Top 5 Most Influential Rappers of 2010’s

KingKush
Feb 24, 2022
4 min read

Hip-Hop has seen major advancements since 2000s, alterations in the genre went from lyricism to a more melodic up-tempo style. Boost in popularity of the genre redefined American culture as well as influenced world culture in general. Hip-hop has given people a voice to express and publicize themselves by bringing awareness to social issues such as, police brutality, poverty, racism and other socio-economic problems. Influential rappers like Tupac, Biggie, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg to name a few, have shaped the rap game and paved the way for new rappers to keep on representing the culture. Hip-hop has given minorities a platform to voice their concerns and bring awareness to the issues that matter most in society. These are the top five rappers who had the most impact on Hip-Hop since the 2010s.

Top 5 Most Influential Rappers of 2010s

5. Nicki Minaj

When it comes to female rappers, Nicki Minaj comes at the top of the list. Nicki Minaj is a trendsetter, Nicki has set the standard for female rappers as she paved the way for female rappers who didn’t before get the respect and attention they deserved. Nicki’s promiscuous personality quickly led her to prominence in the rap game. Nicki has collaborated with big names in Hip-hop such as Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Usher, Kanye West and Drake among others. Nicki rose to prominence in early 2010s, her confidence set the standard giving clout to female MCs like, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Megan the Stallion, Saweetie and Young giving MA among others. Nicki Minaj has an impressive 10 Grammy nominations.

Notable Nicki Minaj Hits

1. My chick bad Feat. Ludacris

2. Super Bass

3. Say so Feat. Doja Cat

4. Anaconda

5. Pills and Potions

4. Eminem

Marshall Mathers III, need I say more? This dude’s influence of the game is unprecedented. Eminem rose to prominence in early 2000s, He was quickly able to assert influence in the rap game by becoming the first white rapper to make it cool for white kids to rap. Eminem was able to influence people by his storytelling and his upbringing, growing up in Detroit facing struggles has given him motivation to get out of the hood and inspire others to do the same. Eminem touches on sensitive topics in his songs like socio-economic issues, poverty and his personal relationship with his family. Eminem was the first white rapper or wanksta to make it out of the hood and made gangsta rap popular again. Eminem is an inspiration, understanding where He comes from and making it easy for people to relate to his story helped shape the Music industry, now we have white rappers that can go toe to toe with what was before Black dominated genre. Eminem’s accomplishments and list of Grammys is impressive to say the least. Eminem has 381 Grammy nominations and 15 wins.

Notable Eminem Hits

1. Lose yourself

2. Not Afraid

3. STAN

4. Love the way you lie

5. The real Slim Shady

3. JAY-Z

The president of ROC Nation, JAY- Z is one of the most influential rappers of all time period. Let alone His skills on the microphone, JAY-Zs lyrics had an impact on the game and the culture as He regularly speaks on social issues, like police brutality, poverty, inequality and racial problems in America. Jay-Z goes down as the face of Hip-hop, leading others to use the Hip Hop platform for greater purpose. Jay-Z brought rappers together in building businesses outside of music. Jay-Z has helped younger generation and encouraged rappers to develop their communities and use rap as cornerstone for a better future. Jay-z and Beyonce, a Black power couple ,have big influence in African American culture and should be regarded as icons in representing black people.Jay- Z has 23 Grammy wins.

Notable JAY-Z Hits

1. 99 Problems

2. Big Pimpin

3. Crazy in love

4. IZZO (H.O.V.A.)

5. Niggas in Paris

2. Kanye West

Kanye West's contribution to Hip-hop was originally from producing beats. Kanye West produced Jay-Z’s Blueprint Album which turned out to be one of the best Albums of all time. Kanye West was known as the best producer in the game, especially around 2010s. It’s amazing how Kanye West transitioned from a producer to one of the best rapper. Kanye has influenced and changed the rap game by sampling and creating a new sound in beats which were jazzy and soulful. Kanye is the mastermind when it comes to sampling, some notable samples include Ray Charles “I Got a Woman in “Gold digger and Notorious B.I.G “What’s Beef” in “Late”. From fashion to marrying one of the most famous public figures in Kim Kardashian. Kanye West is a winner all around with 21 Grammys.

Notable Kanye West Hits

1. Gold Digger

2. Stronger

3. Heartless

4. Jesus Walks

5. Runaway

1.Drake

Aubrey Drake Graham is a Hip-hop mogul. Drake rose to stardom in 2010 with His first hit single “Over”. Since the Degrassi actor turned rapper debut album “thank you later”, Drake has dominated the rap game ever since, outselling great rappers like Tupac, JAY-Z and Eminem. Drake has brought different genres together from around the world by collaborating with big artists from all continents. From memes to settling rap beefs, Drake is in every Hip-hop conversation, Drake has made a big impact on Hip-hop by having reignited the music scenes from different cultures, for example the U.K. rap scene in Drill Music. Drake has been nominated 47 times for Grammy and has won 4 times. Drake is continuing to make an impact by keeping his positive image and representing like a true star.

Notable Drakes Hits

1. One Dance

2. Gods Plan

3. Nice For What

4. In my Feelings

5. Over

While seeing major changes in rap over the past decade, there are few rappers who are big influencers ,making sure the rap game is going in the right direction. The Hip-hop genre to be more specific has grown to be one of the most popular genres of the decade, having the biggest impact on American culture. Rappers now have a platform to voice their concerns and participate in issues that matter most to our communities , especially black communities, where we are marginalized as minorities. These rappers deserve a big thank you for their relentless work,they’ve helped many people overcome struggles and gave voice for those who cannot be heard.