Music
The most influential rappers of all time, according to 13 hip-hop stars
We asked some of Australia's best new hip-hop stars to tell us their favourite rapper.
Hip-hop history is full of incredible rappers, but some names just tower above the rest.
Whether they carved a new path, started a new sound or inspired legions to follow in their footsteps, certain rappers make a seismic impact on the game. They have the bars that inspire others to pick up the pen, or a flow that made fans want to hole up in the booth or their bedroom practising their own.
So who are the most influential rappers of all time? It’s a big question, but we figure there’s no one better to answer it than the next generation of Australian rap talent – the alumni of Red Bull 64 Bars. To hear about the hip-hop figures who shaped our local heroes, we asked thirteen of the rappers who’ve graced the Red Bull 64 Bars booth to tell us about their favourite rapper ever – the great who made them want to get into hip-hop.
This list is by no means an exhaustive collection of every rap legend, but it is a window into the names who have made an impact here in Australia. Read on to meet some of the most influential rappers of all time.
MISSY ELLIOT
Jesswar: I love every element of Missy's artistry from the tracks to the video clips. I grew up watching the artist and was always transported into another world when watching her clips.
TUPAC
Dallas Woods: Tupac was not the strongest lyrically but his work ethic, hustle, energy, heart and soul that he puts into his craft and delivery is just so convincing and next to none. Plus he knows how to get the party going 'West Side’.
Kobie Dee: I can relate to a lot of his music and his way of telling stories.
KENDRICK LAMAR
Lisi: Kendrick Lamar is my favourite rapper of all time for his storytelling and his ability to put his listeners in the shoes of himself or whoever’s perspective he’s rapping from.
NICKI MINAJ
Sophiya: We need rappers like Nicki Minaj – she is the GOAT! Nicki is the Queen of Rap and a true artist at that. Barbz for life.
Mulalo: I have been listening to her since I was ten and she really helped boost my confidence through music.
EMINEM
Masked Wolf: The way he sets up his lyrics and punchlines is unmatched.
ICE CUBE
Baker Boy: He is lyrically insane. I grew up listening to Ice Cube and then seeing him in movies and his film Friday, which is just super iconic.
J.COLE
Nokz: There’s authenticity in his words and what he talks about in his lyrics. The way he can paint a picture with his words is like nobody else.
LIL WAYNE
Unamii: He is goated for the simple fact he created a whole era in rap while being himself wholeheartedly.
LAURYN HILL
A.Girl: People forget she’s a rapper!
AMINE
Dali Hart of 1300: I like his vibe and how he directed his own music videos, he can rap/sing and his TWOPOINTFIVE album is incredible. Everyone should go listen.
DAMIAN MARLEY
Gold Fang: He moves between reggae-infused sounds and hip-hop, and is a big influence for me.
