As true Hip Hop fans, we have all had the debate about who is the best rapper alive time and time again. While there is no right or wrong answer, you can’t help but wonder who truly deserves the title, right? Many of us are die hard Rich Homie Quan fans, but there are still many dedicated Slick Rick fans that will forever choose him as their favorite.
No matter if the artist is a rookie or a veteran, let’s admit, each and every single one of them has grinded hard to get to where they are today. Whether you consider a certain artist the best rapper alive, or simply just a great artist, consider the impact they have had overall on the Hip Hop community and culture.
Check out the list below to see who Complex chooses as the best rapper alive each year since 1979! The list is quite interesting.
1979: Grandmaster Caz – Rappers Delight
1980: Kurtis Blow – The Breaks
1981: Kool Moe Dee – How Ya Like Me Now
1982: Melle Mel – The Message
1983: Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-DMC – It’s Like That
1984: Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-DMC – Sucker MCs
1985: LL Cool J – Rock the Bells
1986: KRS-One – South Bronx
1987: Rakim – My Melody
1988: Slick Rick – La Di Da Di
1989: Big Daddy Kane – Raw
1990: Ice Cube – AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted
1991: Q-Tip – Groove Is In the Heart
1992: Redman – Headbanger
1993: Snoop Doggy Dog – Gin and Juice
1994: Nas – It Ain’t Hard To Tell
1995: The Notorious B.I.G. – Who Shot Ya?
1996: 2pac – Hit ‘Em Up
1997: The Notorious B.I.G – Hypnotize
1998: DMX – Money, Cash, Hoes
1999: Jay-Z – Nigga What, Nigga Who
2000: Eminem – Forgot About Dre
2001: Jay-Z – Do My
2002: Eminem – Til I Collapse
2003: 50 Cent – In Da Club
2004: T.I. – 24s
2005: Young Jeezy – Soul Survivor
2006: Lil Wayne – Make It Rain
2007: Kanye West – Stronger
2008: Lil Wayne – Swagga Like Us
2009: Jay-Z – Run This Town
2010: Kanye West – Live Fast, Die Young
2011: Drake – I’m On One
2012: Drake – No Lie
2013: Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe
2014: Nicki Minaj – Monster
