The 10 Greatest Hip Hop and R&B Artists

1. Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer. He has sold over 172 million albums making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. He is a well rounded rapper with the ability to package flow, wordplay, technique, content and metaphors in his music. He is not gangster, not pure political. His style is unique, addressing mostly untouched issues buried deep down in America's psyche with songs such as 'Sing for the moment', 'Rap God' and 'Rock Bottom'.

2. 2Pac

Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to as one of the greatest music artists of all time. His influence on the genre was significant, with songs with purpose, from the heart. 'All Eyez on Me' is considered his best album.

3. Notorious B.I.G.

Christopher George Latore Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G (a.k.a. Biggie Smalls), is consistently ranked as one of the best rappers of all time. One of the most skillful rappers with his rhyming and flow even when freestyling live. 'Ready to Die' is his best-selling album

4. Nas

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, aka Nas, is an American rapper. His album, 'Illmatic', is considered to be one of the best rap albums of all time with Nas considered to be one of the best rappers of all time.

5. Rakim

Rakim Allah transformed lyricism by accentuating rhythm and interspersing the rhyme frequency of his lyrics, as evidenced by "I Know You Got Soul" and "Lyrics of Fury." His idiosyncrasy in lyrical composition is unmatched and has influenced some of today's rappers, namely the four artists mentioned above.

6. Drake

Aubrey Drake Graham, known professionally as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. Drake has introduced rap to many R&B soul fans by changing their perception for rap. Drake is not just a talented rapper but has a great singing voice. His best album 'Take Care' puts his lyrical ability on full display. His latest (2016) album 'Views' including 'One Dance' his first solo number one.

7. Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name Jay Z, is an American rapper, entrepreneur and investor. He is best known for his album Reasonable Doubt. His albums are classic in rap history and his dominance fueled by several Grammy and BET nominations and awards. 'Vol 2. Hard knock life' and 'The Black Album' have sold in the millions.

8. Kanye West

Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, songwriter, and fashion designer. He has shown that rap isn't always about being gangstar and 'I'ma shoot this'. The creativity of his album 'Yeezus' and 'College Dropout'.

9. Kendrick Lamar

The greatest lyricist of all time, with intelligent insights on popular issues. 'Blacker the Berry' is a great example on how his lyrics can often have many meanings around black emancipation. From the hood ghetto life, to love, from politics to religion and more, each theme is seen told with a whole new perspective. Lamar also has an outstanding sense of music, with old school, funky, jazz, blues, classic and soul influences.

10. Lower Class

Soul and jazz inspired samples combine with nothing short of lyrical Kung Fu to give The Lower Class a sound reminiscent of hip-hop’s Golden Age. The trio’s fresh and laid back style, have indie blogs abuzz- comparing their sound to the likes of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Jurassic 5.

Keep this name on your watch list.