For better or for worse, Gangsta rap has always been one of the most beloved and popular sub-genres in hip-hop for the past three decades. The artists involved have been super polarizing for better (or for worse) and have helped bring hip-hop to new heights.
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It would be criminal not to acknowledge their impact as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. These are the most influential gangsta rappers in hip-hop.
Eazy-E
There’s no way I could start this list without the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap.” No, he was not the first rapper to adopt gangsta rap, but he’s the one that is hugely responsible for popularizing it and making it a worldwide sensation. He was the star of a group that had Ice Cube and Dr. Dre in it, which should tell you everything you need to know.
Ice Cube
Young hip-hop fans might be blinded by the movies Ice Cube has been in for the last two decades, but in the 1990s, Cube was a ruthless MC. His career took off as a member of N.W.A., but it went to another level when he went solo, releasing classic albums such as AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, Death Certificate, and The Predator.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Don’t be fooled by classics such as “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” Biggie was a gangsta rapper. Songs like “Gimme the Loot” and “Who Shot Ya” exemplify his incredible pen game.
50 Cent
50 Cent is the last great gangsta rapper. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of current MCs who are great gangsta rappers, but none have had the level of success that 50 Cent had early in his career. His first two albums, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre are some of the best-selling albums of the 21st Century.
2pac
Pac was one of the best at making hardcore gangsta rap songs while also being extremely vulnerable and emotional in his music. Not many artists can make songs like “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” “Hit ‘Em Up,” and “Hail Mary.” Plus have heartfelt records like “Dear Mama” and “Keep Ya Head Up.”
Jay-Z
Jay-Z has drifted away from Gangsta rap in the past decade, but when he broke into the game with Reasonable Doubt, it was clear the type of music he was making. Still considered by many of his fans to be the best album he’s ever made.
Ice T
Yes youngsters, he’s not just an actor who plays a detective on Law & Order: SVU. Ice T was one of the early artists to carve out Gangsta rap as a sub-genre in hip-hop. Just listen to his 1991 album, O.G. Original Gangster, and you’ll know what I mean.
Scarface
I often think that Scarface is underrated when fans are talking about consistent MCs. Face has been dropping gems since he broke into the game with Geto Boys and has been a trailblazer for Houston rap ever since.
Snoop Dogg
While Snoop Dogg has never been able to recapture the magic of his debut record, Doggystyle, his legacy in gangsta rap can’t be ignored. His voice, style, and cadence were so unique to the genre that his impact should never be forgotten.
Spice 1
Spice 1 is a gangsta rap legend. He’s not quite as popular or successful as other names on this list, but his work requires that you respect his ability.
DJ Quik
DJ Quik is as west coast as anyone in rap history. This Compton rap icon has been making G-funk hip-hop since the 1980s and inspired many artists on this list. Plus, he arguably has the greatest hair in rap history.
Prodigy
RIP to the God. Prodigy was a hip-hop phenom when he broke into the New York rap scene. His opening verse on “Shook Ones, Pt. II” is simply flawless and embodies how special he was as a lyricist.
Kurupt
Kurupt might get a little overshadowed in a stacked roster of Gangsta rap legends that were signed to Death Row Records, but Kurupt was a vicious MC. I always thought he had one of the coolest voices in hip-hop.
MC Eiht
The lead man in Compton’s Most Wanted, MC Eiht just embodies what Gangsta rap is and was. He also represented Gangsta rap in the movie industry, starring in the 1993 classic, Menace II Society.
T.I.
Before he was making pop bangers with Rihanna and Justin Timberlake, T.I. was popularising trap music in Atlanta. He was no doubt one of the reasons Atlanta has become a hotbed for the best trap music in the world.
Big Pun
Big Pun is underrated. I’m sorry Biggie fans, Big Pun was every bit as good an MC as Notorious B.I.G. He was every bit as lyrical and descriptive in his raps. He was truly a special talent.
Raekwon
Raekwon the Chef was always the most fly member of Wu-Tang for me. But he also had the uncanny ability to descriptively describe the circumstances he grew up in, like on the 1995 track, “Heaven & Hell.”
Pusha T
Pusha T has only gotten better as time has gone on. The one thing we know Pusha T is going to rap about is coke, but he continues to improve the way he raps about it. It’s impressive.
Beanie Sigel
This Philadelphia rapper had a special run during the early 2000s. I don’t know how it felt for other hip-hop fans, but for me, he was always one of the scariest MCs, and it came across in his music.
The Game
Before Kendrick Lamar, The Game was Comtpon’s prodigal son in the 21st Century. His first two albums, The Documentary and Doctor’s Advocate stamped The Game as one of the most consistent rappers in the genre for the past decade and a half. To this day, he’s still putting out solid work.
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