If you’re a fan of hip-hop and looking for more music similar to the legendary Notorious B.I.G., you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a list of 19 artists and bands that capture the essence of the genre, each with links to explore their music further on YouTube.
1. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, is one of the most influential rappers in history. Known for songs like “California Love” and “Changes,” his albums All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World are must-listens.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z has been a dominant force in hip-hop for decades. With hits like “99 Problems” and “Empire State of Mind,” his albums The Blueprint and Reasonable Doubt are iconic.
3. Nas
Nas is celebrated for his lyrical prowess and storytelling. His debut album, Illmatic, is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, featuring tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World Is Yours.”
4. Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop group known for their gritty style and complex lyrics. Their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), includes classics like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Neck.”
5. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s smooth flow and laid-back style have made him a hip-hop icon. His debut album, Doggystyle, features hits like “Gin and Juice” and “What’s My Name?”
6. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre is a pioneering producer and rapper whose influence is vast. His albums The Chronic and 2001 are seminal works in hip-hop, featuring tracks like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Still D.R.E.”
7. Big Pun
Big Pun was known for his rapid-fire delivery and intricate wordplay. His debut album, Capital Punishment, includes hits like “Still Not a Player” and “You Came Up.”
8. Rakim
Rakim, often considered one of the greatest MCs of all time, changed the game with his complex rhyme schemes. His work with Eric B. on albums like Paid in Full features classics like “Eric B. Is President” and “I Ain’t No Joke.”
9. DMX
DMX brought a raw, aggressive style to hip-hop. Known for hits like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up In Here),” his albums It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood are essential.
10. Ice Cube
Ice Cube, a founding member of N.W.A, has a solo career filled with influential tracks. His albums AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate include hits like “It Was a Good Day” and “Check Yo Self.”
11. The Game
The Game is known for his West Coast style and vivid storytelling. His debut album, The Documentary, features hits like “Hate It or Love It” and “How We Do.”
12. Scarface
Scarface, a member of the Geto Boys, is a Southern rap legend. His solo albums like The Diary and The Fix include tracks like “Smile” and “On My Block.”
13. Eminem
Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery and emotional depth have made him one of the best-selling artists in hip-hop. Albums like The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show feature hits like “Stan” and “Without Me.”
14. OutKast
OutKast, consisting of Big Boi and André 3000, brought a unique, eclectic style to hip-hop. Albums like Stankonia and Aquemini include hits like “Ms. Jackson” and “Rosa Parks.”
15. Big L
Big L was known for his sharp wit and lyrical dexterity. His album Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous includes tracks like “Put It On” and “M.V.P.”
16. Method Man
Method Man, a member of Wu-Tang Clan, has a successful solo career as well. His debut album, Tical, features hits like “Bring the Pain” and “All I Need.”
17. Redman
Redman is known for his humorous, yet hardcore style. Albums like Whut? Thee Album and Muddy Waters include tracks like “Time 4 Sum Aksion” and “Da Goodness.”
18. Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes is famous for his energetic delivery and complex rhymes. His albums The Coming and When Disaster Strikes include hits like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
19. 50 Cent
- Cent burst onto the scene with his gritty street tales and catchy hooks. His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, features hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.”
Exploring these artists will undoubtedly enrich your hip-hop playlist and offer a deeper appreciation for the genre that Notorious B.I.G. helped shape.
