Top 10 West Coast Rappers
Check the rules of my Mid Western Rappers post. And be prepared for a list by someone who didn't fully embrace the West Coast till the 2000s.
Artist/Rank:
#10- Nipsey Hussle
Where You Reppin':
Crenshaw/Los Angeles, California
Best Body of Work:
I honestly haven't heard a whole project by Nipsey. I just know he has bars and he was a part of a very important song.
Artist/Rank:
#9- Earl Sweatshirt
Where You Reppin':
Los Angeles, California since his first studio album in 2013
Best Body of Work:
I Don't Like S***, I Don't Go Outside (March 2015) is just all sorts of dope. Mostly because it's still a product of California without using the beats that can sometimes feel repetitive when stretched out for a whole album. Earl is part of that new school of artist that emerged from the 2000s where regions rubbed off on each other in more obvious ways. Which is to say, it's no longer as easy to figure out where an artist is from simply by their beat selection. I'm all for that especially in the case of West Coast rappers.
Artist/Rank:
#8- Xzibit
Where You Reppin':
Los Angeles, California since his first studio album in 1996
Best Body of Work:
Restless (December 2000) has too many songs attachted to my formative years. However, the most West Coast part of this album is the fact that "Front 2 Back" uses hydraulics as part of the percussion. That's just inspired. Even though Mr. X to the Z has stepped away from the mic as of late, this album, in addition to his guest verses around this time, have cemented him as one of the greatest to ever rep the West Coast.
Artist/Rank:
#7- Vince Staples
Where You Reppin':
Long Beach, California since his first studio album in 2015
Best Body of Work:
Summertime '06 (June 2015) much like Earl's album mixes sounds from different regions to make something new and interesting. Vince can flow for days but he also has the personality of a star. Catch him on my new obsession, Hot Ones and the Joe Budden hosted Everyday Struggle. Anyone who can rap as well as Vince and provide entertaining interviews will go far. I didn't even want to like him but he's just got too much charisma to be ignored and I can't stress this enough, HE CAN SPIT!
Artist/Rank:
#6- ScHoolboy Q
Where You Reppin':
South Central Los Angeles, California since his first studio album in 2011
Best Body of Work:
Blank Face LP (July 2016) is the most consistent album ScHoolboy has put out but he has heat on every single album he puts out. Q brings a unique energy to his music whether it's his own song or he's guesting. As such I'm constantly excited to hear what he'll do next. He is also the other person in TDE that I think has the potential to really take over the game!
Artist/Rank:
#5- The Game
Where You Reppin':
Compton, California since his first studio album in 2005
Best Body of Work:
The Documentary (January 2005) is undeniably well made. Check out the people who produced on this album: Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Timbaland. Add to that, prime 50 Cent helping with hooks and memorable verses and you have a great album from a rapper I didn't want to like but can't because of his consistency even after all of that was stripped away from him during the beef.
Artist/Rank:
#4- Kurupt
Where You Reppin':
Los Angeles, California since his first studio album with Tha Dogg Pound in 1995
Best Body of Work:
Space Boogie: Smoke Odyssey (July 2001) feels like the most accessible Kurput album while still showcasing how great he is at rapping. Kurupt in general is great because of his delivery. He wasn't name checked by Kendrick on "that verse" for nothing. Plus he went against DMX, one of my favourites at the time, and had me torn.
Artist/Rank:
#3- Snoop Dogg
Where You Reppin':
Long Beach, California since his first studio album in 1993
Best Body of Work:
Doggystyle (November 1993) is one of the best debut albums ever. What puts snoop in this spot, though, is the way he has been able to drop solid songs and even albums throughout the decades to make sure we keep that respect on his name. He also has the celebrity side down pact. Snoop definitely feels like a full package. He is almost everywhere and never feels like a sell out.
Artist/Rank:
#2- Kendrick Lamar
Where You Reppin':
Compton, California since his first studio album in 2011
Best Body of Work:
good kid, m.A.A.d city (October 2012) isn't just a great album, it, like every K.Dot album since, has a narrative that ties all the songs together. While I appreciate how artistic Kendrick can get, I'm all about how his potent delivery. There is a verbal dexterity Kung Fu Kenny is able to reach that isn't displayed by most other mainstream rappers. The scary thing is that, if his last album and recent live shows are any indication, Kendrick Lamar is only starting to show how talented he is.
Artist/Rank:
#1- Ice Cube
Where You Reppin':
Los Angeles, California since his first studio album with N.W.A. in 1987
Best Body of Work:
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (May 1990) is just once example of the ex N.W.A member's talent. It also is the earliest example I can think of (if only I could do more research) that has a West Coast artist using east coast beats and starting to bridge the gap. Ice Cube is the first artist to make me like the West Coast. Yes I was an East Coast snob back in the day but I always liked Ice Cube. I refuse to think of anyone who tops the highs of Ice Cube in their career.
-YG