Power ranking of
harpsichord’s
24 New Gen Rappers
That Influenced
The Pop Culture of 2k23 Rap
Ranking the top rappers who debuted in some capacity in the mainstream after 2004, 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 status, and their active contributions (such as music releases, touring, entertainment) to the music industry in 2023. This list is not based on skill set and artistic performance, although it’s a bonus for higher rankings.
the difference between new gen & O.G.?
At this point and time in the 2020’s decade, the generations of rap are about to take a shift and be more defined. Do you realize that by 2026, Drake will have been a recording artist for twenty years? His first mixtape, ‘Room For Improvement,’ sold 6,000 copies in 2006, and grabbed the attention of Lil Wayne. When it comes to hip hop, all years count, even with as many rebrands as possible. Hip hop is about the hustle to get to a spot, and with that being said Drake is still not at the O.G. cut off of 20 years. And maybe that’s why half of ‘For All The Dogs’ sounds like it comes from the New Gen, while the other half is relying on O.G. sentiments.
But what exactly is the New Gen? A generation typically expands 15 years, but for the rules of this chart in comparison to that of the “O.G. Rappers” power list, a music generation seems more logical after 20 years of the game evolving. And within the past 17 years since Drake’s first mixtape, a lot has transformed for what’s going on in 2023 rap. Female rap has since been revived in mainstream discussion (With this list including acts such as Doja Cat and Ice Spice leading the way). Meanwhile, trap and pluggnB remain the current wave of what’s hot.
The New Gen of this list are who the kids are focused on so to speak. And well the adults mirroring the same age as the following list. While there may be some folks some have never heard of, these are the individuals moving the streets as well as the Pop Culture conversations gossiped and debated about on them. These are the ones touring, while causing a stir on podcasts, the blogs, and social media. These are the individuals who are shaping the brighter futures of hip hop ahead.
Ice Spice
appears
at
No.
6
Six
J. Cole
Once calling himself the “Middle Child,” J. Cole has stepped into a lane that makes him seem like the go-to for encouragement. Just how Nas appears at No. 1 on the O.G. Rappers list of 2023, J. Cole earns his top spot for fostering community more than anything. Despite not releasing an album, J. Cole has given advice on three standout tracks this year. He salutes Summer Walker as a Queen of Present R&B; he helps Lil Durk get over his sins; and Nicki Minaj even recognized him for outrapping her on one of her most vulnerable tracks to date. Not to mention his k-pop feature with J-Hope, when the genre is still fervent enough in the mainstream conscience. Without releasing an LP like the rest of his peers, J. Cole maintains his crown as a best featured act, and earned his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single. He has the throne so much so that he ended up elevating the key track from the No. 2 entry of this list– which is…
2
Drake
It might be a crime to have Drake fall second to J. Cole. But it’s been a turbulent critical year for the self-proclaimed 6 God, who many wanted to change up the formula just a tad bit. But Drake’s 2023 is nothing to sleep on (Editorial Note: and maybe this ranking is more of a symbolic push more than anything else…). ‘For All The Dogs’ went No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and featured some of the hottest in the game including Yeat and Sexyy Red. He generated spectacle on the It's All A Blur Tour. He tied Michael Jackson’s Billboard Hot 100 record– earning his 13th No. 1 with “Slime You Out.” This is after bouncing from the 2022’s successful collab album with 21 Savage entitled, ‘Her Loss,’ which had a few singles carry into this year. Nicki Minaj’s Barbz were in an uproar because he didn’t feature her on his album, just for him to give her a rhythmic hit on ‘Pink Friday 2.’ He won Top Rap Artist at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, and earned a fourth Grammy (even though he doesn’t attend/care for the telecast). And let’s not forget how all his everchanging hairdos and suspected dating shenanigans remain fodder for social media.
