Contributing writers: Todd Williams, Amir Shaw, Gavin P. Godfrey and DeWayne Rogers
Images by Steed Media Service
2Pac; Rakim; Notorious B.I.G; LL Cool J
There are many names to list when discussing the all-time great MCs that have shaped and continue to shape the genre. But, who are the young guns that have defined the Generation Y hip-hop experience? For those hip-hop heads who missed out on gold ropes and flat tops (the first time around anyway) and are too young to remember the Death Row-Bad Boy beef firsthand — who are the MCs at the head of today’s class? At the dawn of the new millennium, hip-hop has continued to keep it moving, and these are the 10 rappers who are shaping this era of rap music and continuing to influence the game in ways that most won’t appreciate until they look back 10 years from now.
T.I.: King of the South
P.T. Barnum’s often-repeated belief that there’s no such thing as bad publicity rings especially true for the self-proclaimed “King of the South.” While T.I. didn’t drop an album this year, his unfortunate arrest on federal gun charges just hours before the BET Hip-Hop Awards last fall put him on the front page of newspapers and magazine covers around the country. He spent 2007 on top of the charts and in front of the cameras, with a commendable turn in Ridley Scott’s American Gangster opposite Denzel Washington. After working his way through the first leg of his legal journey, Clifford Harris’ recent jabs at Shawty Lo confirm that he hasn’t lost his edge in the wake of his courtroom drama.
Defining Moment:
In 2006, the rapper’s third full-length album, King, becomes the best-selling rap album of the year; his film debut in ATL, a teen movie set in his hometown, cemented his status as a crossover star.
Lil Wayne: The Troubled Genius
To say Weezy’s Tha Carter III was ‘anticipated’ is like saying Star Wars was a fairly popular movie. The entire hip-hop community was watching for Weezy’s latest album — after a countless string of guest spots and mixtape freestyles, it’s easy to see why. The former Hot Boy’s rise to the top of hip-hop’s heap is one of the more unlikely stories of the past 10 years in rap. But Wayne has branched out in ways that most rappers wouldn’t attempt — and more often than not, he succeeds. His occasionally bizarre behavior and song ideas, (along with a seemingly Winehouse-level of self-destructiveness), might prematurely derail his path to greatness.
Defining Moment:
His fifth album, Tha Carter II, was the first to break Wayne free from the Cash Money Records production formula, freeing the burgeoning lyricist to establish his own identity on wax. Since that album, he’s become arguably the most respected lyricist in rap.
Kanye West: The Louis Vuitton Don
Is there anyone more talked about in hip-hop than Mr. West? Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his star power. He received Jay-Z’s stamp of approval as a young rapper-producer, but quickly evolved from a Polo-wearing Roc-A-Fella upstart to a blinged-out megastar after the multiplatinum success of his first three albums. His arrogance is his biggest blessing and curse, and he’s been able to seamlessly blend widespread pop appeal with hip-hop credibility without conforming to the genre’s stereotypes. But if you’re still unsure about West’s greatness — just ask him, he’ll tell you.
Defining Moment:
The rapper’s performance of “Jesus Walks” at the 2005 Grammys elevated his already rising profile to the ranks of hip-hop’s brightest stars, and the record-breaking success of Graduation cemented his spot at the top.
Young Jeezy: Trap Star
Hip-hop is predicated on maintaining strong ties to one’s neighborhood and city and the ‘keep-it-real’ mantra is so overused it’s a cliché — but young Jay Jenkin’s case was especially unexpected. His rise from corner dope-boy to chart-topping rapper has been well documented; and he was brash enough to treat multiplatinum rap group Boyz N the Hood like a mere steppingstone to his future success. Never straying too far from his “Snowman” persona, Jeezy’s shown a surprising flair for pop-savvy hits with collaborations with Keyshia Cole and the aforementioned West.
Defining Moment:
His debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 sold 2.5 million records worldwide, and his controversial ‘Snowman’ T-shirts became the pop culture fad of the year.
Rick Ross: Paid In Full
Rick Ross, Miami’s reigning king, was raised with the same Sunshine State swag as his forbearers Trick Daddy, Uncle Luke and JT Money. But “The Boss” has a style all his own, and he, along with fellow Floridian Plies has kick-started the state’s second golden age. With his drug-laced tales of Miami street life, Ross paints himself as a Tony Montana-esque kingpin with an ear for a catchy hook.
