From new artists to some of the greatest hip hop artists of all time, here are the best rappers from Brooklyn. Including both solo artists, like The Notorious B.I.G. and Nas, and hip hop groups, like the Beastie Boys and Pro Era, this list of the most popular Brooklyn rappers features rap artists who were born or raised in the New York City borough. Known for their style of East Coast hip hop, other famous Brooklyn rappers include Mos Def, Talib Kewli, and Lil Kim. Who are the top Brooklyn rappers of all-time?
20. Joey Bada$$
As a prominent member of the Pro Era collective and a standout solo artist, Jo-Vaughn Scott (Joey Bada$$) has garnered widespread acclaim for his nostalgic sound, reminiscent of the golden era of hip-hop. Drawing inspiration from Brooklyn greats such as Biggie Smalls and JAY-Z, Joey has proven himself as a formidable lyricist, tackling social issues and personal experiences with insightful commentary. His dedication to preserving the classic hip-hop spirit has solidified Joey Bada$$’s place among Brooklyn’s contemporary rap elite.
19. Desiigner
Sidney Royel Selby III, better known by his stage name Desiigner, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, record executive and actor.
18. Papoose
Emerging from the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, Shamele Mackie (Papoose) first gained attention with his powerful lyrics and ferocious delivery in the early 2000s. Serving up a blend of streetwise narratives and thoughtful social commentary, Papoose has consistently showcased his skills as a lyricist, solidifying his reputation as one of Brooklyn’s premier MCs. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, Papoose remains a respected figure within the greater hip-hop community.
17. Pop Smoke
One of the most recent stars to emerge from Brooklyn, Bashar Jackson, better known as Pop Smoke, was a leading figure in the burgeoning drill music movement before his life was tragically cut short in 2020. With a distinctive raspy voice and infectious energy, Pop Smoke quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Despite his untimely passing, the impact he made on the global hip-hop scene remains palpable, proving that his legacy as a Brooklyn rap standout will forever endure.
16. Busta Rhymes
A titan of both speed and style, Busta Rhymes made a name for himself in the ’90s as the crown prince of rapid-fire rapping. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he honed his unique style under the tutelage of rap pioneers Chuck D of Public Enemy and produced some of hip-hop’s most memorable tracks. With his larger-than-life persona, outlandish fashion choices, and undeniable talent, Busta Rhymes has left an indelible mark on the rap landscape that still resonates today.
15. Jeru the Damaja
Discography: The Sun Rises in the East (1994), Wrath of the Math (1996), Heroz4Hire (1999), Divine Design (2003), Still Rising (2007), The Hammer (2014)
In the dynamic year of 1994, amidst the groundbreaking releases from Gang Starr, M.O.P., and Nas, Jeru the Damaja emerged as a profound force in New York hip hop. Hailing from East New York and affiliated with Gang Starr, Jeru released “The Sun Rises in the East,” a defining album that, along with its compelling follow-up “Wrath of the Math,” solidified Jeru’s place among the ’90s greats. His fusion of street wisdom and intellectual poetry challenged conventional notions of “hard” rap.
14. O.C.
Discography: Word…Life (1994), Jewelz (1997), Bon Appetit (2001), Star Child (2005), Smoke and Mirrors (2005), Oasis (2009), Trophies (2012), Ray’s Café (2014), Ray’s Café: The After Hours EP (2014), Dive In (2015), Same Moon Same Sun (2017), Perestroika (2017), A New Dawn (2018), Opium (2018)
Cerebral, poetic, and understated, O.C. may lack the flamboyance of his D.I.T.C peers, but his extensive catalog, spanning from the boom-bap streets of “Word…Life” to the conscious vibes of later works, positions him as one of Brooklyn’s finest. O.C.’s dedication to experimenting across rap styles has made significant contributions to the underground scene while staying true to his artistic essence.
13. Buckshot
Discography: Enta da Stage (1993), War Zone (1999), The BDI Thug (1999), Total Eclipse (2003), Chemistry (2005), The Formula (2008), Survival Skills (2009), The Solution (2012), Backpack Travels (2014), Rise of da Moon (2019)
Buckshot Shorty, born and raised in Brooklyn, stands as one of its enduring rap figures. Renowned for his energetic delivery, Buckshot gained attention with Black Moon’s “Who Got Da Props?” and played a pivotal role in forming influential groups like Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, Originoo Gunn Clappaz, and Boot Camp Clik. With classic collaborations and unwavering dedication to his style and Duck Down Music, Buckshot has maintained a devoted fanbase since the early ’90s.
