Who is the best rapper of our time? The most famous rappers in the history of hip-hop. Top 10 most popular rappers.

A boy named Marshall Bruce Mathers III was born in Missouri in 1972, as they say, in dysfunctional family. The parents of the future king of hip-hop got married when Marshall's mother was only 15 years old. He was born two years later. And after some time, his father abandoned the family. Moving from place to place, mother and son settled in. The guy has had a love for music since childhood. For several years, Marshall and his friends tried to do something worthwhile. Once upon a time the great Dr. Dre heard the track The Slim Shady - and away we go... Eminem has 15 Grammy and Oscar awards for the song Lose yourself, which he wrote in one sitting. The track was written for the autobiography Eight Mile, in which the singer played a rapper named Rabbit. In 2010, the singer recorded several popular duets - with Rihanna, Pink, Nicki Minaj and Kob. Today, Eminem firmly occupies a leading position in the hip-hop industry. In his personal life Marshall repeated the fate of his mother: at the age of 15, he met 13-year-old Kimberly Scott at school. The young people got married, but the marriage did not last long. The attempt to improve relations failed miserably. The exes have secured joint custody of their only daughter, Hayley.

Interesting fact: Eminem writes all his lyrics in a notebook, by hand. No computer!

Quote:“I say most of the nasty things from the heart, but a lot of my rhymes are just meant to make people laugh. This is a great comedy. Anyone who has even a drop of humor will understand when I’m joking and when I’m serious.”

Tupac Shakur

The rapper was born in New York City in the Harlem neighborhood on June 16, 1971. Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, was a member of the Black Panther group and actively fought for the rights of blacks. Tupac didn't know his father. In 1992, the guy moved to Los Angeles, but despite his creativity, he was involved in illegal things. In 1993, a girl accused him of rape. Tupac received a sentence and went to prison, where he recorded the album Me Against The World, which went multi-platinum. While in prison, the rapper married Keisha Morris, but after his release he filed for divorce. In February 1996, Tupac's main creation was released - the double album All Eyez On Me, which became nine times platinum. In September of the same year, Tupac was shot dead under unclear circumstances. His car was shot at 12 times. Tupac is recognized as one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time. He is the first rapper to receive a monument.

Interesting fact: Before becoming a rapper, Tupac studied ballet.

Quote:“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is that which dies in us while we are still alive. Never give up".

Jay Z

Shawn Cole Carter was born in Brooklyn on December 4, 1969. His father left the family when he was very young (again!). As a teenager, Sean worked in a grocery store. Like all cool rappers, Mr. Carter had problems with the law: he was even shot 6 times. Sean entered Higher vocal school in Brooklyn and graduated with honors. Started recording in the early 1990s. Jay Z, along with his friends Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs Burke, founded the music company Roc-a-Fella Records. The musician's second album was released in 1997. Literally a year later, the compositions of Beyoncé's future husband gained popularity and began to sound from every iron. In September 2001, the singer released his third album under called The Blueprint. Already in the first week, about 450,000 copies were sold. This album was later recognized as one of the best hip-hop releases in history. 13 of Jay Z's albums have reached the top of Billboard. This is a record among all solo performers. In addition, the rapper is an excellent businessman and owner of a multimillion-dollar fortune. By the way, his wife, the beautiful Beyoncé, greatly contributed to this. The couple is considered one of the most influential in show business.

Interesting fact: the singer invested his money in Carol's Daughter cosmetics line.

Quote:“We change people through communication, not through censorship.”

Snoop Dog

The incredible Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. was born on October 20, 1971. The musician’s father left his family (what’s that?!) almost immediately after his birth. WITH early years Dog sang in the church choir, and also played the piano and composed music. From his mother, the guy received the nickname Snoopy - in honor of the dog from the cartoon. After graduating from school, Kelvin entered California Polytechnic College. However, he ended up in prison for six months. Upon his release, he decided to take up music. After some time, the records reached the table of the famous producer Dr. Dre (yes, we also have deja vu). The first one was released in 1993 solo album Snoopa – Doggystyle. It is considered a true rap classic. But not only music is interesting to Snoopy: he loves to flash on big screen. He has roles in the films “Bones”, “Training Day”, “Black Business” and others. Twelve successful albums and many compositions recorded in duets with other musicians have made Snoop Dogg one of the most popular performers of our time. He also proved himself in business: successful collections of shoes, clothes, cigars and headphones. In Snoopy’s personal life, everything is okay: he is married to his high school girlfriend, with whom he has three children.

