From the gritty streets of the Windy City, Chicago’s rap scene has emerged as one of hip-hop’s most potent hotbeds of talent, innovation, and cultural influence. A metropolis of diverging sounds and stories, Chicago’s rap legacy encompasses the soulful rhythms of Kanye West’s samples, the poignant introspection of Common’s verses, and the drill-infused beats that young lions like Chief Keef brought to the forefront.

This city birthed the vivid poetic narratives of Saba, the conscious awakening of Lupe Fiasco, and the soulful resurgence by artists like Noname. Whether you’re talking about the legacy of pioneers like Twista or the innovative dynamism of Chance the Rapper, Chicago’s rap panorama offers a myriad of styles that reflect its complex urban tapestry. A city where jazz, blues, and hip-hop intertwine, Chicago has solidified its place as an indomitable force in the rap game, birthing legends and shaping the very fabric of hip-hop culture.

So let’s get into it. From Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Common, to Chance the Rapper, Saba and Chief Keef, here are the best Chicago rappers of all time as rated by our fans of hip hop heads.

1
Lupe Fiasco

 

Essential listening: The Cool (2007)

An unconventional star of the rap game, Lupe Fiasco has carved out a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling career without any regard to musical trends or cultural norms. In fact, Lupe exists purely in a space of his own – he’s not mainstream, but he’s not underground – he’s just Lupe. From a technical standpoint, the Chicago lyricist is a master wordsmith. With the ability to throw out mind-bending rhyme schemes while clearly articulating complex topics and weaving nuanced stories, Lupe is simply one of the greatest hip hop writers of all time. Like Kanye, there’s not much more you can say about Lupe Fiasco that hasn’t already been written throughout his illustrious rap career, except to emphasize the fact that he is absolutely the best Chicago rapper of all time.

2
Common

 

Essential listening: Like Water for Chocolate (2000)

Rapper, actor, poet and activist, Common is one of the most admired and celebrated entertainers alive today, with his work spanning multimedia platforms and his accolades including a Grammy, an Oscar and an Emmy. Even though he’s more focused on his acting work right now, Common still dedicates his time to putting out great records like A Beautiful Revolution. Coming up in the rap game during the early ’90s, he is one of the few MCs in the game from that era, along with Nas, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Black Thought, Wu-Tang. Not only has he survived the times, he’s thriving in them. With a catalog that spans four decades, and includes multiple classics (4 or 5 depending on how you look at it), there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Common is one of the best Chicago rappers of all time.

3
Kanye West

 

Essential listening: The College Dropout (2004)

What can you say about Kanye West that hasn’t been said already? One of the most iconic rappers of his generation and famous Chicago rappers ever, Kanye came out the gate representing his hometown to the fullest, and he’s never stopped putting on for his city. Ever since 2004’s The College Dropout Kanye had shifted hip hop culture on multiple occasions, steering the rap music away from gangsta tropes with his debut; experimenting with electro and stadium rock in 2007; busting out the 808s and feelings in 2008; and creating quite possibly the greatest hip hop album of all time with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (it’s certainly amongst the top 10). What more can you say?

4
Twista

 

Essential listening: Kamikaze (2004)

One of the most underrated rappers in the game, Twista’s career has spanned thirty years. The Chicago rapper has survived and thrived through almost every era of hip hop, with his dedication to precise rapping and making great records. A pioneer of speed-rapping, the Chicago native once held the Guinness Book of World Records title for the fastest rapper in the English language. Twista’s career longevity can likely be attributed to a number of factors. In addition to his remarkable skills on the mic, the versatile artist has allowed his sound to evolve with the times. He has also managed to avoid the legal and personal troubles that have plagued many of his Windy City peers. You might not see Twista’s name on a lot of these types of lists, but best believe that he is absolutely one of the greatest Chicago rappers of all time.

