The Most Famous East Coast Rapper, Ranked

Choose the rapper you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 07:06
The East Coast has long been a breeding ground for influential rappers, whose styles and lyrics have shaped the genre in profound ways. By ranking these artists, fans gain a clearer picture of whose messages resonate the most in the current musical landscape. This list captures the pulse of the community's preferences, highlighting trending artists while respecting the enduring legacies of long-time favorites. As you engage with this live list, your votes help refine and update the rankings, ensuring they reflect the latest fan opinions. This dynamic interaction not only makes the list more relevant but also more exciting, as you see in real-time how your preferences compare with those of other enthusiasts. It's more than just a list; it's an ongoing conversation about the influence and artistry of East Coast rappers.

Who Is the Most Famous East Coast Rapper?

  1. 1
    68
    votes
    Notorious B.I.G.
    Elhesinberg · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, Biggie Smalls was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He's known for his effortless flow, storytelling abilities, and iconic hits like "Juicy" and "Hypnotize."
    Notorious B.I.G. in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    Another Brooklyn native, Jay-Z has had a long and successful career in the music industry, with 14 number one albums and countless hits. He's also known for his business ventures, including his record label Roc Nation and streaming service Tidal.
  3. 3
    21
    votes

    Nas

    Born and raised in Queensbridge, New York, Nas is known for his vivid storytelling and introspective lyrics. His 1994 debut album, Illmatic, is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    This Staten Island-based group is known for their unique blend of gritty, street-level rhymes and kung fu-inspired imagery. Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is considered a classic of the genre.
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    LL Cool J
    U.S. State Department · Public domain
    Born and raised in Queens, LL Cool J is one of the pioneers of the genre, with hits like "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." He's also had a successful acting career, appearing in films like Deep Blue Sea and TV shows like NCIS: Los Angeles.
    LL Cool J in other rankings
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    This group, consisting of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, helped popularize hip-hop in the mainstream in the 1980s. They're known for hits like "Walk This Way" and "It's Tricky."
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Born and raised in Long Island, Rakim is known for his smooth flow and complex rhyme schemes. His 1987 debut album, Paid in Full, is considered a classic of the genre.
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Another Brooklyn native, Big Daddy Kane is known for his smooth delivery and lyrical prowess. He's also had success as an actor, appearing in films like Posse and Dead Heist.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Born and raised in the Bronx, KRS-One is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his role in the development of the "conscious rap" subgenre. He's also a respected activist and lecturer.
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    This Queens-based group, consisting of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, is known for their jazzy, laid-back sound and intelligent, socially conscious lyrics. Their 1991 album, The Low End Theory, is considered a classic of the genre.

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous East Coast rapper. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rapper is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2104 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rapper once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rapper is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most famous east coast rapper

Background Information: The East Coast of the United States has been a hub for hip-hop music since the genre's inception in the 1970s. From the gritty streets of New York City to the vibrant neighborhoods of Atlanta, East Coast rappers have helped to shape the sound and style of hip-hop culture. Some of the most famous East Coast rappers include the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, and Rakim. These artists have not only influenced the music industry but have also become cultural icons, with their music and style inspiring new generations of artists. The competition for the title of "most famous East Coast rapper" is fierce, with each artist bringing their unique style and voice to the genre. From the raw storytelling of Nas to the smooth flow of Jay-Z, each rapper has left an indelible mark on hip-hop history. So, who will come out on top in this battle of the East Coast titans? Only a StrawPoll can tell.

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