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20 Best East Coast Rappers Of All Time

East Coast Rappers
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Greetings to all. How are you doing these days? I hope everything is fine with you. Today’s topic of discussion is East Coast Rappers. However, there are several reasons why people admire East Coast Rappers, let’s discuss this in detail. 

To begin with, these rappers have Historical Significance and that is something bound to draw applause. Apart from this, these rappers have been known for their Authenticity and raw storytelling. 

Their lyrics are often intricate and thought-provoking, reflecting the realities of life in urban environments. Furthermore, their skills and techniques of rapping are quirky and commendable. These rappers have a history of pushing the boundaries of rap music and influencing the broader hip-hop culture. 

Moreover, their cultural representation is diverse and vibrant. You may find them raping about their neighborhoods, communities, and cultural heritage. Overall, this provides a voice for those who identify with their experiences. 

READ MORE – 20 Famous Gay Rappers You Must Know 

Hence, without any further ado, let’s take you all through the list of East Coast Rappers. 

1- The Notorious B.I.G

No matter how much we try to define his legacy through words, it’s always next to impossible for us to go in such depth. However, The Notorious B.I.G was an amazing rapper. Sadly, he is not alive today, nevertheless, his words are remarkable. 

Furthermore, Biggie was the most phenomenal lyricist ever. His talent was indeed pure, real, and raw. All we can combine is that he was a god’s gift. To recall you, Rolling Stone has called him the Best rapper who has ever lived. Not just it, even Billboard has called him the best rapper of all time. 

Moreover, he is one of the most famous East Coast Rappers of all time and has greatly influenced Hip-Hop. We can see many Hip-Hop artists today who are greatly inspired by Biggie and they try to copy his style. He was one of the great 90s rappers. 

His best work includes,

  • Juicy(1994)
  • Hypnotise(1997)
  • Notorious Thugs” ft. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (1997)
  • Mo Money Mo Problems

2- Jay-Z

To begin with, Shawn Corey Carter is known professionally as Jay-Z. He is an American rapper, record executive, and media proprietor. He is one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history.

furthermore, He was the CEO of Def Jam Recordings and has been central to the creative and commercial success of artists including Kanye West, Rihanna, and J. Cole.

The best Hits of the Rapper include, 

  • Empire State of Mind
  • Niggas in Paris
  • Young Forever
  • The story of O.J

3- Nas

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones better known by his stage name Nas is one of the most famous East Coast rappers, songwriters, and entrepreneurs.

However, he is Rooted in the New York hip-hop scene, he is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time.

Furthermore, He was a featured artist on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” produced by Large Professor. 

Moreover, Nas’s debut album Illmatic received universal acclaim upon release and is considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. 

Best Hits of the Rapper include, 

  • If I ruled the World
  • Nas is like 
  • Patience 
  • One mic
  • Hate me now

4- Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan‘s influence on hip-hop and popular culture continues to be felt to this day. However, their music and legacy remain highly respected and celebrated. 

Furthermore, They have left an indelible mark on the music world with their innovative and influential contributions to hip-hop. Indeed, this has made them an iconic and enduring force in the Hip-Hop genre’s history.

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5- DMX

DMX was a popular rapper known for his gritty, aggressive style and distinctive voice. However, He was known for his raw and introspective lyrics that often reflected his struggles with addiction, poverty, and personal demons. 

Furthermore, Sadly, DMX passed away on April 9, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and respected rappers in hip-hop history.

6- Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes was born on May 20, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. However, he gained widespread recognition in the 1990s as a member of the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. 

Moving on, He has won multiple awards for his music, including several Grammy nominations. Busta Rhymes is also known for his visually stunning and creatively innovative music videos. This all can drive you crazy for sure. 

Well, it’s righteous to mention that Busta Rhymes has solidified his status as one of the most respected and influential figures in hip-hop culture. 

7- Method Man

Method Man, whose real name is Clifford Smith Jr., is a rapper, actor, and member of the influential hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. 

However, He is known for his smooth, deep voice and his ability to blend humor, rawness, and social commentary in his lyrics. 

In addition to his music career, Method Man has also pursued acting, appearing in films like “How High,” “Belly,” and “The Wire.”

People around the globe admire him for his dynamic presence and versatility as both a rapper and actor and has remained a prominent figure in hip-hop culture for decades.

8- Rakim

William Michael Griffin Jr. better known by his stage name Rakim is an American rapper and record producer.

However, one-half of the golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time.

Furthermore, Rakim is considered a transformational figure in hip hop for raising the bar for MC technique higher than it had ever been.

Best Hits of the Rapper include, 

  • I ain’t no joke
  • Paid in Full
  • Guess who’s back 
  • Microphone fiend
  • Know the ledge

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9- 50 Cent

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, is a famous East Coast rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. Well, he is known for his distinctive voice, gritty lyrics, and controversial persona. 

Furthermore, He has won numerous awards for his music, including Grammy Awards and BET Awards. 

In addition to this, He is known for his outspoken and controversial personality and has been involved in various high-profile feuds and controversies throughout his career. 

