In the genesis of rap, the East Coast of the United States, including iconic cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, played a central role. However, by the close of the 1980s, a seismic shift occurred with the rise of West Coast rap. This movement introduced new sounds, beats, and themes, delving into the realities of gang life, violence, and drug use prevalent in California. The West Coast rap scene birthed artists who became instrumental in shaping the very essence of hip hop, altering its trajectory forever.
1. Tupac Shakur (2Pac)
Tupac, a luminary West Coast rapper of the 1990s, began as a dancer and roadie for Digital Underground. His solo career delved into themes of poverty, street violence, racism, and social commentary. Tragically, Tupac’s influential career was cut short when he was fatally shot at the age of 25.
2. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, a perennial figure in hip hop, emerged in 1992 under Dr. Dre’s mentorship. Known for his complex style, Snoop achieved instant success with his debut album, “Doggystyle” (1993), and remains a pioneer of West Coast G-funk. Hits like “Gin And Juice” and “Nuthin But a G Thang” solidify his legacy.
3. Xzibit
A prominent figure in the late 1990s, Xzibit’s unique fusion of East and West Coast styles, technical skill, and raw delivery made him a standout. Despite a hiatus in 2004, his influence endured, especially through collaborations, such as joining the group Serial Killers in 2013.
4. N.W.A. (N*az Wit Attitudes)**
N.W.A., a seminal West Coast hip-hop group, garnered attention in the 80s and 90s. Comprising Arabian Prince, MC Ren, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and DJ Yella, N.W.A. played a pivotal role in the rise of gangster rap, shaping the careers of its members.
5. Ice-T
A pioneer since 1983, Ice-T seamlessly merged lyrical talent with raw, down-to-earth content. His albums, especially “O.G. Original Gangster” (1991), marked a shift toward social and political commentary, establishing him as one of Los Angeles’ earliest and most influential rappers.
6. MC Eiht
MC Eiht, a Compton native, made waves in the hip-hop industry since 1985, later front-manning the group Compton’s Most Wanted. His evocative storytelling and solo career contributed to his prominence as a West Coast rap icon.
7. Too $hort
A prominent figure in West Coast hip-hop’s late 80s emergence, Too $hort’s vulgar lyrics on sex and pimp work defined the genre’s early years. His distinct style, characterized by funk riffs and percussive beats, left an indelible mark.
8. Doja Cat
Rising from Los Angeles, Doja Cat gained prominence through SoundCloud, embracing internet culture’s responses. Her track “Say So” became 2020’s most-streamed song by a female artist, reflecting the influence of southern California’s weed culture on her public image.
9. Mozzy
Mozzy, a Sacramento-based rapper since the early 2000s, is acclaimed for his technical skill and lyrical prowess. Collaborations with Eminem, YG, and Philthy Rich highlight his impact, solidifying his status as a solo artist.
10. Roddy Ricch
Roddy Ricch, though a recent phenomenon, has already left an indelible mark with innovative material. Known for steering clear of glorifying gangster elements, his rise in West Coast rap has been marked by socially conscious commentary.
11. Eazy-E
Eazy-E, a pioneering figure in West Coast rap, co-founded N.W.A. His influence in developing gangster rap in the 1980s and 90s, evidenced by tracks like “Boyz-N-The-Hood,” remains significant despite his brief career cut short by his death from HIV in 1995.
12. Brotha Lynch Hung
Brotha Lynch Hung, less mainstream but no less talented, fuses G-funk with horror, creating dark and intricate compositions. His albums, notably “Dinner And a Movie” (2010) and “Coathanga Strangla” (2011), showcase his extreme talent.
13. Paris
Paris, rising in the early 1990s, brought social and political issues to the forefront of West Coast rap. His smooth technical skills provided a unique counterpoint to the aggressive styles of gangster rap, reminiscent of East Coast rapper Chuck D.
14. The D.O.C.
The D.O.C., despite a tragically shortened career due to a car accident, left an enduring impact. His 1989 album “No One Can Do It Better” exemplifies early West Coast gangster rap, featuring an aggressive and high-energy delivery.
15. YG
YG, a contemporary force, played a pivotal role in West Coast rap’s evolution through the 2010s and 2020s. Hits like “Toot It And Boot It” marked his early success, contributing to the genre’s continued growth.
16. Nate Dogg
Nate Dogg, cousin of Snoop Dogg, shared Snoop’s talent and contributed to the group 213 before branching into his solo endeavors. His collaborations with industry heavyweights showcased his vocal prowess before his untimely death.
