20 Rappers Who Influenced the Game But Never Got the Credit

Some rappers changed hip-hop forever but never received the recognition their influence deserved. In this countdown, we explore 20 influential rappers and hip-hop pioneers who helped shape lyricism, storytelling, battle rap, underground hip-hop, Southern rap, hardcore rap, and the culture itself. From Kool G Rap, MC Lyte, Masta Ace, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, Scarface, Slick Rick, Roxanne Shanté, Bun B, Black Thought and more, these artists helped create sounds, styles, and techniques that later generations of rappers built upon. Some became legends among serious hip-hop fans. Others influenced entire generations without receiving the mainstream recognition their contributions deserved. Watch until the end to discover the pioneers whose fingerprints are still all over hip-hop today. Who do you think deserves more credit for changing hip-hop?