Many artists have pushed the boundaries of music over the years, especially in rap. Today, the genre is no longer just limited to the music scene but is a lifestyle and culture that many individuals across the globe embraced as a way of life. Much of this is attributed to the many rappers in the industry who have paved the way for those who came after them. Here’s a list of rap icons who pushed the genre forward and inspired generations of budding artists.

1. Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, known to most as Jay-Z, is a professional musician, rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He founded the Manhattan-based talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation, which hosts a stellar community of top-level artists. 

Jay-Z played an instrumental role in the rap industry. In fact, many have called him one of the time’s most influential hip-hop artists. His songs, performances, and reputation have become an icon for many other rappers to aspire towards. 

IG Handle: @jayzz_official

2. Daniel Thomas

Daniel StrongWalker Thomas is a Boston-based producer and executive producer. He worked with Nataanii Means the son of legendary American Indian Movement leader Russel Means on a track called “I Remain” and produced the controversial track “Light Em Up,” featuring artist Nicademus of the Delaware Nation and SavGod of the Comanche people. 

As the director of the American Indian Movement support chapter AIM NE Woodlands, Daniel uses his music to bring awareness to the reality of the American Indian. He commits a good portion of his profit to the organization’s cause.

IG Handle: @StrongWalker360

3. Foxy brown

Foxy Brown is an American rapper who signed with Def Jam in 1996. Her debut album Ill Na Na made waves across the music industry, becoming a platinum record with seven million copies sold worldwide.

Foxy’s second album reached the top of the Billboard 200, making her the second female artist to top the chart after Lauryn Hill. She also won a Grammy award for her song “Na Na Be Like.”

IG Handle: @foxybrown

4. Mic Geronimo

Mic Geronimo is a rapper widely known for his work with artists like Jay-Z, Ja Rule, DMX, Puff Daddy, and many more. He was part of the creation of “Nothin’ Move but the Money,” one of the most iconic rap songs of the century. In addition, he was acquainted with Irv Gotti of Murder Inc. Gotti, who helped him record his first single entitled “Shit’s Real,” which became a classic underground music hit.

IG Handle: @micgeronimo

5. Lupe Fiasco

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, known professionally as Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, and entrepreneur who is recognized as a hip-hop icon. His big break came in 2006 when he released his first album Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, which gained him firm traction in the industry from then on. Lupe Fiasco is also the frontman of the rock band Japanese Cartoon.

IG Handle: @lupefiasco

6. Mr. Hudson

Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, professionally known as Mr. Hudson, is a musician from Birmingham, England. 

He started his career in 2006 as the lead singer of the music group Mr. Hudson and the Library. In 2008, he embarked on his solo career and signed with Kanye West’s GOOD Music label. At present, Mr. Hudson writes songs and produces professionally, apart from his performance work.

IG Handle: @mrhudson

7. Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield was an American singer and songwriter. He was a pillar in the musical movements that became the foundation of Soul and Afro-American music. He was part of The Impressions, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the civil rights movement in the 1950s to 1960s. 

Mayfield’s songs became some of the most socially impactful tracks, sparking a culture of creating music that spread awareness about prevalent social issues.

IG Handle: @curtislmayfield

8. Memphis Bleek

Memphis Bleek started as a protégé of fellow New York-based rapper and performer Jay-Z. He was one of the foundational artists behind tracks like “Round Here,” “My Mind Right,” “Like That,” “Infatuated,” and many others. 

Later on, Memphis Bleek started his own label called Get Low Records in 1998. In 2016, he moved on to create Warehouse Music Group. The artist has four albums, with two later becoming certified Gold albums.

IG Handle: @memphisbleek

9. Beanie Sigel

Dwight Equan Grant, also called Beanie Sigel, is an American rapper from South Philadelphia. He worked alongside Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records, creating top tracks that gained a strong following and massive momentum. 

Beanie Sigel’s first album, The Truth, would become a commercial success, selling 155,000 copies in its first week alone. He also produced one top-five track on the Billboard 500, a song entitled “Anything.”

IG Handle: @beaniesigelsp

10. Otis Redding

Considered one of the greatest singers in history, Otis Ray Redding Jr.’s influence on Soul, R&B, and Hip-hop is unmistakable. He released his debut album, Pain in My Heart, in 1964 and achieved his first major hit with his single “Respect” the following year. 

Over the years, Redding released successful albums and singles, becoming one of the most popular soul artists of the time. He died tragically in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at 26. 

IG Handle: @otisredding

Sponsored Post