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

Lighters UpLil’ Kim29rank/position

Lil’ Kim – Lighters Up (Official Video)

Lil’ Kim, the great rapper who laid the foundation for female rap.

With numerous hits and a profound impact on the scene, she’s also known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop,” a title backed by her exceptional skills.

Among her many classics, a track that pairs especially well with summer is “Lighters Up.” Its Latin-tinged production—evoking Cuban Afro and bolero—combined with her simple yet captivating rap makes for a striking piece.

Still Not a Player feat. JoeBig Pun30rank/position

Big Pun – Still Not a Player (Official Video) ft. Joe

The allure of this landmark East Coast hip-hop track, which made a major impact in the late ’90s, lies in the sensual world crafted by Big Pun, a trailblazing Latin artist.

His exceptional lyrical skill, commanding flow, and the addition of R&B singer Joe created a sound that captivated countless listeners.

Released in March 1998 as the second single from the album Capital Punishment, the track reached No.

24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the historic feat of becoming the first platinum-certified single by a solo Latin hip-hop artist.

It’s a perfect song for late-night drives.

The exquisite groove woven from sultry R&B phrases and deft rap pairs flawlessly with the city at night, and its soothing melody is sure to move you.

Just A FriendBiz Markie31rank/position

Biz Markie – Just A Friend (Official Video)

Rapper Biz Markie, also known as a beatbox master.

This work is his signature track that won popularity with his comical persona.

Based on real-life experiences, the song expresses the frustrations of romance with a light rhythm and humorous lyrics.

Released in September 1989, it reached No.

9 on the Billboard charts and became a massive hit, earning a platinum certification.

Included on the album “The Biz Never Sleeps,” this track is guaranteed to liven up bright settings like summer parties and BBQs.

Why not add this classic that stands as a milestone in hip-hop history to your summer playlist?

Thugz CryBizzy Bone32rank/position

Thugz Cry

Busy Bone, a rapper who played a huge role as a member of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

As a child, he was abducted and grew up believing the kidnapper was his real parent.

Words from Busy Bone, who carries such a harrowing past, have undeniable weight.

But that’s not all—he’s also one of the most skilled rappers in the world.

The track “Thugz Cry” is a classic where you can experience both his way of life and his skillful flow.

ThotianaBlueface33rank/position

Thotiana

This is a popular song by Blueface, released in 2018.

Blueface suddenly appeared with his 2017 debut, and his unique rap style and vocal tone quickly hooked listeners, propelling him to become a breakout rapper.

This track in particular has become a club hit.

He was 22 at the time of release—a young, talented rapper with a promising future ahead!

Party Up (Up In Here)DMX34rank/position

DMX – Party Up (Up In Here) (Enhanced Video, Edited)

This work delivers a powerful impact with a raw rap that lays bare anger and frustration, paired with a striking beat reminiscent of a fire alarm.

The passionate performance and aggressive lyrics blend seamlessly, shaking the listener to the core.

Included on the December 1999 album “…And Then There Was X,” it was released as a single the following year.

It was also featured in the films Gone in 60 Seconds and Bad Boys, and grew into a song synonymous with DMX.

Interestingly, although DMX was initially reluctant to make it, it ultimately became one of the defining works of his career.

With its energetic sound and strong message, it’s an exceptionally effective track for boosting motivation or as workout background music.

Suge (Yea Yea)Dababy35rank/position

Dababy – Suge (Yea Yea) Official Music Video

First off, it’s pronounced “Da-Baby.” I think anyone who watches his music videos will instantly feel it—he’s got the entertainer quality you’d expect from a comedian.

At first, people called him a one-hit wonder, but with each release and live performance, his talent gradually gained recognition.

There aren’t many rappers with a humorous, whimsical worldview who keep delivering hits.

I’m excited to hear more fun tracks from him in the future.