The Best New York Rappers

Biggie's debut album, "Ready to Die" (1994), featuring hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," established him as a standout figure in rap. He became a central figure in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, particularly in his feud with Tupac Shakur.

His second album, "Life After Death" (1997), released posthumously, further solidified his status with acclaimed tracks like "Hypnotize" and "Mo Money Mo Problems". The Notorious B.I.G. received posthumous recognition and awards.

The nicknames "Biggie Smalls" and "The Notorious B.I.G." reflected his imposing presence and authentic storytelling about street life. His tragic death occurred in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles, remaining unsolved and contributing to conspiracy theories.

Biggie's legacy in hip-hop is profound. His storytelling abilities and impact on the genre have influenced numerous artists, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Despite his short career, The Notorious B.I.G.'s contributions continue to be celebrated, solidifying his place in the history of hip-hop.

Nas gained widespread recognition with his debut album, "Illmatic" released in 1994. "Illmatic" is often cited as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, showcasing Nas's poetic lyricism and storytelling ability. His insightful and thought-provoking lyrics have earned him a reputation for addressing social issues, street life, and personal reflections.

Throughout his career, Nas has released numerous albums, including "It Was Written" (1996), "I Am..." (1999), and "Stillmatic" (2001). His work has consistently received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and thematic complexity.

Nas has collaborated with various artists across genres and has been involved in social and political activism. His influence extends beyond music, and he has made a mark as an entrepreneur with ventures in fashion, technology, and film.

With a career spanning several decades, Nas has solidified his legacy in hip-hop as a wordsmith and storyteller, earning accolades for his contributions to the genre's evolution. His impact on the cultural and social landscape, combined with his enduring musical influence, establishes Nas as a key figure in the history of hip-hop.

His breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2003), featuring the hit single "In Da Club." The album's success established 50 Cent as a major figure in the hip-hop scene and popularized the gangsta rap subgenre.

Beyond music, 50 Cent ventured into various business sectors, including film production, fashion, and the beverage industry. He became a successful entrepreneur with ventures like G-Unit Records, SMS Audio, and the sale of Vitamin Water to Coca-Cola.

In addition to his musical career, 50 Cent pursued acting, with roles in films such as "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005) and "Home of the Brave" (2006), along with the television series "Power".

Throughout his career, 50 Cent released several albums, including "The Massacre" (2005), "Curtis" (2007), and "Animal Ambition" (2014). While subsequent releases didn't match the success of his debut, he remained a significant presence in the industry.

Known for his outspoken nature and engaging in public feuds, 50 Cent has become a controversial and entertaining figure in the public eye. His life story, marked by overcoming adversity and surviving gunshot wounds, has been a central theme in his music and public narrative.

50 Cent's impact on hip-hop and popular culture, both musically and entrepreneurially, has solidified his status as a notable and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.

Rising to fame with his 2011 mixtape "Live.Love.A$AP", he is recognized for his distinctive style that blends hip-hop, trap, and eclectic influences. His debut album, "Long. Live. A$AP" (2013), featured hits like "Goldie" and "F**kin' Problems". A$AP Rocky is not only acclaimed for his musical prowess but also for his fashion-forward approach, often associated with the A$AP Mob collective. In addition to his music career, he has ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility. A$AP Rocky remains a significant figure in both the music and fashion industries, known for his artistic innovation and genre-defying contributions to hip-hop.

Rising to fame in the 1980s, LL Cool J is known for his charismatic delivery, clever lyrics, and hits like "Rock the Bells." He has released successful albums, including "Radio" and "Mama Said Knock You Out". LL Cool J has also ventured into acting, with notable roles in TV shows like "NCIS: Los Angeles". Over the years, he has received accolades for his contributions to music and entertainment, solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon and enduring figure in American pop culture.

JAY-Z's musical legacy includes acclaimed albums like "Reasonable Doubt" (1996), "The Blueprint" (2001), and "The Black Album" (2003). Known for his lyrical prowess and business-savvy lyrics, he has garnered widespread acclaim.

Beyond music, JAY-Z is a successful entrepreneur, co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records, Rocawear clothing line, and Roc Nation entertainment company. His ventures extend into tech, sports management, and streaming services.

Associated with influential record labels such as Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings, JAY-Z played a crucial role in shaping the careers of artists like Kanye West.

JAY-Z's cultural impact goes beyond music, addressing social issues in his lyrics and contributing to the cultural and political landscape. Married to Beyoncé, the couple is known for their private personal life and occasional collaborations.

JAY-Z's awards include multiple Grammy Awards, and his contributions have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

His multifaceted career, spanning music, business, and activism, establishes JAY-Z as a trailblazer and a key influencer in shaping the modern entertainment landscape.

Method Man's debut solo album, "Tical," released in 1994, was well-received, featuring the hit single "Bring the Pain". Known for his distinctive voice and charismatic presence, Method Man has contributed to the success of the Wu-Tang Clan and has a successful solo career. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like "How High" and "The Wire". Method Man remains a respected figure in the hip-hop community.

 Comprising nine members, including RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, the Clan is known for its innovative fusion of martial arts aesthetics, gritty lyricism, and unique production. Their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" (1993), is a classic in the genre, featuring iconic tracks like "C.R.E.A.M". and "Protect Ya Neck". The group's influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion, film, and art. Despite individual solo careers, Wu-Tang Clan continued to release group albums, leaving an enduring legacy in hip-hop culture.

