Kendrick Lamar is known as one of the best rappers in the world. The hip-hop continues to move at full speed, with new voices rising while legends cement their place in history.
He has numerous accolades to his name, including 22 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Brit Award. This comprehensive list includes the 20 best rappers in 2025 who are dominating the scene right now.
Top 10 Rappers in the World (2025 Edition)
Before getting into detailed profiles, here’s a quick snapshot of the current rap royalty. These artists have consistently delivered groundbreaking music while expanding their influence across culture.
Editor’s Note: This list was curated based on overall impact, awards, etc. We don’t mean to put one person better than another, and opinions may be subjective.
| Rank | Name | Famous Song | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kendrick Lamar | “Not Like Us” | 2024 |
| 2. | J. Cole | “First Person Shooter” | 2023 |
| 3. | Future | “Like That” | 2024 |
| 4. | Drake | “Certified Lover Boy” | 2021 |
| 5. | Megan Thee Stallion | “Cobra” | 2023 |
| 6. | Lil Baby | “Heyy” | 2022 |
| 7. | 21 Savage | “Redrum” | 2023 |
| 8. | Tyler, The Creator | “LUMBERJACK” | 2021 |
| 9. | Cardi B | “WAP” | 2020 |
| 10. | Ice Spice | “Think U The Shit (Fart)” | 2024 |
Let’s take a closer look at these top rappers — their styles, their rise to fame, and what makes their music so special.
1. Kendrick Lamar
| Popular Songs | “Not Like Us,” “The Heart Part 5,” “Humble” |
| Key Achievements | 17 Grammy Awards, Pulitzer Prize for Music, 3 consecutive #1 albums |
| Signature Style/Genre | Conscious rap with jazz and funk influences |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Kendrick’s lyrical talent continues to set an unmatched standard in 2025. After his devastating Drake diss tracks dominated 2024, K-Dot has reestablished himself as hip-hop’s conscience while proving he can deliver commercial hits without compromising his artistic integrity.
His latest album shows political commentary with personal reflection, declaring why he remains the most complete rapper of our generation. Following this, he is also set to go on Tour in 2026. Check out all the details!
2. J. Cole
| Popular Songs | “First Person Shooter,” “No Role Modelz,” “Middle Child” |
| Key Achievements | 7 Grammy Awards, 6 consecutive #1 albums, founder of Dreamville Records |
| Signature Style/Genre | Introspective storytelling with soulful production |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Cole’s thoughtful approach to rap continues to resonate with fans seeking substance. If you listen to his tracks, you’ll appreciate how he balances commercial appeal with raw honesty.
His 2024 album made him a hip-hop philosopher, delivering verses that feel like personal conversations while maintaining technical excellence that true heads respect.
Do you know: J.Cole’s real name is Shawn Carter. Find rappers’ real names that will shock you.
3. Future
| Popular Songs | “Like That,” “Mask Off,” “Turn On The Lights” |
| Key Achievements | 4 Grammy Awards, 9 consecutive #1 albums, pioneered trap sound |
| Signature Style/Genre | Melodic trap with atmospheric production |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Future’s influence on contemporary rap cannot be overstated. His signature autotuned delivery and innovative production choices have shaped an entire generation of artists.
After his scene-stealing verse on “Like That” alongside Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar, Future has experienced remarkable career success, proving his staying power in the music industry.
4. Drake
| Popular Songs | “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “Started From The Bottom” |
| Key Achievements | 5 Grammy Awards, most Billboard Hot 100 entries ever, global streaming dominance |
| Signature Style/Genre | Versatile blend of rap and R&B |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Despite recent controversies and a bruising battle with Kendrick Lamar, Drake remains one of rap’s most commercially successful artists. While his 2024 was challenging, he’s shown resilience by refocusing on what made him a star.
His catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and an ability to ride any beat make him a great rapper due to which his streaming numbers continue to demonstrate his massive cultural pull.
Want to catch him live? Get details of Drake’s concert in 2025.
5. Megan Thee Stallion
| Popular Songs | “Cobra,” “Savage,” “Body” |
| Key Achievements | 4 Grammy Awards, cultural icon status, successful entrepreneur |
| Signature Style/Genre | High-energy Southern rap with empowering messages |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Megan’s technical skills and charismatic delivery have made her one of rap’s most dynamic performers. Her 2024 independent album showcased her business acumen alongside her artistic growth.
I’ve been particularly impressed with how she’s expanded her rapping skills while maintaining the confidence and flow that made her a star. You can catch Megan live at Summerfest 2025 in June.
