The 25 Best Rappers From Boston
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The truth is, Boston rappers are often an afterthought when it comes to the East coast scene, with most people focusing on New York City as the genre's birthplace and most prolific proving ground. However, Boston hip-hop has been instrumental to the musical genre since the 1980s and continues to be to this day. Artists like Cousin Stizz, Slaine, and Michael Christmas contribute with their unique lyrics and styles. Newer voices such as Coi Leray and Rich Amiri breathe new life into Boston rap. And, of course, who could forget the everlasting impact of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch?
When it comes rappers from Boston, which of these artists are the best in Beantown?
1Gang Starr
Gang Starr, consisting of the iconic duo DJ Premier and Boston-born Guru, rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They are considered one of the best MC-and-producer duos in hip hop history, known for their pioneering blend of East Coast hip hop and jazz rap. With hits like "Mass Appeal," "Take It Personal," and "Above The Clouds," they left a lasting legacy in the hip hop world.
2Slaine
Slaine, born George Carroll, gained recognition in the 2000s, known for his gritty, introspective lyrics and raw delivery. His music often explores themes of struggle, perseverance, and urban life. With albums like A World With No Skies 2.0 and The King of Everything Else, Slaine has achieved success in the underground hip-hop scene, gaining traction with tracks like "99 Bottles" and "Dopehead."
Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch rose to prominence in 1991 with their blend of hip-hop and new jack swing. Their debut album, Music for the People, achieved platinum status fueled by hits like "Good Vibrations" and "Wildside," which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
4Dutch Rebelle
Dutch ReBelle started making her mark in the early 2010s with her unique blend of introspective lyricism and gritty delivery, often compared to a mix of Ghostface Killah and Lauryn Hill. She has achieved notable success, being named Boston's Best Music Artist in 2018 and earning critical acclaim for albums like Bang Bang. Some of her hit songs include "Gooniez" and "Earthwormz."
5Rich Amiri
Rich Amiri broke out in late 2023 with his blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pluggnB styles. His singles "Aint Nothing" and "One Call," the latter going viral on TikTok and charting on the Billboard Hot 100, have contributed to his rapid rise in the music scene, following the release of his album Ghetto Fabulous in the same year.
6Mr. Lif
Mr. Lif made waves in the late '90s and early 2000s with his politically charged lyrics, setting him apart from the party and gangsta rap of the time. He has achieved critical acclaim with albums like I Phantom and Mo' Mega and is known for tracks like "The Unorthodox" and "Brothaz."
7Cousin Stizz
Cousin Stizz came up in the mid-2010s with his hypnotic style of hip-hop, characterized by introspective lyrics and smooth, melodic flows. He has achieved notable success, signing with RCA Records and receiving critical acclaim. Some of his hit songs include "Shoutout" and "Headlock" featuring Offset.
8Millyz
Millyz has built a loyal following with his diverse range of sounds, from trap to East coast hip-hop. His lyrics tend to draw from themes of pain and hardship, highlighted by his Massachusettes upbringing. Tracks like "Risk Takers" and "Hopeless" showcase his unique style and lyrical prowess.Coi Leray (the daughter of rapper Benzino) found her place in rap in 2020 with her unique blend of hip-hop and pop, characterized by her energetic delivery and catchy hooks. Since then, she has achieved notable success with hits like "No More Parties" and "Players," with the former receiving platinum certification and the latter peaking in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
10Ed O.G.
Ed O.G., also known as Edo G., rose to fame in the late 1980s. Known for his introspective lyrics and smooth flow, he became one of the first Boston rappers to gain recognition beyond the local scene. Ed O.G. is highly regarded in the hip-hop community for his collaborations with artists like DJ Premier and Pete Rock. His hit songs "Be a Father to Your Child" and "I Got To Have It" from his debut album Life of a Kid in the Ghetto received significant airplay and remain classics in hip-hop.
11Riggz Two Nice
Riggz Two Nice - born in Boston, but since relocating to Atlanta - is a true one-man band, using his background as a drummer to create his own beats. His EP Last Day of November serves as a love letter and fitting outro for his departure from Boston. His track "Chill" features the legendary Big K.R.I.T.
12Bia
Bia, also known as Perico Princess, got her start in the mid-2010s with her unique blend of hip-hop and trap music. She gained recognition for her collaborations with artists like J Balvin and Russ, with hits such as "Safari" and “Best on Earth.” Bia's success continued as she signed with Epic Records and released her second EP, For Certain, featuring tracks like "Whole Lotta Money," which became a viral sensation on TikTok and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
13Michael Christmas
Michael Christmas debuted with his mixtape Is This Art? in 2014, which landed him a slot touring with Logic. His awkward, self-deprecating style has made him a fan favorite in the indie rap scene. Songs like "Michael Cera" and "Look Up/Save The Day" solidify his reputation as an off-beat lyrical gem.
