From the fashions, the language, and the lifestyles hip-hop is a powerful, influential source that many people follow and look up to. Hip-hop has introduced and left many rappers but there’s 5 that really changed the game in my eyes.
DMX
Double R. Ruff Ryders. The Dog. D-M-X. Known for his vulgarity, street attitude, and his intelligent lyrics DMX brought hip-hop to a whole other level. He was himself. He showed the world that there are people battling with “demons” inside themselves and people dealing with mental issues. He made it real. He made life real. Despite people knowing him as an “aggressive loud rapper”, he’s much more than that. Dark Man X was nothing to play with both in the streets and in a rap battle. Once hip-hop met him, it changed forever.
Slim Shady. Eminem. He’s not only known as being the only white boy in hip-hop but he’s also known for being unique. Despite being talked about and doubted on his whole life, he let none of that stop him and remained himself. Not only is he in a lane of his own but his lyrical content tops most rappers in the industry. Em’ is honestly top 5, dead or alive. On top of being unique, he’s about one of two rappers who can actually spit their bars quickly. The second one comes next…
Busta Rhymes
Flipmode. Bus-a-Bus. Busta Rhymes. Rhymes is another unique rapper. He does what no other male rapper chooses to do. He inputs his Jamaican roots into his music as well as his music videos which is probably why he’s so different. He’s also very life like in his music, it’s as if you feel his energy through his songs which is why he’s such an untouched rapper. He has fun with his music and plays around, yet he’s still a lyrical genius.
Lil Kim
Bad Boy. Queen B**ch. Lil Kim. As a female, she’s the first to ever be as explicit and tough as the guys but as a rapper, in general, she’s the first to do about anything. When she came in the game, every girl wanted to be like Kim and every dude wanted to get with Kim. She brought wigs, clothes, jewelry, cars, and lyrics to the game. She did it all. No one disrespects the Queen. She didn’t just change hip hop she pretty much changed the world.
Missy Elliot
Misdemeanor. Missy Elliot. Aside from all other females in hip-hop, Missy didn’t show off her body or use explicitness to make her hot in the game. She took hip-hop to a “technological” level. She made music fun and brought new ideas. She made hip-hop more what it was about. Much respect to all she’s done.
These artists here are just a few of who’s changed the game. There are many others who have but these guys had to set a foundation. There are others who came before them to help set their foundation, but these guys really brought everything to light. Hip-hop would’ve never been the same without them and that includes the music, the fashion, the parties, everything. Hip hop is hip hop because of them.