The 80+ Best Rappers Of The '80s, Ranked

Step onto this lyrical time machine as we shine the spotlight on the pioneers who laid the groundwork for today's hip hop culture - the legendary rappers from the '80s. This list is a fan-powered ranking of the top rap artists that dominated the music scene in the 1980s. Ranking criteria is based on lyricism, flow, cultural impact, and the artists' overall contributions to hip hop. These are the innovators who turned a genre into a global movement, all while spawning some of the most beloved tracks of the era.

The '80s were a period of emergence and evolution in rap, blessed with a variety of popular artists who each brought a unique flavor to the table. Let's take Public Enemy, whose politically charged rhymes were backed by the innovative production techniques of the Bomb Squad; or Run-DMC, the trio whose crossover into rock with Aerosmith made them household names. There's also The Beastie Boys, whose punk sensibilities injected a different energy into their hip-hop sound. Speaking of energy, no one can forget the charismatic LL Cool J, who wooed the ladies while holding his own in a rap battle. And of course, there's Rakim, a technical wizard whose complex rhymes single-handedly changed the landscape of lyricism. We also can't leave out the influential women of hip hop, like Queen Latifah, the inspirational female rapper who not only mastered the mic but has continued to break barriers in both music and film. 

From old-school icons to early gangster rappers, these famous names have all left their mark on the genre, inspiring generations of artists to come. Now, it's over to you to play your part in rap history. Compare, contrast, and cast your vote foir the best rap artists of the 1980s. Remember, your vote holds sway over who ends up on top of this pantheon of '80s hip-hop legends. So, without further ado, let's kick this party into high gear and celebrate the greatest '80s rappers.