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

INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow36rank/position

Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – INDUSTRY BABY (Official Video)

A bold new work that fuses trap and pop-rap has arrived, marked by powerful brass sounds and an impactful beat.

In July 2021, American artists Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow collaborated on this track, which hit No.

1 on streaming charts in countries around the world and topped the U.

S.

Billboard charts.

The lyrics push back against criticism and prejudice in the music industry, showcasing the duo’s unwavering confidence.

Kanye West also participated in the production, elevating the song’s polish with outstanding sound design.

This track is perfect for firing yourself up before a sports game or during training—a song that stirs the spirit when you need motivation.

Work ItMissy Elliott37rank/position

Missy Elliott – Work It [Official Music Video]

Missy Elliott continues to transcend the boundaries of hip-hop, leaving a significant mark on the music scene.

Released in 2002, this work incorporates elements of old-school hip-hop while captivating listeners with her unique style.

Centered on themes of female self-affirmation and self-expression, the lyrics—crafted with clever wordplay and catchy rhythms—resonated with many listeners.

The song achieved major commercial success, winning a Grammy Award and holding the No.

2 spot on the Billboard charts for 10 consecutive weeks.

This dance-floor igniter is the perfect track for moments when you want to feel confident or need an energizing boost.

This Is How We Do ItMontell Jordan38rank/position

Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It (Official Music Video)

With a groove that makes your body move before you know it and an irresistibly sunny vibe, this is a song that perfectly colors the summers of the ’90s.

American artist Montell Jordan’s debut single, released in February 1995, captures the sense of freedom of hitting the town on the weekend and the shine of those unassuming moments with friends, conveyed through straightforward lyrics and a soulful voice.

Its bold sampling of Slick Rick’s memorable lines feels like a symbol of the blissful meeting of hip-hop and R&B.

Taken from the album “This Is How We Do It,” the track spent seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for summer beaches and drives.

HIGHEST IN THE ROOMTravis Scott39rank/position

Travis Scott – HIGHEST IN THE ROOM (Official Music Video)

Travis Scott, a rapper at the forefront of the modern hip-hop scene.

He’s hugely popular among heads, right? One of his hallmarks is his strikingly delicate lyrics.

Of course, his lyricism is a major draw, but his melodic rap style using Auto-Tune is also one of his appeals, and he has produced a string of hit songs featuring Auto-Tune.

Among them, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” became a global hit, with its delicate lyrics and melodic rap creating a superb contrast.

Bank Account21 Savage40rank/position

21 Savage – Bank Account (Official Audio)

Rapper 21 Savage from Atlanta.

Until a little while ago, he had the image of a promising young rapper, but lately, as his props have grown, he’s come to be recognized as more of a mid-career artist.

One of 21 Savage’s classic tracks is Bank Account.

The way Auto-Tune is used in this song is very interesting—it’s applied only to parts of the rap.

The occasional Auto-Tune “fake” creates a perfectly laid-back vibe.

SabotageBeastie Boys41rank/position

Beastie Boys – Sabotage (Official Music Video)

A signature track by the Beastie Boys, known for its energetic sound and sharp humor.

Released in May 1994, this song stirred up the music scene with its innovative fusion of rap and rock.

Featuring distorted guitar riffs and a funky bassline, the lyrics embody defiance against authority and a stance against injustice.

The music video also made waves, delivering a creative parody of 1970s police dramas.

It’s a powerful track that blows away the summer heat, perfect for when you need an energy boost.

Highly recommended as driving music, too.

Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B] [Official Video]Bruno Mars42rank/position

Bruno Mars – Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B) (Official Music Video)

This track is “Finesse,” a collaboration between R&B icon Bruno Mars and the currently trending female rapper Cardi B.

It was released in 2016 and included on the album 24K Magic.

The music video, styled after classic music shows, creates a fun vibe, and the dance performance—true to form—is incredibly stylish.