Interesting fact: Snoop Dogg– a fan of the vampire series “True Blood”. He even dreamed of starring in it. But the creator - Alan Ball - refused him this. Out of grief, the musician recorded the song Oh Sookie, dedicated to the main character of the series.

Quote:“I can only say two things about my past: I always remember it and I never regret it.”

Dr. Dre

God-given producer and simply cool musician Andre Romell Young was born in Los Angeles on February 18, 1965. At the time of the birth of the baby, the mother was only 16 and the father was only 17. The parents soon divorced. The future tycoon studied very poorly, and his work somehow didn’t work out. That's when he started DJing in California clubs. At the age of 17, Andre founded World Class Wreckin’ Cru, and a little later the NWA group Niggaz With Attitude appeared. NWA's first album, Straight Outta Compton, with the track Fuck Tha Police, caused a lot of controversy. In addition, the group began to be pursued by the FBI, which brought them even more authority among fans. Through Warren G, his half-brother, Dre met aspiring rapper Snoop Dogg and began working with him. Resounding success came to Dr. Dre as a producer in 1998, when he “discovered” Eminem. Since 2001, Dre has been primarily involved in producing albums for other musicians. Andre’s personal life was difficult: his eldest son was born when the producer was 16 years old, he had not seen him for more than 20 years. The second son died of an overdose. The singer's third son, Miguel, became a bone of contention. The singer demanded huge alimony through the court. And only in 1996, Dre seemed to have found happiness: he married a girl named Nicole Tret. The couple has two children.

Interesting fact: Dr. Dre never used steroids: he achieved such an athletic physique only through training. He started training after the death of his second son; he threw all the negativity into sports.

Quote:“No matter how hard you work to get up, there is always a stubborn person willing to take you down.”

Drake

Canadian handsome man and Rihanna's on-off boyfriend Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 29, 1986 in Toronto. His father is a musician and his mother is a teacher. His parents divorced when the boy was five. Aubrey began his career in the TV series Degrassi. The Next Generation,” but soon switched to music. The musician released his first hit, Best I Ever Had, in 2009, and just a year later he presented his debut album, Thank Me Later, which gained enormous popularity. Drake has sold more than 5 million copies of his albums worldwide. Today, Drake continues to write music and perform concerts. He also works as a producer under the pseudonym C. Papi and writes songs for other musicians: Alicia Keys, Rita Ora and Jamie Foxx. Lately, Drake has often appeared behind the scenes, voicing characters in popular cartoons.

Interesting fact: in one interview, Drake admitted that, but she always perceived him as a younger brother.

Quote:"I'm cheerful, but calculating."

Kanye West

Her husband famous pop... sorry, reality stars Kim Kardashian, singer Kanye Omari West, was born in Atlanta on June 8, 1977. His parents separated when he was three years old, and the boy moved with his mother to Chicago. The parents of the future hooligan are bright representatives of the middle class, his father is a photographer, and his mother is a teacher. in English. Kanye, influenced by his mother, went to the University of Chicago, but his love for music won out. At first, the young musician composed compositions for famous Chicago artists. IN different years his songs were performed by Jay Z, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Janet Jackson and many others. In the fall of 2002, West was in a car accident while returning home from a recording studio. He suffered a broken jaw and miraculously survived. He described all his experiences in songs, which he dedicated to God and his incredible salvation. He didn’t want to give them to another singer; they contained his story. And Kanye released his debut disc, The College Dropout. The album received platinum status three times. After this, records and new singles began to be released literally one after another. Today, the rapper is considered one of the most famous and popular musicians in his genre. As for personal life, then

Interesting fact: West was once arrested on suspicion of stealing several printers from his office.

Quote:“I’m the type of rock star who needs a girlfriend, you know?”

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10. Christopher Ludacris ($13 million annual income)

Christopher Brian Bridges, September 11, 1977 American rapper, producer and actor. Started my musical career as a DJ under the pseudonym Chris Lova Lova. Success with the public led to him becoming interested in famous producer Timbaland. Released several successful albums. He acts in films a lot. Famous films with his participation: “Heart of the Game”, “Max Payne”, “Gamers”. He is involved in charity work and promoting education among young people.

