Hip-hop in the 21st century has been defined not only by artistry but also by commercial dominance, Billboard chart records, streaming power, and cultural influence. To capture this fully, the following; chart performance, longevity, commercial reach, and global impact; while keeping the focus squarely on hip-hop.
1. Drake
Drake stands as the undisputed leader of 21st-century hip-hop. His Billboard chart dominance is unmatched, holding the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries and numerous R&B/Hip-Hop chart milestones. Albums such as Take Care, Views, Scorpion, and Certified Lover Boy broke streaming records and produced anthems that defined entire eras. Beyond the numbers, Drake’s ability to merge rap with R&B and pop melodies reshaped hip-hop into the most accessible genre of modern music. His global tours and collaborations have only reinforced his status as the most commercially successful rapper of this century.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s career began before the 21st century, but his influence and dominance extended deeply into it. The Blueprint (2001) and The Black Album (2003) are benchmarks in rap history, while 4:44 proved his relevance well into his late career. His Billboard credentials include 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, making him one of the most charted rappers of all time. More than just a musician, Jay-Z set the template for hip-hop as enterprise, showing how artistry, business, and cultural leadership can intersect. His impact resonates through music, fashion, and even sports ownership.
3. Eminem
Eminem remains one of the best-selling rappers ever, with multiple diamond-certified albums. The Eminem Show and Encore dominated the early 2000s, while songs like “Lose Yourself” and “Love the Way You Lie” became cultural fixtures. Billboard numbers back his legacy—he has over 10 No. 1 albums and numerous chart-topping singles. While his commercial dominance slowed in the 2020s, his legacy as a lyrical giant and crossover superstar secures his place in the upper echelon of 21st-century hip-hop.
4. Kanye West
Kanye West’s legacy is built on both chart success and innovation. The College Dropout (2004) shifted rap’s narrative, while Graduation (2007) marked his global rise. 808s & Heartbreak reshaped rap’s emotional language, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is widely considered a masterpiece. His 10 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and cultural influence across music, fashion, and art make him an essential 21st-century figure. Despite controversies, his artistic contributions remain undeniable.
5. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne dominated the mid-to-late 2000s with his relentless mixtape output and the Tha Carter album series. At his peak, Wayne was releasing music that saturated Billboard charts and influenced nearly every rapper who came after him. His role in discovering and mentoring Drake and Nicki Minaj through Young Money cemented his importance in shaping the next generation. With Grammy wins, countless Billboard hits, and unmatched influence on modern rap slang and flows, Wayne’s legacy is undeniable.
6. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar represents the bridge between commercial success and critical acclaim. While he does not match Drake in Billboard chart numbers, his albums (good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN.) are regarded as cultural landmarks. DAMN. even earned him the Pulitzer Prize, the first for a rapper. His singles such as “HUMBLE.” and “Alright” are both Billboard successes and cultural touchstones. Kendrick’s ability to balance mainstream success with social commentary makes him a unique figure in 21st-century hip-hop.
7. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is the most successful female rapper of all time, both commercially and culturally. Her Billboard stats include dozens of Hot 100 entries and multiple No. 1 singles. Beyond numbers, she broke barriers for women in hip-hop, sustaining dominance in a male-dominated space for more than a decade. Her albums (Pink Friday, The Pinkprint, Queen) brought her global fame, and her persona influenced an entire generation of rappers. Nicki’s combination of lyrical skill, mainstream success, and cultural imprint places her firmly in this ranking.
8. Future
Future reshaped trap music into a dominant sound of the 2010s. His Billboard presence is substantial, with multiple No. 1 albums and Hot 100 hits. Albums like DS2 and HNDRXX defined modern trap, while collaborations with Drake (What a Time to Be Alive) expanded his reach. Future’s influence is clear in the melodic, auto-tuned style adopted by today’s rising rappers. His consistency across mixtapes, albums, and collaborations solidifies him as one of the most important hip-hop voices of this century.
9. J. Cole
J. Cole embodies the self-sufficient rapper, often producing his own work and rarely relying on guest features. Despite this, he has achieved remarkable Billboard success, with every studio album debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive and KOD resonate both commercially and critically, making him a rare figure who balances introspection with chart performance. His “platinum with no features” narrative underscores his unique place in hip-hop history.
10. Travis Scott
Travis Scott brought spectacle to modern hip-hop. His Billboard breakthrough came with Astroworld (2018), which included “Sicko Mode,” his first Hot 100 No. 1 single. His live performances, particularly the Astroworld Festival, redefined hip-hop shows as immersive experiences. Scott’s collaborations with Nike and his influence on fashion and youth culture expand his cultural dominance beyond music. While his career is still evolving, his chart presence and cultural influence secure him a spot in this top 10.
This ranking reflects the dual lens of Billboard-inspired metrics; chart performance, longevity, and commercial power, combined with artistry and cultural significance. These 10 artists shaped the 21st-century hip-hop landscape, and their impact continues to define the genre globally.