The 50 Greatest Hip Hop Legends of All-Time

When determing a list like this, there needs to be a distinction made between the "best" versus the "greatest." Everyone brings their own personal perspective when thinking about who are the best hip hop artists of all-time. With the variety of styles and skills that have developed over the half century of hip hop, your personal values and tastes will make your all-time best list uniquely yours.

On the other hand, being the "greatest" at something often carries a broader and more enduring connotation. It suggests not only excellence in a specific era or style, but also a lasting impact or influence that extends across the culture into future generations. The "greatest" artists not only created the soundtrack of the last few decades, they elevated the artform to the next level.

The following artists are the greatest in hip hop history.