9. Nicki Minaj ($15 million annual income)

In ninth place popular rapper, female Onika Tanya Marazh, December 8, 1982 Already her first album, “Pink Friday,” hit second place on the Billboard 200 chart. She became the first performer in history to have seven songs simultaneously on this chart. This album of hers went platinum. She has been awarded a large number of various awards and music awards. Declares a conscious rejection of an overly sexual image, since success in life is brought by completely different qualities. He also promotes a clothing line and produces cosmetics.

8. Eminem (annual income $15.5 million)

Marshall Bruce Mathers, October 17, 1972 American super popular rapper, a bit of an actor and producer. One of the best-selling musicians, he is rightfully considered a star of the rapper movement. In 2011, videos with his participation shook up YouTube! Recognizes the influence on own style artists such as Esham and Masta Ace. He is distinguished by a sharp, aggressive style and the corresponding themes of his songs - murder, violence, homophobia, for which he has been repeatedly criticized. In 2002, the semi-biographical film “Eight Mile” was shot about Eminem. Musical accompaniment, which was used in it (the composition “Lose Yourself”) won an Oscar.

7. Aubrey Drake Graham (Drake)(annual income $20 million)

in seventh place quite rich rapper Drake. In 1986, Aubrey Drake Graham was born. Currently, the Canadian rapper is also doing an excellent job with acting. The debut album “Thank Me Later” announced itself in the best colors. It was sold out before our eyes! The circulation was about 400 thousand copies. The album “Take Care” was also received with a bang, both by strict critics and good-natured critics. Within a week, it managed to sell 631,000 copies. And a little later he appeared in the top ranks of the Billboard 200 chart. He is making attempts to break into cinema.

6. Bryan Williams ($20 million annual income)

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Better known as Bridman or Baby, he is an American rapper from New Orleans. Born February 15, 1969 Member of Big group Timers. After the breakup of the group began solo career. Owns the record label Cash Money Records, is the founder of YMCMB, and has a bus company. He also made attempts to participate in the oil business.

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5. Lil Wayne ($27 million annual income)

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Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. September 27, 1982 Rapper Brian Williams had a great influence on his work, who saw his talent and took him under his wing. Success came to Carter with the albums Tha Carter (2004), Tha Carter 2 (2005), The Carter 3 (2008). Recorded joint singles with Madonna and Eminem. Has a large number of awards and music awards. Acting in films.

4. Kayne West ($34 million annual income)

Kanye West, June 8, 1977 Five it music albums, released from 2004 to 2010, received recognition, numerous awards (14 Grammys) and commercial success. Critics especially highlight “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” A teddy bear can be considered a kind of amulet for West. His image appears on every musician's album. Many songs use a religious theme. Recognized as one of the top African-American philanthropists. Has its own charitable foundation, which helps children from poor Latino and African-American families get an education.

3. Sean Combs ($40 million annual income)

Three top 10 richest rappers And the most popular rappers in the world is opened by Sean John Comes, born in 1969. Also known under the pseudonyms Puff Diddy, P Diddy or simply Diddy. In 2009, he assembled a team that became known as Diddy-Dirty Money. Forbes and Time magazines recognize him as one of the richest hip-hop artists. Comes is often criticized for being too commercialized in this area. After all, the singer, among other things, designs stylish things, is the owner of a chain of restaurants, and also invests a lot of money in young performers. He starred in the films “Escape from Vegas”, “Carlito’s Way 2” and others.

2. Jay-z (annual income $41 million)

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Shawn Corey Carter. One of the most famous hip-hop musicians. He performs most of his compositions impromptu. A large number of his albums (12!) took first place in the Billboard top 200, which is a record among all solo artists. A constant participant in numerous public scandals. Married to the famous American singer Beyoncé.

1.Dr. Dre ($110 million annual income)

The winner is Andre Romell Young. American rapper, producer, actor, beatmaker. It was he who began to actively spread the style of music called G-funk. Gained fame thanks to the group N.W.A. Later he began performing alone. It should be noted that his solo career was going uphill. In 1992 he released the album “The chronic”, which later became a real bestseller. The track from this album “Let me Ride” gave him his first music award Grammy. For singing activity has repeatedly become a nominee and winner of this award in in different nominations. The income of rappers is certainly not the same as that of or even, but the amounts are still impressive.