5
Chief Keef

 

Essential listening: Finally Rich (2012)

When Chief Keef in 2012, under house arrest at his grandmother’s house, uploaded several music videos to his YouTube account, there was no way he could have known these were the first steps that would transform him into one of Chicago’s most influential rappers of all time. One of the videos that Keef uploaded was “I Don’t Like,” a raw, hypnotic track produced by Young Chop and featuring Lil Reese that turned him into the hottest name in the rap game overnight. Once Kanye got his hands on the track and created a GOOD Music version of it, it was all over – the Chicago drill wave was officially on. While Keef’s rap career may not have panned out the way people would have expected when he first came onto the scene, in a way, things have worked out better for the 27-year old rapper. Over the past decade since his debut, he’s chosen to relocate to Los Angeles, escaping the cycle of violence in Chicago’s South Side, and focus on putting out his music independently. Many rappers in the game today, whether they want to admit it or not, have been directly influenced by Keef’s DIY approach as well as his melodic rapping aesthetic. Just ask Trippie Redd, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Juice WRLD and Playboi Carti.

6
Saba

 

Essential listening: Care for Me (2018)

When it comes to lyrically-rich narratives straight outta Chicago, Saba’s name rings loud. Not just another MC, but a poet, a storyteller – Saba’s artistry is wrapped in layers of introspection, life’s struggles, and the search for self. Growing up in the West Side of the city, his experiences resonate in every bar. His seminal project, Bucket List Project, was more than an introduction; it was an auditory journey through the heartbeat of Chicago, seen through the eyes of its youth. But it’s in CARE FOR ME where Saba dives deep, crafting a heart-wrenching tribute to his late cousin, John Walt. Tracks like “BUSY / SIRENS” and “LIFE” aren’t just songs; they’re conversations about mental health, loss, and the weight of expectations. He might rock the indie scene, but make no mistake, Saba’s impact on hip-hop is immeasurable, proving that even in a city with giants, his voice is essential, offering perspectives that are uniquely his, yet universally relatable.

7
Noname

 

Essential listening: Room 25 (2018)

While Noname may not have as deep a catalog as the rest of the rappers on this list, what the Chicago rapper has been able to do with her two records – Telefone, Room 25, and most recently Sundial – is enough to cement her position on this list. A poet first and foremost, the 31 year-old is a veteran of Chi-town’s spoken-word scene. Listening to her music is like finding a forgotten jazz club on poetry-slam night. Like that of legendary poet, composer, philosopher and fellow Chicagoan Gil Scott-Heron, Noname’s sound is defined by smart, visual social commentary delivered over jazz-infused moods and old-school hip-hop beats. It’s a neo-soul vibe that marries hip-hop poetry to a genre-fluid, organic groove.

8
G Herbo

 

Essential listening: Swervo (2018)

Ten years ago, a 16 year-old G Herbo dropped a series of mixtapes on the burgeoning Chicago drill scene that positioned him as the future of the city. If you were onto the scene at the time, you would have remembered just how big an impact Welcome to Fazoland had on the rap game. Coming out a few years after the first wave, Lil Herb (as he was known at the time) along with Lil Bibby showcased more thoughtfulness and introspection than their predecessors, while still rapping over the same, nihilistic production. With a deep and gravelly voice perfectly suited over demonic beats, the rapper built his legend on true-life tales from the hood. G Herbo’s star has continued to rise steadily throughout the last decade. Even as he eventually graduated to major label status, the Chicago rapper had remained consistent with his roots, rapping about the violence and trauma that living in his city brings, all delivered through some of the most technical chops of his generation.

9
Mick Jenkins

 

Essential listening: The Waters (2014)

Mick Jenkins is an artist carving his own path in hip-hop, largely outside of current trends. Throughout the first decade of his career the rapper has defied convention and created a rich, genre-fluid sound. Musically his style recalls the great jazz, soul and funk grooves of decades past. Making his debut around the same time as the Chicago drill movement as at its peak, the rapper strayed far from the mainstream path. As an artist, he boasts a deliberate and verbose flow. Prone to rapid-fire chopping bars and melodic R&B verses, lyrically Mick Jenkins writes socially conscious rhymes tackling some of today’s biggest issues. Building up his fanbase with patience and excellent records, Jenkins doesn’t flood the market like many of his peers, instead choosing to drop at moments that feel right.

