Black history month is almost at an end (I know I’m sad too), but before it’s over, I thought I would close out my series of black history related topics by doing something more lighthearted. That’s why today I’m making a list of my top 10 favorite hip-hop artists.
Hip-Hop is one of the few music genres started by African Americans that continues to be dominated by black artists (I’m looking at you Jazz and Rock), so I thought 'why not pay some homage to it by honoring some of the best artists doing it?'… at least those who do it best in my opinion. Also, to make it easier on myself, I’m only doing artists who have released the majority of their music from the mid-2000s until now.
So in no particular order, here are some of my favorite hip-hop artists:1. Kanye West
Praise Yeezus! For all the antics and rude attitudes there’s one undeniable truth at the core of Kanye West: HE PUTS OUT GREAT MUSIC. How great? So great that every album has a distinct sound. How great? Every new artist has been influenced by him. How great? He steals clothes from homeless people and repackages them for hundreds of dollars and you’ll just buy it because it’s Kanye. How great? He toured with an entire symphony. How gre-you get the point.
2. Kendrick Lamar
There are two types of rappers in the world: Kendrick Lamar and everybody else. Make a verse, Kendrick will make a better one. Make a song, Kendrick will make a better one. I’m sure there were some people in the 90s who didn’t listen to Tupac, but they probably regret it. Do yourself a favor and listen to our generation’s Tupac: King Kendrick Lamar.
3. Drake
Drake is a no brainer; he’s been a top five level artist seemingly since day 1. What’s that - he’s a pop artist and not a rapper? Well play “Take Care” and “Nothing Was the Same,” then get back to me. Bring up the ghostwriting claims if you want to, but it hasn’t worked out too well for Meek Mill. Drake’s used his Canadian voodoo to craft great music and obliterate his competition.
4. Pusha T
Pusha T is a lot like the Beyoncé of rap. He started off as part of a duo, The Clipse, with his brother. They made great music together, but after breaking solo, King Push showed he can reign supreme all on his own with his wordplay and intensity.
5. Chance the Rapper
I’ve talked before about how he took over 2016, but Chance the Rapper has had national buzz since he was a teenager thanks to two great mixtapes. He’s shown nothing but consistent growth since then and I defy anyone not to like the man. Go ahead, do it. I'll wait. You couldn’t, could you?
6. A$AP Rocky
Another artist whom I feel doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Seen as the leader of the A$AP crew, Rocky's last album “AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP” was one of the best albums of the year. He’s a great artist and a sharp dresser. That has to count for something right?
7. Future
I don’t need to elaborate too much for this pick. As I’m writing this, Future has released 6 albums and 19 mixtapes since 2010. I’m no math major, but that’s an average of around 3 projects a year over a 7 year span. In fact, his latest two albums were released within a week of each other. Future dishes out high quality music like Krispy Kreme does donuts and he’s without a doubt worth a listen.
8. Kevin Gates
I know what you’re thinking: Kevin Gates says and does crazy things. Yes, I know. But he’s too good not be mentioned. A typical project from the man will go over his thug past and his new life as a family man and he'll be brutally honest the entire time. Like him or not, Kevin puts all of himself out there for the world to see.
9. YG
YG doesn’t get the credit he deserves from fans and especially not from the Grammys, who have never nominated him. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s releasing G-Funk in the 21st century and it's incredibly well done. The real treat, though, is when YG opens up about his demons and puts his feelings on a song. If you like 90’s rap, YG is right up your alley.
10. Childish Gambino
At number 10, we have a guy that is rarely talked about for his hip-hop ability, but only because he also does anything else you can think of: Donald Glover A.K.A. Childish Gambino. Say what you want about Glover, but his music is unquestionably good. His Camp E.P. played like an autobiography wherein he touched on every aspect of his life, from growing up poor and struggling with his identity all the way to the pitfalls of his fame and success. And did I mention how diverse he can be? Listen to “Awaken My Love” and tell me Glover can’t switch it up at the drop of a hat.