12. Talib Kweli
Discography: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (1998), Train of Thought (with Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal) (2000), Quality (2002), The Beautiful Struggle (2004), Eardrum (2007), Liberation (with Madlib) (2007), Revolutions Per Minute (with Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal) (2010), Habits of the Heart (with Res as Idle Warship) (2011), Gutter Rainbows (2011), Prisoner of Conscious (2013), Gravitas (2013), Fuck the Money (2015), Indie 500 (with 9th Wonder) (2015), The Seven (with Styles P) (2017), Radio Silence (2017), Gotham (with Diamond D) (2021), No Fear of Time (with Yasiin Bey as Black Star) (2022)
An iconic figure in conscious hip hop, Talib Kweli, with his thick New York accent, powerful lyrics, and smooth delivery, has been a leading force in the underground rap scene. From the impactful debut with Black Star to Reflection Eternal’s “Train of Thought,” Kweli consistently addresses socio-political issues through his music. Love him or challenge his political views, Talib Kweli stands as one of the best Brooklyn rappers.
11. Lil’ Kim
Discography: Conspiracy (with Junior M.A.F.I.A.) (1995), Hard Core (1996), The Notorious K.I.M. (2000), La Bella Mafia (2003), The Naked Truth (2005), 9 (2019)
A trailblazing female rapper, Lil’ Kim not only held her ground against male Brooklyn contemporaries like Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. but also reshaped the narrative of women in hip hop. Her 1996 solo debut, “Hard Core,” boldly asserted her place, challenging the male-dominated genre. Lil’ Kim’s influence extends to the next generation of female rappers, including Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Doja Cat.
10. Sean Price
Discography: Monkey Barz (2005), Jesus Price Supastar (2007), Mic Tyson (2012), Imperius Rex (2017)
A prominent member of Boot Camp Clik and half of Heltah Skeltah, Sean Price was an unapologetically straightforward MC known for his lively style, clever lyricism, and intricate rhyme schemes. Debuting on Smif-N-Wessun’s “Dah Shinin’,” Price’s solo career during the 2000s left an indelible mark on the underground rap scene. Despite his untimely death in 2015, Sean Price remains one of the most beloved MCs in the game.
9. Guru
Discography: No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989), Step in the Arena (1991), Daily Operation (1992), Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 (1993), Hard to Earn (1994), Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality (1995), Moment of Truth (1998), Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 3: Streetsoul (2000), Baldhead Slick & da Click (2001), The Ownerz (2003), Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures (2005), Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future (2007), Guru 8.0: Lost and Found (2009), One of the Best Yet (2019)
Born in Boston, Guru, alongside DJ Premier in Gang Starr, played a pivotal role in shaping the ’90s New York sound. With classics like “Step in the Arena,” “Hard to Earn,” and “Moment of Truth,” Guru’s calm delivery and steady impact on jazz-rap influenced the game. Highly respected and underrated, Guru’s legacy endures through his timeless classics.
8. Fabolous
Discography: Ghetto Fabolous (2001), Street Dreams (2003), Real Talk (2004), From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007), Loso’s Way (2009), The Young OG Project (2014), Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever (2019)
To grasp Fabolous’s true greatness, one must look beyond his albums to his deep mixtape catalog. In a league with artists like Lil Wayne and Jadakiss, Fab’s mixtape work often surpasses his official releases. His laid-back delivery reminiscent of Mase and the wit of Jay-Z have made him a staple in New York rap since the start of his career. Whether on R&B hits or alongside fellow rappers, Fabolous’s talent and adaptability have solidified his status as one of Brooklyn’s enduring figures.
7. AZ
Discography: Doe or Die (1995), Pieces of a Man (1998), S.O.S.A. – Save Our Streets AZ (2000), 9 Lives (2001), Aziatic (2002), A.W.O.L. (2005), The Format (2006), Undeniable (2008), The Final Call (2008), Legendary (2009), G.O.D. – Gold, Oil & Diamonds (2009), Legacy (2019), Doe Or Die II (2021)
AZ’s legendary verse on Nas’s “Life’s a Bitch” marked the beginning of an illustrious career spanning over 20 years. With an immaculate flow, golden voice, and timeless delivery, AZ has consistently produced highly regarded albums. His impact on the underground rap scene is evident, and his influence extends to even Eminem, who drew inspiration from AZ’s flow for his debut album, “Infinite.”
6. El-P
Discography: Funcrusher (1996), Funcrusher Plus (1997), Fantastic Damage (2002), High Water (2004), I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (2007), Cancer 4 Cure (2012), Run the Jewels (2013), Run the Jewels 2 (2014), Run the Jewels 3 (2016), RTJ4 (2020)
Beginning his career in Company Flow, El-P’s journey includes shaping underground hip hop through Definitive Jux, Cannibal Ox, and Rawkus Records. Solo albums like “Fantastic Damage” and “Cancer 4 Cure” solidified his position among DIY rappers. As half of Run the Jewels, El-P’s distinctive flow and powerful production have elevated him to even greater heights and a broader audience.