17. DJ Quik
DJ Quik, a G-funk maestro, collaborated with hip-hop legends like Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and R. Kelly. His fusion of soul and funk, along with signature talkbox use, made him a highly influential artist.
18. Dom Kennedy
Dom Kennedy, a representative of LA hip-hop culture, gained prominence through mixtapes. His independent approach sets him apart, with a focus on southern California’s cultural nuances.
19. Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator, known for his genre-blending style, emerged in the late 2000s. His rap, infused with horror and shock elements, draws influence from jazz, R&B, and neo-soul, earning him two Grammy awards.
20. ScHoolboy Q
ScHoolboy Q, a member of Black Hippy, broke into a successful solo career in the 2010s. His ever-changing rhyming style, influenced by the likes of Jay-Z, contributed to his Billboard Hot 100 hits.
21. Ice Cube
Ice Cube, recognized for his early work with N.W.A. and the iconic “Straight Outta Compton,” transitioned from rap to acting. His angry yet poignant social commentary remains a hallmark of his tracks from the 1990s.
22. Spice 1
Spice 1, a vital force in early 1990s West Coast rap, offered a raw look at California ghetto life. Pioneering the Mobb music subgenre, Spice 1’s lyrical style addressed gang culture without glorifying it.
23. Mac Dre
Mac Dre, a key figure in 21st-century West Coast rap, led the evolution of hyphy culture. His prolific output, including 11 albums in 11 years, showcased high-energy music before his unsolved murder in 2004.
24. Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak, a Grammy-winning rapper, hails from southern California. His albums, named after various towns and neighborhoods, epitomize the region’s culture. .Paak’s versatility extends to being a member of groups like NxWorries and Silk Sonic.
25. B-Real
B-Real, active since the 1990s, traversed genres, blending rap, rock, and metal. His solo career and memberships in Cypress Hill, Prophets of Rage, and more highlight his enduring influence.
26. Juice Wrld
Juice Wrld, a genre-blending artist, gained acclaim for his unique style. His tragic death in 2019 marked the end of a promising career that left an indelible impact on the rap landscape.
27. MC Hammer
MC Hammer, a cultural icon of the 1980s and 1990s, contributed to both rap and dance. His track “U Can’t Touch This” became a global phenomenon, showcasing his influence beyond the confines of hip hop.
28. Vince Staples
Vince Staples, a younger rapper, garnered praise for blending West Coast rap with electronic dance and avant-garde influences. His fusion of styles and conscious efforts to avoid substance use set him apart.
29. Ye (Kanye West)
Kanye West, synonymous with West Coast rap despite his Chicago roots, stands as one of the most successful and influential artists. With 24 Grammy awards and over 160 million albums sold, Ye’s impact on hip hop is unparalleled.
30. Kurupt
Kurupt, starting in the early 1990s, achieved success as a solo artist and member of Tha Dog Pound. His Grammy-nominated track “What Would You Do” and influence on artists like Kendrick Lamar showcase his enduring legacy.
31. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre, an original member of N.W.A., not only excelled in his solo career but played a pivotal role in nurturing new talents. His unique voice, delivery, and the influence of “The Chronic” album solidify him as a West Coast rap luminary.
32. King T
King T, a seminal figure in West Coast rap during the 1980s and 1990s, showcased a distinctive ability to blend East and West Coast styles. His smooth, jazzy sound, accessible even to those not inclined towards gangster rap, marked him as a pioneer of the turn of the century. While perhaps not a household name beyond hip hop circles, fans recognize him as one of the genre’s trailblazers. Notably, his albums “Act a Fool” and “IV Life” stand as pillars of his influential career.
33. Aceyalone
Aceyalone, a standout member of the underground group Freestyle Fellowship, gained recognition for his unparalleled technical skill. In 1993, he ventured into a solo career, releasing a string of highly successful albums. His distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by shifts in volume, pitch, and speed, earned him a reputation as an eccentric artist. However, it’s his poignant and intelligent lyrics that truly speak to the depth of his artistry.
34. Ras Kass
Ras Kass emerged in the mid-1990s, propelled by his debut single “Remain Anonymous.” Praised for his technical prowess and innovative multi-syllabic delivery, Ras Kass made an immediate impact. His unapologetic lyrics, often delving into issues of race and American history, sparked both acclaim and controversy. While subsequent successes haven’t mirrored his debut, his ongoing work showcases the thoughtfulness and lyrical talent evident in his early career.
