Like all the other genres in music, new rappers come onto the scene every day. But only a few will fit into the best rappers of all time category. There are certainly a lot of rappers to choose from, but it is not just about rapping, is it also about the individual’s influence on the industry.
Love or hate rap, you cannot deny its influence on culture and how it has changed over the years. There will always be a debate on who is the best of all time, and it is certainly a subjective matter. But if you take a look at some of the figures, you’ll be able to make a more educated and impartial call on those who are the best.
While there are a number of popular and influential rappers in the industry, there can only be 7 in this list. So, have a read on below at the top 7 rappers of all time:
2Pac
His album All Eyez On Me was so widely successful that he deserves a spot on this list. 2Pac’s smash hit California Love was #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. His album sales surpassed 16 million and his 1995 album Me Against The World was also widely successful. 2Pac was famously bailed out of jail in 1995, only to be killed in a drive-by shooting the following year.
Eminem
There is no doubt the Eminem needed to be included on this list. With almost 50 million album sales, how could he not? Like many other influential rap figures, he is also controversial, but that’s one of the reasons fans like him so much. Throughout his career, he has he many hits and #1 singles and his album The Marshall Mathers LP was the fastest-selling album in history for the rap genre.
Drake
Drake is a very influential artist in the game and has a number of awards and records to prove it. With just over 12 million in album sales and six #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, there is no doubt Drake is one of the best and belongs on this list. It seems like whatever Drake touches turns to gold, and there are no signs of him slowing down, so keep your eyes peeled for what he does next.
Kanye West
The ability to change as the times do is one of the reasons why Kanye West has been able to remain so popular over the years. It seems like it is just so easy for him to produce hit after hit, and he is one of the most consistent rappers. Fans of Kanye West are never left waiting for too long without new music from one of the best of all time.
Jay-Z
If you are looking at the best of the best, then you simply cannot ignore the great Jay-Z. With album sales of over 30 million and four #1 hits, it’s easy to see why he deserves a place on this list. His single Hard Knock Life is still one of his greatest, and throughout his career, he has been able to collaborate with a number of other high profile artists.
50 Cent
With a number of #1 hits under his belt and over 20 million in album sales, 50 Cent sure does deserve a place on this list. From hit songs like Candy Shop and In Da Club, he made a big mark on the rap industry. His album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ did debut at #1 and while he isn’t making much music today, you can still sit back and jam out to his older tunes.