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Even those who are not interested in it musical direction, will name a couple of the most famous rappers. Surely the name of Kanye West will be mentioned (the media pays too much attention to both him and his wife Kim), the name of Jay-Z (he and Beyonce made up one of the most influential couples in the world of music) and also Eminem. However, the most famous rappers in the history of hip-hop - not the performers who released several multi-platinum discs, but those who lived and breathed rap, who became trendsetters in this genre, because trends are not born of mediocrity.

New King of the West Coast

A native of Compton (California), Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is the youngest member of our top, he is now 29 years old. But he has already been dubbed the “New King of the West Coast.” Lamar's mixtape Section.80, released in 2011, became a sensation. The combination of lyrics and sounds recorded on the streets of Compton make Lamar's raps unforgettable. His second studio album“Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” (2012) went platinum and won two Grammy awards. But even he is not considered the best young rapper, and his third disc “To Pimp a Butterfly”, reviews of critics for which are full of compliments to the author. Now Lamar has 7 Grammys, but there will be more.

Very bright character

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as Lil Wayne, was born in New Orleans, where music seems to be heard from every corner. You can love or hate this rapper, be surprised by his strange appearance (tattoos, piercings and inlaid teeth), but there is no point in belittling his talent. It took the 2000s by storm. The hype around his 2008 album Tha Carter III did not subside for a long time, and before that there were no less successful Tha Carter (2004) and Tha Carter II (2005). Now, at 34 years old, Lil Wayne remains very successful, collaborating with many colleagues including Eminem, Pitbull and Nicki Minaj.

Veteran and legend

51-year-old Andre Romell Young, who goes by the name Dr. Dre, is the eldest on our list of the most famous rappers in hip-hop history. Many years ago (in 1984), he began his career with the group “World Class Wreckin' Cru”, and then founded “N.W.A.”, laying the foundations of gangsta rap with his comrades. Dr. Dre’s first solo album “The Chronic” was released in 1992 -year, and the rapper immediately became a trendsetter in West Coast hip-hop fashion. Then he discovered Eminem and helped this artist get to the top (no one believed that a white rapper could achieve such success).

Well, simply - jack of all trades!

39-year-old Kanye West was also an innovator in the genre, although he respected classic style. Kanye's debut disc was released in 2004, and since then he has set a record, collecting 21 Grammy awards. Now Kanye is a producer, fashion designer, an iconic figure in pop culture and the husband of a famous socialite Kim Kardashian, who is raising two children with her. He is quite a controversial figure - with his scandalous antics and statements, but his contribution to hip-hop culture can hardly be overestimated.

"Face" of the musical South

Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000), who became famous in the mid-1990s in the duo Outkast, shook up the musical South of the United States in a good way. When he steps up to the microphone, you can be sure that you will hear real poetry! The first disc released by the group had a very complex name: “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik”. This did not prevent the disc from going platinum. The duo now has six Grammy Awards. Andre 3000 gravitates towards southern soul and lyrical arrangements, so he produces compositions that are not similar to the rap of other artists.

One of a kind

44-year-old Marshall Bruce Mathers III, or simply Eminem, stands out from our top, and not only because of his skin color (all other participants in the ranking are African-American). From the very beginning, it was implied that rap was the music of the black population, but Eminem managed to prove that he, too, is worthy of storming the charts. Having worked his way up from the bottom (a poor area of ​​Detroit), Eminem turned all his hardships into music. Despite the fact that his lyrics (especially those read from the point of view of the character Slim Shady) are shocking, he is very lyrical. Ask any rapper who considers himself a lyricist whose work he was inspired by, and he will answer: “Eminem's compositions.”

Revolutionized rap

In 1994, young Brooklyn rapper Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (Nas) released his debut album, Illmatic, and revolutionized hip-hop. Therefore, Nas can be considered the most influential rapper in the world. Illmatic was universally praised and called the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The author's compositions have been compared to the cold air of a winter night in New York. This was the beginning of great street rap and the birth of some of the rhyming styles we hear in rap scenes today. Since then, nine more solo discs have been released by the artist, but a true classic considered "Illmatic".

Untimely deaths

Tupac Amaru Shakur from impoverished Harlem performed gangster rap, but already his debut disc “2Pacalypse Now” in 1991 showed that the guy would become a legend. But he was only 20 years old then! Tupac addressed sensitive issues (police brutality, poverty, racial discrimination, teenage pregnancy), but remained very lyrical. A good son, a gangster, a scientist, a poet, he got into trouble many times and was shot and killed in September 1996 in Las Vegas at the age of 25.

