As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop let’s round out the Billboard Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list, and see who’s been added in their final installment, as they’ve revealed their Top 10.
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Each week 10 rappers were unveiled from the list from 50 all the way to 1. The first week revealed icons like Rick Ross, Queen Latifah, and E-40 on the list ranking 50-41. The following week Billboard revealed numbers 40 through 31, which included Ludacris, T.I., and Future. Week three debuted those ranked numbers 30 through 21 on Billboard's list, featuring the likes of Pusha T, Method Man, DMX, and more. Followed by the additions of LL Cool J, J.Cole, Kanye West and more as rappers ranked 20-11.
This week Billboard finally revealed their Top 10. So who’s the Greatest Rapper of All Time? Well according to Billboard — it’s JAY-Z. Joining HOV in following top spots are Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Tupac, Eminem, Biggie, Lil Wayne, Drake, Snoop, and also landing the Great Female Rapper of All Time title, Nicki Minaj.
Starting from top to bottom here are Billboard’s Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time:
1. JAY-Z
2. Kendrick Lamar
3. Nas
4. Tupac
5. Eminem
6. The Notorious B.I.G.
7. Lil Wayne
8. Drake
9. Snoop Dogg
10. Nicki Minaj
11. Kanye West (Ye)
12. André 3000
13. Rakim
14. LL Cool J
15. J.Cole
16. Scarface
17. 50 Cent
18. Ice Cube
19. Missy Elliot
20. Big Daddy Kane
21. DMX
22. Ghostface Killah
23. Kurtis Blow
24. KRS-One
25. Method Man
26. Big Pun
27. Q-Tip
28. Black Thought
29. Pusha T
30. Lauryn Hill
31. Lil Kim
32. T.I.
33. Busta Rhymes
34. Chuck D (Public Enemy)
35. Future
36. Yasin Bey (Mos Def)
37. Common
38. Gucci Mane
39. Ludacris
40. Dr. Dre
41. E-40
42. Redman
43. Bun B
44. Queen Latifah
45. Ice-T
46. Jadakiss
47. MC Lyte
48. Melle Mel
49. Rev-Run (Run DMC)
50. Rick Ross
While Billboard is aware the list has and will continue to spark much criticism and comments the publication is confident that this, “is a well-thought-out, authentic list that reflects Hip-Hop’s foundational pioneers, evolutionary trailblazers and contemporary mainstays.”
And while that’s very nice and all, its 2023 and obviously the internet has something to say — so here’s the good, bad and everything in between.
Stay tuned as Audacy continues to celebrate the birth and trailblazing influence of Hip-Hop. Check out audacy.com/hiphopmade all through 2023 for more. And listen to your favorite music on Audacy's Hip Hop Made suite of stations, as well as Conscious Hip Hop, Hip Hop Uncut, Women of Hip Hop, and more -- plus check out our talent-hosted Ed Lover's Timeless Throwbacks and Greg Street's Dirty South Hip Hop!
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