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50 Greatest Chicago Rappers: Skill, Impact, Legacy
9 Sep
Summary
- Chicago's hip-hop roots predate the Bronx's 1973 official birth.
- Da Brat was the first female rapper to achieve platinum status.
- Kanye West revitalized careers and launched new generations of artists.
Chicago's profound impact on hip-hop stretches back decades, even preceding the genre's official 1973 emergence. Early precursors like Pigmeat Markham's "Here Comes the Judge" emerged from Chess Records before Lord Cashus D established the Universal Zulu Nation chapter in the late '70s. Unsung heroes like Ten Tray and JD Walker laid groundwork in the '80s and '90s.
Women have been equally vital, with Da Brat achieving platinum status in 1994, becoming the first female solo rapper to do so. Shawnna also made significant contributions. By the early 2000s, Kanye West's rise and G.O.O.D. Music imprint solidified Chicago's national presence.
West's influence extended to revitalizing Common and Twista, and introducing talents like Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest. He later mentored Chance the Rapper and supported a young Chief Keef. This paved the way for drill music, pioneered by Pac Man, with artists like King Louie, DJ L, Young Chop, Chief Keef, and Lil Durk gaining global recognition.
The ranking of Chicago's 50 greatest rappers considers technical skill, catalog strength, commercial impact, and influence, honoring both platinum-selling stars and cult favorites who may not have the same commercial footprint. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough appreciation of the city's rich hip-hop history.
