The 80+ Best Rappers Of The '80s, Ranked
Step onto this lyrical time machine as we shine the spotlight on the pioneers who laid the groundwork for today's hip hop culture - the legendary rappers from the '80s. This list is a fan-powered ranking of the top rap artists that dominated the music scene in the 1980s. Ranking criteria is based on lyricism, flow, cultural impact, and the artists' overall contributions to hip hop. These are the innovators who turned a genre into a global movement, all while spawning some of the most beloved tracks of the era.
The '80s were a period of emergence and evolution in rap, blessed with a variety of popular artists who each brought a unique flavor to the table. Let's take Public Enemy, whose politically charged rhymes were backed by the innovative production techniques of the Bomb Squad; or Run-DMC, the trio whose crossover into rock with Aerosmith made them household names. There's also The Beastie Boys, whose punk sensibilities injected a different energy into their hip-hop sound. Speaking of energy, no one can forget the charismatic LL Cool J, who wooed the ladies while holding his own in a rap battle. And of course, there's Rakim, a technical wizard whose complex rhymes single-handedly changed the landscape of lyricism. We also can't leave out the influential women of hip hop, like Queen Latifah, the inspirational female rapper who not only mastered the mic but has continued to break barriers in both music and film.
From old-school icons to early gangster rappers, these famous names have all left their mark on the genre, inspiring generations of artists to come. Now, it's over to you to play your part in rap history. Compare, contrast, and cast your vote foir the best rap artists of the 1980s. Remember, your vote holds sway over who ends up on top of this pantheon of '80s hip-hop legends. So, without further ado, let's kick this party into high gear and celebrate the greatest '80s rappers.
- 1
Revolutionizing hip-hop with their fusion of rock elements and pioneering use of Adidas sneakers, Run DMC broke barriers with hits like "Walk This Way" and "It's Tricky." Their signing to Profile Records led to a string of successful albums, ultimately earning them the distinction as one of the first rap acts with mainstream appeal.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Hardcore hip hop, Industrial hip hop, Rock music
Also ranks #6 on The Best Rappers From Queens, NYC- Also ranks #9 on The 100+ Best Rap Groups Of All Time
- Also ranks #14 on The Best SNL Musical Performances
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- 2
A founding member of N.W.A, Ice Cube was instrumental in bringing gangsta rap to the mainstream with hard-hitting tracks like "Straight Outta Compton." His unapologetically raw lyrics and powerful storytelling ability solidified his status as one of the most influential rappers of the '80s.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Political hip hop, Hardcore hip hop, Gangsta rap
Dig Deeper 13 Pictures of Young Ice Cube From His Gangsta Days- Also ranks #3 on The Best Rappers of the '90s
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- 3
Comprised of iconic members such as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E, N.W.A wrote brutally honest lyrics about life in South Central Los Angeles that shook up the music industry. Their debut album Straight Outta Compton went double platinum without radio airplay or major tours, cementing their place in hip-hop history.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Political hip hop, Gangsta rap, G-funk, West Coast hip hop
- Also ranks #1 on The Greatest Gangsta Rappers of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Hardcore Rappers
- Also ranks #2 on The Rappers with the Dirtiest Rhymes
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- 4
With Eric B.'s innovative production skills and Rakim's smooth-flowing lyricism on tracks like "Paid In Full," this influential duo redefined what it meant to be a skilled rapper in the 1980s. They're often credited for introducing internal rhyme schemes and complex wordplay that would inspire generations of emcees to come.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Jazz rap, Old-school hip hop, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Rap Duos Of All Time
- Also ranks #4 on The 100+ Best Rap Groups Of All Time
- Also ranks #5 on The Best Rappers From Long Island
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- 5
Def Jam Recordings' breakout star, LL Cool J burst onto the scene with his hit single "I Need A Beat," followed by his platinum-selling debut album Radio. His charismatic stage presence and innovative style influenced not only future rappers but also helped shape modern R&B music.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop
- Dig Deeper The Best Songs Feat. LL Cool J
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- Also ranks #6 on What People Who Have Worked With 1990s Heartthrobs Said About Them
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- 6
As a founding member of N.W.A and CEO of Ruthless Records, Eazy-E was instrumental in molding West Coast hip-hop into a dominant force during the 1980s. His distinctive high-pitched voice and unapologetic lyrics on tracks like "Boyz-n-the-Hood" garnered both controversy and critical acclaim.
- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Old-school hip hop, Gangsta rap, G-funk, West Coast hip hop
- Also ranks #2 on The Greatest Gangsta Rappers of All Time
- Also ranks #3 on What People Who Have Worked With 1990s Hip-Hop Stars Said About Them
- Also ranks #3 on The Rappers with the Dirtiest Rhymes
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