The 80+ Best East Coast Rappers Of All Time
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Hailed as one of the most influential rappers in history, this Brooklyn native's commanding presence and distinctive flow left an indelible mark on the hip-hop scene. With his uncanny ability to weave intricate stories through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, he quickly rose to prominence in the '90s. Tragically, his life was cut short at the height of his career, but his impact on pop culture and the rap genre remains unparalleled.
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Rising from humble beginnings in Queensbridge, this lyrical genius has been consistently regarded as one of the greatest MCs of all time. His debut album is considered a masterpiece that set a new standard for storytelling in hip-hop, demonstrating his exceptional technical skills and unique perspective on life. Over two decades later, he continues to captivate audiences with his introspective lyrics and innovative style.
This groundbreaking collective from Staten Island not only revolutionized the sound of hip-hop but also introduced a powerful movement that resonated with fans across the globe. Known for their gritty, raw lyrics and innovative production techniques, they created a distinct sound that captured the essence of New York City's underground scene. Their influence on popular culture can still be seen today through music, fashion, and film.
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As pioneers of hardcore rap during the golden age of hip-hop, this dynamic duo from Queensbridge delivered dark, menacing beats paired with brutally honest lyrics reflecting their harsh upbringing. Their chemistry as MCs was undeniable; they fed off each other's energy to create some of the most memorable tracks in rap history. Though they disbanded following the untimely death of one member, their legacy lives on through their timeless music.
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- #6 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
- #12 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
This Queens native's meteoric rise to fame in the early 2000s was fueled by his relentless work ethic, catchy hooks, and aggressive lyrics. Despite multiple setbacks, including a near-fatal shooting, he persevered to become one of the most successful rappers in history. In addition to his chart-topping music, his savvy business ventures have solidified his status as a pop culture icon.
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- #17 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
Hailing from Staten Island and Newark respectively, these two charismatic MCs first gained recognition as solo artists before joining forces to form one of the most dynamic duos in hip-hop history. Their chemistry on stage and in the studio is undeniable; their playful banter and razor-sharp lyricism have entertained fans for decades. Together, they've left an indelible mark on the rap scene with their infectious energy and unparalleled showmanship.
- #17 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
- #11 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
- #15 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
As pioneers of alternative rap during the late '80s and early '90s, this innovative group from Queens seamlessly blended jazz-infused beats with socially conscious lyrics that resonated with fans across generations. Their unique sound and eclectic influences challenged conventional notions of hip-hop, paving the way for countless artists to follow. Though they disbanded in 1998, their reunion and final album in 2016 proved their lasting impact on the genre.
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Widely regarded as one of the most influential DJ/MC duos in hip-hop history, this pioneering pair from Long Island helped define the sound of rap during its golden age. With their innovative sampling techniques and complex lyricism, they pushed the boundaries of what was possible in hip-hop production. Their impact on popular culture can still be felt today through countless artists who cite them as inspirations.
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- #24 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
- #41 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
This Brooklyn-born artist's thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious message has earned him a devoted following among hip-hop purists. His smooth delivery and poetic prowess set him apart from his contemporaries, while his versatility as an actor has expanded his influence beyond music. As a founding member of Black Star alongside Talib Kweli, he's been instrumental in shaping the landscape of underground hip-hop.
More Mos Def- #22 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #266 of 308 onThe Greatest Musical Artists of the '90s
- #71 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
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Though his career was tragically cut short at just 24 years old, this Harlem MC's impact on hip-hop is undeniable. His intricate wordplay, complex rhyme schemes, and dark humor set him apart from his peers while earning him a cult following among fans. Often cited as one of the most underrated rappers of all time, his influence can still be heard in the works of many contemporary artists.
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- #44 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
This Harlem native burst onto the scene in 2011 with a unique sound that blended elements of southern trap and classic New York hip-hop. Known for his impeccable fashion sense and charismatic persona, he quickly became a fixture in popular culture. His influence on the rap scene extends beyond music as he's paved the way for fellow members of the A$AP Mob to find success.
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- #55 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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As a founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, this Staten Island native has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a lyricist and storyteller throughout his prolific solo career. With a distinctive voice and vivid imagery, he paints cinematic pictures that transport listeners into his world. His contributions to both the group and as a solo artist have solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
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- #21 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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Born in Germany but raised in North Carolina, this introspective rapper gained widespread recognition with his thoughtful lyrics and soulful production that resonated with fans seeking substance in their music. With each album release, he's continued to push boundaries and challenge conventions within hip-hop while maintaining his artistic integrity. As the founder of Dreamville Records, he's also played an instrumental role in nurturing emerging talent within the industry.
As a key member of the Wu-Tang Clan and one-half of the iconic duo with Redman, this Staten Island native has consistently showcased his lyrical prowess and unmistakable charisma. His smooth flow and clever wordplay have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his status as a hip-hop legend. In addition to his musical achievements, he's also made a name for himself as an actor in both film and television.
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- #14 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #22 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
This influential duo, composed of MC Guru and producer DJ Premier, helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop during the late '80s and '90s with their jazz-infused beats and socially conscious lyrics. Their unique chemistry was evident throughout their storied career, as they crafted some of the most revered tracks in rap history. Though Guru tragically passed away in 2010, their legacy lives on through DJ Premier's continued contributions to the genre.
More Gang Starr- #50 of 113 onThe Best Rappers of the '90s
- #5 of 111 onThe Best Hip Hop Groups of All Time
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Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, this charismatic MC first gained recognition with his raw, unfiltered lyrics and energetic delivery that resonated with fans during the '90s. Known for his comedic wit and penchant for storytelling, he's maintained a loyal fanbase throughout his career while collaborating with some of hip-hop's biggest names. Alongside Method Man, he formed one of rap's most dynamic duos and continues to leave an indelible mark on the genre.