14Oompa
Oompa broke onto the scene in the mid-2010s as a rapper, poet, and vocalist known for her introspective lyrics and smooth soul beats. Her music blends hip-hop and R&B influences, drawing inspiration from artists like Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar. With four Boston Music Awards and critical acclaim for albums like Cleo and Unbothered, Oompa has solidified her position as a respected artist in the industry. Hits like "OUTTA PATIENCE" and "LEBRON" showcase her lyrical prowess and distinctive style.
15Jefe Replay
Jefe Replay, who passed in November 2022, carried immense respect in the Boston hip-hop community. His album Proper Finessements - released on February 19, 2019 - gives a nod to the neighborhood he grew up in, which has the zip code 02119. His memorable tracks include "Sips Tea" and "Stay Ugly."
16Akrobatik
Akrobatik gained popularity in the late 1990s with his sharp lyricism and socially conscious themes. His music blends intricate wordplay with insightful commentary on society and personal struggles. Despite facing health challenges, Akrobatik has achieved success with albums like Balance and Absolute Value. Songs like "Internet MCs" and "Alive" showcase his dynamic flow and poignant storytelling.
17Benzino
Benzino got his start in the 1980s, but by the 2000s he became known as a solo aritst with an East Coast hip-hop style. Despite some success with singles like "Rock the Party," he is perhaps more widely recognized for his feud with Eminem, which gained significant media attention. He is the father of rapper Coi Leray.
18Almighty RSO
The Almighty RSO is one of the earliest hip-hop groups from Boston, originating in the mid-1980s and dispanding about a decade later. The group was comprised of E-Devious, Ray Dog (later known as Benzino, who is also on this list), Tony Rhome, and DJ Deff Jeff. Their 1986 track "The Greatest Show on Earth" is one of several that laid the groundwork for Boston hip-hop.
19Chilla Jones
Chilla Jones is known as a battle rapper who employs intricate wordplay and clever punchlines. Coming up in the mid-2000s, his style is characterized by his ability to dissect opponents with sharp wit and lyrical skill. Despite being more focused on the battle rap scene, Jones has gained recognition for his music, with tracks like "Listen" and "Wasted Talent" showcasing his storytelling abilities and introspective lyrics.
20M-Dot
M-Dot rose up in the mid-2000s through collaborations and tours, known for his multi-syllable rhyme schemes and acute lyricism. He has achieved critical acclaim, notably with his albums egO anD The eneMy and Dining in Dystopia, featuring tracks like "Shine" and “True Lies,” which showcase his impactful presence in the rap scene.
21Big Shug
Big Shug became a name in the 1990s as a member of Gang Starr and the Gang Starr Foundation, known for his gritty East Coast hip-hop style. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, he has gained a strong following in the underground rap scene. His hits include "F.A.L.A." from Gang Starr's album Hard to Earn and "Otherside of the Game" from his solo album of the same name.
22Rusty P The Toe Jammer & The Sure Shot 3
With one of the most '80s hip-hop names imaginable, Rusty P The Toe Jammer & The Sure Shot 3 were are the forefront of Boston hip-hop. Their 1984 track "Breakdown New York Style" is regarded as one of the earliest hits from a Boston-based group in the rap game.
23nothing,nowhere.
nothing,nowhere., born Joseph Edward Mulherin on June 4, 1992, made a splash in the mid-2010s with his unique blend of emo rap, trap, indie rock, and post-hardcore. His music, characterized by introspective lyrics and raw emotion, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Some of his hit songs include "Hopes Up" featuring Dashboard Confessional and "Hammer" from his albums Reaper and Ruiner.
24Nosson Zand
Nosson Zand, also known as NIZ, hit the scene in the early 2000s with his unique style of Chasidic rap, blending traditional Jewish themes with modern hip-hop beats. Despite maintaining a niche within the music industry, he has garnered a dedicated following, with hit songs like "Believers" featuring Matisyahu and "Tree of Life" showcasing his musical talent and positive message.
25Oryn the Rebel
Oryn the Rebel is known for his unique blend of hip-hop. Making his mark in the late 2000s, he gained recognition for his collaborations with established and emerging artists and his involvement in the multi-genre fusion group Project Hybrid. His success lies in his ability to blend various musical influences, earning him a loyal fanbase. Some of his notable songs include "Underground Heat Vol 1" and tracks featured on mixtapes hosted by DJ Grandmaster Caz.
