The Most Popular Rappers

The most exciting lyrical battles in the world have been fought over who’s the best rapper of all time. Honor has been won and lost, ballads have been spun, and amazing music has been enjoyed by all.

You can’t decide the most popular rappers based on album sales alone. To do so would be to ignore hip-hop’s steady rise on the world stage; would you claim that an early MC is less popular because he can’t match the sales of a modern artist? Similarly, you can’t always argue based on the quality of the music – a great producer isn’t always a great rapper.

Popularity is a mixture of in-the-moment success and lasting attention. The most popular rappers move the people. They speak timeless words that can’t be ignored, and people listen.

Even if you don’t like hip-hop, you know the names on this list. They’ve impacted your world, and their words will keep impacting the world for some time.

And so, in no particular order, these are 10 of the most popular rappers of all time.

1. Snoop Dogg

Everybody knows Snoop. Instant recognition is a major sign of popularity, and Snoop Dogg fits that bill like he was made for it. But does anyone actually understand the Dogg? The enigma behind this artist might be why he’s so irresistible.

Year born: 1971
Albums sold: 37 million
Breakout album: Doggystyle, 1993
Must-listen track: “Drop It Like It’s Hot”

2. Wu Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan isn’t just one rapper, but it would be a crime to split this dedicated clan apart. Wu-Tang brought a sound to the ’90s that no one had heard before but which everyone was looking for.

Year born: The Wu-Tang Clan was assembled in 1992.
Albums sold: 40 million
Breakout album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993
Must-listen track: “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit”

3. Eminem

Everybody wants to rap like Eminem, but he’s the only one who can sound like that. Marshall Mathers was a thorn in the side of the media throughout the 2000s. Is he still against the establishment, or is he the current king to be taken down? Only time will tell.

Year born: 1972
Albums sold in the USA: 32.2 million
Breakout album: The Slim Shady LP, 1999
Must-listen track: “The Real Slim Shady”

4. Nicki Minaj

You love her. You hate her. You’ve heard of her, and you won’t stop talking about her. Nicki Minaj is the pink princess of the charts, and the bars she spits are simply ruthless. Although her own tracks are fire, listen for her guest verses; she bestows greatness on everything she touches.

Year born: 1982
Albums sold: 5 million
Breakout album: Pink Friday, 2010
Must-listen track: “Super Bass”

5. Kanye West

Mr. West is always in the press. He takes attention with controversy and keeps it by having something that the people want. His sound has changed greatly over the years, but it holds the same theme of excellence. Every time he goes quiet, he comes back with something truly powerful.

Year born: 1977
Albums sold: 21 million
Breakout album: The College Dropout, 2004
Must-listen track:“Stronger”

6. Lil Uzi Vert

People keep buying Lil Uzi singles, so he must be doing something right. This name sparks controversy with old-school hip-hop fans, but it’s the kind of controversy that signifies someone worth paying attention to.

Year born: 1994
Albums sold: 210 thousand
Breakout album: Luv Is Rage 2, 2017
Must-listen track: “You Was Right”

7. 50 Cent

50 Cent is near and dear to hip-hop fans. He’s got the classic rags-to-riches success story everyone wants in a celebrity, but he’s also got the talent to keep his place at the top. His songs are fiery, aggressive, and real.

Year born: 1975
Albums sold: 17 million
Breakout album: Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003
Must-listen track: “In Da Club”

8. Tupac Shakur

What’s there to say about 2Pac that he didn’t say about himself? This absolute legend is sorely missed in the hip-hop world. 2Pac’s music was powerful, aggressive, and emotional. His lyrics and energy will never be replaced.

Year born: 1971
Albums sold: 75 million
Breakout album: 2Pacalypse Now, 1991
Must-listen track: “I Get Around”

9. The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie Smalls goes with 2Pac like peanut butter and jelly; they’re so different and yet so exactly alike. He’s known for sentimental, and realistic music with some of the best beats that ever existed. He, too, is greatly missed.

Year born: 1972
Albums sold: 13.4 million
Breakout album: Ready to Die, 1994
Must-listen track: “Juicy”

10. Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is popular for so many reasons. He’s charming, enthusiastic, and amazing at the game. Don’t let that gorgeous smile fool you; Lil Wayne knows exactly who he is and what he’s doing.