The Hip-Hop Generation

America has seen generations come and go. From the Lost Generation (WWI), to the Greatest Generation (WWII), to the Baby Boomers Generation (40’s and 50’s), to Generation X (Vietnam – 80’s), generations have often distinguish themselves by the clothes, music, art, and entertainment of the day. I believe we are currently in the “Hip Hop Generation” and have been since around 1997 (post 2pac and Biggie deaths).

The “Hip Hop Generation”, like all generations, will be eclipsed by another generation eventually. Every generation has its icons, the people who you will think of when you think of the so-called Hip-Hop generation. Who are the people who will go down as the trailblazers of Hip Hop Culture? These are the icons of the Hip Hop Generation. And I had the nerve to rank ‘em for argument’s sake.

20. Cash Money Millionaires
The simple fact that the crew from N’awlins started the phrase “Bling Bling” (B.G. to be specific) is enough to leave a mark on a generation. What Juve, B.G., Mannie Fresh, Baby, and Weezy lacked in meaningful rhymes, they made up for in Bentleys and Iced out everything.
19. Shaquille O’Neal
Every rapper wants to play ball and every baller wants to rap. Basketball and Hip Hop compliment each other beautifully. “The Big Aristotle” was an embodiment of an athlete who was very into to hip hop culture. His cocky swag, very Ali-esque, very rapper-esque, makes him an icon.
18. Dave Chappelle
The Hip-Hop Comedian. Makes jokes about the same shit rappers rap about: money, clothes, hoes, and crack. Hosts the most popular show in recent memory and ends shows with rap acts. And made the instant classic Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.
17. TI
He is the embodiment of the Atlanta culture that has become such a giant in Hip Hop today. His albums and his movie, ATL, further his claim as a permanent power player in Hip Hop Culture.
16. Nelly
No one has the crossover formula down as much as Nelly. Has found a way to be a Pop star and not be completely branded as a sell-out. Also, sells records like… well no one sells records quite like Nelly.
15. Lil Jon
Started Crunk Movement. Responsible for the majority of the songs at the club between 2002 and 2005. All the hip-hop dances that came out of the A, thank Lil Jon. Had old white ladies saying “Okaaaaaaaaay”
14. Outkast
With Speakerboxxx/Love Below, became the biggest group in the World. Even though true hip hop fans will say that album is their 3rd best, their rise to global domination will never be overlooked.
13. Ice Cube
First serious rapper/serious actor. You could give Will Smith that title, but Willard Smith never said “I’m coming straight outta Comption, crazy motha fucka named Ice Cube.” The embodiment of the crossover appeal of Hip Hop and how Hip-Hop culture is the dominant one.
12. Eminem
White rapper. Embraced by Blacks and Whites. Revolutionary. ‘Nough said.
11. Beyonce
A force to be reckoned with. Not as hood as Mary J. and still not on Mariah Carey’s level circa 1997, but well on her way.
10. Usher
The Hip-Hop generations pretty boy. The one that guys can bump in the car and women and little girls swoon over. Whenever he releases an album, you hear singles from it for two years… That’s crazy.
9. Snoop Dogg
In my opinion, one of the most recognizable people on the planet. Everyone knows and likes Snoop. If it’s not for his music, it’s for his voice, or his movies, or his short lived (but amazing) TV show, or his cameos here and there. He’s timeless… and doesn’t have to make another record ever… but we’re all glad he does.
8. Allen Iverson
The Hip-Hop Athlete. Scared as many people as rappers did. He might as well have had a parental advisory sticker on top of his corn-rows.
7. Pharrell Williams
As a member of the Neptunes, cranked out hits that will define the era. Outside of the beatmaker, Pharrell is a style icon. All the BAPE stuff that people shell out hundreds of dollars for is a result of his style.
6. Mary J. Blige
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. The will never be another Mary J. Her influence on hip-hop is up there with Biggie and 2pac. But she’s still going.
5. Mariah Carey
The reason rap and r&b have fused so seamlessly. By Mariah, the biggest star in the world back in 1997, putting rappers on her remixes, began the Hip Hop generation. I think 2pac and Biggie’s deaths were a turning point in hip hop, but I also think Mariah Carey is partly responsible for the genre of hip-hop that we know of today.
4. Kanye West
Revolutionized beatmaking. Will always be known as the producer of some of Hip-Hop’s most popular tracks. But will also be known as being one of the most controversial, talked about, admired, critically acclaimed, and popular rappers ever. And his preppy hip-hop style caught on with the masses.
3. Michael Jordan
I think every rapper has referenced him or his clothes at least eight times. He is the reason people will pay half of their paycheck for some shoes. Footwear is a big part of hip-hop culture and it’s because of him. If one article of clothing had to represent hip-hop, I think it would be a pair of Jordan 13s (with the hologram, you know what I'm talkin about).
2. Jay-Z
When he talked about Cristal, everyone else did. When he rocked jersey’s, everyone did. When he changed it up and said button-ups were what was up, people followed. He is the compass that everyone else uses to gauge how to act, what to say, and what to wear. Oh yea, and he’s argurably the best MC ever.
1. Sean Combs
Time will tell if Jay-Z or Diddy emerges as the dominant figure in this generation, but it’s hard to argue against Mr. Combs. He is so much bigger than music. He is an empire. He’s bigger than any kind of nickname too. That’s why I now just call him Sean Combs. Albums, Record Labels, Restaurants, Legendary Parties, Clothing Lines, Fragrances, Broadway Acting… All of that, and he still shot someone in the club. Now how’s that for a career.