3
Doja Cat
At the start of 2023, Doja Cat made sure that her fans and rap critics alike knew that she considers herself a rapper. At Paris Fashion Week, her outfits raised eyebrows while also receiving acclaim. While “I Don’t Do Drugs” from 2021’s ‘Planet Her’ received a hyperpop remix, the artist made sure to stay clear of that sound– signaling a true departure. Then comes “Attention” where she raised the bar on her lyrical storytelling. That worked as the perfect intro to her ‘Scarlet’ era, where she raps at her utmost. The satanic talks may have garnered her criticism (as well as her personal antics), but throughout the album she switches flows and subgenres of hip hop. “Demons” gave a horror flick visual, while tackling the dark sound dominating new age hip hop. But it was “Paint The Town Red” that became the era’s saving grace– marking her second Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. Spotify announced that the song was the first by a woman to be the highest streamed rap song of any year. Her year closed out with The Scarlet Tour. From the hair-raising VMA’s performance that saw her spitting without much of a backing track, to the three Grammy nominations leading into 2024, Doja Cat more than exceeded expectations.
4
Sexyy RED
Say what you want about the publication, but having ‘Rolling Stone Magazine’ name your song as the Top of Rap for the year is a major honor. Sexyy Red earns this spot, because she stayed consistent when people doubted her the most. “Pound Town” not only caused an uproar for its sexual nature that’s disrupting the Tik Tok kids who lack parental guidance (and the church folks spoofed in her BET Hip Hop Awards performance), but also for having a Nicki Minaj feature on the remix. That was quickly followed up by the street anthem “SkeeYee,” which came off her critically acclaimed mixtape ‘Hood’s Hottest Princess.’ Being regarded as a homegirl, Sexyy Red offered an authentic look that lived up to her mix-tape’s title– red weave, glasses, wads of $100 bills, and all. Sexyy Red became the talk of the town when least expected. From Cardi B recently dancing to her song that claims “f*ck my baby daddy” in the midst of the former’s own separation drama to the intrigue the press had around Sexyy. A Drake endorsement and appearance on his ‘Blur Tour’ also goes a long way. She’s more of an overnight sensation than someone else who will appear on this list very soon… And let’s not forget: Women can go on their own solo sold out tour while pregnant.
“SkeeYee” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
5
Travis Scott
Due to the tragic events of his ASTROWORLD Festival in November 2021, it seemed as though the public opinion of Travis Scott as both an artist and a human being had been swayed for the worst. Somehow he pushed through the incident to deliver a comeback of epic proportions. His fourth studio album, ‘Utopia,’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 496, 000 equivalent units– with all 19 of the tracks debuting on the Billboard Hot 100. The album earned a Grammy 2024 nomination for Best Rap Album. To premiere the album, he had a “Circus Maximus” event in Rome on August 7, where he saluted Kanye West for inspiring the album’s sound. That led to the 45-show Circus Maximus Tour starting in Louisville, Kentucky. Collabs with the likes of Drake, Bad Bunny, SZA, Offset, Playboi Carti, and Beyoncé have stayed in playlist rotation.
“FE!N” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
6
Ice Spice
2023 happened to be a breakout year for many in hip hop that managed to eclipse even the seasoned stars. Ice Spice instantly became a household name– the next staple from the Bronx that even gagged Nicki Minaj as the “People’s Princess.” Alongside the self-proclaimed Queen of Rap, the pair delivered “Princess Diana (Remix)” and “Barbie World”– with the latter track appearing on the box office smash, ‘Barbie.’ Her debut EP, ‘Like…?,’ made not only herself synonymous with Pop Culture but also her producer, RiotUSA. With a signature look of orphan Annie red curls, Ice Spice racked up notable Top 10 hits with Taylor Swift and PinkPantheress. Speaking of Swift, Ice Spice became the first female rapper to collab with the pop star during her own massive 2023, and served as her audience buddy during the VMA’s– where she won Best New Artist. From causing a stir at the BET Awards to earning three Grammy nominations, her 2024 is shaping up to be massive.
