10 for 10: Ten Artists Running the Game for A Decade Plus

From Jay-Z’s Can’t Knock the Hustle to Drake’s Started from the Bottom, the following 10 male

Hip-Hop artists have been heating up the rap game for over 10 years. Evolving into business

spaces and launching their own labels, the artists below are credited for their talent,

consistency, and their ability to stay at the top, even with the influx of newer artists.

Jay-Z

From humble beginnings in Marcy Projects to becoming a multi-millionaire, the best to ever do it – Jay-Z has been bragging about blowing money since 1988. Do the math – it is 2019. With classic albums such as Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint series, it is hard to imagine another artist receiving the type of

recognition and respect that he has for 10 years plus.

Drake

Signed for over a decade to Young Money, the OVO artist with mega hits such as Back-to-

Back and Nice for What has a steady place at the top of the rap charts. Known for his diverse

styles – think R&B swooning, Drake, who is Canadian and also a famed actor, has been the most consistent

with the quantity and quality of music being released over the last decade.

Lil Wayne

Considered one of the God’s of Rap, Lil Wayne has been on everyone’s top five since he broke

on the scene with Cash Money in 1993. Coming out the gate at the age of 11 years-old, Lil

Wayne is still a household name. Even with his legal challenges and bad bouts with his daddy

Birdman, Lil Wayne’s catalog is so big and inclusive that he’ll never have to rap again and still

have a legendary impact.

Snoop

Always showing that Cali love, Snoop, the slim laid-back rapper known for Drop It Like It’s Hot

and Still A G Thang is definitely the Godfather of the Hip-Hop culture. A legend who has

collaborated with iconic producer, Dr. Dre, the smooth lyricist is a vet who has garnered the

Hip-Hop culture’s respect. He also has merchandise, cooking shows and movies within his portfolio.

Rick Ross

The Maybach Music boss, Rick Ross, has been running the game since his heydays in the Port of

Miami. A rapper who focuses on street culture, Rick Ross has brought songs such as Hustlin’

and Push It to a mainstream level. A serial entrepreneur in every sense of the word, he has built

successful brands which include food, clothing, and beverages.

TI

The Grand Hustle music chief has been dropping a wave of songs for 10 years plus with the

same energy and commitment that he entered the game with. The man who brought Trap

Muzik to life is also a force in the Atlanta political space. With reality TV, real estate, and

clothing under his belt, The Whatever You Like rapper has earned the title of King of the South

for 10 plus.

Fabolous

Probably one of the most slept on artists, true Fabulous fans know that he has been on the

circuit since the 90’s mixtape days with DJ Clue and more. The Brooklyn rapper with hits such as

Breathe and Ball Drop is probably the most low key on the list. An early adapter to social media, Fabolous is also known for smooth, yet street-type lyrics and his strong sense of fashion. A real trendsetter.

Source: Yui Mok – PA Images / Getty

Kanye West

Kanye West is in a league of his own. The eccentric producer and rapper has been behind the

sounds of your favorite rappers for over a decade. Instrumental to some of the hottest tracks

coming off the Roc-A-Fella brand, Mr. West himself has also created epic tracks which include

Stronger, Gold Digger, and Through the Wire, which was featured on The College Dropout in

2004.

Fat Joe

Featured on the 2004 track Lean Back, Bronx rapper, Fat Joe destroyed his verse with Remy Ma.

Recognized as a don when it comes to dropping anthems, Joey Crack who has been on the scene for 10 years plus is the king of reviving himself – see All the Way Up.

Nas

Nas – the Queensbridge representative has been rocking mics for well over 10 plus. With over 30 million records sold, it ain’t hard to tell why he is considered one of the G.O.A.T’s (Greatest of all times). From classics such as Stillmatic to It Was Written, Nas, who has a low-key temperament is also a savvy investor with an interest in the start-up world.