Power ranking of
harpsichord’s
16 O.G. Rappers
That Influenced
The Pop Culture of 2k23 Rap
Ranking the top rappers who debuted in some capacity in the mainstream roughly 20 years ago, and their contributions for rap culture today. Ranking is entirely based on a critic assessment and guestimation of who obtained the most media-worthy headlines, public acknowledgments from fans, critics, gatekeepers, and peers on their legendary status, and their active contributions (such as music releases, touring, entertainment) to the music industry in 2023.
What qualifies an o.G. Rapper?
In 1991, Ice-T released the titular song of his fourth studio album, ‘O.G. Original Gangster.’ “I rap for brothers just like myself,” says Ice-T. He outlined the agenda of hip hop during a time where the genre started to realize its staying power: “Dazed by the game/In a quest for extreme wealth.”
The expression, original gangster, reaches far back in the native tongue of hip hop. The term was started in the early 1970’s by the LA-based Original Gangster Crips, but soon became a Pop Culture reference in the 80’s for the artists that laid the foundation. In his song, Ice-T even mentions the OG’s before him: “Ten years ago, I used to listen to rappers flow. Talkin' bout the way they rocked the mic at the disco.” It’s a salute to the ones who did it first.
The O.G.’s of this list are individuals that have been rapping in the mainstream music game for roughly twenty years– meaning they’re two decades in their prime. That means if their voice appeared in a song placed in media – whether solo or in a group– that qualifies them for mainstream exposure that jump started their career. Surprisingly, Nicki Minaj qualifies for this list– due to her voice being the main feature of a WWE soundtracked song used by pro-wrestler Victoria. This may come to the chagrin of some hip hop and pop stans that feel as though she shouldn’t be compared to the likes of rappers that debuted in the ‘90’s such as Missy Elliott. However a 2004 debut, when we’re now in the year 2023 going on 2024, seems like a reasonable cut off.
Nicki Minaj
appears
at
No.
5
FIVE
Nas
During the 50th year of hip hop, Nas made sure to celebrate the anniversary to the fullest. He started the year with a sold out headlining concert at Madison Square Garden for the ‘King’s Disease’ trilogy that revived his standing in mainstream hip hop culture. Six months later, his media company Mass Appeal hosted Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium, on the August 11 birthday of the genre. In October, Nas continued co-headlining the 2022 ‘N.Y. State of Mind Tour’ with Wu-Tang. His Paid In Full Foundation gifted grants to legendary MC’s Rakim and Scarface in Vegas on November 17. On the music tip, Nas released ‘Magic 2’ and ‘Magic 3,’ the conclusion of his hexadic ‘King’s Disease’ and ‘Magic’ series. His ‘King’s Disease III’ earned a pending Grammy nomination for the 66th ceremony being held in February 2024.
2
Missy Elliott
On November 3, 2023, Missy Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Prior to that moment, Missy has continuously received accolades for her contribution to hip hop throughout most of the 2020’s. Her tenacity with being innovative is often cited as a source of inspiration for others. Lil Wayne claimed “Before I even knew a JAY-Z existed, I was into Missy Elliott.” She performed during the Grammys’ tribute to the 50th year of hip hop. On the tip of R&B and pop influenced by hip hop, Missy Elliott stands at the forefront of helping the younger generations, with features on Flo’s “Fly Girl,” Chlöe Bailey’s “Told Ya,” and Flyana Boss & Kaliii’s remix of “You Wish.”
3
lil wayne
On his official store website, Lil Wayne is selling a fifteen anniversary special packaging of his 2008 album, ‘Tha Carter III’, for $80. Around that album’s celebration, Lil Wayne has had a packed year during hip hop’s 50th. Who would have thought he would be performing “Mrs. Officer” in front of the Vice President for her hip hop party in DC? Or the fact that Weezy would be opening the MTV Video Music Awards, and during his performance with the closing hip hop medley, a video of Taylor Swift dancing to “A Milli” would go viral? Wayne would drop his first greatest hits compilation, ‘I Am Music,’ and a mixtape, ‘Tha Fix Before Tha VI,’ in anticipation for the sixth installment of ‘Tha Carter’ series. There are his stellar collabs with the likes of Nas and the-late DMX, and his ‘Welcome 2 Collegrove’ album with 2 Chainz. He’s also been busy on ‘Welcome To Tha Carter Tour,’ receiving the Global Impact Award at the 2023 Grammys, and performing at Hip Hop 50 Live.
4
50 cent
In the year that his multi-selling debut album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin'’ turned 20, 50 Cent has proven why he’s a bigger legend than what people let on. Just as some online trolls were unjustifiably saying that “In Da Club” doesn’t knock in the clubs anymore, the song went diamond (meaning 10 million copies sold according to the RIAA). This might be due to his internationally sold out The Final Lap Tour which started on July 21, with a closing set in December. Nas has joined him on stage during the tour, as the two have the collab “Office Hours” on ‘Magic 2.’ And we can’t forget his executively produced ‘Power’ franchise and ‘BMF’ dominating television ratings and conversation.