7
21 Savage
21 Savage’s 2023 already started off on a major note thanks to his 2022 collab album with Drake entitled, ‘Her Loss,’ carrying into the top of the year. If anything his year consisted of premiere features on the following songs: “Creepin’” with Metro Boomin’ and The Weeknd which went Top 5 globally; “Good Good” with Usher and Summer Walker, which vouched for his love for R&B music (a running gag on social media at this point– bringing more awareness to fans outside of that genre); “Peaches & Eggplants” with Young Nudy which became that rapper’s breakout hit for the mainstream; and “Sittin' on Top of the World” which gained critical acclaim in the realm of African music’s continual rise in popularity on a global scale. If anything 2023 proved to be the year that 21 Savage can be a main force in making a song go pop– he’s never had to sway from his signature style either. Now 2024 prepares for his next solo album, ‘American Dream.’
8
Lil Uzi Vert
Just about everybody– from Lil’ Kim to Beyoncé– happened to be moving their hips thanks to the hit single, “Just Wanna Rock.” “Just Wanna Rock” went Top 10 globally, and could honestly be responsible for the trends of plugg and Jersey Club music taking center stage in certain sectors of pop and hip hop music. Uzi had stand out performances at the BET Awards as well as the Grammys Hip Hop 50 tribute. Their album, ‘Pink Tape,’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and broke a streak of rap albums not topping that chart all year up until July. There are cultural hot button issues such as their relationship with JT of The City Girls, as well as the announcement of the alter ego “Leslie” who goes by gender neutral pronouns of they/their/them. And let’s not forget the Nicki Minaj collabs– one that chin checks Natalie Nunn of ‘Baddies’ fame and the other, “Everybody,” which is ringing in the new year of 2024.
9
Gunna
At the end of 2022, Gunna’s release from jail and video surfacing of him taking a plea deal in the on-going YSL Rico trials (primarily happening against his former rap partner, Young Thug) had people wondering if snitching accusations would ruin his career. “FukUMean” is exactly the sentiment, as Gunna’s career became hotter in 2023. That song went Top 10 globally becoming one of the most important rap songs of the year. With the release of his album, ‘A Gift & A Curse,’ rap critics valued how Gunna stood on his own despite peer isolation. They also noted how his vocal delivery is heavily implemented in the styles of Thugger and Lil Baby. And it seems the streets and fans of hip hop love Gunna, as the crowd went up for his show at the Barclays Center in NYC in September.
“Fukumean” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
10
Rod Wave
When it comes to who takes the crown for redefining Gen Z social rap, that would have to go to Rod Wave. Whether his music goes viral on Tik Tok, or trends for older generations on Twitter who don’t understand his power, or racking up millions of views on YouTube. The release of his fifth studio album, ‘Nostalgia’ became popular for its blend of southern melodic rap and elements of gospel– bringing awareness to themes such as depression and suicide. “Fight The Feeling” became the album’s central hit, racking up over 50 million views on YouTube alone. Then there is the Nostalgia Tour which sold out for all 35 dates, becoming its own significant moment of income for the hip hop economy.
11
Latto
Sometimes you have to go against the Queen to make your presence known: At the end of 2022 Latto got embroiled in a feud with Nicki Minaj. She didn’t let that fire go, as her 2023 Coachella performance introduced hip hop and pop fans to “Put It On Da Floor.” That got the boost of a Cardi B “Again” remix. “Lottery” made some noise in the pop community, continuing on the wave of the success of “Big Energy.” She secured her first ever No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 as a featured verse on Jung Kook’s “Seven,” which saw her embracing the k pop scene. Her verse on Jay Rock and Anderson .Paak’s “Too Fast (Pull Over)” showed her ability to steal the show with her rapping. And then there are the guest features on songs such as Yung Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants” alongside Sexyy Red. She also won the BET Award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. From magazine covers to Twitter spats, Latto continues to keep her name trending and on the blogs.