6. Lil Baby
| Popular Songs | “Heyy,” “Drip Too Hard,” “Yes Indeed” |
| Key Achievements | 2 Grammy Awards, 3 consecutive #1 albums, social justice advocate |
| Signature Style/Genre | Melodic trap with introspective storytelling |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Lil Baby’s consistency sets him apart in an industry full of one-hit wonders. His rapid-fire delivery and authentic street narratives continue to connect with listeners, while his evolution as a businessman and social commentator has expanded his influence beyond music.
His latest album demonstrates significant artistic growth while maintaining the raw energy that made him a star.
7. 21 Savage
| Popular Songs | “Redrum,” “Bank Account,” “A Lot” |
| Key Achievements | 3 Grammy Awards, 4 #1 albums, successful transition to mainstream |
| Signature Style/Genre | Menacing trap with deadpan delivery |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
21 Savage has evolved from an underground sensation to a mainstream star with his distinctive style. His minimalist approach and matter-of-fact delivery create a compelling contrast to his often dark subject matter.
After resolving his immigration issues, his recent music shows new emotional depth while maintaining the edge that made him famous.
8. Tyler, The Creator
| Popular Songs | “LUMBERJACK,” “EARFQUAKE,” “See You Again” |
| Key Achievements | 3 Grammy Awards, critically acclaimed producer, fashion icon |
| Signature Style/Genre | Alternative hip-hop with experimental production |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Tyler’s artistic evolution has been fascinating to witness. From provocative shock rap to sophisticated jazz-influenced compositions, he’s consistently pushed boundaries while building a dedicated following.
His production skills are now sought after by artists across genres, and his latest work clearly shows why he remains one of the most creative rappers. Find where Tyler is performing in 2025 in my list of the NYC music festivals.
9. Cardi B
| Popular Songs | “WAP,” “Bodak Yellow,” “Up” |
| Key Achievements | 2 Grammy Awards, record-breaking streaming numbers, cultural phenomenon |
| Signature Style/Genre | Bold, unapologetic rap with pop sensibilities |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
Cardi’s authenticity continues to make her one of rap’s most compelling personalities. Her 2024 album showed significant artistic growth while maintaining the humor and confidence that made her a star. She also has a rare ability to deliver commercial hits without losing the rawness that first connected her with fans.
Cardi B even joined OnlyFans at one point — not for explicit content, but to connect with her audience and speak directly to them. Curious how much she could earn on the platform? Check out our breakdown of other creators’ OnlyFans statistics and earnings.
10. Ice Spice
| Popular Songs | “Think U The Shit (Fart),” “Munch,” “Princess Diana” |
| Key Achievements | Grammy for Best New Artist, fastest-rising female rapper in history |
| Signature Style/Genre | New York drill with playful wordplay |
| Listen Here | Spotify |
In just three years, Ice Spice has gone from SoundCloud obscurity to global superstar. Her distinctive voice and presence have made her drill-inspired tracks crossover hits, while collaborations with pop stars have expanded her audience.
Her debut album showcased surprising versatility and suggests she has staying power beyond the viral moments that made her famous.
While we’ve covered the top 10 rappers in the world, it’s also interesting to see how these artists stack up in terms of sales. Check out our list of the Best Selling Rappers of All Time to see which rappers have made the biggest impact on the charts.
Top 10 Rappers Of All Time
While contemporary artists shape today’s sound, these greatest rappers of all time laid the foundation that made modern hip-hop possible. Their influence continues through every aspect of the music culture.
1. Jay-Z
From Brooklyn hustler to billionaire businessman, Jay-Z’s career represents hip-hop’s ultimate success story. His cultural impact and business acumen have made him a top rapper. Albums like “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint” remain masterclasses in rap excellence.
Jay-Z is also one of the richest rappers of 2025, accumulating a $2.5 billion net worth. Get details and more inside.
2. Tupac Shakur
Tupac’s combination of poetic introspection, fiery political commentary, and charismatic delivery makes him an enduring icon nearly three decades after his death. His ability to balance thoughtful tracks like “Dear Mama” with aggressive anthems like “Hit ‘Em Up” demonstrated a versatility few rappers have matched.
3. The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie’s masterful storytelling, smooth flow, and larger-than-life personality cemented his legacy despite a tragically short career. His technical brilliance and vivid narratives on classics like “Ready to Die” and “Life After Death” continue to influence new generations of the best rappers in history.