10
Juice WRLD

 

Essential listening: Goodbye & Good Riddance (2018)

Born Jarad Anthony Higgins, this young talent was more than just a rapper – he was the voice of a troubled generation. Effortlessly blending elements of hip-hop, rock, and emo into a heartfelt cocktail of vulnerability and bravado, tracks like “Lucid Dreams” and “All Girls Are the Same” showcased Juice’s uncanny ability to wear his heart on his sleeve. He stood out in the rap game, not just for his genre-blending approach but for his open confrontation with anxiety, depression, and substance struggles. Albums like Goodbye & Good Riddance and Death Race for Love aren’t just hit compilations; they’re reflections of a soul grappling with the highs and lows of life. Tragically taken from us at just 21, Juice WRLD’s impact on hip-hop is profound, leaving behind a legacy of authenticity and raw emotion that’ll echo through Chi-town and the world for generations to come.

11
Do or Die

 

Essential listening: Picture This (1996)

Do or Die, a trio made up of Ak, Belo Zero, and N.A.R.D., aren’t just representatives of Chicago rap; they’re foundational architects of its unique sound. In the mid-’90s, with the rise of their hit “Po Pimp,” they solidified their space in the game. It wasn’t just about their smooth, rapid-fire flows, but also the integration of the R&B hook, proving that hip-hop and R&B weren’t worlds apart but intertwined threads in the same tapestry. Their tracks provided a palpable blend of street narratives with laid-back, almost seductive beats, bringing that West Side Chicago flavor to the masses. Albums like Picture This and Headz or Tailz are testament to Do or Die’s mastery of a signature Chi-Town style, crafting narratives about life in the streets while also laying down tracks that could get any party started. 

12
Lil Durk

 

Essential listening: 7220 (2022)

From his early days as a mixtape-slinging drill rapper to his more introspective, mainstream records in recent years, Lil Durk has remained one of the most iconic Chicago artists in the game. With his combination of melodic delivery and drill raps, the rapper has helped to define an entire subgenre, and is now one of the top rappers right now. Durk’s verbose lyrical style set him apart from his peers early on. As his career progressed his lyrics became less about the glamorization of gang life and more about its unintended real-life consequences. The good thing is that his audience’s tastes seem to have matured with him. Over a decade into his rap career, Durk is bigger than ever, having scored a hit single with Drake (“Laugh Now Cry Later”) and two number one albums, 7220 and The Voice of the Heroes with Lil Baby.

13
Vic Mensa

 

Essential listening: Innanetape (2013)

Vic Mensa, one of Chicago’s most versatile spitters, has been pushing boundaries since stepping into the rap arena. Bursting onto the scene with his project Innanetape, Vic effortlessly blended rap with elements of rock, electronic, and punk, carving a niche for himself that’s distinctively Chicagoan. Whether he’s delivering razor-sharp bars on tracks like “U Mad” or diving deep into social issues on “16 Shots”, Vic’s pen game is relentless. His work with the SaveMoney collective and collaborations with fellow Chi-town heroes like Kanye West have cemented his position as a voice that can’t be ignored. Mensa’s fearless approach to tackling societal ills, both in his city and globally, is testament to Chicago’s rich legacy of conscious hip-hop.

14
Da Brat

 

Essential listening: Funkdafied (1994)

Arguably the most important Chicago female rapper ever, Da Brat holds the title as the first female solo artist to drop a platinum album. Her debut, Funkdafied, wasn’t just a commercial success; it was a statement. Bringing that unmistakable Chicago flair mixed with a sprinkle of Southern influence (thanks to her work with So So Def’s Jermaine Dupri), Da Brat’s flow was uniquely hers. She delivered bars with a cadence that was both smooth and razor-sharp, a juxtaposition that set her apart in a male-dominated 90s hip-hop scene. From tracks like “Give It 2 You” to her dynamic features on Mariah Carey hits, Da Brat showcased the versatility of Chicago rap, proving that the Windy City had heavy hitters in every corner of the game. Not only is Da Brat one of the best rappers from Chicago, she’s also one of the most important.

