Rap is still one of the most prominent music genres in 2025. But the success of hip-hop today would not be possible without the original taste makers who came before them. Here are a look at four artists who have paved the way for the genre today.
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Biggie Smalls
Biggie Smalls also known as the Notorious B.I.G. is not just one of the most popular artists from the 1990s. He is arguably one of the biggest artists of all. Unfortunately, Biggie’s life was cut short in 1997 after being assassinated in Los Angeles California amid the East Coast vs. West Coast rap beef. But despite being just 24 years old at the time of his passing, the Bad Boy star’s influence remains prevalent in today’s music, particularly his storytelling. Biggie used his lyrical ability to convey his life experiences. Some stories are happy, others are sad. But regardless of the emotion, it gave fans an opportunity to see some of their favorite artists in their most vulnerable state. And many artists employ that same method today.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z is often praised for his longevity. He has a bevy of classic albums which has allowed him to stay on top of the rap game for more than two decades. But what has perhaps been even more impressive is how he did it from a business perspective. Most rappers on the come-up had dreams of one day being signed to a record label. But Hov took it a step further and became the record label. Along with famed music executive Damon Dash, Jay-Z’s Roc-a-Fella records broke out some of the biggest artists in the mid to late 2000s including the Diplomats and Beanie Sigel. His success as a label exec allowed him to launch another label, Roc Nation in 2008 along with a new crop of talented artists including J. Cole and Rihanna. Hov’s success on the business side of music has inspired several of today’s artists to follow suit. J. Cole, Lil Wayne, and Drake are just a few artists who have started successful labels as well.
Lil Kim
Lil Kim is perhaps one of the most influential female artists of all time. When she initially stepped onto the scene, Kim’s lyricism had a very gutter, street style to it. However, when Biggie Smalls convinced her to switch from hardcore rap to a more provocative style, to appease the male gaze, her music really took off. Her sexually liberating, provocative style of rap has become a staple in female rap. And she remains influential in the style of many of today’s femcees including Nicki Minaj, Latto, Cardi B, and others.
Kanye West
Kanye West was introduced to the world as a producer with Roc-A-Fella Records. There, he worked with top music execs Jay-Z and Dame Dash. During his time he produced some of Jay-Z’s top hits such as Lucifer, Poppin Tags, and Izzo. But Kanye was eager to show that he was more than just a one-trick pony. And soon he began to rap over the beats that he produced. When he dropped his debut album College Dropout in 2004, his rap career took off. He ultimately became one of the most well-regarded artists ever. He transition from the bay to the booth has inspired several others to do the same including J. Cole, Eminem, and a bevy of others.
