There have been tons of hot hip-hop artists coming off the West Coast for generations now. The highs of the 90s with NWA, Tupac and the like were a game-changing time for rap. The last decade has seen a West Coast renaissance of sorts – with fresh talent emerging while the kings reinvent themselves. Here are the 17 hip-hop stars that took over the West Coast in last decade.
Snoop Dogg
Alright so Snoop’s been in the rap game since most of us were in diapers but he continues to reinvent himself and bring up new proteges. His switch over to the rasta lifestyle turned the Dogg into a Lion for a bit – but as of late, the Dogg is back in the house.
Kendrick Lamar
After the release of his smash hit album good kid, m.a.a.d city, Kendrick Lamar became the leader of the next-generation of rappers coming straight outta Compton. Since then, the Grammy-winning Lamar has also developed rap supergroup Black Hippy alongside Compton proteges ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul.
Tyga
This Young Money player was oft-heard on various tracks and mixtapes but proved he could hold his own in the rap game after the release of his track “Deuces.” The track was nominated for a Grammy and Tyga earned his place among fellow Cash Money label-mates as a hit-maker.
Tyler, The Creator
The leader of alternative hip-hop favorites Odd Future, Tyler, The Creator is a West Coast rapper and producer that won’t quit. The artist collaborates on all of Odd Future’s tracks and album artwork. His solo studio album Wolf sold over 90,000 copies in its first week, sending the message that indie hip-hop is still strong.
Kurupt
Another old-timer on the list, Kurupt was an original member of Death Row rap group Tha Dogg Pound. He makes the list for this decade due to his refusal to quit the game. Still on spot like it was 1993, Kurupt continues to appear on tracks with his supergroup HRSMN.
Murs
Murs is a multi-talented artist who must be running at 1000% at all times. In addition to his work with groups like Living Legends and 3 Melancholy Gypsies, Murs is also a successful solo rapper. In 2013, he took a turn as a lead vocalist for the rock band The White Mandingos.
Earl Sweatshirt
This Odd Future member returned to prominence after his mother put a ban on rapping. Since the debut of his first studio album, Doris, Earl Sweatshirt has been hotter than ever. His second album, “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside” is about to drop.
ScHoolboy Q
ScHoolboy Q, another Black Hippy member, has been spitting fire and lighting up the charts since his major label debut. “OxyMoron” debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 and ScHoolboy Q has been dropping hit after hit.
Nipsey Hussle
After his mixtape got the attention of Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle has been on the verge of superstardom. The rapper was named as one of XXL Magazine’s “Annual Freshmen Top Ten” in 2010 and has since collaborated with everyone from Drake to Snoop Dogg.
Dr. Dre
Another legend that has to be on the list, Dre went from hip-hop artist to tech mobile. His Beats headphones company sold to Apple for $3 billion last year – taking Dr. Dre to a whole new level.
100s
This Berkeley, CA rapper is still on the underground but gaining speed fast. His track “Life of a Mack” was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto V and his song “Ten Freaky Hoes” has been credited for the return of g-funk.
Vince Staples
One-third of the rap group Cutthroat Boyz – along with Joey Fatts and Aston Matthews – Vince Staples is ready to take off on his own and soar. After collaborating with Odd Future, the rapper debuted his first EP called “Hell Can Wait,” featuring the hit track “Hands Up.”
Skeme
Fresh from Inglewood, CA, Skeme has collaborated with artists such as Bizzy Bone and Nipsey Hussle. His album “Inglewood” dropped in late 2013 – by the following year, The Game signed Skreme to Blood Money Entertainment.
Sage the Gemini
Sage the Gemini, a member of Cali’s The HBK Gang, is well-known for his hit “Gas Pedal.” His debut album, “Remember Me,” was well-received and the rapper is going nowhere but up.
YG
Another fresh Compton face, Young Gangsta aka YG has collaborated with chart-toppers such as Jeezy and Drake. His debut album “My Krazy Life” was only released last year, but YG continues to appear on tracks with Def Jam label-mates.
Problem
Despite being born in Germany, Problem was brought up in Compton during its heyday. After appearing on E-40’s single, “Function,” Problem dropped a mixtape featuring practically everyone in the game – from Chris Brown to Wale.