15
Chance the Rapper

 

Essential listening: Acid Rap (2013)

Lil Chano from 79th, Chance the Rapper, with that signature “igh!” ad-lib and a ball cap that seems as iconic as the man himself, shifted the paradigm in the Windy City’s hip-hop scene. Bursting into prominence with Acid Rap, the Chicago MC mixed vibrant lyricism, gospel influences, and raw introspection in a way that made listeners both think and groove. But it wasn’t just the music that made him stand out; it was his undying love for Chicago. His philanthropy, activism, and constant representation of his hometown set him apart. With Coloring Book, he clinched the essence of independence in the music industry, snagging a Grammy without a major label’s backing. Chance’s independent come-up story isn’t just about dope bars and catchy hooks; it’s a testament to the hustle, heart, and soul of Chicago.

16
Fredo Santana

 

Essential listening: Trappin Ain’t Dead (2013)

Fredo Santana, a torchbearer of Chicago’s drill movement, was so much more than just an intimidating presence. He embodied the grit and resilience of the city’s South Side. Fredo’s music, soaked in the realities of street life, resonated deeply with those who understood the raw, unfiltered narratives of tracks like “Jealous” or “Trappin’ Ain’t Dead.” With a demeanor that matched the toughness of his lyrics, Fredo became an icon in the drill scene, helping to push its unapologetic sound beyond city limits. His influence is felt beyond his discography, as he played mentor to younger talents and collaborated with other Chi-town giants like Chief Keef, his own blood cousin. Even after his untimely passing, the legacy of Fredo Santana, a true Chicago drill legend, remains undiminished.

17
King Von

 

Essential listening: What It Means to Be King (2022)

King Von, a product of Chicago’s O’Block, rapidly evolved into one of the city’s most captivating storytellers. In a tragically short career, Von exhibited an innate ability to paint vivid tales of street life, with tracks like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O” serving as gripping narratives that echo the city’s pulse. His projects, from Grandson, Vol. 1 to Welcome to O’Block, showcased his evolution as an artist, blending raw emotion with intricate tales of loyalty, love, and conflict. His untimely passing left a void in the hip-hop community, but the impact of his music ensures his legacy in the Windy City’s rap lore remains undiminished.

18
Montana of 300

 

Essential listening: Fire in the Church (2016)

The Chicago drill scene is famous for names like Chief Keef, Lil Reese, King Louie, and plenty others, but there’s no way you can overlook the sheer firepower of Montana of 300 when you’re talking about the city. This lyrical warrior brings a unique blend to the table, infusing his bars with both drill’s aggressive energy and a craftsmanship that’s reminiscent of hip-hop’s golden era. Montana’s Fire in the Church and Don’t Doubt the God stand as testimonies to his range – shifting from gritty street tales to contemplative musings on life’s challenges. In a city bursting with talent, Montana of 300 carved out his lane with a mix of lyrical prowess and unfiltered authenticity.

19
Polo G

 

Essential listening: The Goat (2020)

Repping Chicago’s North Side, Polo G rapidly ascended to hip-hop prominence with a blend of melodic flows and street-wise lyricism that captures the pulse of the city’s youth. His albums, like Die a Legend and THE GOAT, aren’t just collections of tracks; they’re raw autobiographies that spotlight the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of life in Chi-town. Polo G has become a voice for a generation, addressing themes of violence, loss, and hope. While he’s got hits that’ll have you vibing, like “Pop Out,” he’s also dropping tracks soaked in introspection and reflection. Polo G doesn’t just represent Chicago’s new wave; he stands as a testament to the city’s rich tradition of birthing lyrical monsters with stories that resonate on a universal scale.

20
Rhymefest

 

Essential listening: Blue Collar (2006)

Rhymefest, real name Che Smith, is more than just a figure in Chicago hip-hop; he’s a beacon of lyrical depth and social consciousness. With his 2006 debut album Blue Collar, he illustrated the everyday struggles and joys of the working class, delivering tracks imbued with both wit and introspection. But let’s keep it a buck: Rhymefest’s pen game is legendary. He’s co-written bangers like Kanye’s “Jesus Walks,” for which he grabbed a Grammy. Beyond the bars and beats, Rhymefest’s impact in Chi-Town is profound. His activism and dedication to the community have made him a figure of change in the city. From the South Side’s streets to the global stage, Rhymefest embodies Chicago’s spirit: gritty, real, and relentless.

