This story is part of our new Hip-Hop: ’73 Till Infinity series, a celebration of the genre’s 50th anniversary.
The 2023 Grammy Awards was special, not only because it gathered together some of the greatest artists and musicians in the world, but it also celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a genre.
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With that in mind, The Root thought it would be appropriate to remember the legends of hip-hop who have paved the way for artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole to thrive now.
Slick Rick
He’s the most important storyteller in the history of hip-hop. Before your favorite MC was telling complex and layered stories, Slick Rick was doing it on albums throughout the 1980s.
Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash is an icon not only because he was just an incredible DJ. He also had one of the first true “hits” in the genre as a rapper with his timeless record, “The Message.”
Kurtis Blow
Truly a pioneer in the game, Kurtis Blow became the first hip-hop artist to sign with a major label and have a single certified gold. Without his success, who knows if future MCs would’ve gotten a chance.
MC Lyte
Had she never entered into the game, nobody would’ve ever believed that a woman could be a successful solo rap artist. MC Lyte proved that they can.
Rakim
The lyricists you consider to have insane wordplay—Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie—all acknowledge that Rakim is one of the illest to ever do it. His work with Eric B. is legendary.
Public Enemy
One of the most important groups in the history of rap, Public Enemy did not shy away from rapping about socially conscious and politically charged topics.
Run-DMC
Run-DMC set the standard for how popular a rap can be. They’re the best example of of rap music breaking through into mainstream success, thanks to their songs with Aerosmith and Beastie Boys.
N.W.A.
The most dangerous group in the history of rap, N.W.A. popularized the west-coast rap sound and gangsta rap. They also birthed one of the most iconic rappers and producers in the genre.
A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest arguably has the best discography in the history of rap. Every project was something uniquely different and fresh. Many of the artists who are thriving today name this Queens group as a huge influence on how they create their music.
Queen Latifah
Before she was known as a star actor, Queen Latifah was making dope songs along with A Tribe Called Quest and the rest of the Native Tongues collective. She was following in the footsteps MC Lyte laid down.
Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre was a central figure in the success of N.W.A. But on his own, he produced and created beats for some of the greatest rappers of all time including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar.
Ice Cube
Similar to Dr. Dre, Ice Cube was a central figure in N.W.A. But his incredible run as a solo artist is what solidified his spot in rap history.
Snoop Dogg
Name a more entertaining hip-hop figure on this list. Yes, his debut album, Doggystyle, is one of the best ever. But his career as a media personality has been just as iconic.
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is unlike any group that has ever existed: nine rappers from the same neighborhood who had incredible success together and also as solo artists. There has never been an entity like Wu-Tang and there never will be.
P. Diddy
Yeah P. Diddy isn’t one of the greatest artists of all time, but his impact as a producer and an executive can’t be diminished.
Notorious B.I.G.
Notorious B.I.G. is considered by many to be the greatest of all time. The legacy he left in such a short period of time is unprecedented. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t live long enough to see it.
Nas
In terms of skill, few are better than Nas. He has the greatest hip-hop album of all time and has been consistent throughout his 30 years in the game.
Outkast
Before Outkast broke into the industry, hip-hop fans paid the south no mind. Outkast reminded the industry that the “South got something to say.”
2pac
One of the most beloved, genuine and thoughtful MCs of all time. The mark 2pac left on the industry through his music is something that will never be forgotten by hip-hop fans.
Jay-Z
No rapper exemplifies the “American Dream” more than Jay-Z. From Brooklyn projects to rap superstardom. His success as an artist and businessman is second to none.
Missy Elliot
Missy Elliot followed in the footsteps of MC Lyte and Queen Latifah and took it to another level. She truly became a worldwide superstar thanks to her timeless work with accomplished producer Timbaland.
DMX
While DMX is gone, his impact on the industry will never be forgotten. He was truly one of the most unique personalities and artists that the genre had ever seen.
Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne influenced a generation of artists thanks to his success in the mid-2000s. But his longevity is something that also must be respected. Lil Wayne has been making hit records since he broke into the industry at 14 years old.
50 Cent
Nowadays 50 Cent is known for creating tv shows on Starz, but in 2003, he was the most popular artist in the world and made sure to let everyone else in the game know it.
Pharell
At one point, Pharell produced 43% of what was on the radio. His signature production was ahead of its time and set the standard for how a producer could be a star in their own right.
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