Billboard initially published a list of the "10 GreatestRappers" in November 2015. The ranking was later revised with Vibe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hiphop music's inception and was compiled by the magazines' respective editorial boards, expanding the list to include 50 rappers. In early 2023, Billboard/Vibe is ranking the Top 50 GreatestRappers of All Time as part of our salute to this year’s golden anniversary of hip-hop. (The genre dates back to 1973, when DJ Kool Herc first set up his two turntables to rock a Bronx party.) Finally, a definitive list of the best rappers of all time, ranked by fans all over the world. From old school to the current top rappers putting out today's biggest hiphop hits, this list counts down rap's best lyricists and game changers in history. This list is a love letter to HipHop in all its forms. From the boom-bap of New York to the gangsta rap of LA, to the Dirty South sounds of Atlanta – we’re celebrating the emcees who’ve shaped and are continuing to shape this global phenomenon. 40 years of history has led to this moment. Gigwise has culminated the definitive list of the world's top rappers of all time. Who will be deemed thegreatest of all time? Whodid we miss off the list? Why isn't DMX on the list? These are all questions that will be answered in due course. From lyrical geniuses to cultural icons, these arethe 50 best rappers of all time. See who made the list and how they shaped the rap game.