5
Nicki Minaj
For the entirety of the 2020’s so far, Nicki Minaj has made sure that her rap legacy remains solidified as she actively competes against the new crop of female artists. Whether people side with her like a Barb, or go against her like a foe, Nicki has undeniably had a successful 2023, almost 20 years since her voice first appeared on primetime WWE matches. Her song “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” remains the highest solo female rap debut on the 2023 Billboard Hot 100. Her mentorship and co-signs of Ice Spice and Sexyy Red have led them to breakout years. The ‘Barbie’ soundtrack has the international Top 10 hit, “Barbie World,” which is nominated for two Grammys. The “Big Difference” between Nicki Minaj and her competitors is that she hosted the MTV Video Music Awards, won during the telecast, and performed at the hip hop tribute. She covered Vogue for the first time ever. All of this to conclude with the highly anticipated release of ‘Pink Friday 2.’ If Nicki had released actual solo albums around 2003/2004, she might have been even higher on this list…
6
Busta rhymes
During the BET Awards’s 50th year of hip hop celebration, Busta Rhymes was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is major on the count that BET helped hip hop become a central commercial force– and out of all the artists the network set to recognize, they chose Busta Rhymes. The legend joined 50 Cent as an opening act on The Final Lap Tour. His fast-paced performance of “Look At Me Now” stole the show during the 50 Years of Hip Hop Grammy tribute. In regards to new music, he collabed with two of the generation’s female all-stars Bia on “Beachball” and Coi Leray on “Luxury Life.” There’s also the ‘Blockbusta’ album featuring production from Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell.
7
Wu-Tang Clan
‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ turns 30 years old, and as a result the surviving members of the hip hop crew celebrated hip hop 50 to the fullest. That included a surprise appearance at Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium. The Wu released their first single in six years entitled “Claudine” with Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Nicole Bus. Speaking of Method Man, his star turn as Davis MacLean on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ continues to keep TV viewers enthralled. Method Man appeared on Lloyd Banks’s remix of “101 Razors.” The group embarked on ‘N.Y. State of Mind Tour’ with Nas, announcing to press: “The Saga Continues.” Then there is their influence on present Pop Culture today: from SZA sampling O.D.B. on her ‘SOS’ album, to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky naming their first born, RZA, to RZA and GZA appearance on Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them…’ album which features the kung fu fighting known on Wu-Tang’s ‘36 Chambers’ project. The third and final season of ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga,’ aired concluding the drama series of how the group formed.
8
diddy aka love
Despite the public embarrassment of some legal issues pertaining to Diddy towards the end of his 2023, the beginning portion seemed like one fit for a media mogul. At the end of 2022, it was announced that Diddy finally became a billionaire. His public relationship with Yung Miami of The City Girls continues to create social media discourse. At the MET Gala, he debuted his couture line of Sean Jean. Diddy appeared on the remix of Metro Boomin’ and The Weeknd’s international hit, “Creepin’” which reminded pop listeners of the beauty of 2004’s “I Don’t Wanna Know.” He graced the cover of Billboard magazine telling them he’s “a 26-year-old in a 53-year-old body.” That can’t stop, won’t stop him from receiving legend accolades: as evident with winning the Global Icon Award at the 2023 VMAs. And let’s not forget his R&B effort done right, ‘The Love Album: Off the Grid,’ which featured talent such as a Diddy-Dirty Money reunion, Teyana Taylor, Mary J. Blige, and Swae Lee.
9
JAY-Z
For a year where he was musically inactive, JAY-Z is still the center of conversation concerning what’s going strong in hip hop. He’s just about every wannabe mogul’s moodboard. He performed “God Did” alongside DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross at the Grammys, where it was nominated for Song of the Year. That verse would later go on to win the Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards. His company Roc Nation has the bragging rights that its produced Super Bowl halftime show starring Rihanna is the Guinness World Records’ most viewed performance. Usher’s recent announcement caused a frenzy as well. On his hiatus, JAY-Z accompanied Beyoncé (and Blue Ivy) from the line dancing audience of the Renaissance World Tour. Although Jay-Z did not participate in any hip hop medleys during the 50th year, he had his own noteworthy Louis Vuitton Show in Paris (April) and the opening of “The Book of Hov” museum exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library (July). Last but not least, his Gayle King interview generated hype for a new HOV era– which will be his first solo effort since 2017’s ‘4:44’.
10
Lil’ Kim
Because of female rap presently thriving, Lil’ Kim will always be mentioned in the conversation for being the blueprint– whether you hate her or love her. Little discussed as it was, Lil’ Kim also saw the celebration of a milestone anniversary, as ‘La Bella Mafia’ turned 20. On his tour 50 Cent performed their hit collab from that era, “Magic Stick.” Online, the pettiest of rap fans continue to mention her stinging jabs on “Came Back For You.” She reunited with Christina Aguilera at the Lovers & Friends Festival in Vegas to perform “Lady Marmalade.” At Hip Hop 50 Live, she headlined the Queens of Hip Hop setlist. Then there is an impressive remix of Eric Bellinger’s “Curious” featuring Lola Brooke taking on the ‘90’s style hip hop Kim “muva’d.”
