Regarding hip hop, the East Coast and West Coast have significantly impacted the genre. They’ve given birth to some of the most influential sub-genres of rap, and it all started in the vibrant streets of New York City. The East Coast set the stage and gave hip-hop an explosive beginning that shook the music scene. But then, something incredible happened. The torch was passed to the West Coast, and they took rap to heights beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. Now, let’s dive into the world of East Coast vs West Coast rappers list and discover some of the best artists each coast offers.
The Best of the Best: East Coast Vs West Coast Rappers List
Queensbridge rapper Mobb Deep shook up gangster rap with stark productions and real-life depictions of New York street life. Their albums set a benchmark for other rappers in the 1990s. N.W.A. shook the game with vulgar lyrics that no one dared to say on the airwaves before.
West Coast
1. Eazy-E
Eazy-E was one of the most influential figures in West Coast hip-hop history. His stage performance and music set a different tone from N.Y.C. rap. It focused on a more gang-related lifestyle and culture prevalent in the West. This lifestyle can cause a lot of gun and drug wars and even death, such as what happened to 2Pac, XXXTentacion, and other legends.
He was a great face and leader for the group N.W.A., the world’s most dangerous group. Their vulgar and unapologetic style paved the way for future rappers to come. Although his lyrical skills were simple, he could still convey the hood and intelligence through his lyrics. He was a true hip-hop Renaissance Man. He balanced his role as a rapper and businessman, unlike any other rapper.
2. Too $hort
One of the first Bay Area West Coast rappers to achieve national fame. Too $hort helped define Oakland’s sound and put the city on the hip-hop map. He also popularized the term “mobb music” for a genre of G-funk-inspired rap that distinguished itself by a more raw and grittier production style, sparse arrangements with minimal P-funk influence, more prominent bass, and traditionally tracked live D.J. scratches.
The pounding drum machine beats of his 1988 debut, Born to Mack, whistled up sales from the trunk of his car, and Jive Records picked it up nationally. He’d go on to release more albums that featured a mix of clean party raps and road anthems and raunch fests that strayed away from the more restrictive themes of pimping and hoe-calling that would characterize later gangsta rap.
His 1990 album Get In Where You Fit In featured a back-to-basics approach. Too $hort wasn’t interested in jumping on bandwagons or chasing trends. This steadfast attitude served him well, as he remained among the most popular West Coast rappers in the 90s and beyond.
3. Snoop Dogg
In the early 1990s, it could be argued that Snoop reigned supreme as the most celebrated rapper on a global scale. This distinction can be attributed to his remarkable initial album release titled “Snoop dogg style.” Which significantly contributed to his continuously expanding and devoted fan base.
Snoop used his laid-back delivery to convey a potent message. The same can be said for newer L.A. rappers like Schoolboy Q. Schoolboy exploded with his West coast inspired debut album Blank Face L.P. The T.D.E. rapper has a killer pen and a slick, jazzy boom-bap production style that matches his rapping skills.
With other legends blossoming through Snoop’s influence, there’s no question the D O Double G is one of the best West Coast rappers ever.
4. Dre
Dre co-founded Death Row Records alongside Suge Knight in 1991 and racked up a massive roster of collaborators, from his homies Snoop Dogg, Tupac, N.W.A, and other legends. He also produced the debut album for Snoop and mentored producers, including his stepbrother Warren G.
He was a natural behind the boards, creating beats that set his gangsta rap lyrical themes in motion. Dre’s performance on the classic 1992 album The Chronic, with its slick production and hard-hitting rhymes such as Nuthin But a G Thang, was acclaimed by critics and music fans alike. Dre is easily one of the best West Coast rappers and best global producers ever.
East Coast
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie Smalls is a highly revered rapper from New York. He has achieved immense fame during the 90s. Not only did his music enjoy widespread popularity.
But it also wielded significant influence. Even after his untimely demise, he was crucial in popularizing other renowned New York artists, such as the Wu-Tang Clan and Jay Z. Biggies’ rap albums continue to be considered cult classics. The immense impact and enduring legacy of the legendary Notorious B.I.G. will persist for eternity.
Jay Z, who had a close friendship with Biggie and hailed from the East Coast himself. He boasts a distinctive rhyming style characterized by vivid storytelling and gritty delivery that sets him apart from his peers in the industry beyond his artistic endeavors.
He has also made strides as a successful entrepreneur by establishing his record label while supporting aspiring artists due to his significant contributions to hip-hop culture. He is often regarded as a godfather figure in the genre—a torchbearer for Biggie’s enduring legacy.
2. Nas
Nas is a legend among East Coast rappers, becoming famous in New York City in the early 1990s. He is known for his creativity and lyrics that speak to various topics. He also pushed the boundaries of gangster rap and showed that it was okay to separate from the crowd if you stayed true to yourself.
His debut album, Illmatic, quickly earned the title of one of the most transcendent albums ever. Nas’ future looked as bright as possible, as he was only 20 when he wrote Illmatic. Of all the East Coast rappers, only Nas wrote the hip-hop bible in his lyrics.
3. Jay Z
Jay-Z makes almost every list as one of the greatest rappers ever. He is the founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and C.E.O. of Def Jam Recordings. His influence spans countless artists over multiple decades. His lyrical style outshines most rappers, and he produced numerous chart-topping albums. His debut album, Reasonable Doubt, became a cult classic shortly after its release in 1996. His label features a 3 headed monster in Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna, three billionaires.
He owes a lot of his influence to groups like The Wu-Tang Clan and The Fugees. The Wu-Tang Clan rocked the early1990s with their explicit lyrics and unique rap styles. The group has a lot of members, including Masta Killa, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon.
The Fugees are a hip-hop trio from South Orange, NJ. Their conscious rap vibes made them famous in the early 90s. The group members are Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and Lauryn Hill. They are best known for their album 3 Feet High and Rising. The group is an inspiration for a lot of modern rappers. Hova’s status can always be retained from the East Coast, hip-hop, and especially Brooklyn.
4. Big Pun
Pun was one of the best rappers in the mid-90s. His unique style earned him critical acclaim and mainstream success. His rapping was known for its technical efficiency and exceptional breath control. He also incorporated internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes into his lyrics.
Big Pun was a Puerto Rican-American rapper from the Bronx, New York City. He was a member of the rap group Full a Clips Crew member but became famous as a solo artist. His debut album, Capital Punishment, was a huge success, and his fame only grew up until his untimely death.
