Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]

Ni**as In ParisJAY Z, Kanye West8rank/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.

N.Y. State of MindNas9rank/position

Nas – N.Y. State of Mind (Official Audio)

Among the tracks selected for the Hip-Hop Top 100 is “N.

Y.

State of Mind.” This is a song released by Nas in 1992, and it showcases his skills.

However, rather than doing so in a straightforward way, it’s delivered in a narrative style, using the state of New York as an example.

Its abundant use of figurative expressions sparks the listener’s imagination—that’s part of its appeal.

I should also add that the lyrics of this song are frequently quoted in contemporary Japanese hip-hop.

Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.10rank/position

The Notorious B.I.G. – Big Poppa (Official Music Video) [HD]

The Notorious B.

I.

G.

is a legendary rapper who is indispensable when talking about East Coast hip-hop.

He’s known for having escalated a feud with Tupac Shakur—once a close friend—and became a central figure in the East Coast–West Coast rivalry.

His style embodies the East Coast’s signature, stylish flow.

“Big Poppa” is a track where you can savor that style in its entirety.

It’s not necessarily a flashy song, but from the rhymes to the production to the flow, everything is effortlessly cool—undeniably a smooth, head-nodding piece of hip-hop.

In Da Club50 Cent11rank/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.

Break Ya NeckBusta Rhymes12rank/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.

Shook Ones, Pt. IIMobb Deep13rank/position

Mobb Deep – Shook Ones, Pt. II (Official HD Video)

Mobb Deep, the hip-hop crew repping Queens, New York.

With their heavy, low-end, and dope tracks that embody the stark atmosphere of hip-hop, their presence is undeniably crucial in the long and storied history of the genre.

One of their classic tracks is Shook Ones, Pt.

II.

This authentic East Coast rap carries a blazing vibe and message that still hit hard in today’s hip-hop scene, even as styles have evolved.

If you’re a head who hasn’t heard it yet, just give it a listen and prepare to be blown away.

The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre14rank/position

Dr. Dre – The Next Episode (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg

The collaboration between Dr.

Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt is the 2000 release “The Next Episode.” This track is crafted as an expression of their shared passion for music.

By the way, some of you might be curious about the catchy title.

In fact, this song is positioned as a sequel to the 1993 release “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” Be sure to listen to them back-to-back.