After causing a storm with their controversial “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” list, Billboard has returned with a fresh compilation that is bound to ignite conversations and capture widespread attention. As part of the ongoing celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, the Industry magazine has put out a list ranking the 50 greatest rap groups of all time.
In a list that kicked off May 31, Billboard named Outkast as the greatest rap group of all time, citing their southern influence, which “helped establish Atlanta as a central hub in hip-hop” as a major factor.
Billboard notes their list was based on a variety of factors, including commercial success, critical acclaim, longevity and cultural impact.
Outkast, consisting of childhood friends André 3000 and Big Boi, formed in Atlanta in 1992. Two years later, in 1994, they released their debut album titled “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.” Their fusion of funk, soul, and Southern influences resonated with listeners, and it helped introduce Southern hip-hop to a wider audience.
The duo went on to release six more studio albums, including Aquemini (1998) and Stankonia (2000), which are both considered to be classics. The iconic group’s catalogue is further enriched by chart-topping singles like “Hey Ya!”, “Ms. Jackson”, and “B.O.B.”, which showcase their innovative sound and distinctive lyrical style.
Outkast disbanded in 2006 following the release of Idlewild, but they reunited in 2014 for a series of festival appearances. Despite pursuing individual ventures, they remain one of the most influential and respected rap groups of all time.
Elsewhere on Billboard’s list, legendary New York rap group, Wu-Tang Clan secures the second spot. Not far behind, at number three, is the iconic NWA, whose West Coast influence and powerful social commentary reshaped the rap landscape. A Tribe Called Quest claims the fourth position, showcasing their groundbreaking fusion of jazz-infused beats and conscious lyricism. The top five concludes with the pioneering group Run-D.M.C., whose timeless hits and trailblazing style have solidified their legendary status.
The top 10 of Billboard’s list continues with influential groups Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, De La Soul, and The Roots.
See the full list below:
1)OutKast
2) Wu-Tang Clan
3) NWA
4) A Tribe Called Quest
5) Run-D.M.C.
6) Public Enemy
7) Eric B. & Rakim
8) Salt-N-Pepa
9) De La Soul
10) The Roots
11) Migos
12) Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
13) Mobb Deep
14) Fugees
15) Naughty By Nature
16) Beastie Boys
17) Cypress Hill
18) Three 6 Mafia
19) G-Unit
20) UGK
21) Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
22) The LOX
23) Sugarhill Gang
24) The Diplomats
25) Hot Boys
26) EPMD
27) DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
28) Geto Boys
29) Gang Starr
30) Clipse
31) Boogie Down Productions
32) 2 Live Crew
33) Goodie Mob
34) Brand Nubian
35) Pharcyde
36) Heiroglyphics
37) 8Ball & MJG
38) Big Tymers
39) Slum Village
40) Onyx
41) Little Brother
42) Heavy D & The Boys
43) Kid N Play
44) Kriss Kross
45) Pete Rock & CL Smooth
46) Yin Yang Twins
47) Rae Sremmurd
48) City Girls
49) Black Star
50) MOP
