Coming in second is Kendrick Lamar, followed by Lil Wayne in third, J. Cole in fourth, and the late Tupac Shakur securing fifth place. These artists exemplify the creativity and evolution of hip-hop over the decades.

Rounding out the top 10 are hip-hop powerhouses Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Eminem, securing spots six through ten, respectively.

The list continues with legends like Andre 3000 (#11), The Notorious B.I.G (#12), and Missy Elliott (#13). Other notable names include Chuck D (#14), A$AP Rocky (#15), Lil’ Kim (#16), Tyler, the Creator (#17), Snoop Dogg (#18), Ghostface Killah (#19), and Common (#20).

Further down, iconic rappers such as 50 Cent (#24), Ice Cube (#25), and Lauryn Hill (#28) represent the enduring influence of hip-hop across generations. Rising stars like Cardi B (#48) and experimental artists like Tyler, the Creator (#17) showcase the genre's diversity.

Key Highlights of Forbes’ Top 50 Rappers List:

• Jay-Z secures the top spot, cementing his legacy as a hip-hop trailblazer.
• Hip-hop legends like Nas, Drake, and Eminem dominate the top 10.
• Trailblazing women in rap, including Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah, highlight the genre's inclusive evolution.
• Late icons such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G, and Juice WRLD are celebrated for their lasting impact.

This Forbes 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list not only honors the genre's pioneers but also highlights the new wave of artists redefining rap's boundaries. From classic hip-hop to modern innovators, the ranking encapsulates the best in the world of rap music.