Hip-Hop has changed over the years. It has went from Biggie Smalls and Pac to Jay-Z and Nas. Many people will say that rappers today are no good and the music isn't as real as it use to be. Well in this age of music, anyone with a catchy hook can instantly become a one hit wonder. The artists on this list have passed this stage in their career and are trying to leave a legacy as one of the all time best . Essentially, the rappers who have made this list are the cream of the crop and the future of rap.
But before we count down the top 10, here are a few rappers who didn’t make the list: Gucci Mane, Lil Boosie, Travis Scott, Rich Homie Quan, Bryson Tiller, BlacYoungsta, Shy Glizzy, Montana 300, and Lil Durk.
1. Drake
No surprise Drake has taken the rap crown from Lil Wayne and he hasn’t looked back yet. He continues to give us classic albums such as Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, and If You Are Reading This It's To Late. Drake is expected to drop an album this year and we are patiently waiting.
2. J.Cole
J.Cole is currently in the number two spot after he dropped the legendary Forest Hill Drive album last year. He is one of the best storytellers in the game right now and he quietly challenging Drizzy for the top spot.
3. Kevin Gates
Kevin Gates is in the number three spot. This may be a shock to many, but Kevin Gates' gangster philosophy and song- writing ability has captured the imagination of fans across the country. He released his debut album Islah in 2016 and he outsold Rihanna. The sky is the limit for Kevin Gates.
4. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar has fallen a few spots but is still arguably one of the best MCs in the rap game with classics such as Section 80 and Good Kid Maad City. Kendrick has put the West Coast back on the map. Is Kendrick the new 2Pac? Only time will tell.
5. Kanye West
The style of Kanye has flashed his genius once again as his recent EP titled The Life of Pablo has garnered immense attention. Even though Kanye is a legend in his own right, this is a nice memento on an already great career.
6. Young Thug
Even though Young Thug is the most criticized rapper in the rap game, his talent is undeniable. His musical genius mixed with an odd delivery continues to drop mouths everywhere with punchline after punchline. Young Thug's debut album Barter 6 was mildly successful but Thugger followed up with a series of mix tapes entitled Slime Season which have all been classics.
7. Future
Future has taken the rap game by storm. He has dropped a number of classic mix tapes such as EVOL, Beast, Dirty Sprite 2 , and 56 nights. Future has seemed to even ascend to a new level of MC after he teamed up with Drizzy Drake on a mix tape called What A Time To Be Alive. Who knows what the future holds for Future (no pun intended). But the hitmaker doesn't look like he's close to being done.
8. Young Dolph
Young Dolph is a fresh face in the rap game. He has been flooding the streets with songs and mix tapes. He is the new self proclaimed "King of Memphis". How long will Young Dolph stay on this list is unknown, but he has a hot start.
9. Lil Wayne
It's Weezy F. Baby . No other explanation as long as Wayne is blessing us with his presence, he is allowed on this list. Even though he is far from his prime, he will still rap circles around any MC.
10. Kodak Black
Kodak Black rounds out the top 10. Kodak is an 18-year-old out of Florida who has been dropping some very serious heat. His song "NO Flocking" was arguably the record of the year in 2015. Kodak is warming up and he keeps getting better. With a co-sign from Drake his popularity will only increase in the year 2016.
