The Hip-Hop Royalty
Hip-Hop first emerged in New York boroughs during the 1970’s. Born through cultural exchanges between Black, Latino and Caribbean American youths at block parties throughout the city. As the genre developed, three main characteristics set it apart from everything else on the airwaves:
A strong, rhythmic beat.
A new, unique vocal style.
And ‘breaks’ — long percussive periods.
Fast forward almost forty years, and this underground movement has become a global phenomenon; defining political movements, fashion and culture throughout the United States, where it has become the most consumed music genre with 28% of the market share.
Hip-Hop has spread to every corner of the globe, with new sub genres taking shape and climbing the charts as more and more hip-hop artists shape the sound.
With any genre, there are those that push the limits of a genre to its limit, defining the sound with their profound creativity and artistry. Below is our list of the most influential hip-hop artists the world has ever seen.
This is the Royal Family of Hip-Hop.
Afrika Bambaataa
Often considered one of the founders of hip-hop music, Afrika Bambaataa is a DJ whose music incorporated many elements of electronic and boogie music. His song “Planet Rock” influenced an entire generation of Black pop artists and new wave rockers.
Dr. Dre
Originally part of the rap collective N.W.A, Dr. Dre found massive success as a solo artist and producer and became a major influence in the development of West Coast hip-hop.
Need some new hip-hop? Listen to emanate’s Boom Box Session
Drake
With more than 170 million records sold, Drake is one of the best-selling musicians in the world, combining genres like hip-hop, pop, R&B, and trap.
Jay-Z
Often considered one of the biggest influences in modern rap and hip-hop, Jay-Z has been a prolific artist since 1996. He also holds the record for most Grammy awards won by a rapper, with 23.
Kanye West
Kanye West’s eclectic discography combines many different genres and styles, from progressive rock to gospel and heavy sampling to synthesizers. He is credited with consistently innovating hip-hop and introducing new influences to the genre.
Lil’ Kim
Lil’ Kim is a rapper and fashion icon with three certified platinum records and a number of hit songs, including “No Time,” “Not Tonight,” and “Big Momma Thang.”
Nas
A highly regarded lyricist and producer, Nas is a New York rapper who has made major contributions to hip-hop, especially with his albums Illmatic and Life Is Good.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is one of the best-selling female hip-hop artists of all time, and all four of her studio albums have been certified platinum.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Also known as Biggie Smalls or just Biggie, The Notorious B.I.G. was a pillar of the gangsta rap movement in the ’90s, especially with his debut album Ready to Die.
Public Enemy
A New York hip-hop group featuring Chuck D and Flavor Flav, Public Enemy has been active since 1985 and is acclaimed for their political messaging.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a Grammy Award-winning singer and rapper, as well as an Academy Award-winning actress. She was one of the most prominent female MCs in 1990s hip-hop and her album, Black Reign, certified gold.
The Roots
The Roots are a hip-hop group formed by Black Thought and Questlove. Their fourth album, Things Fall Apart, was lauded for its inventive use of sampling. The group is The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon’s house band.
Run-DMC
A pioneer of new school hip-hop in the 1980s, Run-DMC was the first hip-hop group to be featured on MTV, and they are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur is widely regarded to be one of the most influential rappers. Part of the gangsta rap movement, Tupac is known for his inventive, often poetic lyrics. His 1996 album, All Eyez on Me, was certified diamond, and all five of his posthumous albums have been certified platinum.
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is a Staten Island-based rap group consisting of several major figures in the hip-hop community, including Ol’ Dirty Bastard, RZA, and Method Man. Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is often listed as one of the best rap albums of all time.
Who did we miss?
Let us know who you think should be included in the royal family of Hip-Hop.
