Hip-Hop music is at an all-time high, despite what Tupac, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas, and NWA enthusiasts claim. It remains the most popular and influential genre in American culture and its iconography creates power, wealth, and popularity parallel with American social values. People want to be rappers for the influence, the intrigue, and the lifestyle that receives worship from fans. Here are the top 5 cities in America producing the best Hip-Hop artists.
5. Chicago
Chance The Rapper, Chief Keef, Kanye West, Vic Mensa, Lupe Fiasco, Mick Jenkins, G Herbo, Famous Dex
America's third largest and notoriously violent city is honestly underwhelming in the hip-hop scene. Since Kanye West's emergence, only Lupe and Chance have been able to carry the torch. Chance won the album of the year in 2017 with Coloring Book and Keef's bangers a few years earlier have kept Chicago away from falling into no man's land.
4. Toronto
Drake, Tory Lanez, The Weeknd, Nav, Belly, Roy Wood$, Jazz Cartier
I think this is in America. Toronto has Justin Beiber, Drake, and The Weeknd which kind of make it the most heavyweight city on the continent as far as I'm concerned. Drake put the 6 on the map and his firm control of the top spot in rap has paved the way for artists like Tory Lanez and Nav to emerge.
3. Los Angeles
Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Problem, YG, The Game, Hopsin, Casey Veggies, Ab-$oul, Sage The Gemini, Aston Matthews, Brockhampton, Tyler, The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt
Probably my favorite style of rap after NYC, the sunshine state is a mecca for rappers, fame, and crushed dreams. Compton gives birth to some of the strongest lyricists know to man and the leaders in Kendrick, Game, and ScHoolboy give this city a flavor of hot days and cool nights.
2. New York
A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, French Montana, Dave East, Troy Ave, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, A Boogie Wit A Hoodie, Cardi B, Yung Ma, Nicki Minaj, Fetty Wap, Fabolous
The perennial capital of global hip-hop, NYC is the home of hard-nosed, chilly, quick-witted bars that blast non-stop across the world. Look at these contemporary names. All of these artists are established, touring, top100 rappers. We also get the three biggest female rappers representing the same city. Nothing beats NYC on the all-time list, but it falls short this last city.
1. Atlanta
2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Future, Rich Homie Quan, Andre 3000, 21 Savage, Playboi Carti, Cyhi The Prynce, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Young Dolph, Common, Ugly God, Childish Gambino, Jacquees
Truly the elite of its era, Atlanta is experiencing a moment of surging rappers with a slow-paced, stylish slang that's unique only the ATL. Between Migos, Gucci, and Future this city would make the top 10 but add Young Thug, 21 Savage, and 2 Chainz and its on top of most peoples lists in the world.
***Honorable Mentions:
Texas
Maxo Kream, Post Malone,
Pennsylvania
Mac Miller, Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Skies
Florida
Kodak Black, Lil Pump, XXXTentacion, T-Pain, Ace Hood, Rick Ross,
