New York, home to hip hop, has birthed many legendary artists. After celebrating hip hop’s monumental 50 years in 2023 and giving the genre as a whole its flowers, we want to also give flowers to rappers from New York who helped shape the genre into what it is today. There are numerous rappers from the Empire State that have a major influence on hip hop, each uniquely showcasing their lyricism, cadence, fashion, and flow. Starting a revolutionary movement that can now be seen with other genres, such as pop and R&B, and expanding worldwide is something truly honorable.
Returning to the origins, let’s acknowledge and appreciate some of New York’s influential rappers throughout history, though we can’t mention them all.
DMX
The Dog, Dark Man X. Lyrical genius born and raised in Yonkers. Part of hip hop group Ruff Ryders. X dropped two albums in one year, both debuting at number one and setting himself up to be one of the most impactful rappers in hip-hop history. Rest in peace, X.
Jay Z
HOV. Shawn Carter. Brooklyn’s very own first hip-hop billionaire. Dominating the culture for over 20 years, giving the people “blueprints” of his life, incorporating business with his music, and so much more. HOV has set a high standard in hip hop.
Nas
Illmatic. One of the most iconic rap albums of all time. Clever with his word choice and presenting imagery, Nas is one of the most well-respected rappers of all time.
Rakim
One of the greatest MCs during the Golden Era of hip-hop. Partnering with Eric B back in the 80s and 90s, they both presented a very unique lyrical ability that set a certain caliber for future rappers to follow suit.
Notorious B.I.G.
“It was all a dream.” Delivering gritty, raw, and real lyrics, New York crowns Big Poppa as one of its most beloved rappers. Carrying the entire East Coast on his back, especially during the rivalry against the West Coast, Biggie is seen as a true gangsta rapper. Hands down, in hip-hop’s top five.
Wu-Tang Clan
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game. Hailing from Staten Island, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Ghostface Killah created themselves a new norm in hip hop while pushing boundaries.
Jadakiss
“Top 5 Dead or Alive.” Jada had to have been referring to himself when he made this album. Competent with his rhyme scheme, dexterous with his wordplay and still claiming his hip-hop crown after over 20 years in the game, Jada definitely puts on for hip-hop’s world.
Fabolous
F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S. He is a lyrical prodigy who has found his lane between mixtapes and mainstream. Upkeeping his legendary status, The Brooklyn-bred rapper consistently drops freestyles that are far from a disappointment.
Nicki Minaj
Queens, New York, stand up. A metaphorical queen delivering with an animated flow, Nicki is one of a kind. Certainly, a trendsetter who has shifted hip hop in her own bold, provocative, and “pink” manner, “Nicki Lewinsky” has opened up a new lane for future female rappers.
Busta Rhymes
From Leaders of the New School to Blockbusta, Busta is one of the few rappers that possess longevity. Carrying a lightning-speed flow through an exhilarating and animated energy, Busta is an innovative rap legend. Intriguing not only with his word choice but through his visuals, Busta’s exceptional talent remains breathtaking.
N.O.R.E.
Though jump-starting his rap career in 1995, N.O.R.E is notoriously known for bringing reggaeton into hip hop and his podcast Drink Champs. Introducing a different imagery to hip hop with his personality and visions for making hits, N.O.R.E. is very well respected.
50 Cent
Gangsta turned rapper turned television mogul. Having a rough childhood growing up in Queens, selling drugs, and being shot nine times did not stop 50 from achieving success. 50’s street credibility, business comprehension, and music success catapulted him into the star he is today.
Styles P
The Ghost SP. The youngest member of hip hop group The Lox, SP has proved himself to be one of the lyrical greats. Labeling himself as young with an old soul, The Ghost has consistently proven himself to be both street and book smart with a savage and apprehensive sound.
Lil Kim
Raw, hardcore, seductive, with a keen eye for fashion. Closely associated with Biggie Smalls, aka Notorious B.I.G., Kim set the tone for female rappers to shy away from the original tomboy look into being sexy. Kim also opened doors for the fashion world to intertwine with hip-hop in a different light.
Foxy Brown
Raunchy, talented and constantly pushing the norm, Ill Na Na. One of the illest female rappers to hop on the mic. Of Trinidadian descent, Foxy has been known to be a style icon and an influence on women’s hip-hop.
The rappers listed are just a few, as countless others have made an enormous impact and been a force in New York’s hip-hop scene. New York will always and forever be home to hip hop, and we thank those who have come up and paved the way.
