtapes and influenced many through that medium, rather than studio records. Dre and Eminem turned him into a hit machine. “In Da Club” dominated radios and parties — the Platinum Era’s birthday anthem. I have to say, his music is cool and fun, but I am a huge fan of 50 Cent’s personality. This guy is smart, polite, charming, loving, creative, and he won’t back down from anything. Everybody and their mothers listened to In Da Club constantly, on repeat, for a whole year. It was in your face everywhere you went, no matter how mainstream or stuck up.

57. Kanye West — “Through the Wire” (2003)
A soulful debut single recorded with his jaw literally wired shut after a near-fatal car accident. Kanye flipped pain into triumph with a pitched-up Chaka Khan sample and great rapping. This intro marked him as rap’s new soulful, self-aware star. Oh boy. This was only the beginning.
Released: 2003, on The College Dropout.
Sound: Soul sample, chipmunk vocals, heartfelt verses.
Key Lines: I drink a Boost for breakfast, an Ensure for dessert...
Vibe: Vulnerable, inspiring, fresh.
Artist: Kanye West
Shifted mainstream rap by adding emotion, self-reflection, and lush soul beats. One of hip hop’s most influential and controversial boundary-pushers.
– Origin: Chicago, early 2000s breakthrough.
– Sound: Soulful samples, honest lyrics, experimental twists.
– Key Albums: The College Dropout, Late Registration.
– General Vibe: Outspoken innovator blending rap with pop culture spectacle.
Notes: Kanye West is a producer from Chicago, who started with sampling soul. He rapped this debut in a personal, raw, and melodic way. It made him the new star of heartfelt, artful rap. Of course Kanye (or Ye) ended up being one of the most famous people on Earth. He is bipolar, a narcissist, a proud anti-semite, and a big fan of Trump and Hitler both. He brought a lot of fantastic innovations to hip hop, he is a musical genius, but the man is certifiably crazy.

58. OutKast — “Hey Ya!” (2003)
A genre-bending smash that blended pop, funk, and rap into one joyous explosion. Andre 3000’s playful vocals and live-band vibe made this a global dance floor classic. It cemented OutKast as pop-rap geniuses.
Released: 2003, on Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.
Sound: Bouncy guitar, claps, shouted singalong lines.
Key Lines: Shake it like a Polaroid picture...
Vibe: Energetic, quirky, dance party hit.
Artist: OutKast
Southern icons who consistently reinvented rap with bold ideas and genre mash-ups. Pioneered Atlanta’s rise and inspired countless artists to get weird.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2000s peak.
– Sound: Funky instruments, catchy hooks, unpredictable flows.
– Key Albums: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Stankonia.
– General Vibe: Eclectic visionaries fusing funk, soul, and rap.
Notes: I mean, as long as you’re healthy and safe, how can you not have fun listening to this?

59. Jay-Z — “99 Problems” (2003)
A hard-hitting rap-rock crossover with Rick Rubin’s raw guitar beat and Jay’s fearless bars. The track showcased Jay’s masterful storytelling and unshakable confidence. It reinforced his place as a rap mogul who never lost street edge.
Released: 2003, on The Black Album.
Sound: Distorted guitar riff, boom-bap drums, sharp verses.
Key Lines: I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one...
Vibe: Gritty, rebellious, commanding.
Artist: Jay-Z
Turned hustler anthems into business empires while staying lyrically sharp. Remains one of rap’s most influential moguls and cultural gatekeepers.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early 2000s dominance.
– Sound: Soulful samples or rock riffs, polished flow, witty wordplay.
– Key Albums: The Black Album, The Blueprint.
– General Vibe: Suave hustler turned rap’s reigning tycoon.
Notes: For this rock guitar banger, Jay-Z teamed up with Rick Rubin—a musical genius with no technical ability whatsoever, a therapist for musicians, a lyrical manifestation of confidence in one’s taste, a well of endless creativity, and a mysterious sort of Rasputin of music. Those guitar chords will puncture your body and bury themselves deep into your soul. The production is flawless. This is just a masterpiece of a song.

Start of a New Era
By the mid-2000s, rap’s shiny hit era shifted. Crunk evolved toward trap. Mixtape kings like Lil Wayne bent rules and flooded the web with free music. Rap was becoming digital, experimental, and more rebellious.

60. Ludacris — “Stand Up” (2003)
A booming Southern club banger with Ludacris’s playful charisma front and center. Kanye’s beat and Luda’s cartoon humor made it impossible to ignore. This anthem helped cement Atlanta’s reign over 2000s party rap.
Released: 2003, on Chicken-n-Beer.
Sound: Bouncy synths, pounding drums, goofy ad-libs.
Key Lines: When I move, you move...
Vibe: Rowdy, fun, Southern club vibe.
Artist: Ludacris
Atlanta’s larger-than-life jokester who mixed outrageous punchlines with radio hits. One of the 2000s’ key voices for Southern rap’s mainstream explosion.
– Origin: Atlanta, early-mid 2000s.
– Sound: Energetic beats, quick wit, party anthems.
– Key Albums: Word of Mouf, Chicken-n-Beer.
– General Vibe: Clever showman and factory of Southern club hits.

61. Twista — “Slow Jamz” (feat. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx) (2004)
A silky tribute to old-school R&B mixed with rapid-fire verses. Twista’s tongue-twisting speed and Kanye’s smooth hook made it an instant bedroom hit. It showed rap could be both technically dazzling and radio-friendly sexy.
Released: 2004, on Kamikaze.
Sound: Soul sample, laid-back drums, fast verses.
Key Lines: She said she want some Marvin Gaye, some Luther Vandross...
Vibe: Sultry, witty, feel-good.
Artist: Twista
Chicago’s speed-rap king known for his record-breaking flow and clever wordplay. Helped popularize double-time rap in the mainstream.
– Origin: Chicago, early 2000s peak.
– Sound: Rapid delivery, melodic hooks, playful charm.
– Key Albums: Kamikaze, Adrenaline Rush.
– General Vibe: Fast-talking hitmaker with Midwest flair.
Notes: You’ve got to adore that beginning. I love Jamie Foxx.

62. Fabolous — “Breathe” (2004)
An East Coast street banger with dramatic production and sharp wordplay. Fabolous rode Just Blaze’s orchestral beat with cool punchlines and swagger. It was a standout moment proving New York rap could still roar in the South-dominated 2000s.
Released: 2004, on Real Talk.
Sound: Orchestral sample, pounding drums, crisp flow.
Key Lines: Just breathe, one and then the two...
Vibe: Intense, cinematic, braggadocious.
Artist: Fabolous
Brooklyn’s punchline champ with a smooth delivery and street charm. Kept classic New York style alive while still appealing to radio.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early 2000s.
– Sound: Lush beats, witty bars, radio appeal.
– Key Albums: Ghetto Fabolous, Real Talk.
– General Vibe: Slick talker balancing street edge and mainstream hits.

63. Kanye West — “Jesus Walks” (2004)
A fearless anthem about faith in mainstream rap. Kanye rapped about struggle and salvation over military drums and a gospel choir. Ye was already on his journey to show everybody how to dominate charts.
Released: 2004, on The College Dropout.
Sound: Gospel choir, marching drums, passionate verses.
Key Lines: Jesus walks with me...
Vibe: Spiritual, triumphant, bold.
Artist: Kanye West
Rewrote hip hop’s rulebook by blending soul, confessions, and grand ambition. One of rap’s biggest risk-takers and cultural lightning rods.
– Origin: Chicago, mid-2000s icon status.
– Sound: Soul samples, honest lyrics, genre-blending.
– Key Albums: The College Dropout, Late Registration.
– General Vibe: Visionary producer and outspoken superstar.
Notes: I’ll keep saying how dangerous Kanye’s untreated mental illnesses and how horrible his antisemite, fascist, megalomaniacal behaviors are, because it’s important. But also, at some point, this man arguably achieved what nobody could achieve since the Beatles. Constantly innovative, boundary-pushing music adored by both the critics and the masses, selling like hotcakes. He started an unbroken streak of chart-topping multi-platinum albums that just did not stop. It’s no wonder his brain broke.

