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

XXzibit57rank/position

Xzibit – X

This hip-hop classic by Xzibit delivers a refined track feel where classical talent shines and a smart lyrical approach makes for an infectious, upbeat result.

Overflowing with an upper, energetic appeal, it’s a high-spirited piece that’s perfect for summer.

DBZ ft. Method Man & Denzel Curry (prod by Madlib)Your Old Droog58rank/position

Your Old Droog – DBZ ft. Method Man & Denzel Curry (prod by Madlib)

A track released in April 2024 by Ukrainian-born rapper Your Old Droog is making waves.

Featuring Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man and Denzel Curry, the three deliver powerful verses over a jazz-rap style beat produced by Madlib.

With a combative theme inspired by Japanese anime, Droog expresses his identity and hunger for success, while Curry adopts a defiant stance through the lens of Japanese bushido.

Their lyrical exchanges over an authentic, ’90s hip-hop-flavored sound are breathtaking.

This is a must-hear standout track for hip-hop fans.

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse59rank/position

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

This is the song Back to Black by the late British charismatic singer Amy Winehouse.

With her distinctive voice and emotionally rich performances, Amy was regarded by the music industry as a rare talent in recent years.

However, in her private life she was entangled in a troubled relationship with a man, which left her both physically and emotionally devastated.

After cutting ties and breaking free from that relationship, she married another man and seemed on the verge of finally finding happiness, only to pass away soon after.

She was just 27 years old.

It pains me to think what songs she might be singing now if she were still alive.

BOOMBAYAHBLACKPINK60rank/position

BLACKPINK – ‘붐바야 (BOOMBAYAH)’ M/V

With their overwhelming charisma, BLACKPINK captivated the world and can rightly be called the pioneers of girls’ hip-hop in K-pop.

Their track “BOOMBAYAH” is an upbeat tune included on their first mini-album, BLACKPINK, released in 2017.

The alternating vocals and rap parts make it easy to listen to, and it’s a great recommendation even for people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop! The album also features many songs that blend the best of pop and hip-hop, so be sure to check it out!

I Like ItCardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin61rank/position

Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – I Like It [Official Music Video]

A hit born from the fusion of Latin music and trap that shocked the 2018 music scene.

Cardi B’s rap is complemented by the Latin flavor of Bad Bunny and J Balvin, resulting in a captivating sound that transcends cultural boundaries.

The track is included on Cardi B’s debut album, “Invasion of Privacy,” and reached No.

1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

It became her second No.

1 hit and marked a historic first for a female rapper.

It’s catchy and upbeat—a killer tune that’s also an easy entry point for those new to hip-hop.

La BicicletaCarlos Vives, Shakira62rank/position

Carlos Vives, Shakira – La Bicicleta

Shakira, an artist from Colombia, is a renowned figure representing Latin music and has won the Latin Grammy Awards multiple times throughout her career.

She’s also a popular artist in Japan.

The song where she collaborates with fellow Colombian artist Carlos Vives is “La Bicicleta.” Its melody blends elements of Colombia’s traditional folk music, vallenato, with reggaeton and pop music.

Andas En Mi CabezaChino Y Nacho63rank/position

Chino y Nacho – Andas En Mi Cabeza ft. Daddy Yankee

Seeing that the latest Top 100 on the U.

S.

Billboard rankings had been released, I felt once again that he truly is an amazing artist.

To put his reggaeton simply, it’s a genre that draws attention for blending Latin dance music with American urban—so-called soul—styles.