Top 15 Rappers of the 2010s
The 2010s were a vital era of music where the rap industry shifted from the older generation to the new. The 2010s introduced us to now massive artists like Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar. Others like Jay-Z and Kayne West carried their success into the next generation but may be past their prime.
15) Capital Steez
Though his career was cut off in 2012, Steelo begins this list as one of the most talented producers and rappers of the 2010s. Working alongside Joey Bada$$, Steelo produced some of my favorite tracks of this decade in the album 1999.
14) Vince Staples
Vince Staples is such an interesting character with a wildly diverse catalog. No two albums have the same sound, but Staples always seems to nail it, similar to Joey Bada$$.
13) Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco’s production and lyricism fall under the radar, though for good reason. The decade introduced audiences to an abundance of artists with fantastic production and lyricism, but Lupe Fiasco has built off of his success from the 2000s.
12) Travis Scott
Fantastic and unique production will continue to be a large factor in these rankings, and Travis Scott nails it. Rodeo and Astroworld and beautifully produced but lack consistent substance throughout.
11) Freddie Gibbs
Again, more masterful production and a beautiful voice land Freddie Gibbs just outside the Top 10. Piñata was a sensational project, felt so free yet so powerful. To some, Gibbs’ sound feels boring, but Gibb’s work always contain substance.
10) Earl Sweatshirt
Producing such a unique sound while keeping his music extremely enjoyable, Earl Sweatshirt is the 10th best rap artist in the 2010 decade. Projects like Some Rap Songs and Doris withhold some of the best and most unique tracks of the decade, but still implies subtle societal messages.
9) Pusha T
With fantastic samples, Pusha T nails the brash and bold tone. Tracks like “Nosetalgia,” “M.P.A.,” & “Come Back Baby,” along with Daytona being a Grammy Nominee. Pusha also has a great selection of feature artists to enhance his projects much more.
8) Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ balances an ethereal and melancholy tone with a sound similar to Pusha T to construct an aesthetically pleasing discography. 1999 is one of my favorite albums from the decade. “Righteous Minds,” “Survival Tactics,” & “Third Eye Sh*t,” are fantastic tracks.
7) A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky has some of the most underrated verses I’ve personally ever heard. When Rocky is featured, you can expect a fantastic verse. Some of his individual projects may be lackluster, but Rocky’s discography is still outstanding.
6) Lil Wayne
With such a unique voice and influential discography, Lil Wayne settles in at number six. Wayne’s sound make not cater to everybody, parts of his catalog can. Wayne’s creativity and lyricism are off the charts, which may never be rivaled again.
5) Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator constructs such a unique style of production and rap. Only rivaled by Earl Sweatshirt and Kanye West, Tyler reinvents listeners' ideas of rap with such unique and powerful production. Igor can be interpreted however the listener wants it to be, telling multiple different stories.
4) Drake
Aubrey “Drake” Graham has created such an interesting and experimental catalog. So many hits might just outweigh the misses, but the highs of Drake’s discography are phenomenal. “Jungle”, “Pound Cake”, & “Do Not Disturb” are some fantastic tracks.
3) J. Cole
Jermaine Lamar Cole settles in at the number three spot on this list. J. Cole’s lyricism is incredibly underrated while combining it with great production and storytelling. 2014 Forest Hills Drive & 4 Your Eyez Only are masterpieces with beautiful tracks like “Love Yourz,” “Change,” & “4 Your Eyez Only.”
2) Kanye West
Though not surpassing his success from the 2000s, Kanye West finds himself at the number two spot. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, The Life of Pablo, and Ye include some of the single greatest tracks ever. “Devil In a New Dress,” “Runaway,” “Bound 2,” “No More Parties in L.A.,” & “Ghost Town,” are tracks any music enthusiast has on repeat.
1) Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is the greatest artist of the 2010 decade. He impressively combines his exceptional talent with distinctive production, resulting in one of the most magnificent discographies ever. good kid m.A.A.d city, To Pimp A Butterfly, and DAMN are masterpieces constructed by K. Dot.