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

UpCardi B43rank/position

Cardi B – Up [Official Music Video]

A hip-hop track where a thundering, aggressive beat intertwines with a refrain that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It’s a song by American rapper Cardi B that made waves with its powerful message about staying true to yourself and brushing off rivals.

Released in February 2021, it hit No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won “Favorite Hip Hop Song” at the American Music Awards that same year.

Perfect for boosting your mood and confidence, or for moving your body to the groove.

This track is also slated to be included on her second album, “Am I the Drama?”—why not give an energetic dance a try?

Like ThatFuture, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar44rank/position

Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar – Like That (Official Audio)

This work radiates explosive energy born from the fusion of trap and hardcore hip-hop.

It brings together a star-studded collaboration between American rapper Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar, released in March 2024.

As a single from the album “We Don’t Trust You,” it has captivated hip-hop fans around the world.

Over a heavy soundscape woven from powerful 808 drums and eerie synthesizers, the three artists deliver standout, full-throttle performances that showcase their individuality.

The track has sparked a major reaction, especially among younger listeners, spending three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It also took home two awards at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, earning high acclaim across the board.

It’s an energetic, uptempo track—highly recommended for those who want to experience the cutting edge of the hip-hop scene.

Prada Dem (feat. Offset)Gunna45rank/position

Gunna – Prada Dem (feat. Offset) [Official Video]

The collaboration track by Gunna and Offset is making waves.

The song is laced with references to the luxury brand Prada and other symbols of a lavish lifestyle, conveying the two rappers’ success and confidence.

Released in March 2024, it has drawn attention as Gunna’s first new song since his fourth album, “a Gift & a Curse.” The music video premiered simultaneously and was reportedly shot at a Prada store in New York.

It’s a recommended listen not only for hip-hop fans but also for those with a taste for luxury.

Lucid DreamsJuice WRLD46rank/position

Juice WRLD – Lucid Dreams (Official Music Video)

Juice WRLD’s debut single, which portrayed the pain of heartbreak with addictive melodies and lyrics and built a fervent fan base, even though he passed away at a young age.

The raw, honest words about being haunted by memories of an ex struck a chord with many listeners, becoming a massive hit that peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Released in May 2018, the track was also included on that year’s album Goodbye & Good Riddance.

It candidly depicts self-destructive behavior as a way to escape pain, leaving a strong impression as if speaking on behalf of young people’s emotions.

Its style, somewhere between singing and rapping, makes it an easy recommendation for newcomers to hip-hop.

TalkKhalid47rank/position

Khalid – Talk – Dance Choreography by David Moore – #TMillyTV

Khalid’s song conveys the importance of honest communication in romantic relationships.

The lyrics strikingly portray the feelings of a protagonist who’s in the honeymoon stage of love but senses the relationship is moving too fast.

Released in February 2019 and included on the album Free Spirit, the track became Khalid’s fifth top-10 hit.

Created in collaboration with the British duo Disclosure, it achieved commercial success, earning platinum certifications in many countries.

It’s a recommended pick for anyone who wants to do rhythmic hip-hop dance to Khalid’s laid-back vocals.

Sunday ServiceLatto48rank/position

Latto – Sunday Service (Official Video)

Raat, a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, has released a powerful new track.

Centered on themes of self-affirmation and independence, the song carries a message about taking control of your life without being bound by society’s expectations.

Showcasing Raat’s commanding delivery and artistic vision, the track was released on June 7, 2024.

Through Raat’s music, it is sure to give courage and inspiration to those who seek to live authentically without yielding to social pressures.

A highly recommended song for anyone striving for self-actualization and independence.

Doo Wop (That Thing)Lauryn Hill49rank/position

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) (Official HD Video)

A track notable for its bold rhythm and catchy melody, taken from Lauryn Hill’s 1998 debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Its distinctive sound, blending R&B and hip-hop, brought a fresh breeze to the music scene at the time.

With lyrics that emphasize self-respect and call for responsible behavior, the song continues to resonate across generations.

Highly acclaimed—winning two Grammy Awards—this work is also recommended for those new to hip-hop.

The music video, which innovatively fuses 1960s and contemporary Harlem, is a must-see.