11
Three six mafia
Unfortunately at the start of the New Year, the hip hop world was rocked with the death of Gangsta Boo. Prior to her passing, Gangsta Boo was starting to gain mass acknowledgement for the road she paved for grittier female rap performances. She even appeared on a collab called "FTCU" with Latto and GloRilla. The Memphis horrorcore sound of Three Six Mafia is commonplace in today’s hip hop, including the likes of GloRilla (Juicy J produced “Lick or Sum”) and even Doja Cat’s recent satanic moments on ‘Scarlet.’ The other living members, Juicy J and DJ Paul are active in music as well. Juicy J released his mix-tape ‘Mental Trillness.’ DJ Paul has production credits to his name as well, including Sexyy Red and NLE Choppa. Both Paul and Juicy produced the 2024 Grammy nominated Killer Mike and André 3000 record, “Scientists & Engineers.” This has not stopped Juicy J from calling out why hip hop isn’t succeeding commercially as it has in the past.
12
Juvenile
When asked on Twitter [now known as, X] in April if he would consider performing on NPR’s acclaimed ‘Tink Desk,’ Juvenile laughed at the prospect, replying “WTF is a Tiny Desk and no.” After looking up the platform (and probably talking to his team), Juvenile challenged his followers to 10K retweets and he would reconsider. The 10K tweets happened and Juvenile’s episode aired June 30. He was assisted by Mannie Fresh, as the crew re-lived their Cash Money Record glory days. After calling out the Essence Festival roster, Juvenile was added to it, making another noteworthy 2023 set. He performed at the BET Hip Hop Awards, alongside DaBaby and Sexyy Red. As far as business moves, Juvenile teamed up with New Orleans brewery Urban South to distribute “Juvie Juice,” an alcoholic Arnold Palmer cocktail.
13
De La Soul
As pioneers for the evolution of jazz rap and alternative hip hop, De La Soul experienced the unfortunate passing of Trugoy the Dove in February. A week prior, Posdnuos and Maseo, would perform “Buddy” at the 2023 Grammys hip hop tribute. De La Soul's first six albums were released on audio streaming services on March 3, 2023, which served as the 34th anniversary of their debut ‘3 Feet High and Rising.’ This took place after years of battling over masters and sample clearances. The group served as an opener for the ‘NY State of Mind Tour’ and appeared on the Gorillaz Grammy-nominated album.
14
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill receives much scrutiny for how late she arrives to perform. While some fans consider it rude, that has not stopped her from selling out the 25th anniversary tour of ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ ‘The Miseducation’ is still held to a high standard when it comes to female rap. It would not take until 2022 for Nicki Minaj to break the record of a solo female rap song debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100 since, Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing).” The Miseducation still remains the highest selling female rap album in its debut week. Finally, there has been a call to female rappers to try to provide a record that will mirror ‘The Miseducation,’ with many slight attempts that still don’t measure up. With constant headlines about her reunion performances with The Fugees, Lauryn Hill set the record for the highest grossing concert by a female rapper. She also joined Nas on stage at Hip Hop 50 Live, and stole the show.
15
Run-D.M.C.
In what can be considered a close tie with LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C. simply makes this list for being the legacy act that most represented the 80’s golden age during the hip tributes of 2023. They performed at both the Grammys and the VMAs. They were the closing headliners of Hip Hop 50 Live, much to the delight of day one hip hop fans who attended. Finally there is the added bonus of family legacy still running strong in hip hop. Social media users were reminded of the days of the MTV reality TV series ‘Run’s House,’ because of Rev’s daughter Angela Simmons going official with hip hop mogul Yo Gotti. Due to their announcement of wanting to play their final show ever in Madison Square Garden, some outlets suspected that the Hip Hop 50 Live performance was actually it.
16
André 3000
Over the past decade, the appreciation for André 3000 has grown immensely. From the social media quoting of “the south got something to say” to the constant barrage of questions for when OutKast will ever have a reunion (the answer still seems to be wait with bated breath). However, André 3000 proved why he’s still in the conversation for one of the greatest living rappers alive with his feature on the 2024 Grammy nominated “Scientists & Engineers” by Killer Mike. Then the musician gave audiences a surprise by releasing a flute-heavy instrumental album titled, ‘New Blue Sun’– proving just like others on this list, that his artistic capability is more than just being a rapper. That’s just a skill set amongst many other talents.
Ranking the top rappers who debuted in some capacity in the mainstream after 2004, and their contributions for rap culture today.
some key Names included on this list:
J. Cole
Sexyy Red