Their partnership began with the 2001 film "How High" and their chemistry extended to music, resulting in collaborative albums like "Blackout!" (1999) and "Blackout! 2" (2009). The duo's work showcases their complementary styles, humor, and a shared passion for entertaining audiences. Beyond their joint projects, both Method Man and Redman have maintained successful solo careers, contributing to their enduring impact on the hip-hop scene.

Tupac addressed issues such as systemic inequality and the struggles of the African American community. Notable albums include "2Pacalypse Now" (1991) and "All Eyez on Me" (1996). His career was marked by legal troubles and involvement in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry. Tragically, Tupac was fatally shot in 1996 at the age of 25, and his murder remains unsolved. Despite his short life, Tupac's impact on hip-hop and popular culture is enduring, and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Rising to fame in the late 1990s with albums like "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" and "...And Then There Was X" he became a prominent figure in hardcore rap. DMX's music often explored themes of crime, violence, and spirituality, reflecting his personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse. In addition to his successful music career, he ventured into acting with roles in films like "Belly" and "Romeo Must Die". DMX's life was marked by legal issues and health challenges, and he tragically passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 50. His death was a significant loss to the hip-hop community, and he is remembered for his impactful contributions to the genre.

Formed in the early 1990s and hailing from Queensbridge, New York, Mobb Deep played a significant role in shaping the East Coast hip-hop scene. Their breakthrough came with the 1995 album "The Infamous" which is considered a classic in the genre. Known for their raw and gritty lyrics, coupled with Havoc's distinctive production, the duo continued to release successful albums like "Hell on Earth" and "Murda Muzik". Mobb Deep's contributions to hardcore and street-oriented hip-hop, along with their association with the Queensbridge hip-hop scene, solidified their place in the genre. Tragically, Prodigy passed away in 2017, but Mobb Deep's impact on hip-hop remains enduring and influential.

Born in 1968, he gained prominence as one half of the iconic duo Eric B. & Rakim. Their debut album, "Paid in Full" (1987), is a classic, showcasing Rakim's groundbreaking lyrical style with complex rhyme schemes. The duo continued with albums like "Follow the Leader" and "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" solidifying Rakim's reputation as a masterful lyricist. His solo career further highlighted his lyrical prowess with albums like "The 18th Letter" and "The Master". Rakim's impact on hip-hop is profound, influencing subsequent generations and earning him the title of "The God MC" for his enduring contributions to the genre.

After facing personal tragedy with the death of his brother, he reemerged as MF DOOM with the iconic metal mask. Known for adopting various comic book-inspired personas, he collaborated with producers like Madlib to create acclaimed albums such as "Madvillainy." MF DOOM's mysterious presence and profound impact on hip-hop were emphasized by his unexpected passing on October 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of influential and innovative music.

Known for their innovative and jazzy production, socially conscious lyrics, and seamless collaboration, the group is considered one of the most influential in hip-hop history. Classic albums like "The Low End Theory" and "Midnight Marauders" solidified their status during the Golden Age of hip-hop. Despite occasional conflicts, the group's impact endures, and their final album, "We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service", released in 2016, served as a poignant tribute following Phife Dawg's passing. A Tribe Called Quest's legacy is marked by their profound influence on the genre's sound and aesthetics.

Renowned for his vivid storytelling, gritty lyricism, and distinctive voice, Ghostface played a significant role in Wu-Tang Clan's debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)". His solo career includes critically acclaimed albums like "Ironman", "Supreme Clientele" and "Fishscale". Known for his cinematic storytelling and references to crime and street life, Ghostface has collaborated widely and ventured into acting and entrepreneurship. His enduring impact on hip-hop is marked by his dynamic contributions to both group and solo projects, establishing him as a key figure in the genre's history.

Renowned for his socially conscious lyrics and versatile flow, he gained widespread recognition with his debut solo album, "Black on Both Sides," in 1999. Mos Def is also part of the acclaimed duo Black Star with Talib Kweli. Beyond his musical contributions, he has had a successful acting career in films and TV shows. Known for his activism, Mos Def officially changed his name to Yasiin Bey in 2011. His impact on hip-hop extends to his multifaceted approach to art and his involvement in social and political issues, making him a highly respected and influential figure.

Renowned for his energetic delivery, rapid-fire flow, and charismatic stage presence, Busta Rhymes gained fame in the early 1990s as a member of Leaders of the New School. His solo career took off with hit albums like "The Coming" and "When Disaster Strikes" solidifying his position as a leading figure in hip-hop. Known for dynamic collaborations, he has worked with diverse artists and maintained longevity in the industry. Busta Rhymes' impact extends to acting and his distinctive style, making him a charismatic and influential figure in the world of hip-hop.

Hailing from the Bronx, New York, he gained widespread recognition with his debut album, "Capital Punishment" released in 1998. Known for his intricate rhyme schemes and rapid-fire delivery, Big Pun was celebrated for his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. As the first solo Latino rapper to achieve platinum status, he left a significant impact on the hip-hop genre. Tragically, Big Pun passed away on February 7, 2000, at the age of 28, but his legacy endures as one of the most skilled and influential lyricists in hip-hop history.

 As a member of The LOX and through collaborations with groups like Ruff Ryders, Jadakiss gained prominence in the late 1990s. His solo career took off with albums like "Kiss Tha Game Goodbye", "Kiss of Death" and "Top 5 Dead or Alive". Revered for his sharp wit and lyrical skill, Jadakiss has maintained his status as one of the East Coast's respected and enduring lyricists. Beyond his music career, he has ventured into entrepreneurship and philanthropy, leaving a lasting impact on the hip-hop scene.