64. Snoop Dogg — “Drop It Like It’s Hot” (feat. Pharrell) (2004)
A minimalist hit driven by tongue clicks, spare keys, and Snoop’s effortless cool. Pharrell’s beat and hook made it an instant radio staple. It cemented Snoop’s comeback as a laid-back icon for a new generation.
Released: 2004, on R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece.
Sound: Clicky percussion, synth stabs, smooth flow.
Key Lines: When the pimp’s in the crib ma, drop it like it’s hot...
Vibe: Chill, slick, stylish.
Artist: Snoop Dogg
West Coast legend whose laid-back drawl became rap’s smoothest signature. Adapted to trends while staying effortlessly himself for decades.
– Origin: Long Beach, mid-2000s resurgence.
– Sound: Funky G-Funk roots, mellow beats, catchy hooks.
– Key Albums: Doggystyle, R&G: The Masterpiece.
– General Vibe: Timeless cool uncle of hip hop.

65. Kanye West — “Gold Digger” (feat. Jamie Foxx) (2005)
A cheeky breakup song sampling Ray Charles by way of Jamie Foxx. Kanye’s witty verses and the addictive hook made it an unstoppable radio juggernaut. It showed his genius for turning soul samples into pop gold.
Released: 2005, on Late Registration.
Sound: Soul sample, bouncy drums, playful rhymes.
Key Lines: She take my money when I’m in need...
Vibe: Fun, sarcastic, danceable.
Artist: Kanye West
Blended vintage soul with cutting-edge production, rewriting the sound of mainstream rap. Cemented his place as both a hitmaker and a pop provocateur.
– Origin: Chicago, mid-2000s superstar run.
– Sound: Warm samples, humorous bars, radio polish with genre-blending.
– Key Albums: Late Registration, Graduation.
– General Vibe: Brash innovator mixing charm and chaos.
Notes: Kanye has that magic touch. Shout out to my boy Jamie on this one.

66. The Game — “Hate It or Love It” (feat. 50 Cent) (2005)
A soulful West Coast anthem about rising from rough beginnings. Game and 50 share nostalgic verses over Dre’s smooth production. It reconnected LA rap with heartfelt street storytelling during the G-Unit era. G-Unit, short for Gorilla Unit, was the name of 50 Cent’s street posse rap group in Queens before he hit the big leagues.
Released: 2005, on The Documentary.
Sound: Warm soul loop, steady drums, reflective lyrics.
Key Lines: Hate it or love it, the underdog’s on top...
Vibe: Laid-back, real, hopeful.
Artist: The Game
Helped revive California rap in the 2000s with gritty honesty and Dre’s mentorship. Became Compton’s new voice after the golden G-Funk days.
– Origin: Compton, mid-2000s breakthrough.
– Sound: Soul samples, narrative verses, West Coast bounce.
– Key Albums: The Documentary, Doctor’s Advocate.
– General Vibe: Street poet bridging old and new LA rap.

67. Chamillionaire — “Ridin’” (feat. Krayzie Bone) (2005)
An infectious anthem about cruising, profiling, and staying sharp. Chamillionaire’s smooth hook and Krayzie Bone’s melodic verse gave it massive crossover appeal. Its catchy vibe turned a street gang concept into a pop culture catchphrase.
Released: 2005, on The Sound of Revenge.
Sound: Bouncy synths, rolling beat, slick flow.
Key Lines: They see me rollin’, they hatin’...
Vibe: Cool, catchy, rebellious.
Artist: Chamillionaire
Houston wordsmith who brought Southern style and savvy wordplay to the mainstream. Rode the 2000s wave of Southern dominance with charm and hustle.
– Origin: Houston, mid-2000s peak.
– Sound: Polished beats, sing-song hooks, street-savvy lyrics.
– Key Albums: The Sound of Revenge.
– General Vibe: Smooth operator with clever bars.
Notes: The way this song ends never fails to make me laugh. :)

68. T.I. — “What You Know” (2006)
A grand, horn-heavy anthem dripping with Southern swagger. T.I.’s confident delivery and cinematic beat made it a highlight of Atlanta rap’s mainstream moment. This single solidified him as a major Southern hitmaker.
Released: 2006, on King.
Sound: Orchestral horns, booming bass, steady flow.
Key Lines: What you know about that...
Vibe: Regal, bold, strutting.
Artist: T.I.
One of ATL’s top voices blending trap grit with chart-ready finesse. Claimed his throne in the South’s rap explosion of the 2000s.
– Origin: Atlanta, mid-2000s dominance.
– Sound: Majestic beats, precise flow, confident lyrics.
– Key Albums: King, Urban Legend.
– General Vibe: Polished trap heavyweight with street pride.
Notes: Atlanta strikes again, baby! What a prolific city when it comes to influential rappers. T.I. is among the important artists of this period. Pharrell once called him the Jay-Z of the South.

69. UGK — “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” (feat. OutKast) (2007)
A Southern classic mixing sweet soul, heartfelt verses, and a playful vibe. Bun B and Pimp C trade lines with Andre and Big Boi (the OutKast duo from Atlanta) in a timeless ode to love and loyalty. It became a rap wedding staple and a love letter to Southern storytelling.
Released: 2007, on Underground Kingz.
Sound: Willie Hutch sample, big drums, laid-back flow.
Key Lines: Keep your heart, three stacks, keep your heart...
Vibe: Smooth, funny, celebratory.
Artist: UGK
Port Arthur legends who brought Texas pimp talk and soulful beats to the rap world. Elevated Southern hip hop’s depth and authenticity for decades.
– Origin: Port Arthur, Texas, 90s–2000s staples.
– Sound: Funky basslines, drawled flows, slick wordplay.
– Key Albums: Ridin’ Dirty, Underground Kingz.
– General Vibe: Street philosophers with Southern charm.

70. M.I.A. — “Paper Planes” (2008)
A global protest jam mixing Clash samples, gunshots, and sly humor. M.I.A. turned immigrant hustle and rebellion into an unexpected pop smash. It hinted at rap’s future as a truly worldwide sound.
Released: 2008, on Kala.
Sound: Reggae groove, catchy hook, gunshot ad-libs.
Key Lines: All I wanna do is [gunshots] and [cash register] take your money...
Vibe: Edgy, ironic, anthemic.
Artist: M.I.A.
Blended hip hop, world beats, and political defiance with a DIY spirit. Paved the way for genre-bending pop rebels in rap and beyond.
– Origin: London, Sri Lankan roots, late 2000s peak.
– Sound: Global samples, cheeky lyrics, raw energy.
– Key Albums: Kala, Arular.
– General Vibe: Rebel pop-rapper with global attitude.

71. Lil Wayne — “A Milli” (2008)
A hypnotic loop and non-stop wordplay turned this into a mixtape-style smash. Lil Wayne unleashed punchlines and weird flexes without a proper hook. It captured him at his freestyle peak, flooding radio with raw bars.
Released: 2008, on Tha Carter III.
Sound: Repetitive vocal sample, booming bass, relentless flow.
Key Lines: A millionaire, I’m a Young Money millionaire...
Vibe: Brash, unfiltered, freestyle heat.
Artist: Lil Wayne
A relentless studio rat who dropped mixtapes and hits until he dominated the 2000s. Influenced a whole generation with his playful wordplay and off-the-cuff genius.
– Origin: New Orleans, late 2000s prime.
– Sound: Punchline-heavy bars, quirky voice, versatile flows.
– Key Albums: Tha Carter II, Tha Carter III.
– General Vibe: Eccentric rap machine always spitting something new.

72. Jay-Z — “Empire State of Mind” (feat. Alicia Keys) (2009)
A triumphant love letter to New York City with an unforgettable piano hook. Jay-Z’s confident verses and Alicia’s anthemic chorus made it an instant city classic. It gave New York a new rap anthem for a new century.
Released: 2009, on The Blueprint 3.
Sound: Grand piano chords, crisp drums, soaring vocals.
Key Lines: Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...
Vibe: Majestic, nostalgic, urban pride.
Artist: Jay-Z
New York’s most enduring hustler-turned-mogul who shaped rap’s sound and business for decades. Always balanced slick street tales with polished crossover hits.
– Origin: Brooklyn, late 2000s titan.
– Sound: Soulful beats, tight rhymes, big hooks.
– Key Albums: The Blueprint, The Black Album.
– General Vibe: Polished emperor of modern rap business and sound.
Notes: Say what you will about the emperor, he knows how to produce good music that also sells well. He ended up as the emperor for a reason.