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- #41 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #993 of 1,151 onThe Greatest Musical Artists of All Time
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As the first Latino rapper to achieve platinum status, this Bronx native broke barriers with his rapid-fire delivery and intricate rhyme schemes that showcased his incredible technical skill. Despite his brief career due to his untimely death at age 28, he left an indelible mark on hip-hop by paving the way for future Latinx artists while solidifying himself as one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
More Big Pun- #39 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #61 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
- #20 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
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Widely regarded as one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, this pioneering trio from Queens helped bring rap music to the forefront of mainstream culture during the '80s. Their innovative fusion of rock and hip-hop, coupled with their iconic fashion sense, set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them a place in pop culture history. As the first rap group to achieve multiple gold and platinum albums, they laid the groundwork for future generations of artists.
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Often hailed as the "God MC," this Long Island native revolutionized hip-hop lyricism with his complex wordplay and innovative rhyme schemes that showcased his unparalleled technical skill. As one-half of the legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim, he played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of rap during its golden age. His influence on the genre can still be felt today through countless artists who cite him as a major inspiration.
More Rakim- #12 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #28 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
- #8 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
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With his raw, gritty lyrics and aggressive delivery, this Yonkers native captured the essence of street life while resonating with fans across the globe. His distinctive voice and commanding presence made him one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop during the late '90s and early 2000s. Despite numerous personal struggles throughout his career, he remained a beloved figure within the rap community until his untimely death in 2021.
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- #18 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
As one of the most politically charged groups in hip-hop history, this influential collective from Long Island gained widespread recognition for their socially conscious message and powerful production that challenged listeners to think critically about societal issues. With their unique blend of funk-infused beats and thought-provoking lyrics, they left an indelible mark on popular culture while inspiring countless artists to follow in their footsteps. Over three decades later, they continue to push boundaries and spark conversation through their music.
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Known for his rapid-fire delivery and energetic stage presence, this Brooklyn native has remained a fixture in the hip-hop scene since the early '90s. His unique style, coupled with his ability to seamlessly switch between different flows, has earned him critical acclaim and commercial success throughout his career. As a solo artist and member of the group Leaders of the New School, he's left an indelible mark on popular culture through his music and unforgettable performances.
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- #16 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
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A key member of the Wu-Tang Clan, this Staten Island native's intricate storytelling and vivid imagery have consistently showcased his exceptional lyrical prowess. His solo debut is widely regarded as a classic within hip-hop, showcasing his unique ability to paint cinematic pictures through words. With a career spanning over two decades, he remains an influential figure within the rap scene and continues to release critically acclaimed music.
More Raekwon- #34 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #62 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
- #29 of 77 onThe 75+ Best Rappers From New York, Ranked By Hip Hop Heads
As one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, this Brooklyn native's unpredictable flow and eccentric personality made him one of the most memorable figures in hip-hop history. His unfiltered lyrics and raw energy set him apart from his contemporaries, while his larger-than-life persona captivated fans and cemented his status as a cult icon. Though his life was tragically cut short, his contributions to the rap genre continue to inspire future generations of artists.
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- #35 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #59 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
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Hailing from Brooklyn, this iconic rapper has cemented himself as one of the greatest MCs of all time with his unparalleled lyricism, smooth delivery, and keen business acumen. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he's consistently pushed boundaries within hip-hop while amassing an impressive list of accolades and achievements. As a cultural icon and entrepreneur, his influence extends far beyond music – leaving an indelible impact on popular culture as a whole.
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- #15 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
This groundbreaking trio from New York City defied expectations by successfully blending punk rock roots with their love for hip-hop, ultimately becoming one of the most successful acts in the genre's history. Their energetic performances and innovative production techniques helped shape the sound of rap during the late '80s and early '90s while solidifying their status as pop culture icons. Despite disbanding following the untimely death of one member in 2012, their legacy continues to live on through their timeless music.
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This multi-talented artist from New Jersey first gained recognition as a member of the Fugees before embarking on a successful solo career that showcased her exceptional skills as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. With her thought-provoking lyrics and soulful voice, she quickly became a beloved figure within hip-hop and R&B while breaking barriers for female artists within the industry. Despite releasing only one solo studio album, her impact on popular culture remains undeniable.
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As the mastermind behind the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, this Staten Island native's innovative production techniques and distinctive beats revolutionized the sound of hip-hop during the '90s. His influence extends beyond music, with successful ventures in film and television showcasing his artistic versatility. As a solo artist, producer, and leader of one of the most influential groups in rap history, his contributions to the genre are immeasurable.
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Widely regarded as one of the most skilled lyricists within the Wu-Tang Clan, this Brooklyn native's razor-sharp wordplay and vivid storytelling have consistently captivated fans since the group's inception. His solo debut is considered a seminal work within hip-hop that showcases his unique ability to weave intricate narratives through complex rhyme schemes. As both a member of Wu-Tang and a solo artist, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the rap scene.
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- #45 of 121 onThe Most Respected Rappers, Ranked
- #73 of 234 onThe Greatest Rappers Of All Time
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Born in London but raised in New York City, this enigmatic rapper gained cult status within the hip-hop community due to his intricate wordplay, innovative production techniques, and mysterious persona – often performing behind a metal mask. Despite remaining largely under the radar throughout his career, he's garnered critical acclaim for his unique approach to storytelling and unorthodox rhyme schemes. Though he passed away in 2020, his influence on underground rap remains unparalleled.
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