# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published April 13, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-band-in-hip-hop*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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

Tags: hip-hop, music, bands