Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.
Introducing recommended Western rappers!
Hip-hop, which began spreading worldwide in the 1980s.
While it’s said to have originated in the Bronx, music with a hip-hop-like vibe actually existed in Europe—which has a much longer national history—even before then.
This time, we’ve selected rappers with exceptional skill and style from across hip-hop’s long history!
Not just from the US and UK, but also from countries like Spain and France—we’ve picked artists from around the world.
If you’re digging for high-level, cutting-edge tracks, this is a must-see!
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2025]
- A 90s rapper. An artist who was active during the golden age of US hip-hop.
- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]
- Popular Hip-Hop: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer
- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
- Recommended foreign DJs of popular overseas DJs active worldwide
Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western rappers (21–30)
HUMBLE.Kendrick Lamar
He is a rapper from Compton, California, United States.
He debuted in 2011 with the album Section.
80 and has released acclaimed classics such as Good Kid, M.
A.
A.
D City and To Pimp a Butterfly.
His talent is recognized worldwide, including 17 Grammy Awards.
In 2016, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.
Many of his songs address social issues and racism, and he is known for his deep insight and poetic lyrics.
He has also expanded beyond hip-hop, incorporating elements of jazz and G-funk that have drawn attention.
He’s a highly recommended artist for anyone who wants to pursue the essence of music.
Party Up (Up In Here)DMX
This is DMX, a leading Western rapper who made a name for himself with an overwhelmingly husky voice representing gangsta rap and a powerful persona.
Although it’s a party-style hip-hop track, it overflows with his unique thug vibe, making it a standout song that has also become famous as a hip-hop classic.
Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western rappers (31–40)
Find A WayA Tribe Called Quest
Formed in Queens, New York in 1985, A Tribe Called Quest is known for its distinctive style that fuses jazz and hip-hop.
A single from their debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, was featured in a Nike commercial, boosting the group’s popularity.
Their album The Low End Theory, which ranked in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, was produced with jazz bassist Ron Carter, showcasing a fresh hip-hop sound infused with jazz elements.
Their stylish vibe and socially conscious lyrics are compelling, making them highly recommended for fans of jazz and hip-hop.
Nothin’NORE
This is a classic track by N.
O.
R.
E.
, who maintained a core position as a Western hip-hop rapper while enjoying exceptional popularity.
It’s an underground piece where you can savor thug-infused raps laid over a groovy, heavy track.
Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas
A popular group that was formed in Los Angeles.
They debuted in 1995 and have captivated audiences around the world with their unique sound that fuses hip-hop and pop.
A song they released in 2003 reached number one on the charts in 13 countries, including the UK.
They have continued to produce many hits and have won three Grammy Awards.
Their lyrics, which often carry social messages, are also distinctive, and they continue to influence the world through their music.
Highly recommended for fans of dance music and for those seeking songs with a strong message.
Don’t Let It Go To Your HeadBrand Nubian
Representing the American hip-hop scene of the 1990s, Brand Nubian formed in 1989 in New Rochelle, New York.
Championing Afrocentrism, they earned high acclaim for works that wove in social and political messages.
Their 1990 album “One for All” established a groundbreaking sound that fused James Brown samples with funky beats.
It was selected for The Source’s “100 Best Rap Albums” and Rolling Stone’s “Essential Recordings of the ’90s,” and its influence extends to contemporary hip-hop artists.
The group’s musicality skillfully incorporates elements of jazz, soul, and funk, and their uniquely distinctive MC voices paired with message-driven lyrics create a one-of-a-kind sound.
They’re highly recommended for fans of socially conscious music and classic hip-hop.
Me Myself and IDe La Soul
De La Soul shook up the 1990s hip-hop scene with an original sound that blended humor and intellect.
Formed in 1988 on Long Island, New York, the trio drew attention with a fresh style incorporating jazz and psychedelic elements.
They debuted with the album “3 Feet High and Rising,” and went on to release other groundbreaking works such as “De La Soul Is Dead” and “Buhloone Mindstate.” In 2006, they won a Grammy for a collaboration with Gorillaz.
In 2010, they were added to the U.
S.
Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, publicly affirming their musical significance.
As of March 2023, their catalog is available on streaming platforms, making them a perfect fit for music fans seeking experimental sounds that transcend genres and carry a positive message.