End of an Era
By the late 2000s, rap’s polished, radio-dominant Platinum Era faded. Mixtapes, blogs, and online leaks sparked a raw, personal, and internet-first generation — setting up hip hop’s next transformation.

2010s

Streaming from Spotify in a Viral Age

Leading Artists: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Future, Migos, Travis Scott, Cardi B

In the 2010s, hip hop shaped pop culture’s entire playbook. Mixtape kings became streaming icons. Social media, Youtube, and later Tiktok turned songs into memes and memes into hits overnight. Trap beats, melodic hooks, and raw confessional lyrics thrived alongside club anthems and protest rap. Rap became the internet’s native language.

73. Kanye West — “POWER” (2010)
A larger-than-life anthem dripping with ego and existential angst. Kanye layered massive drums, a King Crimson riff, and philosophical bars about fame’s cost. It cemented him as hip hop’s most unpredictable provocateur.
Released: 2010, on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Sound: Rock guitar sample, tribal drums, chant-like hook.
Key Lines: No one man should have all that power...
Vibe: Grandiose, defiant, theatrical.
Artist: Kanye West
Broke rap’s rules by blending raw confession, orchestral beats, and pop spectacle. Continues to shift culture even at his most controversial moments.
– Origin: Chicago, 2010 creative peak.
– Sound: Epic production, introspective verses, genre mash-ups.
– Key Albums: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Graduation.
– General Vibe: Flawed visionary always pushing boundaries.
Notes: After his influential Heartbreaks and 808s album (which got mixed reviews but cemented itself in history over time) Kanye returned with massive drums and King Crimson. This is Kanye’s grand ego singing, pure and from its black heart. He yells that he is hip hop’s avant-garde superstar. And you know what, he is. He is Ye, the one, the savior, the Miracle of God, the Mahdi, Lisan al-Gaib. Geez, man, take it down a notch, please. The song is absolutely fantastic, though. I unapologetically love it.

74. Nicki Minaj — “Super Bass” (2010)
A bubblegum banger mixing pop sparkle with rapid-fire verses. Nicki’s playful delivery and cartoonish attitude made her a household name. It marked her arrival as rap’s top female superstar in a male-heavy game.
Released: 2010, on Pink Friday (Deluxe).
Sound: Poppy synths, thumping bass, fast flows.
Key Lines: Boom, badoom boom, boom badoom boom bass...
Vibe: Flirty, colorful, catchy.
Artist: Nicki Minaj
Brought theatrical bars and bold characters to modern rap. She stayed focused on pop and opened doors for many other women in hip hop.
– Origin: Queens, early 2010s breakout.
– Sound: Animated delivery, catchy hooks, rapid verses.
– Key Albums: Pink Friday, The Pinkprint.
– General Vibe: Shape-shifting rap diva with pop edge.

75. DJ Khaled — “All I Do Is Win” (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross) (2010)
A motivational chant tailor-made for sports arenas and meme glory. T-Pain’s hook and Khaled’s hype formula made it an unavoidable anthem. It showcased how DJ Khaled assembled big names into viral moments before Tiktok ruled.
Released: 2010, on Victory.
Sound: Brass fanfare, punchy drums, catchy group hook.
Key Lines: All I do is win win win no matter what...
Vibe: Victorious, hype, unstoppable.
Artist: DJ Khaled
Loud hype-man turned mega-collaborator, blending star power and meme-worthy catchphrases. Defined the “rap posse cut” for a new generation of social media hits.
– Origin: Miami, early 2010s rise.
– Sound: Anthemic beats, big hooks, crowd chants.
– Key Albums: We the Best, Major Key.
– General Vibe: Meme-savvy motivator gathering big names for hits.
Notes: This man is one of the most delusional high-ego personalities I’ve ever seen. This song is meme gold, and memes are indeed the lifeblood of this moron, because without them I’m not sure if he’d be this famous. Khaled went on Hot Ones, the Youtube show where celebrities eat increasingly hotter sauces, and under heavy duress / extreme pain, answer meticulously crafted interview questions by Sean Evans. It’s tough, but everybody goes through the whole thing. It’s a journey of 10 chicken wings, with sauces starting to get real hot around the sixth. Dj Khaled quit after just 3 wings, while they were still in very mild territory. He claimed, "I don't even like hot sauce, period. For me to do three of them was amazing!" He kept insisting that he didn’t quit and this wasn’t an L (loss). You know, because all he does is win. You can see some of that here. I know I took way too long on this detour, but I’m fascinated by the absolute lack of self-awareness by this man.

76. Waka Flocka Flame — “No Hands” (feat. Roscoe Dash & Wale) (2010)
A wild club banger built on Lex Luger’s pounding beat and a chant-ready hook. Waka’s raw energy made it a staple at parties and college ragers. It captured the last blast of the crunk era as it morphed into modern trap.
Released: 2010, on Flockaveli.
Sound: Thunderous bass, snare rolls, chant chorus.
Key Lines: Girl the way you movin’ got me in a trance...
Vibe: Reckless, loud, party-fueled.
Artist: Waka Flocka Flame
Turned simple hooks and mosh-pit chaos into rap gold. Helped bridge Southern crunk with the explosive trap sound that followed.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2010s.
– Sound: Hard beats, shouted ad-libs, rowdy verses.
– Key Albums: Flockaveli.
– General Vibe: Unfiltered party starter with raw delivery.
Notes: Do you remember a little city in the South called Atlanta? Well, Waka flocka is an Atlantan party denizen. He turned Lex Luger’s booming beat into a crunk-era club anthem. Remember crunk? We had defined it on the margin as a party-crazed subgenre born in Atlanta. There were two: crunk and trap. We are at the moment where crunk is fading from the spotlight a bit and trap just keep rising and rising. This song is a good souvenir of that transitional era.

77. Mac Miller — “Donald Trump” (2011)
A laid-back brag track that went viral on YouTube before streaming took over. It signaled a new era of young rappers winning fans online first.
Released: 2011, on Best Day Ever.
Sound: Bright piano loop, relaxed drums, playful flow.
Key Lines: Take over the world when I’m on my Donald Trump...
Vibe: Carefree, youthful, internet-friendly.
Artist: Mac Miller
Pittsburgh’s beloved indie star who evolved from frat rap to deep, soulful albums. Inspired countless DIY rappers to build loyal followings without major labels.
– Origin: Pittsburgh, early 2010s viral rise.
– Sound: Playful beats, honest lyrics, laid-back vibe.
– Key Albums: Blue Slide Park, Watching Movies with the Sound Off.
– General Vibe: Growth-minded, relatable, forever missed.
Notes: The song is using Donald Trump to mean financial success, which, of course, is a very misinformed analogy. The song isn’t endorsing Trump, it’s really not about him, but still, he is still presented as worthy of aspirations.

Start of a New Era
By 2012–2013, rap’s mixtape hustle shifted to streaming dominance. Soundcloud rap, Youtube freestyles, and Spotify playlists let artists drop songs anytime. Viral moments, meme dances, and fan uploads made rap the internet’s favorite soundtrack.

78. A$AP Rocky — “Fkin’ Problems” (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) (2012)
A sleek posse cut dripping with brags, style, and radio sheen. Rocky gathered rap’s hottest names for an addictive hook and club-ready beat. The new generation effortlessly merges Southern swagger and Harlem cool.
Released: 2012, on LONG.LIVE.A$AP.
Sound: Bouncy synths, crisp drums, chant chorus.
Key Lines: I love bad bitches, that’s my fucking problem...
Vibe: Flirtatious, glossy, radio-friendly.
Artist: A$AP Rocky
Brought high-fashion swagger and Southern-influenced beats to Harlem rap. Became a style icon and a leader of NYC’s new wave.
– Origin: Harlem, early 2010s.
– Sound: Spacey beats, cool delivery, trendsetting visuals.
– Key Albums: LONG.LIVE.A$AP, AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP.
– General Vibe: Stylish trendsetter blending street and luxury.