10- Big L

BIG L, whose real name is Lamont Coleman, was a rapper known for his intricate wordplay, clever lyrics, and unique flow. 

However, He released his debut album, “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous,” in 1995. BIG L was known for his ability to paint vivid pictures with his lyrics, often exploring dark and introspective themes with a sharp sense of humour. 

Apart from this, He was highly regarded for his freestyle skills, winning multiple rap battles and earning respect from fellow artists in the hip-hop community. 

11- Run D.M.C.

Run-DMC is a legendary hip-hop group that was formed in the early 1980s and is widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in hip-hop history.  

However, Run-DMC’s music was characterized by its dynamic rhymes, powerful delivery, and distinctive rock-infused sound. In addition to this, As pioneers of hip-hop, Run-DMC broke barriers and opened doors for future generations of rap artists. 

Furthermore, They were the first rap group to have a gold album, the first to receive a Grammy nomination, and the first to appear on MTV. 

12- KRS-One

KRS-One released numerous critically acclaimed albums, both as a solo artist and as a member of the hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions. 

Furthermore, As a rapper and social activist, KRS-One has had a profound impact on hip-hop music and culture. 

In addition to this, He has been recognized for his contributions to the genre with awards and accolades, and his influence can be heard in the music and messages of many contemporary hip-hop artists.

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13- J. Cole

J. Cole is considered one of the most influential and respected rappers of his generation, and his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. 

However, He is known for his dedication to his craft and his authentic and introspective approach to songwriting. 

In addition to this, his commitment to addressing important social issues through his music is commendable. 

14- Ghostface Killah

Ghostface Killah is known for his distinct voice, which has a raspy and gritty quality that adds to his unique style. He is one of the most famous East Coast rappers of all time.

However, He often incorporates slang and street vernacular into his lyrics, creating a distinct and authentic persona in his music. 

Furthermore, He released his solo debut album, “Ironman,” in 1996. This was followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums such as “Supreme Clientele,” “Fishscale,” and “Twelve Reasons to Die.”

15- Ol’ Dirty Bastard

Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s music was characterized by his raw and unfiltered lyrics, which often touched on his personal struggles, street life, and social issues. 

However, His distinctive voice, which ranged from gritty to melodic, added to his unique and memorable style.

Furthermore, He released his solo debut album, “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version,” in 1995. A big hit!

Moving on, he was known for his larger-than-life personality and eccentric behavior. 

16- Raekwon

Raekwon gained prominence as a member of Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time.  However, his music often reflects his experiences growing up in the projects of Staten Island. 

Apart from this, He is also recognized for his distinctive voice, which has a raspy and gritty quality that adds to his unique style. Although, his lyrical prowess, vivid storytelling, and gritty delivery, make him stand out among the crowd. indeed, one of the wonderful east coast rappers.

17- Public Enemy

Public Enemy’s impact on hip-hop and popular culture extends beyond their music. Why? Primarily because they have been recognized for their contributions to the genre with numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

In addition to this, They have also been influential in shaping the sound and messaging of hip-hop, inspiring generations of artists and activists. Moving on, They are known for their powerful and thought-provoking lyrics.

READ MORE – 15 Best New York Rappers Of All Time 

18- Big Pun

Christopher Lee Rios, better known by his stage name Big Pun was an American rapper and songwriter. He is one of the most famous East Coast rappers of all time.

However, Pun’s lyrics are notable for their technical efficiency, exceptional breath control, heavy use of alliteration, as well as internal and multi-syllabic rhyming schemes. 

Emerging from the underground hip-hop scene in the Bronx borough of New York City in the early 1990s, he came to prominence during the latter half of the decade for his work with Fat Joe and the Terror Squad. indeed, one of the wonderful east coast rappers.

Moreover, In 1997, he signed with Loud Records as a solo artist and released his Grammy-nominated debut studio album Capital Punishment to critical acclaim and commercial success. 

It resulted in peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 and becoming the first solo hip-hop record by a Latino artist to go Platinum.

Best Hits of the Rapper include, 

  • Lean back
  • Still not a player
  • Twinz 
  • Beware 
  • It’s so hard

19- Mos Def

Begin with Yasiin Bey, previously known by his stage name Mos Def as an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. 

However, He began his hip-hop career in 1994, alongside his siblings in the short-lived rap group Urban Thermo Dynamics (UTD).

After which they appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. 

Furthermore, He subsequently formed the duo Black Star, alongside fellow Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli, and in 1998 they released their eponymous debut album, featuring the singles “Definition” and “Respiration”.

Best Hits of the Rapper include, 

  • I Against I
  • UMI Says
  • Mathematics
  • Oh No
  • The Rape Over

20- LL Cool J

He is two – a time grammy award winner with a net worth of $120 million. Do you know that he has written four books—two on fitness, one children’s book, and one memoir? In addition to this, before starting his career in music he worked as a paperboy. Hence, it’s all his hard work that made him a self-made artist. indeed, one of the wonderful east coast rappers.

Cool J’s popular songs are listed as 

  • Mama said knock you out
  • Headsprung
  • I need to love going back to Cali
  • Rock the bells