From Drake and his latest album 'Iceman' to BigXthaPlug who just released 'Better Over Time'—we ranked the hottest rappers right now.
Dimas SanfiorenzoKendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is a Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer from Compton, California, celebrated for his incisive lyricism and storytelling within hip-hop. He gained widespread acclaim with albums like *good kid, m.A.A.d city* and *To Pimp a Butterfly*, which blend jazz, funk, and soul with sharp social critique, expanding the genre’s sonic and thematic scope. His influence in hip-hop comes from his ability to craft dense, cinematic narratives that tackle race, identity, and systemic injustice with emotional depth and complexity. Fans return for his skillful fusion of personal experience and political commentary, which has sparked critical conversations and cemented his role as a defining voice in contemporary rap culture.
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Does Jhené Aiko diss Big Sean? Does Kendrick Lamar actually rap on his feature? Who handles the production? Here's everything you need to know about 'Westside Whimsy.'
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
These are the best LA rap songs of all time, featuring classics from Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and more.
Complex
In 2026, the craft of rapping is still thriving. These are the 15 best verses of the year, featuring everyone from Jay-Z to Drake, Tierra Whack, and beyond.
Dimas SanfiorenzoLatest Stories
JPEGMAFIA Says Kendrick Lamar Was the 'Last Person' to Be 'Universally Liked'
The rapper says fans now invent reasons to turn on Lamar while explaining why being respected beats being liked.
Alex Ocho22 days ago
50 Cent Says J. Cole Sitting Out the Kendrick-Drake War Cost Him More Than Anyone
He did commend Cole for being "one of the coolest people to grace hip-hop culture."
Trey Alston23 days ago
2 Chainz Celebrates a Billion Streams for "F**kin Problems"
After receiving a Spotify Billions Club plaque for the 2012 single, 2 Chainz joked that Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and ASAP Rocky wouldn't reunite for a billion dollars.
Jaelani Turner-Williams37 days ago
2026 MTV Video Music Awards: Here Are This Year's Winners
VMAs legend Madonna stepped into Sunday's ceremony as this year's most-nominated artist.
Trace William Cowen39 days ago
Drake's "Not Like Us" Lawsuit Appeal Set for Oral Arguments in December
Drake's lawyers and UMG's lawyers will go head-to-head
Shawn Setaro45 days ago
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Jhené Aiko Earns First No. 1 Album With ‘Westside Whimsy’: Here Are the Numbers
The milestone comes nearly 13 years after Aiko made her Billboard 200 debut with 'Sail Out.'
Mark Elibert46 days ago
AZ Chike Addresses 'Pressure From Bein' the Best' on Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' in Song From New Album
Next month, Chike takes his just-released 'No Rest for the Wicked' album on the road.
Trace William Cowen49 days ago
Drake Raps 'We From the Dot, You Can't Compare to Us' on 'FOMO' Track
'FOMO' follows Drake's adoption of a three-new-albums-at-once strategy back in May.
Trace William Cowen51 days ago
Kendrick Lamar Collab Movie Still Something Matt Stone and Trey Parker 'Believe in' Despite Delays
The live-action comedy film is said to carry the working title 'Whitney Springs.'
Trace William Cowen57 days ago
Jhené Aiko to Reunite With Kendrick Lamar on Upcoming Album 'Westside Whimsy'
The West Coast artists will reconnect on 'Westside Whimsy' track "So Good."
Jaelani Turner-Williams58 days ago
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Pusha T Looks Back on Clipse Having to 'Kiss So Much Ass' for Grammy Win
The Virginia rap duo won their first Grammy earlier this year for the Kendrick Lamar-assisted "Chains & Whips."
Jaelani Turner-Williams64 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 Alston68 days ago
Lefty Gunplay Reportedly Arrested for Assault in Missouri
The Cali rapper's arrest came after a performance in Springfield the previous night.
Trey Alston69 days ago
Kendrick Lamar Fulfills Birthday Promise to a Very Special Young Fan
The rap legend gave seven-year-old Romell Frazier Jr. — seriously injured in a dog attack earlier this year — a visit with his favorite artist.
Shawn Setaro70 days ago
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 Price71 days ago
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Max B Picks Drake Over Kendrick Lamar: ‘I’m in the Clubs With It’
The Wave God says Drake should ignore the noise and focus on making music after the Kendrick battle.
Mark Elibert75 days ago