79. Chief Keef — “I Don’t Like” (2012)
A raw, lo-fi banger that defined Chicago drill’s dark, rebellious sound. Keef’s blunt delivery and Young Chop’s menacing beat fueled a new street movement. It influenced trap’s grimy edge and inspired a whole wave of DIY viral hits.
Released: 2012, on Finally Rich.
Sound: Aggressive synths, pounding bass, deadpan flow.
Key Lines: A snitch nigga, that’s that shit I don’t like...
Vibe: Defiant, street-hardened, minimal.
Artist: Chief Keef
Chicago teen who turned drill from local slang to global subgenre. His rebellious DIY spirit shifted how young artists dropped music online.
– Origin: Chicago, early 2010s drill wave.
– Sound: Heavy beats, raw hooks, street realism.
– Key Albums: Finally Rich.
– General Vibe: Young rebel and pioneer of drill’s raw vibe.

80. Meek Mill — “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” (2012)
A slow-build rap sermon exploding into triumphant bars. Meek’s storytelling and hungry delivery made this an anthem for locker rooms and street corners alike. It remains a blueprint for hype intros and rap motivation.
Released: 2012, on Dreams and Nightmares.
Sound: Piano intro, pounding drums, aggressive climax.
Key Lines: Hold up, wait a minute, y’all thought I was finished...
Vibe: Intense, inspirational, underdog victory.
Artist: Meek Mill
Philadelphia battle rapper turned mainstream hero for street anthems and comeback spirit. Known for passionate verses about struggle and success.
– Origin: Philadelphia, early 2010s breakout.
– Sound: High-energy beats, vivid storytelling, defiant hooks.
– Key Albums: Dreams and Nightmares, Championships.
– General Vibe: Relentless hustler with anthems for winners.

81. Drake — “Started From the Bottom” (2013)
A minimalist anthem about rising from humble beginnings to global stardom. Drake’s repetitive hook and icy beat made it a go-to quote for success stories everywhere. It captured his blend of rap bravado and pop simplicity perfectly.
Released: 2013, on Nothing Was the Same.
Sound: Sparse drums, haunting keys, chant-like chorus.
Key Lines: Started from the bottom now we here...
Vibe: Cold, self-assured, anthem-like.
Artist: Drake
Redefined modern rap with melodic hooks and vulnerable lyrics. Became one of the decade’s biggest hitmakers while bending genre lines.
– Origin: Toronto, early 2010s global takeover.
– Sound: Moody beats, sing-rap flow, catchy refrains.
– Key Albums: Take Care, Nothing Was the Same.
– General Vibe: Pop-savvy hitmaker mixing softness and swagger.
Notes: Drake shifts between rapping and R&B flavored crooning—smooth, soft, melodic singing with emotion, autotuned with rather minimal production. He made countless chart-topping hits. He is a prolific pop superstar with a rap focus. While he’s been in some projects I like, Drake’s own music usually doesn’t resonate with me personally, but I respect his achievements. And of course, Drake is a part of my meme vocabulary, just like everyone else’s. Also, I have to mention the ridiculous feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar for more than a decade now.

82. J. Cole — “No Role Modelz” (2014)
A soulful confession about love, fame, and the lack of real heroes. Cole’s sharp verses and laid-back beat made it an anthem for relatable honesty. It reinforced his rep as rap’s everyman philosopher.
Released: 2014, on 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
Sound: Smooth bassline, crisp snares, reflective lyrics.
Key Lines: No role models and I’m here right now...
Vibe: Thoughtful, smooth, confessional.
Artist: J. Cole
A self-made storyteller known for introspective albums and honest bars. Became a fan favorite by staying authentic and skipping industry gimmicks.
– Origin: North Carolina, mid-2010s peak.
– Sound: Soulful beats, conversational flow, real-life tales.
– Key Albums: 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Born Sinner.
– General Vibe: Quiet giant with wise bars and loyal fans.
Notes: Almost ten years later, J.Cole would be featured on Drake’s First Person Shooter, claiming that he, Drake, and Kendick Lamar used to be the big three, the best rappers, but now he was the best. That kept the ongoing Drake-Lamar feud alive, with J. Cole trying to turn it into a threesome. It feels like milking views and streams rather than authentically getting offended by each other at this point.

83. Kendrick Lamar — “Alright” (2015)
A hopeful protest chant wrapped in jazzy production and fierce verses. Kendrick’s uplifting hook and raw truths turned it into a rally cry for Black Lives Matter. It cemented him as a voice for social change in modern rap.
Released: 2015, on To Pimp a Butterfly.
Sound: Jazzy bass, bouncy drums, soulful chorus.
Key Lines: We gon’ be alright...
Vibe: Empowering, spiritual, defiant.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Praised for his poetic depth and fearless storytelling about race and society. Widely seen as the greatest lyricist of his generation.
– Origin: Compton, 2010s acclaimed peak.
– Sound: Jazz-funk production, intricate rhyme schemes, vivid themes.
– Key Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly.
– General Vibe: Visionary poet blending street and politics.
Notes: Compton raised rap superstars like N.W.A. and Dr Dre. But as other West Coasters focused on the streets and gangsta rap, Kendrick Lamar carved out his own lane: poetic, layered, socially conscious, without losing the streetwise and gritty qualities. This song is a modern protest chant. “Alright” was heard a lot at Black Lives Matter marches. In 2016, then-President Barack Obama was asked if he thought Drake or Lamar would win in a rap battle. He said: "Got to go with Kendrick. I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer. But Kendrick — his lyrics, his last albumTo Pimp a Butterfly was outstanding. Best album, I think, last year." My boy knows what’s up! Drake is a very talented showbiz professional, Kendrick Lamar is a poet. Lamar is also strongly linked with Tupac Shakur, the biggest West Coast and rap legend, ever since To Pimp a Butterfly featured extensive references to Shakur's legacy, as well as a posthumous interview with Tupac (pulled from a real-life interview before his death).

84. Drake — “Hotline Bling” (2015)
A mellow, tropical-sounding hit that launched memes and awkward dances worldwide. Drake sang heartbreak lines over a breezy beat, blending pop sweetness with rap attitude. This is one of his strengths. He’s good at capturing simple, lean ideas packed with megatons of viral explosive power.
Released: 2015, on Views.
Sound: Warm synths, dancehall vibe, catchy hook.
Key Lines: You used to call me on my cell phone...
Vibe: Smooth, wistful, meme-ready.
Artist: Drake
Master at turning moody confessions into global hits. Dominated streaming and pop culture with genre-blurring singles.
– Origin: Toronto, mid-2010s pop reign.
– Sound: Sing-song hooks, minimal beats, personal lyrics.
– Key Albums: Views, Scorpion.
– General Vibe: Relatable superstar with unstoppable chart power.

85. Rae Sremmurd — “Black Beatles” (feat. Gucci Mane) (2016)
An airy trap smash that soundtracked the Mannequin Challenge craze. Mike Will’s spacey beat and Gucci’s laid-back verse made it both viral and club-friendly. It highlighted Rae Sremmurd’s knack for youth anthems.
Released: 2016, on SremmLife 2.
Sound: Dreamy synths, rattling hi-hats, carefree flows.
Key Lines: That girl is a real crowd pleaser...
Vibe: Light, trendy, effortlessly cool.
Artist: Rae Sremmurd
Mississippi duo known for carefree hooks and rowdy hits. Brought a playful twist to modern trap party music.
– Origin: Tupelo, Mississippi, mid-2010s rise.
– Sound: Melodic beats, catchy choruses, youthful energy.
– Key Albums: SremmLife, SremmLife 2.
– General Vibe: Party-starters with meme appeal and chart hooks.

