15 New York Artists Who Built the Blueprint for Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B

The release of 50 Cent’s controversial Netflix documentary “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” has done more than just shine a light on one now-disgraced mogul; it has forced fans to confront the enduring tragedy at the core of hip-hop history. The series not only renews scrutiny of Combs’s inner circle, but the infamous East Coast–West Coast rivalry between The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur is once again being revisited, along with its fatal, lasting impact on the culture. As hip-hop’s birthplace, New York City remains the home to a powerful wave of artists who have continuously evolved the culture’s sound. With renewed attention on the city’s musical dominance, we’ve curated a list of influential artists from all five boroughs, tracing hip-hop’s surge from the Bronx to its global reach.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs – Harlem, NY

Before the career-breaking scandals surfaced, Sean Combs spent nearly three decades building a global brand. Under his successive monikers, from “Puffy” to “Diddy” to “Brother Love,” Combs became a mogul who significantly shaped music and hip-hop culture. Driven by his New York roots, his impact is evident through the groups he developed and produced, including Junior M.A.F.I.A., Total, Danity Kane and Day 26, among others.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Brooklyn, NY

The Notorious B.I.G. put Brooklyn on the map with his storytelling and unique flow. His debut album “Ready to Die,” led by the timeless anthem “Juicy,” remains one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time.

Run DMC – Queens, NY

At the height of the hip-hop, Run DMC revolutionized the rap genre from the streets of Queens to the global stages. The rap trio’s bold style and authoritative sound allowed the group to redefine their rap era and create a stronger foundation for modern hip-hop.

DMX – Yonkers, NY

Hailing from Yonkers, New York, DMX channeled the gritty authenticity of the city into every record. As the leader of Ruff Ryders, his raw, emotionally charged storytelling redefined an era and left an massive imprint on the music industry.

MASE – Harlem, NY

Harlem’s own Mason Betha, better known as Mase, shook up the industry as one of Comb’s leading artists. The 90s rapper gave us bops that we still rock out to this day.

Lil’ Kim – Brooklyn, NY

Rapper Lil’ Kim brought far more than just bold lyrics to the forefront of the industry. The Brooklyn artist dominated hip-hop culture by combining a vibrant, colorful fashion sense with an unapologetic, groundbreaking sexuality that reshaped the landscape for women in music.

Mary J. Blige – Bronx, NY

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige has masterfully meshed the sound and spirit of New York into her legacy. Beginning with soul-baring hits like “Real Love” from her debut album, “What’s The 411?,” Blige delivered a raw, confessional style that resonated globally. Her influence extends far beyond music, as she has spent the past 25 years cementing herself as a cultural icon who defines the emotional authenticity of the city.

Jay-Z – Brooklyn, NY

Growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, Jay-Z helped define hip-hop’s global reach through his sharp lyrical storytelling, formidable business acumen and undeniable cultural impact. Since the release of his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” he has seamlessly embedded his legacy into the streets of New York.

Alicia Keys – Hell’s Kitchen, NY

Alicia Keys, the New York-bred singer, came on the music scene with a soulful voice and classically trained piano skills. Her debut album “Songs In A Minor,” produced classic hits that reflect New York’s rich musical influence.

Mariah Carey – Huntington, NY

Mariah Carey’s voice is one of the definitive sounds of our time. The legendary, New York-born artist is a natural vocal powerhouse whose signature range and intricate arrangements completely reshaped the landscape of Pop and R&B. Her fans will forever be singing her best records, including classics like “Butterfly,” “Heartbreaker” and “We Belong Together,” among countless others.

50 Cent – Queens, NY

In the early 2000s, G-Unit’s founder 50 Cent became one of New York highly influential rappers. Coming from South Jamaica, he brought street realities to the forefront with “Get Rich or Die Tryin,’” considered a classic hip-hop album.

Tupac Shakur – Harlem, NY

Although he repped the West Coast, Tupac Shakur was originally born in New York. Despite not growing up there, his deep, raw lyrics about urban life left a permanent, global mark on hip-hop history.

Nicki Minaj – Queens, NY

There is no debate that Queens’ own Nicki Minaj completely modernized rap with her versatility and bold lyricism. Born in Queens, the “Super Bass” rapper broke barriers for women in hip-hop but also established the creative blueprint for the next generation of rappers.

Nas – Queens, NY

Nas is a legendary New York rapper and a key pioneer who elevated hip-hop as an art form. Hailing from Queensbridge, his debut album, “Illmatic,” used vivid storytelling to perfectly capture the raw realities of the city.

LL Cool J – Queens, NY

Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, hails from Queens, New York, and captured the hearts and ears of hip-hop fans in the early 1990s. Breaking onto the scene with his edgy record “I’m Bad,” he became one of rap’s first superstars to achieve mainstream appeal.