40 of the Best East Coast Rappers of All Time

The East Coast of America has always been an influential hub for rap music. From the early days of hip hop to the modern era, some of the most iconic rappers have hailed from this corner of the world.

In this article, we’re looking at the greatest East Coast rappers of all time – an impressive lineup which includes names from both past and present generations.

Ranking the Top 40 Rappers from the East Coast

In the world of rap, the East Coast has always been a major contributor to its success. From Brooklyn legends like The Notorious B.I.G and Jay-Z to New Jersey firebrands such as Redman and Lauryn Hill, this region has consistently produced some of the most influential artists in hip hop history. Let’s get started with the list!

The Notorious B.I.G

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. Biggie Smalls burst onto the rap scene with his debut album ‘Ready to Die’ which was released in 1994.

His classic songs are still widely listened to today and he has sold over 17 million albums throughout his career.

Nas

Another great rapper from Brooklyn who has made a lasting impression on the hip-hop world is Nas, born Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones. With lyrics that are both political and personal – touching on topics such as poverty, racism and fatherhood – Nas has become one of the most respected rappers in hip-hop.

His debut album, ‘Illmatic’, is considered to be a classic and he has released 10 albums since then.

Wu-Tang Clan

Hailing from Staten Island, New York, Wu-Tang Clan is arguably one of the greatest rap groups of all time. Formed in 1993 by RZA and GZA, the group went on to become incredibly successful – with millions of records sold worldwide.

Their debut album ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ was critically acclaimed and remains an important part of hip-hop history today.

Mobb Deep

Mobb Deep is a hip hop duo from Queens, New York, that was formed in the early 90s. The duo consists of Havoc and Prodigy and their music is characterized by dark beats and hard-hitting lyrics about the harsh realities of inner-city life.

Their classic album ‘The Infamous’ is considered one of the greatest albums in hip hop history.

Method Man and Redman

Formed in Staten Island, New York, Method Man & Redman are a legendary hip hop duo who have been making music together since 1993. They first gained fame through their collaborations with Wu-Tang Clan and then went on to release several successful solo albums.

Notably, they starred in the cult classic film ‘How High’ which featured some of their most popular songs.

50 Cent

Born and raised in Queens, New York, 50 Cent is one of rap’s most successful solo artists. He first rose to fame with his debut album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ which was released in 2003 and went on to sell over 15 million copies worldwide.

Since then, he has released several albums and singles that have gone platinum – making him one of the most successful rappers of all time.

Eric B. & Rakim

Formed in Long Island, New York, Eric B. & Rakim are widely considered one of the greatest duos in hip-hop history. The duo formed in 1986 and their classic songs ‘Paid In Full’ and ‘Follow the Leader’ are still widely listened to today.

They released four albums together before parting ways in the early 90s – but their influence on hip-hop is still felt today.

Mos Def

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mos Def is a rapper, actor and activist who has made a significant impact on the hip-hop world. He first gained fame with his debut album ‘Black on Both Sides’ which was released in 1999 and received critical acclaim ‘.

He has since released several albums that have pushed the boundaries of hip-hop music and he continues to be an important voice in rap.

A$AP Rocky

Hailing from Harlem, A$AP Rocky is a rapper and songwriter who has been making music since 2007. His debut album ‘Live.Love.A$AP’ was released in 2011 and it went on to become one of the most successful releases of the year – reaching number one on both the US Billboard 200 charts and the UK Albums Chart.

His unique style of rapping has seen him gain international fame and recognition for his contribution to hip-hop .

A Tribe Called Quest

Formed in Queens, New York, A Tribe Called Quest is a hip-hop group that have been making music since the late 80s. The group consists of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White and their early releases are considered to be classics in hip hop history.

Over the years, they have released several critically acclaimed albums and remain an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

Big L

Born and raised in Harlem, Big L is widely considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. His first release – ‘Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous’ – was released in 1995 and it went on to become a classic.

He followed this up with several other successful albums before his untimely death in 1999. Despite his short career, he had a huge impact on hip-hop and will always be remembered as an icon.

J. Cole

Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, J. Cole is a rapper who has been making music since 2007. His debut album ‘The Come Up’ was released in 2007 and it showcased his unique style of rap – which blended personal stories with hard-hitting lyrics about the harsh realities of inner-city life.

