From Drake and his new album 'Iceman' to Rod Wave who just released 'Don't Look Down'—we ranked the hottest rappers right now.
Dimas SanfiorenzoDrake
Aubrey Drake Graham first gained attention as an actor on the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation before launching his music career with the 2009 mixtape So Far Gone. He was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He solidified his place in hip-hop with breakthrough albums like Take Care (2011), which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, and Nothing Was the Same (2013). Known for hits such as “Started From the Bottom” and “Hotline Bling,” Drake helped popularize the atmospheric, moody sound associated with Toronto producers like Noah “40” Shebib, blending rap with R&B in a way that shaped the sound of the 2010s. Drake’s influence extends beyond music through collaborations with artists like Rihanna on “Work” (2016) and Future on the mixtape What a Time to Be Alive (2015). He launched the OVO Sound label in 2012 with 40 and Oliver El-Khatib, fostering Toronto’s music scene and expanding his entrepreneurial footprint. His 2018 album Scorpion broke streaming records on platforms like Spotify, underscoring his impact on hip-hop’s global reach and the evolution of rap’s melodic style.
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Whenever Drake drops a song with a time and location in the title, you know you're about to get something special. A writer ranked them all, from worst to best.
Jordan Rose
These are the best rap albums of 2026, featuring Drake's 'Iceman', Rod Wave's 'Don’t Look Down', and more.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
From chart-topping joint projects to landmark solo pressings, here are the best physical releases available to buy in Complex's Drake collection.
Oruny ChoiLatest Stories
Drake Teases 'Fear of Missing Out' Stream: How to Watch
But what is it?
Alex Ocho3 days ago
Tinashe Picks Drake as the Straight Artist She Wishes Was Gay: ‘Come On!’
The "Nasty" singer made her pick during a recent interview.
Complex Staff3 days ago
Don Toliver Brings Out Drake in Toronto to Perform 'Iceman' Songs for the First Time
Drizzy popped out at the Toronto stop of Don Toliver's Nitrous Tour, and performed a few tracks of 'Iceman' for the first time ever.
Antonio Johri5 days ago
Lil Durk Trial: Akademiks Alleges Kanye West and Drake Are Among Those Funding Rapper’s Defense
The hip-hop media personality claims the rappers are covering Durk's legal fees in his murder-for-hire trial.
Jaelani Turner-Williams6 days ago
Drake's "Janice STFU" Gets Transformed Into Punk Rock-Inspired Track: Listen Now
Fans have Barry Hendrixx to thank for this punk-inspired take on the 'Iceman' superhit.
Trace William Cowen6 days ago
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Drake Seemingly Previews Remix of Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas"
In a video taken during a recent DJ set in Toronto, the rapper appeared to offer his own take on the No. 1 country hit.
Joe Price6 days ago
The Game Denies Baiting Kendrick Into Beef: 'I Do Beef Very Well'
The Compton rapper says he isn't ducking smoke from anyone.
Trey Alston7 days ago
Jim Jones Says Drake Holds Hip-Hop's Throne Currently, But Thinks 'There Are a Lot of Kings'
The Dipset rapper says Drake is on top but believes hip-hop has room for multiple kings.
Mark Elibert7 days ago
Fat Joe Opens Up About Attempting to Squash Drake and DJ Khaled Beef
It comes after Drizzy called Khaled out for his silence on Palestine
Joe Price8 days ago
Drake Appears to Be Shooting a Music Video in an Iron Man Costume
The rapper was recently spotted in Tony Stark's signature outfit at Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition fair.
Joe Price9 days ago
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The Game on Kendrick, Drake: ‘I Can Get Drake on the Phone, and I Can’t Get These Cats on the Phone’
The rapper recently dissed Kendrick Lamar on his new album, 'The Documentary III.'
Joe Price10 days ago
Drake's OVO to Put 'Bigger Dreams' in Motion After Authentic Acquires Majority Stake in Brand
The Authentic Brands Group deal sees Drake retaining a “significant ownership stake.”
Trace William Cowen10 days ago
The Game Discusses Earlier Versions of Drake Collab: 'They Weren't Too Kind'
The L.A. rapper talked about previous incarnations of "No Brakes," and said any lyrical changes were made to protect "the coast."
Shawn Setaro12 days ago
Drake Sings Along to "Choosin' Texas" at Ella Langley's Sold-Out Arkansas Show
The rapper was spotted on the big screen jamming out and dancing at Langley's show.
Trey Alston14 days ago