12
Tyler, The Creator
When it comes to the more traditional and respected waves of hip hop, Tyler, the Creator checks the box for those who consider themselves hip hop heads. Although he likes to dispute that notion and champions experimentation and exploration within genres and roots for the younger generation of artists coming up, ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ has been celebrated for keeping the foundations. The release of ‘The Estate Sale’ deluxe of the 2021 project reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, with singles “DOGTOOTH” and “SORRY NOT SORRY” landing on the Hot 100. To celebrate its tenth year anniversary, ‘Wolf’ received an instrumental only album. His 2017 song, “See You Again” also started recharting on Spotify’s Global charts. In Quarter 3 of the music fiscal year, Tyler, The Creator has been named the most successful songwriter according to the National Music Publishers’ Association. And let’s not forget the return of Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival after four years.
13
NBA Youngboy
Although NBA Youngboy may not have had a crossover pop hit like many on this list, he lands in this spot for his consistent output. In 2023, he released two studio albums, ‘I Rest My Case’ and ‘Don’t Try This At Home’ which both landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. He also released two mixtapes ‘Richest Opp,’ which landed in the Top 5 and ‘Decided 2.’ Although the direction of pop attention is leaning in other directions when it comes to Gen Z rap, NBA Youngboy continues to maintain a strong fanbase. Due to his output, the rapper who is currently residing and seeking his own form of therapy (and Instagram rants) in Utah has worked with the likes of E-40, Yeat, The Kid Laroi, Rod Wave, and Queen Naija.
14
Lil Yachty
Lil Yachty kicked off 2023 delivering an alternative album and exploring different genres with ‘Let’s Start Here.’ At the end of the year, the project ended up on numerous critic lists for the best album of the year. Lil Yachty earns his spot for being recognized for growing as an artist amongst rap critics and his peers. J. Cole shouted out his contributions after their collab on “The Secret Recipe.” He helped produce Drake’s “Search & Rescue,” which went No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to his signature sound. His contributions on Drake’s ‘For All The Dogs’ and The City Girls’ ‘R.A.W.’ also added to his producing credentials. Then there are some viral moments from his ‘A Safe Space Podcast.’
15
Cardi B
Five years without an album is really pushing it Ms. Belcalis! As the pressure continues to mount for her sophomore follow up to her massive debut, ‘Invasion of Privacy,’ Cardi B kept herself relevant enough. From helping Latto go Top 20 with the remix “Put It On Da Floor Again” to assisting FendiDa Rapper get her first ever Billboard Hot 100 entry with the drill abiding “Point Me 2.” And we can’t forget “Bongos,” which may not have done the numbers expected but served as a comeback and support system for Megan Thee Stallion during a troubling point of her own career. There may be on and off trouble in paradise with hubby Offset, but she played an instrumental role in helping his album, ‘Set It Off’ push units. Then there are the continuous endorsement deals, headlining the first ever Tik Tok festival, and Hollywood transactions.
16
Central Cee
The emergence of UK Rap in the US and around the world has been centralized by Central Cee in 2023. While he started out the year with a collaboration project with Dave, Central Cee broke out as the main star. Their joint EP, ‘Split Decision,’ included the UK and Global topping hit “Sprinter.” Drake appeared alongside him in the viral “On The Radar Freestyle,” which brought that platform to new heights. Now Central Cee is in the process of crossing over more pop, with collabs with The Kid Laroi and PinkPantheress.
“Sprinter” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
17
Yeat
In February, Yeat made a profound statement with his studio album, ‘Afterlyfe.’ The project went Top 5 on the Billboard 200– adding more to the current movement of plugg and tread music emerging to the forefront of hip hop and pop. Collabing with the likes of Young Thug and NBA Youngboy, Yeat’s breakout moment on a larger scale happened on Drake’s ‘For All The Dogs’ as “IDGAF” went No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100– almost signaling a complete changing of guard, had it not been for the more traditional power of J. Cole and Drake’s “First Person Shooter” blocking the top spot.
“Shmunk” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
18
Lil Durk
Usually Lil Durk is in more dominant form when it comes to being at the forefront of hip hop, but in 2023 he sort of coasted. Even with his coasting he still received milestones. His studio album ‘Almost Healed’ went Top 3, with 16 of the tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100. The biggest hit, “All My Life” featured J. Cole, became a motivational anthem of sorts on Tik Tok, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned a Grammy nomination. From collabing with the likes of Sexyy Red to Kanye West to country’s Morgan Wallen, Durk closed out the year with the OTF collective mixtape, ‘Nightmares in the Trenches.’