A similar fate awaited Christopher George Lator Wallace, who outlived Tupac by only a few months - the 24-year-old rapper was killed in 1997 in Los Angeles. You don't know who we're talking about? Biggie Smalls, Big Daddy or Notorious - call it what you want, but you've definitely heard this name. The biopic “Notorious” was dedicated to him, telling about the rapper’s short but bright journey. His relaxed style and deep voice cannot be confused with anyone else's. Christopher's mother recalled that he began to sing before he spoke. Although almost 20 years have passed since the rapper’s death, his unsurpassed poems and songs (about violence and love, women and “weed,” the meaning of existence and dreams) are alive to this day.

The most successful

We somehow “hung” on a sad note, but now we’ll tell you the name of the most famous rapper in the history of hip-hop, and your heart will feel lighter. After all, he’s definitely doing fine! 46-year-old Shawn Corey Carter, or simply Jay-Z, became famous for a number of albums, including “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album.” These two albums have more style and lyrics than his other colleagues in his entire discography. The rapper's signature style was imitated many times, but could not be copied. Now Jay-Z is a producer, tycoon, businessman with a net worth of $610 million, and also the husband of the beautiful and talented Beyoncé.

Rap is considered a fairly young musical direction. However, it has already firmly established itself in modern culture and has spawned dozens of heroes who are not going to disappear anywhere. It is quite difficult to choose a few of the best rappers, because many deserve respect. Despite this, we decided to take a chance and put ten on the list best singers rap cultures that any child has heard of.

1. 2Pac

This guy is considered the number one rapper in the whole world. He was also the king of the west coast. Unfortunately, 2Pac was not able to please his audience for long, as he was killed at the age of 25. Some rumors say that the murder was ordered by the East Coast turnip king Notorious B.I.G. Despite this, Tupac was still able to enter the top hundred best singers of all nations and times. To this day, people continue to listen to and admire his songs. During his lifetime, the artist sold 75 million albums.

2. Jay-Z

The new East Coast turnip king, who rose from the bottom to make a huge fortune. His style and manner of performance cannot be compared with others, and there are more than a million fans around the world.

3. The Notorious B.I.G.

This singer is also known under the pseudonym Biggie. It was once considered the king of East Coast turnips. AND early death prevented him from becoming number one in the world of rap culture. Yet fans continue to admire him and consider him a hip-hop legend. Several hundred radio stations honored his memory with 30 seconds of silence during the period of mourning across America.

4. Eminem

This guy is also well known. Many grew up listening to his songs and continue to listen to them to this day. And Eminem should be called the only white person who was able to get into the top ten hip-hop artists. On big stage Dr. helped the guy get through. Dre, but talent did the rest. Eminem has unique lyrics and style of songs.

5.Run DMC

There is not just one person here, but a whole group. It was she who stood at the origins of turnip, which determined its modern appearance. The group tried to combine a variety of styles. These guys were the first to risk releasing an album of songs. It immediately became a hit. In addition, it should be noted that the rappers helped Aerosmith return to the stage when they recorded a song with them in 1986.

6. Rakim

Rakim is also considered a representative of the old school, who became famous overnight when he recorded his popular hit Paid in full. The song immediately began to be put in the top ten on radio stations. On modern generation rappers were influenced by the clear articulation of Rakim and complex texts which have been brought to perfection.

7. Curtis Blow

8.LL Cool J

This man was a symbol of the rap and hip-hop scene in the 80s. But his song Mama said knock you out became a real hit. The rapper turned out to be not only a talented singer, but also a good actor, businessman and TV presenter. He has his own clothing brand.

9. Snoop Dogg

Of course, it was impossible not to include Snoop Dogg in the list of the most famous rappers peace. His friend Dr. Dre helped the musician climb to the top of the mountain. Snoop Dogg has always stood out from other rappers with his rather calm and lyrical style of performing songs.

10. Ice Cube

AND last place this guy is in the top. He began his career as a member of the group N.W.A, becoming the author of many of its songs. Next, Ice decides to start his solo career. His first solo album immediately became a hit and the very bar below which the performer never fell.

Video: Top 10 best rappers

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