86. Big Sean — “Bounce Back” (2016)
A slick comeback anthem dripping with punchlines and trap bounce in Metro Boomin’s hypnotic beat. Big Sean has multiple platinum selling albums. He captured streaming-era rap’s catchy, caption-ready vibe.
Released: 2016, on I Decided.
Sound: Trippy synths, crisp drums, bouncy flow.
Key Lines: Last night took an L, but tonight I bounce back...
Vibe: Confident, catchy, motivational.
Artist: Big Sean
Detroit punchline rapper known for witty bars and upbeat bangers. Maintained relevance with clever hooks and radio-friendly style.
– Origin: Detroit, mid-2010s success.
– Sound: Trap beats, quick punchlines, melodic touches.
– Key Albums: I Decided., Dark Sky Paradise.
– General Vibe: Upbeat wordsmith turning life lessons into hits.

87. Migos — “Bad and Boujee” (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) (2016)
A viral trap smash that turned “raindrop, drop top” into a global catchphrase. Migos rode the triplet flow over Metro Boomin’s hypnotic beat, making trap fun and meme-worthy. It solidified them as pop culture’s new trap poster boys.
Released: 2016, on Culture.
Sound: Minimal beat, rolling hi-hats, chant hook.
Key Lines: Raindrop, drop top...
Vibe: Playful, trendy, meme gold.
Artist: Migos
Atlanta trio who made triplet flow mainstream and gave trap anthems chart-topping shine. Helped push Atlanta’s sound to global pop dominance.
– Origin: Atlanta, mid-2010s peak.
– Sound: Rapid flows, ad-libs, catchy hooks.
– Key Albums: Culture, Culture II.
– General Vibe: Stylish trap crew with viral swagger.
Notes: Which city’s turn is it now? Atlanta? Again??? Ok. Migos are pretty accomplished when it comes to triplet-flow. In triplet-flow, a rapper divides the beat into triplets and raps with that rhythm. More info about that is on the margin. Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and modern trap rappers use it constantly too. Migos collaborated with Lil Uzi Vert and made a meme-ready banger in this case. “Raindrop, drop top” launched thousands of jokes and cemented Migos as trap’s pop face. Also, while it definitely appeared way before Migos, what can you do but stand up and give a standing ovation in the presence of the word boujee to refer to the bourgeoisie?

88. Kendrick Lamar — “HUMBLE.” (2017)
A sharp piano loop and blunt bars made this an instant radio staple. Kendrick balanced braggadocio with subtle critique of fame’s illusions.
Released: 2017, on DAMN.
Sound: Sparse piano riff, heavy bass, crisp delivery.
Key Lines: Bitch, sit down, bitch, be humble...
Vibe: Direct, gritty, catchy.
Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Set the modern standard for lyricism and concept albums. Continues to challenge rap’s limits with poetic insight and mainstream impact.
– Origin: Compton, late 2010s prime.
– Sound: Lean beats, vivid wordplay, bold themes.
– Key Albums: DAMN., To Pimp a Butterfly.
– General Vibe: Master lyricist balancing street and intellect.
Notes: I once read a story I wrote at an IDEO Stories event. I happened to know the DJ, Nat, the cheeky bastard. : ) He chose this song to play as people found their seats and settled down before I went up to the stage. Imagine big speakers yelling “Bitch! Sit down, bitch! Bitch, be humble, bitch, SIT DOWN!” at the people supposed to be sitting down. In fact, you don’t have to imagine, because you can actually see its tail end on video. That reading was recorded; the song plays at the very beginning.

89. Future — “Mask Off” (2017)
A hypnotic flute loop turned this moody trap cut into an unexpected hit. Future’s spaced-out verses and the beat’s dark vibe inspired countless memes and dance challenges. It highlighted his melodic style as trap’s introspective side.
Released: 2017, on Future.
Sound: Moody flute, rolling drums, laid-back delivery.
Key Lines: Mask on, fuck it, mask off...
Vibe: Trippy, cool, haunting.
Artist: Future
A pioneer of melodic trap with emotionally raw lyrics and spaced-out flows. Defined Atlanta’s modern sound and pushed auto-tune to new depths.
– Origin: Atlanta, late 2010s dominance.
– Sound: Atmospheric beats, slurred melodies, raw confessions.
– Key Albums: DS2, Future.
– General Vibe: Moody trap crooner with hitmaker instincts.
Notes: Atlanta gifts the world another trap icon. Future mumbles (the differentiator of mumble rap) with a melodic, rolling flow. For a while, you couldn’t walk anywhere without his voice swaying Percocets, Molly, Percocets at full blast from somewhere. Also, this is before COVID, so it has nothing to do with the political division in the U.S.A. about if people should be forced to wear masks for public safety and health or not.

90. Logic — “1-800-273-8255” (feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid) (2017)
A heartfelt anthem tackling suicide prevention with radio-friendly hooks. Logic’s hopeful message and the catchy pop chorus made it his biggest mainstream success. It showed rap’s power to address mental health openly.
Released: 2017, on Everybody.
Sound: Uplifting piano, pop vocals, sincere verses.
Key Lines: I just want to die today, I don’t wanna be alive...
Vibe: Emotional, hopeful, radio-ready.
Artist: Logic
Known for rapid flows and positive messages in an often gritty genre. Built a loyal fanbase by mixing technical rap with vulnerable storytelling.
– Origin: Maryland, late 2010s peak.
– Sound: Polished beats, clear lyrics, pop crossover.
– Key Albums: Under Pressure, Everybody.
– General Vibe: Clean-cut lyricist with a heart-on-sleeve approach.

91. Post Malone — “Rockstar” (feat. 21 Savage) (2017)
A hazy trap anthem about excess and blurred lines between rock and rap life. Post crooned laid-back lines while 21 Savage added deadpan menace. It became a streaming juggernaut, cementing Post as a genre-hopping superstar.
Released: 2017, on Beerbongs & Bentleys.
Sound: Murky guitars, heavy 808s, drawled vocals.
Key Lines: I’ve been fuckin’ hoes and poppin’ pillies, man I feel just like a rockstar...
Vibe: Languid, decadent, brooding.
Artist: Post Malone
Pop-rap chameleon blending hip hop beats with rock and pop hooks. One of streaming’s biggest stars, known for radio-ready anthems and crossover appeal.
– Origin: Texas, late 2010s stardom.
– Sound: Melodic mumble rap, guitar flourishes, sing-along choruses.
– Key Albums: Stoney, Beerbongs & Bentleys.
– General Vibe: Chill chart-topper mixing rap and pop rock vibes.

92. Cardi B — “Bodak Yellow” (2017)
An unapologetic street anthem that made Cardi an overnight icon. Her brash delivery and quotable lines made it a club and meme favorite. It marked a new era of female rap confidence in pop.
Released: 2017, on Invasion of Privacy.
Sound: Minimal beat, hard-hitting drums, aggressive flow.
Key Lines: I don’t dance now, I make money moves...
Vibe: Fierce, boastful, unstoppable.
Artist: Cardi B
Former reality star who flipped raw charisma into rap superstardom. Inspired a wave of bold, unfiltered women in hip hop.
– Origin: The Bronx, late 2010s breakout.
– Sound: Trap beats, loud hooks, candid bars.
– Key Albums: Invasion of Privacy.
– General Vibe: Brash hustler with chart-topping attitude.
Notes: Cardi B is a loud-mouthed hustler straight outta Bronx. Bodak Yellow hit #1 as a female rapper’s declaration that she has arrived at the scene. You bitches better have some red carpet ready. With this, she became the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly two decades.