His subsequent albums have continued to gain critical acclaim and he has become one of the most successful rappers in recent years.

Ghostface Killah

Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Ghostface Killah is a rapper who has been making music since the mid 90s. He first gained fame as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and then went on to release several successful solo albums.

His unique style of rapping combines narrative storytelling with intense lyricism that paints vivid pictures of his experiences growing up in Staten Island.

Big Pun

Born and raised in South Bronx, New York, Big Pun was a rapper who was known for his witty punchlines and clever wordplay. He first gained fame with the release of his debut album ‘Capital Punishment’ in 1998 and it went on to become one of the most successful hip-hop albums of all time.

Despite his untimely death in 2000, he has left behind an impressive discography that will always be remembered as classics.

Redman

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Redman is a rapper who has been making music since 1992. His debut album ‘Whut? Thee Album’ established him as one of the most talented rappers around at the time and over the years, he has released several albums that have gone platinum – making him one of the most successful East Coast rappers of all time.

Method Man

Born and raised in Hempstead, New York, Method Man is a rapper who has been making music since 1994. He first gained fame as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and then went on to release several successful solo albums – many of which have gone platinum or gold.

His unique style of rapping combines lyrical ingenuity with story-telling that paints vivid pictures of his life growing up in Long Island.

Gang Starr

Formed in Boston, Massachusetts, Gang Starr are a hip-hop duo consisting of Guru and DJ Premier. They have been making music since the late 80s and their early releases helped shape the sound of East Coast rap.

Over the years, they have released several critically acclaimed albums and remain an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

Public Enemy

Formed in Long Island, New York, Public Enemy are an iconic hip-hop group who have been making music since the late 80s. Their debut album ‘Yo! Bum Rush the Show’ established them as one of the greatest groups ever and their subsequent releases helped solidify them as innovators in rap music.

They continue to influence new generations of rappers today and remain an important part of the hip-hop landscape.

DMX

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, DMX is a rapper who has been making music since 1998. He first gained fame with the release of his debut album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ and it went on to become one of the most successful hip-hop albums of all time.

His unique style of rapping combines intensity with storytelling that gives listeners insight into his life growing up in New York City.

Busta Rhymes

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Busta Rhymes is a rapper who has been making music since 1991. After releasing his debut album ‘The Coming’ in 1996, he quickly became one of the most successful rappers on the East Coast.

His unique style of rapping combines lyrical dexterity with high-energy delivery that has made him a fan favorite.

Ol’ Dirty Bastard

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Ol’ Dirty Bastard is a rapper who has been making music since the mid-90s. His unique style of rapping combines eccentricity with lyrical ingenuity that has made him one of the most beloved East Coast rappers ever.

He released several successful albums before his untimely passing in 2004 and his legacy continues to live on through his music.

Raekwon

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Staten Island, Raekwon is a rapper who has been making music since 1993. He first gained fame as part of the Wu-Tang Clan and then went on to release several critically acclaimed solo albums – many of which have gone platinum or gold.

His unique style of rapping combines storytelling with lyricism that has made him one of the most respected East Coast rappers of all time.

Rakim

Born and raised in Wyandanch, New York, Rakim is a rapper who has been making music since 1986. His debut album ‘Paid in Full’ is widely regarded as a hip-hop classic and it introduced his unique style of rapping – which combined complex lyrics with intricate rhyme schemes and smooth delivery.

He has released several successful albums since then and remains one of the most respected East Coast rappers of all time.

Beastie Boys

Formed in New York, New York, Beastie Boys are an iconic hip-hop group who have been making music since the 80s. Their debut album ‘Licensed to Ill’ was a massive success and it helped establish them as pioneers in rap music.

They released several successful albums throughout their career and remain an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

Run–DMC

Formed in Queens, New York, Run–DMC are one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. Their debut album ‘Run-D.M.C’ is considered to be a classic and their subsequent releases helped establish them as pioneers in the genre.

They are widely credited with helping popularize hip-hop music and continue to influence new generations of rappers today.

RZA

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, RZA is a rapper who has been making music since 1993. He first gained fame with the release of his debut album ‘36 Chambers’ which helped establish him as one of the greatest producers ever.