4. Nas
Nas’s detailed storytelling, complex rhyme schemes, and intellectual approach to rap revolutionized the art form. “Illmatic” is widely considered the most perfect rap album ever created, and his ability to adapt through three decades of changing trends shows remarkable rapping power.
While the debate over who the best rapper in the world is right now continues, the legacy of legendary albums like Nas’s Illmatic reminds us of what makes an artist truly iconic. These albums have not only shaped the past of rap but continue to influence today’s top artists. To explore the albums that have set the standard in rap, check out our list of the Best Rap Albums Of All Time.
5. Eminem
With unmatched technical skills, controversial subject matter, and massive commercial success, Eminem broke barriers for white rappers while earning respect across racial lines. His complex rhyme patterns and rapid-fire delivery have influenced countless artists who followed him.
6. Andre 3000
Half of the legendary duo OutKast, Andre 3000’s experimental approach to rap pushed the genre’s boundaries in groundbreaking ways. His unconventional flows, poetic lyrics, and musical versatility made him a critical favorite and artist’s artist whose influence extends far beyond his commercial success.
7. Lauryn Hill
Hill’s album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” seamlessly blended rap and R&B while delivering messages about love, identity, and society. Her skill as both a rapper and singer created a path that many modern artists still follow.
8. Rakim
He revolutionized rap technique in the late 1980s; his internal rhymes and smooth delivery transformed what was possible within the medium. His musical approach and philosophical themes elevated rap to new artistic levels and virtually influenced every rapper.
9. Lil Wayne
At his peak, Wayne’s prolific output, lyrics, and imaginative metaphors made him undeniably the “best rapper alive.” His mixtape run from 2004-2009 remains legendary, and his influence on modern rap’s melodic approach is simply unbeatable.
10. Missy Elliott
Missy’s innovative production, distinctive visual aesthetic, and boundary-pushing approach made her one of rap’s most original voices. Her fearlessness in challenging conventions around gender, body image, and sound itself created space for countless artists who didn’t fit traditional standards.
Along with their iconic contributions to rap, many of these top 10 rappers, like Jay-Z, have built massive fortunes through various business ventures. Jay-Z, for instance, transitioned from rap to become a mogul in fashion, sports, and entertainment.
Regional Kings: Best Rappers by Country
Hip-hop has become truly global, with distinctive scenes emerging around the world. Here are the current standouts representing their home countries.
| Name of the country | Best Rapper |
|---|---|
| Russia | Kasta |
| South Korea | Changbin |
| UK | Aitch |
| Australia | The Kid LAROI |
| India | DIVINE |
What’s fascinating about global hip-hop in 2025 is how each region has developed unique sounds while remaining connected to the culture’s core elements. From UK drill to Australian trap to Indian gully rap, these artists represent the best of their respective scenes.
And speaking of South Korea, if you’re into speed and precision, here’s our breakdown of the fastest rapper in K-pop you don’t want to miss.
Criteria For Ranking The Best Rappers
When compiling this list of best rappers, we considered several factors:
- Technical skill: Flow, rhyme patterns, vocal delivery, and overall command of the craft
- Impact and influence: How they’ve shaped the genre and inspired other artists
- Discography quality: Consistency across albums and standout classic releases
- Cultural relevance: Connection to current conversations and ability to move the culture forward
- Versatility: Adaptability across different styles, tempos, and subject matter
Also Read:
Conclusion: Kendrick Lamar Is The No. 1 Rapper In The World As Of 2025
His 2024 album GNX produced chart-topping singles like “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammy Awards, including Song and Record of the Year.
J. Cole’s introspective storytelling and commitment to authenticity have solidified his place among rap’s elite. Future’s innovative use of melody and autotune has redefined modern rap music.
These 20 best rappers in the world showed the diversity and dynamism of hip-hop in 2025, each bringing unique voices and perspectives that resonate worldwide.
FAQs
Jay-Z currently holds the strongest claim to this title, based on his unmatched combination of commercial success, critical acclaim, technical brilliance, and cultural impact.
While debates continue, Kendrick Lamar has cemented his position as rap’s king following his devastating 2024 battle with Drake and consistent artistic excellence across multiple albums.
Sexyy Red has emerged as 2025’s breakout star, building on viral moments with surprisingly versatile music that’s earning her respect beyond the initial novelty factor.
Jay-Z remains hip-hop’s wealthiest figure with a net worth exceeding $2.5 billion through savvy investments in everything from streaming services to champagne brands.
Twista, Tech N9ne, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and Twisted Insane consistently rank as the fastest technical rappers, with some achieving speeds exceeding 10 syllables per second.
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