5. Masta Ace
Discography: Take a Look Around, SlaughtaHouse (with Masta Ace Incorporated), Sittin’ on Chrome (with Masta Ace Incorporated), Disposable Arts, A Long Hot Summer, The Show (with eMC), Arts & Entertainment (with Ed O.G.), MA Doom: Son of Yvonne, The Turning Point EP (with eMC), The Tonite Show (with eMC), The Falling Season, A Breukelen Story (with Marco Polo)
Eminem’s favorite rapper, Masta Ace, has thrived in the industry since the late ’80s. From his memorable verse on Juice Crew’s “The Symphony” to navigating different hip hop eras with albums like “Take a Look Around” and “Disposable Arts,” Ace showcases versatility and dedication to his craft. Collaborations with MF DOOM and others further attest to his standing as a pure MC.
4. Mos Def
Discography: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (with Talib Kweli, as Black Star) (1998), Black on Both Sides (1999), The New Danger (2004), Manifest Destiny (with Ces and DCQ, as UTD) (2004), True Magic (2006), The Ecstatic (2009), December 99th (with Ferrari Sheppard, as Dec 99th) (2016), Negus (2019), No Fear of Time (with Talib Kweli, as Black Star) (2022)
A minor qualm one might express about Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, is the relatively sparse musical output over his career. However, from the moment he burst onto the scene in 1997 with “Universal Magnetic,” featured on the Rawkus compilation Soundbombing, it was evident that the rap game had gained a new lyrical superstar.
As a revered figure in conscious and underground hip hop, Mos Def has consistently made waves with his intelligent lyrics, agile flow, and exceptional charisma on the mic. Despite a relatively modest discography, his classics such as Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Black on Both Sides, and The Ecstatic, along with impactful guest verses for artists like De La Soul, The Roots, Kanye, and Common, have solidified his status as a luminary in the genre.
3. Big Daddy Kane
Discography: Long Live the Kane, It’s a Big Daddy Thing, Taste of Chocolate, Prince of Darkness, Looks Like a Job For…, Daddy’s Home, Veteranz’ Day
Arguably the most iconic MC from Brooklyn, Big Daddy Kane is celebrated for his complete mastery of the mic, characterized by impeccable punchlines, an unrelenting flow, and the ability to seamlessly switch between his “Raw” and “Smooth Operator” styles. While Rakim is often credited with pioneering multisyllabic and compound rhyme patterns, Kane played an equally crucial role in the ’80s rap scene. Revered as a living legend by fellow Brooklyn MCs like Jay-Z and Biggie, Kane’s classics, including Long Live the Kane and It’s a Big Daddy Thing, established him as the pioneer among Brooklyn’s great rappers.
2. The Notorious B.I.G
Discography: Ready to Die, Conspiracy (with Junior M.A.F.I.A.), Life After Death, Born Again, Duets: The Final Chapter
The Notorious B.I.G.’s brief but impactful career yielded only two albums, yet it was enough to secure his place among the greatest in rap history. Life After Death stands as a testament to his unparalleled achievements. Hailing from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Biggie represented Brooklyn to the fullest, drawing influence from ’80s rap legends such as Kane, Slick Rick, and Kool G Rap. Although his tragic murder cut short his journey at the age of 24, Big Poppa will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Brooklyn rappers to ever grace the mic.
1. Jay-Z
Discography: Reasonable Doubt, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, The Black Album, Kingdom Come, American Gangster, The Blueprint 3, Watch the Throne (with Kanye West), Magna Carta… Holy Grail, 4:44, Everything Is Love (with Beyoncé as The Carters)
“Cough up a lung, where I’m from, Marcy son, ain’t nothing nice,” proclaimed Jay-Z on his seminal track “Where I’m From.” Over the past 30 years, no rapper has represented Brooklyn more consistently and authentically than Hov. From his debut, where he collaborated with Biggie on “Brooklyn’s Finest,” to his first number-one hit, “Empire State of Mind,” where he paid homage to his old stash spot at 560 State Street, and the poignant “Marcy Me” off 4:44, Jay-Z has consistently reminded listeners of his deep Brooklyn roots. To discuss Jay-Z’s greatness at this point would be redundant; he is a certified GOAT. However, most importantly, Jay-Z stands as the greatest Brooklyn rapper of all time.