His unique style of rapping combines storytelling with lyricism that has made him one of the most respected East Coast rappers ever.

JAY-Z

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, JAY-Z is a rapper who has been making music since 1996. His debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ earned him critical acclaim and he went on to become one of the most successful rappers ever.

He has released several successful albums since then and remains one of the best-selling artists of all time.

KRS-One

Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, KRS-One is a rapper who has been making music since 1987. He first gained fame as part of the legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions and then went on to release several successful solo albums.

His unique style of rapping combines sharp lyricism with social commentary that has made him one of the most influential East Coast rappers ever.

GZA

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, GZA is a rapper who has been making music since 1989. He first gained fame for being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and went on to pursue a successful solo career.

His unique style of rapping combines storytelling with intricate rhyming that has made him one of the most respected East Coast rappers ever.

Joey Bada$$

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joey Bada$$ is a rapper who has been making music since 2010. His debut mixtape ‘1999’ was a huge success and it helped establish him as one of the most talented rappers in the game today.

He has released several successful albums since then and continues to make his mark on hip-hop culture with every release.

Lauryn Hill

Born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in South Orange, Lauryn Hill is a rapper who has been making music since 1994. Her debut album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was an instant success and it helped establish her as one of the most talented female rappers ever.

She has released several successful albums since then and remains an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

Slick Rick

Raised in The Bronx, New York, Slick Rick is a rapper who has been making music since 1985. His debut album ‘The Great Adventures of Slick Rick’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the greatest storytellers ever.

He has released several successful albums throughout his career and remains an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

LL Cool J

Born and raised in Bay Shore, New York, LL Cool J is a rapper who has been making music since 1985. His debut album ‘Radio’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the greatest rappers ever.

He has released several successful albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances in movies and television shows to this day.

Big Daddy Kane

Born and raised in New York, New York, Big Daddy Kane is a rapper who has been making music since 1986. His debut album ‘Long Live The Kane’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the most influential East Coast rappers ever.

He has released several successful albums throughout his career and remains an important part of the hip-hop landscape today.

MF Doom

Raised in Long Beach, New York, MF Doom is a rapper who has been making music since 1999. His debut album ‘Operation: Doomsday’ was a success and it helped establish him as one of the most original rappers ever.

He has released several successful albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances on various tracks by other artists.

The Roots

Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Roots are a rap group that have been making music since 1993. Their debut album ‘Organix’ was an instant classic and it helped establish them as one of the greatest rap groups ever.

They have released several successful albums throughout their career and continue to make appearances on various television shows and movies as well.

Logic

Born in Rockville, Maryland; raised in Gaithersburg, Marylan, Logic is a rapper who has been making music since 2009. His debut album ‘Under Pressure’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the most talented lyricists ever.

He has released several successful albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances on various television shows and movies as well.

Pusha T

Born in The Bronx, New York; raised in Virginia Beach, Virginiam Pusha T is a rapper who has been making music since the late ’90s. His debut album ‘My Name is My Name’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the most influential East Coast rappers ever.

He has released several successful solo albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances on various tracks by other artists.

Naughty By Nature

Formed in East Orange, New Jersey, Naughty By Nature are a rap group that have been making music since 1989. Their debut album ‘Naughty By Nature’ was an instant classic and it helped establish them as one of the most important groups in hip-hop history.

They have released several successful albums throughout their career and continue to make appearances at shows around the world to this day.

Q-Tip

Born in Harlem, New York; raised in Queens, New York, Q-Tip is a rapper who has been making music since the late ’80s. His debut album ‘The Renaissance’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the most versatile artists ever.

He has released several successful solo albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances on various tracks by other artists.

Mac Miller

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mac Miller is a rapper who has been making music since 2010. His debut album ‘Blue Slide Park’ was an instant classic and it helped establish him as one of the most popular rappers ever. He has released several successful albums throughout his career and continues to make appearances on various television shows and movies as well.

East Coast Rappers that Will Go Down in Hip Hop History

These East Coast rappers have all made significant contributions to hip-hop culture, and their influence can still be heard in the music of today. Whether it’s pushing boundaries or creating classic beats, these artists have made a lasting mark on rap music as we know it today.

Their unique sound and style is sure to remain timeless for generations to come.