“All My Life” Is One of the 64 songs that appears in the inaugural issue of harpsichord zine
19
Offset
Offset’s 2023 started off very rocky. The world witnessed the assassination of his family member Takeoff– having hip hop deal with the simultaneous loss of the Migos as a trio. A few months later, footage leaked of Cardi B cursing out Offset and Quavo during an alleged backstage scuffle at the Grammys. When it seemed as though the ship was sinking, Quavo and Offset reunited at the BET Awards to pay tribute to Takeoff. That heartfelt moment led into Offset giving his solo career another chance– through the channeling of Michael Jackson. He gave the Spiderman soundtrack a few contributions, while his sophomore album, ‘Set It Off’ debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
20
Coi Leray
Coi’s entry on this list may come as a surprise to many people who follow rap, because usually she’s discredited for her gameplay. Coi is an interesting case of “can I respect her as an artist” and “why do I care so much about what she has to say.” Her vindication for the noteworthy year she’s had in 2023, is her two Grammy nominations for the 2024 telecast. “Players”– which is nominated for Best Rap Performance– went Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and internationally thanks to its infectious sample of “The Message” where Coi is giving her own… Then there is the BET Awards performance with her mentor Busta Rhymes, where Coi sports a jumpsuit of other female O.G. and New Gen rappers names. While there have been the turbulent moments— such as her beefs with Latto and her dad, while her second studio album only sold 10K first week— she’s had so many other wins that balance those human moments out.
21
conway the machine
A sector of hip hop listeners have become dedicated fans of the Griselda Crew for how they recall 90’s Mafioso Rap, but on trend with the current times of today. Then in 2022, they were shocked to find out that Conway The Machine left the label. Interestingly enough, out of that entire crew, Conway The Machine probably worked the hardest in 2023. From the release of his third studio album, ‘Won’t He Do It’ and its documentary, to a plethora of mixtape collaborations, Conway is pushing out to be considered one of the greatest song crafters out today. And he didn’t need Griselda to do it.
22
NLE Choppa
NLE Choppa’s breakout moment happened with “Slut Me Out” – as the song reached the Top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 a year after its initial release. That song received remixes from Sukihana and Sexyy Red to much viral success. His second studio album, ‘Cottonwood 2’ received a plethora of singles, reaching the Top 30 of the Billboard 200. “It’s Getting Hot” received success for sampling Nelly, and paying homage to the veteran in the music video. He performed at the VMA’s pre-show, and released a soundtrack number alongside Muni Long, Jimin of BTS, and Kodak Black for the ‘Fast X’ installment of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise.
23
Key Glock
The 2021 death of Young Dolph still permeates through hip hop today. Memphis should be proud of how far his cousin has come in the game and kept Memphis on the map (alongside acts such as GloRilla). Released at the top of 2023, ‘Glockoma 2’ reached the Top 15 of the Billboard 200. His song “Dirt” became a minor Billboard Hot 100 hit landing at No. 88. He also had a 20 minute set at Rolling Loud. Although he doesn’t have crossover hits that fully reflect it, kickbacks and after parties are guaranteed to have some of ‘Glockoma 2’ songs in the playlist rotations.
24
Young Nudy
After the release of ‘Gumbo,’ Young Nudy will be one to watch in the future. The crossover smash, “Peaches & Eggplants” not only resonated with the streets and rap critics, but also went platinum according to the RIAA. Able to flip the song’s success, it received a boost from Sexyy Red and Latto who provide the feminine answer to what 21 Savage did on the original. With an appearance on Offset’s album, ‘Set It Off,’ Young Nudy is getting into proper form by collaborating with the superstars of today’s hip hop.
Ranking of the top rappers who debuted in some capacity in the mainstream roughly 20 years ago, and their contributions for rap culture today.
some key Names included on this list:
Nicki Minaj
JAY-Z