93. Childish Gambino — “This Is America” (2018)
A dark, genre-shifting, lovely single critiquing gun violence and American spectacle. Its shocking video and layered production blended gospel, trap, and choral chants. It sparked debate and we saw how tackling heavy themes works in viral form in The TikTok Years.
Released: 2018, standalone single.
Sound: Sparse drums, choral breaks, sudden trap drops.
Key Lines: This is America, don’t catch you slippin’ now...
Vibe: Jarring, political, unsettling.
Artist: Childish Gambino
The name Donald Glover uses for experimental rap and genre-fluid hits. One of modern music’s most daring voices, pushing boundaries with visuals and sound alike.
– Origin: Atlanta, late 2010s peak.
– Sound: Eclectic mix of soul, trap, funk, and spoken word.
– Key Albums: Because the Internet, Awaken, My Love!
– General Vibe: Shape-shifting artist blending rap, satire, and art pop.
Notes: Donald Glover (from a lot of things, but he was also Troy in the TV show Community, and the young Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story) has a musical alter-ego. When he releases songs, he calls himself Childish Gambino. I like this dude, he is smart, funny, and tasteful. And would you guess where he’s from? It starts with A. :) Yup, Atlanta is to hip hop in the 21st century like Liverpool is to pop rock from the ‘60s to the ‘90s: a deep, music-heavy culture that gives birth to way too many good musicians for its size. Childish Gambino, made a beautiful video for this dark, satirical hit and the video went viral. A stark snapshot of modern America, and a not-so-early warning about the Fall of the American Empire which would actually start unfolding just a few years later.

94. Drake — “God’s Plan” (2018)
A feel-good anthem about gratitude and success, paired with a viral giveaway video. Drake’s simple flow and melodic hook made it an instant singalong hit. It dominated charts and showcased rap’s new age of social media stunts.
Released: 2018, on Scorpion.
Sound: Smooth synths, soft 808s, melodic rap.
Key Lines: She said, ‘Do you love me?’ I tell her, ‘Only partly...’
Vibe: Warm, uplifting, easygoing.
Artist: Drake
The face of pop rap for over a decade, equally comfortable crooning or rapping. Blurs rap and R&B with unmatched chart power.
– Origin: Toronto, late 2010s dominance.
– Sound: Gentle beats, catchy refrains, half-sung delivery.
– Key Albums: Scorpion, Views.
– General Vibe: Global pop rap leader with an emotional side.

95. Travis Scott — “Sicko Mode” (2018)
A mind-bending rap epic that flipped between three beats and moods in one song. Travis and Drake traded verses over swirling production, tailor-made for festivals. It embodied a maximalist sound and a surprising song structure.
Released: 2018, on Astroworld.
Sound: Switch-up beats, heavy bass, psychedelic layers.
Key Lines: Astro... yeah... she’s in love with who I am...
Vibe: Trippy, high-energy, unpredictable.
Artist: Travis Scott
Houston hitmaker who turned auto-tuned trap into arena-ready spectacle. Fused hip hop with psychedelic touches and blockbuster live shows.
– Origin: Houston, late 2010s superstardom.
– Sound: Murky synths, layered production, party hooks.
– Key Albums: Astroworld, Rodeo.
– General Vibe: Psychedelic rager blurring rap and rock spectacle.

96. Lil Nas X — “Old Town Road (Remix)” (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus) (2019)
A playful mash-up of country twang and trap beats that broke a previously untouched genre barrier. Lil Nas X turned a meme into the longest-running #1 hit with help from Billy Ray’s twangy cameo. It sparked debates about what qualifies as country and showcased rap’s viral power.
Released: 2019, remix version.
Sound: Banjo loop, trap drums, sing-song flow.
Key Lines: I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road...
Vibe: Cheeky, genre-bending, addictive.
Artist: Lil Nas X
Internet native who turned Tiktok buzz into chart history with zero label push at first. Became a pop provocateur pushing identity and genre boundaries.
– Origin: Atlanta, late 2010s breakout.
– Sound: Country melodies over trap beats, catchy hooks.
– Key Albums: 7 (EP), Montero.
– General Vibe: Meme wizard blurring pop, rap, and country.
Notes: Lil Nas X lives in the magical land of Tiktok. He came there from Atlanta, though, like so many of the famous rappers from the last fifteen years. He is doing something unexpected in this song. He’s trying to blend full-on cowboy country with trap. I don’t like it, I don’t think it works, but it needs to be included because it’s different and actually impactful. People are discussing genre definitions because of this. This grabbed lots of attention partially because the origins of country are very White and the origins of hip hop are very Black. Interestingly, Lil Nas X purchased the beat online for $30 from a Dutch producer, who sampled Nine Inch Nails' 34 Ghosts IV. There was some juicy drama, too. The original song (not this remix) charted in Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list, but then they removed it for not “embracing enough elements of today's country music“. Lil Nas X went to Billy Ray Cyrus, a mainstream country singer, and released a remix very similar to the original song, but now it was a collaboration with a country staple. This calmed the nerves of the people at Billboard and fans of country music, who now felt free to listen to and enjoy this. :) Consequently, the remix stayed on top of Hot 100 for 19 straight weeks. 19! [Imagine George Michael from Arrested Development squinting his eyes and asking “Her?”] But of course art is subjective, and everyone has different tastes. I just get immediately bored by most country songs—rap infused or not.

97. Tyler, The Creator — “EARFQUAKE” (2019)
A tender breakup jam blending soft keys, off-kilter drums, and Tyler’s croaky love plea. It showed his growth from shock rapper to heartfelt pop craftsman. The single won over skeptics and earned Grammy nods for its genre-fluid charm.
Released: 2019, on IGOR.
Sound: Lo-fi synths, falsetto vocals, dreamy vibe.
Key Lines: Don’t leave, it’s my fault...
Vibe: Vulnerable, sweet, experimental.
Artist: Tyler, The Creator
Started as rap’s rebellious troublemaker before evolving into a genre-defying producer and style icon. Paved the way for alt-rap’s weirder side.
– Origin: Los Angeles, late 2010s peak.
– Sound: Neo-soul chords, fuzzy synths, playful lyrics.
– Key Albums: IGOR, Flower Boy.
– General Vibe: Alternative rap eccentric blending rap, soul, and pop.

End of an Era
By the end of the 2010s, rap was dominant. Streaming, viral dances, and Tiktok loops shaped hits overnight. The next step would be rap’s seeming total merge with short video culture and hyper-fast trends.

2020s

The TikTok Generation

Leading Artists: Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Pop Smoke, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Polo G

In the 2020s, hip hop fused completely with short-video culture. Tiktok, Reels, and viral dance trends launched songs before labels could catch up. Drill, pop-rap, and genre mash-ups blurred boundaries. Raw authenticity, memes, and instantly shareable hooks ruled. Rap is no longer just a sound — it’s the engine of internet culture.

98. Megan Thee Stallion — “Savage Remix” (feat. Beyoncé) (2020)
A Tiktok dance craze turned official anthem with Beyoncé’s superstar boost. Megan hit it big during lockdown. It crowned her as rap’s latest female force.
Released: 2020, on Suga (Remix).
Sound: Bouncy trap beat, sassy lines, crisp ad-libs.
Key Lines: I’m a savage, classy, bougie, ratchet...
Vibe: Bold, fun, empowering.
Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Houston’s hot girl coach. Became a symbol of confidence and viral culture dominance.
– Origin: Houston, early 2020s stardom.
– Sound: Southern drawl, raunchy punchlines, dance-ready beats.
– Key Albums: Good News, Traumazine.
– General Vibe: Fierce, playful powerhouse with unstoppable energy.
Notes: Yep, she once again brought sex-positivity to hip hop and mainstream, because that’s what hip hop was missing. Sex-positivity. It was so shy about it. :P Kidding aside, this is fun. Also, by now, you know my feelings about the word bougie.

99. Lil Baby — “The Bigger Picture” (2020)
An urgent protest track responding to George Floyd’s murder and police brutality. Lil Baby balanced melodic trap flow with sharp social commentary. It cemented him as more than just a hitmaker — a new voice for protest rap.
Released: 2020, standalone single.
Sound: Emotional piano, rattling hi-hats, heartfelt verses.
Key Lines: It’s bigger than black and white...
Vibe: Serious, honest, rallying.
Artist: Lil Baby
One of Atlanta’s most melodic and consistent modern rappers. Known for relatable street narratives and unexpected social depth.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2020s voice.
– Sound: Smooth trap beats, melodic flow, clear storytelling.
– Key Albums: My Turn, It’s Only Me.
– General Vibe: Streetwise storyteller with melodic finesse.
Notes: Lil Baby shares something with Lil Jon and a whole bunch of other not-so-lil artists in this list. Yep, he’s from Atlanta, too. He’s on the melodic trap side rather than the wild party approach of crunk. Lil Baby stepped up during George Floyd protests. Lil Baby is the youngest of only 12 artists to have ever landed 100 or more songs on the Hot 100. I would say that this promises a prolific, hit-laden career, but he already has one of those, with still a long way to go. This is a fantastic rap song, I heavily recommend it.

