From Drake and his new album 'Iceman' to Rod Wave who just released 'Don't Look Down'—we ranked the hottest rappers right now.
Dimas SanfiorenzoRap
Rap is a vocal style defined by rhythmic speech and rhyme, emerging in the 1970s Bronx as a foundational element of hip-hop culture. It features lyricism delivered over beats, often addressing social issues, personal stories, and expressions of confidence. Pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Rakim shaped rap’s early sound, while artists such as Kendrick Lamar push its boundaries by blending complex narratives with innovative production. Its cultural positioning comes from rap’s role as a voice for marginalized communities and a platform for storytelling that reflects real-life experiences. Fans return because of the genre’s evolving lyricism and diverse regional styles, from East Coast boom-bap to Southern trap, which continuously reshape hip-hop’s soundscape and influence broader music and culture.
Featured
JP THE WAVY, who broke out with a viral hit in 2017, continues to build an undeniable presence in music and fashion nearly a decade later.
Trace William Cowen
A regularly updated review column of projects shaping the UK underground.
Antonio Johri
Complex UK catches up with one of hip-hop’s biggest hitmakers.
James KeithLatest Stories
Scarface Revisits 2Pac Milwaukee Incident: 'He Wanted to Fight Everybody'
Face has confirmed he was with the late legend during the 1994 incident, and claimed he had to hold 'Pac in a hotel room to keep him safe.
Trey Alston3 days ago
Afroman Jokes He's the 'Hardest Gangster Rapper' After Making Cops Cry on Camera
The Cali rapper said he's launching a Muhammad Ali-style campaign to proclaim himself the "greatest rapper of all time."
Mark Elibert80 days ago
JPEGMAFIA Drops Hard-Hitting New Album 'Experimental Rap'
The genre-blending Maryland-based rapper is back with another solo record after several high-profile collaborations.
Joe Price131 days ago
Drake's 'Iceman' Gets People Talking as Russ, Steph Curry, Lil Dicky, Usain Bolt and More React
As expected, Drizzy's three-album drop has got a lot of people talking.
Will Lavin137 days ago
Advertisement
Trueno Drops His Genre-Hopping Album ‘TURR4ZO’
The Argentinian rapper returns to his roots on the new project, featuring María Becerra, the legendary Rubén Rada, and more.
Antonio Johri151 days ago
The Game Thinks Rap Is in a 'Sad' Space Without New Music From Drake
Lucky for him and the culture, Drizzy is about to drop 'Iceman.'
Trey Alston157 days ago
Future Reportedly Hit With Paternity Suit in Florida Over Ex's Nine-Year-Old Son
The rapper's ex, Layla Sanad, is seeking child support after claiming he's the father of her child.
Will Lavin167 days ago
Jay Electronica Calls for Diddy's Freedom: 'They Tried to Hang My Dawg on Some Bullsh*t'
The rapper took a moment during a recent show to voice his support for the disgraced music mogul.
Will Lavin167 days ago
The Game Argues Hip-Hop Is 'Down 50 Percent' After Drake, Kendrick Lamar Beef
The rapper argues the culture didn’t appreciate “one of the greatest” amid the feud.
Mark Elibert168 days ago
Advertisement
J. Cole Isn't 'Comfortable' Playing His Favorite Rap Around His Kids: 'It's Sexual, It's Violent'
“I don’t know if it’s right or wrong."
Trey Alston193 days ago
Chuck D Responds to Gene Simmons' 'Debatable' Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Hip-Hop Claim
The Public Enemy has weighed in after the KISS bassist said that hip-hop "doesn't belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
Alex Ocho229 days ago
T.I. Reflects on Son Domani’s Growth as a Rapper, Says His Early Music 'Sucked'
The Atlanta legend discussed watching Domani evolve as an artist.
Mark Elibert238 days ago
Symba Thinks J. Cole Took a Shot at Him on New Freestyle and Has Plans to Respond
The Cali rapper addressed the lyric on the Rory and Mal podcast, calling it a sign of respect but not letting it slide.
Mark Elibert242 days ago