21
Lil Reese

 

Essential listening: Don’t Like (2012)

Dive deep into the drill scene that Chicago’s notorious for, and you’ll cross paths with Lil Reese. An undeniable pillar in the drill movement, Reese has painted raw, unfiltered portraits of street life that many only dare whisper about. His 2012 breakout hit “Us” didn’t just land him a Def Jam contract—it announced his arrival with an aggressive fervor that the industry couldn’t ignore. Collaborations with fellow drill giants like Chief Keef, notably on the hit “I Don’t Like”, further cemented his stature. While controversies and beefs often shadowed his musical journey, there’s no dismissing the authentic, gritty narratives he brought to the table. 

22
Rockie Fresh

 

Essential listening: Electric Highway (2013)

Enter Rockie Fresh: the under-the-radar dynamo that’s been steadily grinding his way through the Chi-town landscape. While he might not have the international acclaim that some of his peers boast, anyone truly dialed into the Chicago rap scene knows that Fresh’s influence is undeniable. On albums like Driving 88 and Electric Highway, Rockie showcased his ability to weave ambient, almost ethereal beats with meticulous lyricism, giving him a distinctive sound in a city overflowing with talent. The beauty of Rockie Fresh is that he embodies the spirit of Chicago’s hustle, consistently pushing boundaries, and reminding us all why the city’s hip-hop culture is so crucial to the overall rap game. 

23
King Louie

 

Essential listening: Drilluminati (2012)

King Louie came up in the early days of Chicago drill rap and the influential rapper is considered one of the subgenre’s founding fathers. Coming as part of the 2010s wave along with Chief Keef, Lil Reese, and Fredo Santana, King Louie made a name for himself with dark and violent rhymes delivered over downtempo trap beats paired with cinematic minor-key soundscapes and experimental bass and synth tones. He caught the industry’s attention by hustling mixtapes on the streets of Chicago and via his YouTube channel. Once the rap game had their eyes off the drill movement, he was in the perfect position to capitalize on it. King Louie leveraged his reputation into a record deal with Epic as well as high profile collaborations, including a feature on Kanye’s Yeezus. While the Chicago rapper hasn’t been able to escape the violent struggles of his city, King Louie’s name carries weight wherever he goes.

24
Shawnna

 

Essential listening: Worth tha Weight (2004)

Straight outta the Southside, Shawnna made sure the world knew Chicago’s female MCs brought as much heat as the fellas. Daughter of the legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, it was clear that music ran through her veins. But it was her relentless flow and fierce lyrical prowess that etched her name into Chicago’s rap legacy. With joints like “Gettin’ Some” and her unforgettable verses on Ludacris’ “Stand Up,” she showcased a blend of bravado and sultriness that was unparalleled. Not to mention, her tenure with Disturbing Tha Peace and subsequent projects solidified her position in the hip-hop realm. Albums like Block Music and Worth Tha Weight were more than just collections of tracks; they were powerful statements of a woman’s place in the often male-dominated game. In the storied Chicago rap scene, Shawnna made sure her voice echoed loud, clear, and unapologetically.

25
Crucial Conflict

 

Essential listening: The Final Tic (1996)

Crucial Conflict, a powerhouse straight from the heart of the Windy City, holds a prime spot in the pantheon of Chicago hip-hop luminaries. With their raw, gritty, and unmistakably Midwest flow, this group made waves in the 90s, introducing many to the untapped potential of Chi-town’s rap scene. Their anthemic hit, “Hay,” was more than just a catchy track—it was a declaration of their unique flavor, blending rapid-fire verses with country-rooted hooks. But it wasn’t all about hits for Crucial Conflict. Dig deeper into their discography, and you’ll find layers of street narratives, tales of struggles and survival, all punctuated by their unmistakable harmonizing. In a city bursting with talent, Crucial Conflict staked their claim and set the tone for generations to follow.

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