100. Pop Smoke — “Dior” (2020)
A booming drill anthem that made Pop Smoke the face of Brooklyn’s new sound. His gravelly voice over sliding bass lines gave New York rap a menacing vibe. After his tragic murder, “Dior” became both a club hit and a protest chant.
Released: 2020, on Meet the Woo.
Sound: UK drill-inspired bass, sharp hi-hats, deep vocal growl.
Key Lines: She like the way that I dance, she like the way that I move...
Vibe: Gritty, stylish, anthemic.
Artist: Pop Smoke
Revived NYC rap with his signature drill sound and charismatic presence. His sudden death left a wave of influence still heard in drill today.
– Origin: Brooklyn, early 2020s breakout.
– Sound: Heavy drill beats, confident ad-libs, catchy hooks.
– Key Albums: Meet the Woo, Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon.
– General Vibe: Gritty trendsetter whose energy defined modern drill.
Notes: GRRRRRRRRR….. HRRRRRRRRRRRR….. Pop Smoke made this the sound of Brooklyn. Six months later, he was murdered during a home invasion. He was just 20 years old. He got posthumously nominated for a Grammy.

101. Jack Harlow — “Whats Poppin” (2020)
A playful, witty single with a catchy piano beat and quick punchlines. It spread over Tiktok and launched him from Kentucky upstart towards rap’s newest radio star.
Released: 2020, on Sweet Action (EP).
Sound: Bright piano riff, snappy drums, slick flow.
Key Lines: What’s poppin’? Brand new whip just hopped in...
Vibe: Cool, breezy, braggadocious.
Artist: Jack Harlow
Louisville rapper blending Southern slang with boy-next-door charisma. Quickly became a pop-rap staple with charm and quotable lines.
– Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, early 2020s breakout.
– Sound: Bouncy beats, clever bars, easygoing vibe.
– Key Albums: Thats What They All Say, Come Home the Kids Miss You.
– General Vibe: Smooth talker with mainstream crossover style.

102. Cardi B — “WAP” (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) (2020)
An unapologetically raunchy anthem that dominated memes and headlines. Cardi and Megan’s explicit bars and bouncy beat made it an undeniable club smash. It redefined how bold and explicit mainstream female rap could be.
Released: 2020, standalone single.
Sound: Minimal bass beat, playful hook, raw lyrics.
Key Lines: There’s some hos in this house...
Vibe: Provocative, loud, celebratory.
Artist: Cardi B
A no-filter superstar who turned social media personality into rap mainstay.
– Origin: The Bronx, 2020s pop icon.
– Sound: Club-friendly beats, commanding verses, vivid attitude.
– Key Albums: Invasion of Privacy.
– General Vibe: Brash hitmaker with unstoppable confidence.
Notes: She doubled down on raunchy, sexual provocation. Big surprise! :) WAP was unapologetic, sex-positive (trying real hard to make it sound like it means anything here), and so catchy that it broke the internet — endless memes, dances, and debates. I do think this one’s a really fun song for the club. It unapologetically stands in the footsteps of giants like 2Pac, Biggie, or the Wu-Tang Clan and confidently declares: “There’s some hos in this house. Wet ass pussy, wet ass pussy, wet ass pussy.“

103. Future & Drake — “Life Is Good” (2020)
A two-parter with Drake’s chill flexing up top and Future’s gritty brags on the back half. The beat switch and meme-friendly lines made it huge on streaming and social media. This is trap’s mainstream wave.
Released: 2020, standalone single.
Sound: Split beats — laid-back piano groove flips to booming trap.
Key Lines: Workin’ on the weekend like usual...
Vibe: Laid-back then rowdy, catchy throughout.
Artist: Future & Drake
A pairing of melodic trap and pop superstar energy. Their chemistry keeps breaking streaming records.
– Origin: Atlanta & Toronto, early 2020s collaboration peak.
– Sound: Smooth hooks, beat flips, street flexes.
– Key Albums: What a Time to Be Alive (collab).
– General Vibe: Effortless hitmakers merging trap and chart pop.

104. Drake — “Laugh Now Cry Later” (feat. Lil Durk) (2020)
A glossy, melodic flex track with stadium-ready production. Drake’s laid-back verses and Durk’s gritty cameo balanced luxury bars with street nods. It doubled as a commercial for his fashion line and stayed on repeat everywhere.
Released: 2020, standalone single.
Sound: Bright synth pads, punchy drums, smooth hook.
Key Lines: Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry, but I guess you know now...
Vibe: Slick, polished, Instagram-ready.
Artist: Drake
Modern rap’s leader of pop. He shifts between introspection and flexing. Reinvents himself just enough to stay streaming’s safest bet.
– Origin: Toronto, 2020s dominance.
– Sound: Lush beats, understated flow, emotional punchlines.
– Key Albums: Certified Lover Boy, Views.
– General Vibe: Pop-rap balancing vibe and vulnerability.

105. Doja Cat — “Say So (Remix feat. Nicki Minaj)” (2020)
A disco-tinged pop-rap hit polished up with Nicki’s playful guest verse. Doja’s flirty hook and retro groove made it a TikTok dance sensation. The remix crowned her as pop’s new multi-genre chameleon.
Released: 2020, on Hot Pink (Deluxe).
Sound: Funky guitar licks, glittery synths, breezy flow.
Key Lines: Didn’t even notice, no punches left to roll with...
Vibe: Fun, retro, irresistibly catchy.
Artist: Doja Cat
LA’s internet-born sensation mixing rap and pop. She dominates charts and memes alike with humor and hooks produced in a sugar pop style.
– Origin: Los Angeles, early 2020s breakthrough.
– Sound: Pop-disco beats, sassy bars, versatile vocals.
– Key Albums: Hot Pink, Planet Her.
– General Vibe: Playful rule-breaker with high viral appeal.
Notes: Here we have another internet superstar in Doja Cat. Born on the web, she uploaded her first song to Soundcloud at 16 years old. A bit later, she surfed Tiktok dances to top of the charts.

106. Polo G — “Rapstar” (2021)
A melodic confession about fame’s stress and the cost of success. Polo G’s guitar-driven beat and raw honesty struck a chord with Gen Z rap fans. It cemented his rep as one of drill’s most introspective voices.
Released: 2021, on Hall of Fame.
Sound: Acoustic guitar loop, crisp drums, melodic flow.
Key Lines: Every day a battle, I’m exhausted and I’m weary...
Vibe: Vulnerable, moody, reflective.
Artist: Polo G
Chicago rapper known for blending hard drill beats with emotional honesty. He became a voice for young hustlers experiencing both pain and ambition.
– Origin: Chicago, early 2020s rise.
– Sound: Melodic drill, guitar loops, storytelling lyrics.
– Key Albums: Die a Legend, Hall of Fame.
– General Vibe: Street poet with a melodic, heartfelt edge.

107. Lil Nas X — “Industry Baby” (feat. Jack Harlow) (2021)
A triumphant, horn-laced song about proving doubters wrong and owning success. Lil Nas X playfully raps while Harlow adds laid-back swagger. It confirmed Nas X’s knack for topping charts with bold visuals.
Released: 2021, on Montero.
Sound: Brassy horns, pounding drums, confident flow.
Key Lines: I told you long ago on the road, I got what they waiting for...
Vibe: Victorious, cheeky, crowd-pleasing.
Artist: Lil Nas X
Broke the mold for what a meme rapper can become — from cowboy trap to pop provocateur. Tries to push some boundaries with bold visuals and genre flips.
– Origin: Atlanta, early 2020s icon status.
– Sound: Anthemic beats, pop hooks, sly bars.
– Key Albums: Montero, 7 (EP).
– General Vibe: Fearless hitmaker merging internet mischief and pop stardom.
Notes: Love him or hate him, he has the pulse of the Internet culture. This time, Lil Nas X mixed horns with a Jack Harlow cameo and ended up with another Tiktok dance monster. Boom, $$.

