For anyone who has kept up with the music industry in this decade or the ones before, the prominence of Kanye West, now known as Ye, is pretty evident. From the beats to the lyrics, down to the dress and subsequently the culture, Ye is, by a vast majority, considered to be the curator of the rap industry. However, owing to his absence for the past few years, the rapper has fallen off the ranks, fortunately not by much.

As Billboard analyzed with diligence who ruled the screens in this decade, Ye ranked third on the biggest rappers list, which consisted of the best in the business.

Despite having his name dragged through the mud this year, Drake was crowned by Billboard as the biggest rapper of the century. The title is likely bestowed upon him owing to the constant chokehold he has on the music charts along with the many wins in award shows. 

From 'Take Care' to 'Certified Lover Boy', Drake has remained a force in an industry that constantly shifts, his influence extends beyond music into fashion, business, and global culture. His chart-topping reign and unrelenting evolution make him impossible to ignore in any conversation about modern rap.

Drake Nearly Drops an F-Bomb About Kendrick Lamar Reciting a Fan Letter on Christmas

Having ruled the rap industry and cementing himself as a name that shook up the ground, it was no surprise that Eminem found himself in the top names on this Billboard list. It was a surprise, however, that the rap virtuoso did not emerge at the top of the list, especially since he dropped his comeback album 'The Death of Slim Shady' this year.

Coming in swift at #4 after Ye, Nelly was also recognized among the Top 10 biggest rappers of 2024. With chart-topping hits like Hot in Herre and Dilemma, he redefined hip-hop’s crossover appeal, blending rap with pop sensibilities. The records that he sold, along with the structure he provided to the industry, speak as loud about his influence in the industry as his music.

He may have gotten comfortable on the producer seat now, but his unparalleled lyricism, sharp storytelling, and an uncanny ability to evolve with the times, have cemented his legacy as one of the biggest rappers of all time and also the #5 on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers of this century. Jay-Z's legacy as a rapper may be under a shadow now, but that shadow too is cast only due to his business acumen.

With genre-defining albums like 'Tha Carter III', Lil Wayne has climbed the ranks of the rap industry. To aid him in this journey were his unmatched wordplay, groundbreaking artistry, and his knack for making the best mixtapes. Owing to such great companions, Lil Wayne effortlessly secured the #6 spot on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers of all time.

A legend among the new generation owing to his hilariously intimidating personality, 50 Cent's legendary career is proof that he is worth way more than that. His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, remains a landmark in hip-hop history, blending hard-hitting narratives with infectious hooks. Such globally dominating tracks are a telltale of 50 Cent's #7 spot on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers of the century. 

Kendrick Lamar's unprecedented rise to the charts and mainstream are ironically unfortunate owing to the rapper now being bottled to tracks like 'Not Like Us' when albums like 'To Pimp a Butterfly' and 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' literally exist.

Lamar has pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, blending intricate lyricism with powerful narratives about race, identity, and struggle. His artistry and vision have earned him critical acclaim, including a Pulitzer Prize, and subsequently the #8 spot on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers of the decade.

Despite all the heavy names that constituted the Billboard list of the top rappers of this decade, Nicki Minaj's name shines the brightest. Not only did she become the only woman who managed to be on it, but simply because that is the chokehold that the powerhouse holds.

With tracks like 'Super Bass' surpassing the test of time and still being a global favorite, there are more than one answers to how Nicki Minaj has secured the #9 spot on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers.

Coming in #10 on Billboard's list of the biggest rappers of this decade, Ludacris is another name that resonates with brilliance. While his lyrical genius stands as a similarity with all the other rappers on the list, it is the humor that he brings into his tracks that truly separates him from the rest. Ludacris' genre-defying transition from a rapper to an actor is also a reason behind the cultural imprint that he continues to leave.

Hot on the Heels of Ye’s Adidas Lashing, the German Giant Takes Down Yeezy Crumbs From Their Website

Do you think all the rappers on this list are rightfully ranked? Let us know in the comments below.