That year, he produced Death Row labelmate Snoop Dogg's quadruple platinum debut Doggystyle, and mentored producers such as his step-brother Warren G (leading to the multi-platinum debut Regulate.G Funk Era in 1994) and Snoop Dogg's cousin Daz Dillinger (leading to the double-platinum debut Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound in 1995). His 1992 solo debut The Chronic, released under Death Row Records, made him one of the best-selling American performing artists of 1993, and earned him a Grammy Award for the single "Let Me Ride". He found fame with the influential gangsta rap group N.W.A with Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, which popularized explicit lyrics in rap to detail the violence of street life. As of 2018, he is the third richest figure in hip hop, with a net worth of $770 million.ĭre began his career as a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru. He is credited as a key figure in the crafting and popularization of West Coast G-funk, a rap style characterized as synthesizer-based with slow, heavy beats. He has produced albums for and overseen the careers of many rappers, including 2Pac, The D.O.C., Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Xzibit, Knoc-turn'al, 50 Cent, The Game, and Kendrick Lamar. He is the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, and was previously co-owner of Death Row Records. Dre, is an American rapper, record producer and entrepreneur. While Tupac’s life should not go uncriticized, he was charged with sexual assault in 1995, his legacy is important to the history of American music.Andre Romelle Young (born February 18, 1965), better known by his stage name Dr. He is also remembered for his part in the feud between West and East Coast rappers, which contributed to speculated around his 1996 murder. His lyricism borrowed from the activist tones found in predecessors Public Enemy and N.W.A. Oakland based rap group Digital Underground brought Tupac into the industry and, after performing on two albums with the group, he pursued his solo career in 1991. Tupac spent most of his childhood in Maryland, before moving to Marin County, CA, where he began his rap career. Photo source: A Crollalanza/REX/Shutterstock Highest Ranked Album: Me Against the World (1995) / All Eyez On Me (1996) / he Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996) / Until the End of Time (2001) / Loyal to the Game (2005) Highest Ranked Song: How Do U Want It/California Love (1996) Since her start, Elliott has won four Grammys and is the best selling female rapper to date. Her music and overall style is regarded for its high energy and feminist themes. After working in the industry, she was able to begin her own record label, Goldmind, which she used to produce her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly.” “Supa Dupa Fly” solidified Elliott as a household name, going platinum and earning her “Rolling Stone’s” Rap Artist of the Year. While still a student, she formed the girl group Sista and signed to Swing Mob Records, although the record label folded before they released any music.īefore performing herself, she wrote songs for several big names, including Aaliyah. Missy Elliott’s difficult childhood did not hold her back from having one of the most impressive rap careers to date. Highest Ranked Album: Under Construction (2002) Highest Ranked Song: Hot Boyz (2000) / Get Ur Freak On (2001) / Let It Go (2007) Biggie died in Los Angeles in 1997 after an unknown assailant shot him. Biggie also played a major role in the West Coast/East Coast rap feud with Tupac Shakur, his former friend and mentor. In addition to his rap career, he also started junior MAFIA, a group dedicated to mentoring young rap talents, including Lil Kim. His work eventually led him to become the best selling solo male artist in 1995. His rap style is highly regarded for its narrative qualities that accurately expressed his emotions around his childhood and drug dealing. His greatest success came with his debut album “Ready to Die,” which became quadruple platinum.
His music ignited a professional relationship with Sean “Puffy” Combs, who produced most of Biggie’s songs. He started rapping as a teenager under the name Biggie Smalls (he would later change his rap name to Notorious B.I.G. Highest Ranked Album: The Final Chapter (2005) / Greatest Hits (2007)Įast Coast rapper Biggie Smalls had a storied, if short career. Highest Ranked Song: Mo Money, Mo Problems (1997) / Hypnotize (1997)