35. The Game
A major force in the early 2000s West Coast rap scene, The Game’s rise to prominence began with a highly successful mixtape. His 2005 debut album, “The Documentary,” achieved double platinum status, contributing significantly to hip-hop’s mainstream popularity. Credited with shaping the genre’s trajectory through the late 2000s and 2010s, The Game’s influence is lasting, with “The Documentary” standing as a defining work of his career.
36. Jay Rock
Renowned for both his solo endeavors and membership in Black Hippy alongside ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock is a meticulous artist. Known for extended album production timelines, his dedication paid off with a Grammy win in 2019 for Best Rap Performance with “King’s Dead.”
37. Iamsu!
Iamsu!, a West Coast rapper and leader of The HBK Gang, commands respect for his energetic and unconventional style. While not a crossover sensation, he remains a highly regarded figure within the rap genre, often infusing his music with non-vocal sound effects and an exuberant stage presence.
38. Earl Sweatshirt
Hailing from Santa Monica, Earl Sweatshirt’s West Coast musical style took shape in his early years, leading to the release of his debut mixtape “Earl” in 2010. Discovered by Tyler, The Creator, Earl’s introspective and often raw approach to rap solidifies him as a distinctive voice in the contemporary hip-hop landscape.
39. Coolio
Coolio, a defining figure in 1990s West Coast rap, significantly contributed to the gangster rap genre. Best known for the iconic “Gangsta’s Paradise,” his impact reverberated throughout the decade. Coolio’s passing in September 2022 marked the end of a chapter in West Coast rap history.
40. Warren G
A key figure in the West Coast gangster funk movement, Warren G’s solo albums, including “Regulate… G Funk Era,” achieved notable success. His contributions to shaping the genre, coupled with a moderately successful acting career, underscore Warren G’s enduring presence in the music industry.
41. Kendrick Lamar
Despite his more recent emergence on the scene, Kendrick Lamar’s influence has been monumental. From his debut album “Section.80” in 2011 to the politically charged “To Pimp a Butterfly” in 2015, Lamar’s introspective lyrics and social commentary have left an indelible mark on the industry.
42. Boots Riley
As a member of The Coup, Boots Riley’s fusion of gangster funk with hip-hop, accompanied by social and political commentary, distinguishes him as an artist of substance. Albums like “Kill My Landlord” and “Genocide & Juice” showcase Riley’s poetic and meaningful approach to rap.
43. MC Ren
MC Ren’s career ignited as part of the original N.W.A. lineup. While not reaching the same level of fame as some peers, his hard-hitting, grounded narratives about California street life earned him recognition both within and beyond the group. MC Ren’s solo career further solidified his status as a respected West Coast rapper.
44. Saweetie
Saweetie, a rising star among West Coast female rappers, gained attention with her 2018 single “Icy Grl.” With Grammy nominations and Billboard Top 100 placements, Saweetie, particularly in collaborations like “Best Friend” with Doja Cat, showcases a promising trajectory in the rap scene.
45. Yo-Yo
Yo-Yo, a notable West Coast hip hop artist since the 1990s, brings intelligence and meaning to her rap. Advocating for women’s rights and aligning herself with the Intelligent Black Women’s Coalition, Yo-Yo’s contributions to gangster rap extend beyond her collaborations with artists like Ice Cube and Missy Elliott.
46. B-Legit
A member of The Click, B-Legit gained attention through collaborations, notably with Tupac on “Ain’t Hard 2 Find.” His multi-decade career, featuring collaborations with an array of influential rappers, speaks to his enduring impact on the West Coast rap scene.
47. Big Syke
Big Syke, a key figure in Tupac’s Thug Life and The Outlaw Immortalz, continued producing music until his death in 2016. His contributions to Tupac’s work and his own rap endeavors showcase his lasting influence in West Coast hip hop.
48. Baby Keem
In his short yet impactful career, Baby Keem gained rapid success, notably with the platinum-certified collaboration with Ye on “Praise God.” Winning a Grammy for Best Rap Performance for “Family Ties,” a collaboration with his cousin Kendrick Lamar, solidifies Baby Keem as a rising force in West Coast rap.
59. Blueface
Known for his offbeat rapping style, Blueface gained popularity in 2017 with “Respect My Cryppin’.” His unconventional approach, especially appealing to a younger audience, addresses themes of aspiring for wealth and fame, marking him as a distinct voice in West Coast rap.
50. Childish Gambino
The multifaceted artist Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, made waves in West Coast rap with “This Is America” in 2018. A dark-humored commentary on society, race relations, and pressing issues, the track catapulted Glover into the forefront of influential West Coast rappers.
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