Rap and hip hop are some of the most popular musical genres in the US. Millions of people listen to their favorite albums every day on the way to work, on the subway, or after college. The fact is that rap is synonymous with non-conformism, rebellion, and the desire to fight injustice. Most West Coast rappers use social triggers to create great songs. Their music is filled with allegories, metaphors, and allusions to the injustice of modern society. Here are ten benchmarks worthy of your attention.
1. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is one of the greatest “Gangsta rap” stars. His career began in the early 90s. Snoop Dogg has produced many masterpiece albums like Doggystyle, Tha Last Meal, and Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. His songs are so popular that you can even hear them at universities in Birmingham. Snoop Dogg has greatly influenced the rap industry with his unique style and vocal tricks. It is worth noting that this rapper also participates in many charity events and always supports talented musicians.
2. Ice Cube
Here comes another West Coast legend and ex-NWA member. Ice Cube pioneered the “Gangsta rap” style and began his career with the Boyz-N-The-Hood soundtrack. However, the circle of his interests does not end with music. The point is that Ice Cube is also a composer, director, and actor. In addition, it is worth noting that the rapper is very famous for his support for citizens’ rights and criticism of the government. In particular, his album “The Predator” aimed to support social protests in Los Angeles. By the way, Ice Cube has helped many talented musicians like Mack 10 and Mr. Short Khop at the start of their careers.
3. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre is a living rap legend and one of the founders of the gangsta-funk style. His song “Nuthin ‘but a’ G ‘Thang” became a real phenomenon in rap culture. In addition to a successful rap career, Dr. Dre is the producer. Thanks to his support, artists such as 50 Cent, Xzibit, 2Pac, and Snoop Dogg have released dozens of albums. By the way, Dr. Dre is also known as the founder of Beats Electronics, one of the most successful sound technology companies. The rapper also starred in many films like Training Day and Set It Off. Currently, the musician is focused on a production career and company management.
4. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is a fairly young rapper called the “West Coast King” and an innovator. The musician became very popular after the release of the Overly Dedicated mixtape. By the way, this is the first rapper to receive the Pulitzer Prize. But that is not all. The thing is, this guy already has 13 Grammy awards. By the way, Kendrick Lamar often uses religious connotations in his songs. The fact is that he converted to Christianity after the death of his friend.
5. Xzibit
Xzibit is a true legend that is popular even in 2021. Millions of fans worldwide know his albums like Man vs. Machine and Weapons of Mass Destruction. In addition, Xzibit is known as the host of the show Pimp My Ride. By the way, the rapper has starred in many films like 8 Mile and The X-Files: I Want to Believe. It is worth noting that Xzibit often performs in the US and is still very popular even among teenagers.
6. Roddy Ricch
Roddy Ricch or Rodrick Wayne Moore is a young rapper who has recently become famous. His Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial album became very popular in America. The musician is also known for his joint songs with London on da Track and Nipsey Hussle tea. Roddy Ricch often touches on social inequality and choice issues in his songs. According to the musician, his mission is to show young boys and girls the right way.
7. YG
YG or Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson is a well-known West Coast rapper known for his “She A Model” and “Aim Me” songs. YG also owns the Pu$haz Ink label and actively produces other musicians. It is worth noting that in 2021 the rapper released the Kommunity Service album with Mozzy. Songs such as “Gangsta” and “Vibe with You” became very popular.
8. Baby Keem
Baby Keem is a great example of the younger generation replacing the old rappers. His song “Orange Soda” has become very popular in the USA and Europe. By the way, this guy collaborated with Travis Scott and Kanye West. Almost all of his songs are very popular with teenagers. You should listen to at least a couple of his songs.
9. Schoolboy Q
Schoolboy Q is a guy who knows how to write great songs for the Billboard 200. Since 2008, the rapper has recorded quite a few albums like Setbacks and CrasH Talk. By the way, this guy collaborated with Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul. So you should listen to his songs like “Gang Gang” or “Black Folk” from the latest album.
10. Blueface
Blueface is a young rapper who has become very popular thanks to the “Respect My Crypn” video on YouTube. The main feature of this musician lies in the unique vocal style, namely in the displaced rhythmic structure of his vocals. His songs are aimed at young audiences who dream of money, fame, and status in society.