108. Ice Spice — “Munch (Feelin’ U)” (2022)
Her breakout Bronx drill tease that launched a thousand memes. That hook — “You thought I was feelin’ you?” — became the coldest viral rejection line in ages. A minimalist beat, sly delivery, and the unapologetic attitude turned Ice Spice into the internet’s new favorite baddie overnight.
Released: 2022, standalone single.
Sound: Sparse Bronx drill beat, teasing bars, nonchalant vibe.
Key Lines: You thought I was feelin’ you?
Vibe: Cool, cocky, effortlessly dismissive.
Artist: Ice Spice
The Bronx’s fresh drill princess — sly hooks, tongue-in-cheek lines, and big hair that matches the attitude. Instantly recognizable and memeable.
– Origin: Bronx, early 2020s.
– Sound: Playful, whispery drill beats with laid-back flexing.
– Key Albums: Like..? (EP).
– General Vibe: Flirtatious, icy, TikTok-savvy.
Notes: “Munch” made ‘munch’ a household insult. Her sudden stardom shows how drill + internet + meme slang can churn out stars in seconds.

109. GloRilla — “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” (2022)
A raw, brash anthem recorded in a Memphis parking lot that crowned GloRilla the new queen of ratchet rap. Part crunk revival, part girls-night-out chant — pure DIY energy that blew up from local to national in a heartbeat.
Released: 2022, standalone single.
Sound: Rough Memphis beat, rowdy group chant hook, raw delivery.
Key Lines: I’m F-R-E-E, f*** n**** free!
Vibe: Wild, rebellious, carefree.
Artist: GloRilla
Memphis’s bold new star who turned a parking lot freestyle into a summer takeover. Her voice — raspy, real — cuts through the noise like vintage Southern party rap.
– Origin: Memphis, early 2020s.
– Sound: Ratchet revival, crunk echoes, Southern energy.
– Key Albums: Anyways, Life’s Great…
– General Vibe: Unfiltered, rowdy, fun-loving.
Notes: Proof that the South still runs the club. GloRilla makes strip-club anthems that sound like block parties — and people can’t stop dancing to it.

110. Yeat — “Rich Minion” (2022)
A bizarre promo single for a Minions movie that turned into a Gen Z meme anthem. Yeat’s alien voice and woozy rage beat made TikTok edits and Gentleminions suited flash mobs surreal internet history.
Released: 2022, single for Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Sound: Trippy synths, clipped delivery, hypnotic chant.
Key Lines: I made a song for the Minions!
Vibe: Absurd, futuristic, vibed-out.
Artist: Yeat
The internet’s favorite coded-language rap gremlin. Part rage, part trap, all cryptic slang. He’s huge with kids who ironically or sincerely scream “Tonka!” at their phones.
– Origin: Oregon/LA scene, early 2020s.
– Sound: Rage beats, robotic vocals, nonsense slang.
– Key Albums: Up 2 Më, 2 Alivë.
– General Vibe: Chaotic, goofy, glitchy.
Notes: Nobody knows what he’s saying, but that’s the point. Meme rap never died — it just found Minions. There is still diss from old school rappers towards mumble rap, but it managed to carve out its own space.

111. Lil Durk — “All My Life” (feat. J. Cole) (2023)
Chicago’s drill veteran steps up with a kids choir, big uplifting hook, and J. Cole dropping in — bridging street rap grit with radio-friendly vibes. A rare moment of hope from a scene more known for hard realism.
Released: 2023, on Almost Healed.
Sound: Warm piano, kids choir, sincere flow.
Key Lines: All my life, they’re never gonna keep me down.
Vibe: Inspiring, reflective, grown.
Artist: Lil Durk
One of Chicago’s defining modern voices — from raw drill beginnings to melodic street preacher. Always riding tragedy and loyalty bars.
– Origin: Chicago, 2010s-present.
– Sound: Melodic drill, tragic realism, redemption arcs.
– Key Albums: The Voice, Almost Healed.
– General Vibe: Streetwise survivor turned mentor figure.
Notes: This shows drill’s evolution from raw violence to grown-man redemption arcs. It’s still hard, just wiser. Having lived in Chicago for 20 years, drill is my second city’s music. I feel a kinship with it. Early on, I lived in a mixed neighborhood as a student on financial aid. Some corners were literally ruled by gangs and some blocks were completely fine. Quite nice, even. A gang war broke out at some point. We’re talking 15 to 20 year olds with Glocks and AK-47s killing each other. They stabbed a man on the corner near our apartment. A drive-by bullet whizzed centimeters from a friend’s ear, while she was sitting at a nearby coffee shop. We also saw those same kids on Youtube. They were at a corner near our place, shaking their rifles and stacks of money while posing, dancing, and rapping drill with a terrible flow. They all started as children, except in the games they played, people died. That’s the Chicago way.

112. Sexyy Red — “Pound Town” (2023)
The filthy, unapologetic hit that dominated TikTok captions with a single explicit line. Sexyy Red is dabbling in the age-old hip hop tradition of turning taboo lines into party staples.
Released: 2023, on Hood Hottest Princess.
Sound: Basic, bouncy beat, explicit punchlines, giggly delivery.
Key Lines: My coochie pink, my booty-hole brown.
Vibe: Brazen, fun, zero-filter.
Artist: Sexyy Red
St. Louis’s new raw rap hero — gleefully nasty, raunchy, and viral. Think City Girls but more reckless.
– Origin: St. Louis, early 2020s.
– Sound: Stripped-down beats, explicit hooks, comedic delivery.
– Key Albums: Hood Hottest Princess.
– General Vibe: Outrageous, dirty, celebratory.
Notes: Shock value still works, and it’s possible to make millions of $$ by repeatedly declaring that your vajayjay is wet ass or pink. But it’s only that rare, one-in-a-million artist that can actually manage this feat. I mean, this is not exactly sophisticated music, but it has something more important: viral potential. That potential does not correlate with musical complexity or quality, it’s not even about the whole song. The unit that will go viral is not the whole song, but a line, or a hook, or a short chorus. Something that will fit within a few seconds, so it can be added to many tiktoks for riding the waves on them.

Continuation of an Era
This era is still unfolding. New songs go viral overnight, regional styles spread instantly, and people will try anything for clicks. DAWs and continuously improving capabilities of artificial intelligences allow anybody to produce potential hits by themselves without leaving home. This further democratization of music production opens up a ton of new creative (as well as scary) possibilities. True, most pop hits are still mass-produced by a few professional songwriters and producers in a factory following tried-and-true formulae, yet marketed as if it’s the unique visionary work of a popular artist. This has been the case for a century now, whether it involves rap or not. But simultaneously, social media algorithms create niche communities around consuming similar content, which keeps old and new subgenres alive. They don’t fully disappear because the record is not selling at the shop. The algorithms know who to play the songs to. And maybe, who knows, maybe we’re on the precipice of a big shift. Maybe we’ll all be listening to music made by AI in five years. Maybe we already are. I keep seeing more and more artists on Spotify, which I increasingly suspect may be artificial intelligences. Welcome to the future. Come, stay a while.

Epilogue

Final Disclaimer

Obviously, it’s impossible to capture the history of hip hop with a thousand songs, let alone a hundred or so. I just tried to give an outline of the history. I focused on artists/songs that had big artistic or commercial impact, as best as I know. This list is also far from my personal favorite rap songs, but hopefully it’s much more informative than a sample of my taste.

If you did indeed stay engaged until this point, no matter where you started, I’d like to congratulate you. You did it, my friend. You reached the summit. Now you can impress people at parties with your deep knowledge on rap’s evolution from hip to hop. High five!

Anyway, I’m Audi 5000. Deuces. Shout out to my crew, catch you in the flip. Holla at me. Peace. Fade to black.