Popular Hip-Hop: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

California Love feat. Dr. Dre2Pac8rank/position

2Pac – California Love feat. Dr. Dre (Dirty) (Music Video) HD

When it comes to songs that symbolize the West Coast, many people likely think of this track by 2Pac.

Released in 1995, it received widespread global acclaim.

Its lyrics reflect California’s free and optimistic vibe, paired with striking synths and a powerful rhythm.

It was performed by Dr.

Dre and Snoop Dogg during the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022.

It’s a perfect track for summer drives, the beach, or a barbecue.

If you want to dive deeper into West Coast hip-hop, be sure to check it out.

Ni**as In ParisJAY Z, Kanye West9rank/position

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Ni**as In Paris (Explicit)

A masterpiece that will go down in hip-hop history has been born.

In this track, Jay-Z and Kanye West proudly rap about their success; released as a single in September 2011, it quickly took the world by storm.

Its appeal lies in lyrics that symbolically depict a lavish life in Paris and a distinctive atmosphere woven from an addictive beat.

Featured on the album Watch the Throne, it won two awards at the 55th Grammys.

It’s the perfect song for getting hyped at clubs and parties.

In Da Club50 Cent10rank/position

50 Cent – In Da Club (Official Music Video)

50 Cent, whose Super Bowl 2022 performance still feels fresh in our memories, is inseparable from the track In Da Club when talking about his career.

It’s a song included on his 2003 debut album, in which he sings about the success that’s about to build from there.

True to the lyrics, the track was nominated for a Grammy and became a historic hit.

By the way, the lyrics include slang and movie references, so it’s easier to understand if you look them up before listening.

ScenarioA Tribe Called Quest11rank/position

A Tribe Called Quest – Scenario (Official HD Video)

A Tribe Called Quest, a hip-hop group formed in 1988, thrived over the following decade.

Their jazz-inflected style was initially criticized as “undanceable hip-hop,” but as their recognition grew, they gained acceptance as a group specializing in deep, groove-heavy, jazz-flavored hip-hop.

Their track “Scenario” is one of their classics.

It’s a seminal song that radiates the fiery vibes of the old school—be sure to check it out.

Look At Me!XXXTentacion12rank/position

XXXTENTACION – Look At Me! (Audio)

XXXTENTACION first released his music on SoundCloud in 2015 and quickly drew widespread attention.

This signature track of his, featuring an innovative sound that incorporates elements of trap metal and lo-fi, won fervent support especially among younger listeners.

Officially released in February 2017, the song reached No.

34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Marked by provocative lyrics and a gritty, raw sound, it has been praised for its experimental approach that sets it apart from conventional hip-hop.

The music video—packed with a strong message about social issues and racial discrimination—also sparked significant discussion.

If you’re a newcomer interested in the hip-hop scene of the late 2010s and beyond, this is a track you should definitely check out.

Break Ya NeckBusta Rhymes13rank/position

Busta Rhymes – Break Ya Neck (Official Video)

One interesting point is how flows differ from rapper to rapper.

So let me also introduce a track that shocked the scene with its flow: “Break Ya Neck.” This song was created by Busta Rhymes, who has also won a Grammy.

It’s also known for being produced by Dr.

Dre.

You’ll surely be surprised by the roaring vocal delivery and a flow that conveys both stillness and motion.

And be sure to pay attention to the ultra-fast rhymes as well.

It Was A Good DayIce Cube14rank/position

Ice Cube – It Was A Good Day

When people think of hip-hop, many associate it with constant conflict or a sense of danger.

That’s not entirely wrong—especially in the ’90s, when feuds between rappers were a constant presence.

It was in that context that “It Was a Good Day” was released.

The track was crafted by Ice Cube, a rapper who is also well known as an actor.

The song carries the message that an ordinary day without conflict is, in itself, happiness.

The more you understand the social backdrop of the time, the more deeply this song will resonate.