Defining moment:
His 2006 debut, Port of Miami, hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 right out of the gate, and Ross’ debut single, “Hustlin’,” sold over a million ringtones prior to the album’s release.
50 Cent: Street Soldier
Curtis Jackson became the biggest hip-hop star of the new millennium mixing controversy, charisma, and chart-topping hits on his almost-legendary 2003 debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Since then, he’s made his film debut in the semi-autobiographical film named after his first album; and is starring alongside screen legends Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in Righteous Kill later this year. He had an ownership stake in Glacéau, (the bottlers of Vitamin Water), and earned an estimated $100 million upon that company’s sale to Coca-Cola.
Defining Moment:
Get Rich or Die Tryin’ becomes the best-selling album of 2003 at 6.3 million sold. 50 becomes a media magnet, spending 2004 in dominating the headlines with his dismantling of former rival Ja Rule, and launching his Queens-based rap crew and brand, G-Unit.
The Game: West Side Story
Hailed as the “West Coast Savior,” The Game provided national appeal to 50 Cent’s G-Unit and furthered the Aftermath brand with his critically acclaimed 2005 debut, The Documentary. But after The Documentary sold 600,000 copies in its first week of release, The Game found himself in the midst of controversy after being barred by 50 Cent from G-Unit. Despite the potentially career-ending setback, the Compton native proved to be a true West Side rider by launching a G-Unot campaign and establishing his own label, The Black Wall Street. Powered by the hit single “One Blood” featuring Junior Reid, The Game bounced back on his own by selling a respectable 1.5 million copies of his sophomore album, The Doctor’s Advocate. The Game will continue to carry the West Coast on his back with the summer release of L.A.X.
Defining Moment:
Since its release in 2005, The Documentary has sold five million albums worldwide and achieved two Grammy nominations. The Game has also appeared in the films Waist Deep and Street Kingz. But single-handedly taking on G-Unit and coming out unscathed was undoubtedly The Game’s claim to fame.
Lupe Fiasco: The Coolest Nerd
Credible enough to rap about the mythological Pegasus without sounding corny, Lupe Fiasco walks a fine line between being well-versed in street life and appealing to the inner angst of young nerds and skateboarders. After stealing the show on Kanye West’s hit single “Touch The Sky,” Lupe became one of the most anticipated new artists in 2006 and was forced to revise his debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, after it was heavily bootlegged; yet it still entered the Billboard rap charts at No. 1. The Cool, his sophomore effort, is a concept album that revolves around a character known as ‘The Cool,’ it features the single “Superstar,” and has gone gold in America. However, the Chicago-born lyricist claims that his next album, LupEND, will be his last.
Defining Moment:
Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor earned four Grammy nominations and he won for Best Urban/Alternative Song for the single “Daydreamin’” featuring Jill Scott. The songs “Little Weapon,” and “Put You on Game,” were featured in the movie Street Kingz.
Plies: Florida Grown
His debut single, “Shawty” became one of summer 2007’s most played tracks, and it seems that the Floridian has repeated that feat with 2008’s “Bust It Baby.” His combination of swagger, an ability to appeal to the ladies and an almost obsessive dedication to his home state, has netted the 31-year-old a unique place in the pantheon of Southern hip-hop. And with his thus far impeccable taste in hooks, there’s no reason that Plies can’t become the face of Florida for the next few years.
Defining Moment:
“Shawty” hits the Billboard Top Ten in 2007. Plies debut album The Real Testament, prompted by the hit single, debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 200.
Shawty Lo: The New King of Bankhead
As the CEO of D4L Records, Shawty Lo and labelmate Fabo were credited for ushering in the snap music movement with the hit single “Laffy Taffy.” However, Shawty Lo made a point to let the nation know that he represented more than snap music by releasing the underground smash hit, “I’m Da Man.” Lo became a hot topic on national radio shows and blogs after he called out fellow ATLien T.I. While the beef has stayed on wax, the controversy caused more people to take a look at Shawty Lo.
Defining Moment:
Shawty Lo has stepped onto the national stage with his solo debut, Units in the City. While he won’t be on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” he has the respect of rap fans that enjoy street-hop. At this point, that’s all the “New King of Bankhead” really seems to care about.
