From Drake and his new album 'Iceman' to Jay-Z—who is celebrating 30 years of 'Reasonable Doubt' at Yankee Stadium this summer—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.
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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
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 Elibert19 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 Price70 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 Lavin76 days ago
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 Johri90 days ago
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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 Alston96 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 Lavin106 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 Lavin106 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 Elibert106 days ago
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 Alston132 days ago
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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 Ocho168 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 Elibert177 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 Elibert181 days ago
The 25 Best Rap Posse Cuts in Hip-Hop History
Teamwork makes the dream work. Nothing displays that better than the posse cut. Here are the 25 best.
OrNah209 days ago