What is the best band in hip-hop?

Hip-hop has been shaped by legendary groups and duos whose music defined generations and pushed the boundaries of the genre. From the Bronx to Compton, these collectives pioneered new sounds, styles, and lyrical approaches that transformed popular music. Vote for the hip-hop group that had the greatest impact on the culture.

1

Run-DMC

Queens hip-hop trio who brought rap to mainstream rock audiences and defined 80s hip-hop

2

Public Enemy

Politically charged hip-hop group known for "Fight the Power" and social commentary

3

N.W.A.

Compton rap group who pioneered gangsta rap with "Straight Outta Compton"

4

Wu-Tang Clan

Staten Island hip-hop collective known for razor-sharp lyricism and kung-fu aesthetic

5

Beastie Boys

New York hip-hop trio who blended rap with rock and punk influences

6

A Tribe Called Quest

Queens jazz-rap group known for "Can I Kick It?" and conscious hip-hop

7

De La Soul

Long Island hip-hop trio known for eclectic samples and positive messaging

8

Outkast

Atlanta hip-hop duo of André 3000 and Big Boi, known for genre-defying innovation

9

Cypress Hill

Los Angeles hip-hop group known for blending hip-hop with Latin music

10

Fugees

New Jersey hip-hop trio known for "Killing Me Softly" and "Ready or Not"

11

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

Cleveland hip-hop group known for rapid-fire rhyming and harmonizing

12

Gang Starr

New York hip-hop duo of DJ Premier and Guru known for jazz-rap

13

Eric B. & Rakim

New York duo known for Rakim's complex lyricism, considered one of the greatest MCs

14

Boogie Down Productions

South Bronx group led by KRS-One, pioneers of hardcore hip-hop

15

Mobb Deep

Queens hip-hop duo known for dark, grimy street rap

16

Jurassic 5

Los Angeles hip-hop collective known for old-school influenced group rap

17

The Roots

Philadelphia hip-hop band known for playing live instruments