In the 2000s, hip-hop became a household genre. Everyone was either listening to hip-hop, dancing to it, and, or making it. This decade brought new artists, the catchiest tracks, and all the spice of hip-hop to the tables. Among all this Kanye West, now Ye is a name you would have heard. Ye was making it to the headlines as always, but this time it was because fans surprisingly seemed to have left out Ye in the top 10 ranking list of rappers of the 2000s. Despite Ye dropping classics like 'Gold Digger', 'All Falls Down', and 'Stronger', it seems his more recent antics might have caught up to him in these rankings. 

Yes, it is quite a shocker that Ye did not make the cut, but the rankings are still numbered with artists who defined the hip-hop scene of the 2000s. And here is a look at the ten rappers who caught hearts and made it!

Eminem's rise from Detroit's underground battle rap scene to worldwide fame is a story worth telling. Back in 1996, he dropped his first album, 'Infinite', but it was not until 'The Slim Shady LP' hit the shelves in 1999 that he really blew up. That album scored him his first Grammy, and well, was that just the beginning. Teaming up with big names like Rihanna on 'Love the Way You Lie' and Dr. Dre on 'Forgot About Dre' only cemented his spot further in the hip-hop scene. 

Throughout the 2000s, Eminem was unstoppable. Albums like 'The Marshall Mathers LP' in 2000 and 'The Eminem Show' in 2002 kept him at the top of the charts and still has fans raving today. His raw and fearless style, never shying away from controversy, made him a force within the rap game. Fast forwarding to December 2024, and Eminem is still going stronger than ever!

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OutKast, really shook up the hip-hop scene in the 2000s. Coming straight out of Atlanta, Georgia, this duo mixed Southern hip-hop with funk, soul, and even a bit of psychedelic rock. The result? A sound that was fresh and totally new! Albums like 'Stankonia' and 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' did not just show off their lyrical brilliance, but brought in a whole new musical game in ways nobody expected.

Tracks like 'Ms. Jackson' and 'Hey Ya!' were more than just chart-toppers. They broke through to the charts, bringing hip-hop to a whole new audience and leaving a lasting influence on tons of artists. Their unique style and fearless experimentation left a mark on the music world. They did not just play the game; they changed it.

Lil Wayne, has made such a huge splash in the hip-hop world, it is hard to ignore. His 'Da Drought' mixtapes were something else, something great! Wayne's knack for spinning clever rhymes and his smooth-as-butter delivery really set him apart from the rest. And then there were albums like 'Tha Carter II' and 'Tha Carter III'. Those were not just albums; they were game-changers. Songs like 'A Milli' and 'Lollipop' were everywhere, blasting from car radios and dominating the charts.

Wayne's influence was big. He was a big reason why mixtapes became such a big deal. They became this cool way for artists to connect with fans and build excitement before dropping an album. He was putting out music left and right—albums, mixtapes, you name it. 

J. Cole's music kicked off in the late 2000s, and boy, did he make a splash! With his deep storytelling and smooth beats, he quickly stood out from the crowd. Right from his first album, 'Cole World: The Sideline Story', that dropped in 2011, he was set up for the big leagues! Then came his hit tracks like 'Work Out' and 'Can't Get Enough' that got people talking. 

As time went, J. Cole did not stop, he kept his fans hooked with albums like '2014 Forest Hills Drive' and '4 Your Eyez Only.' These albums really nailed down his rep as a major voice in rap. They showed how much he had grown as an artist, mixing personal stories with big-picture social issues. Fans and critics could not get enough, as he racked up awards and a loyal fanbase.

Nas burst into the hip-hop scene back in the early '90s. His first album, 'Illmatic', dropped in 1994 and quickly became a classic. People still talk about it as gold in rap lyrics and storytelling. Throughout the 2000s, Nas kept fans hooked with his deep lyrics and that smooth flow of his. Albums like 'Stillmatic' in 2001 and 'God's Son' in 2002 got fans buzzing.

You cannot miss out on his 'The Lost Tapes' from 2002, a compilation that gave a peek into his creative mind. It had some unreleased tracks that got everyone in the rap world abuzz. Nas has this amazing mix of street smarts and depth that has won him fans all over the world. 

Ice Cube, has been a rock in the music world for what feels like forever. He burst out of the gritty streets of Los Angeles and kicked off his solo journey with the 1990 album 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted'. This was not just any debut—it was a bold statement, packed with razor-sharp lyrics and fearless takes on social issues. 

Rolling through the 2000s, Ice Cube kept his groove going with albums like 'War & Peace Vol. 1 (The War Disc)' and 'War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)'. These were not just any records,he mixed hard-hitting jams with soul-searching tracks that dug deep into personal and societal stuff. His knack for bouncing between fiery anthems and thoughtful tales has kept him on the charts, inspiring artists and fans alike.

Dr. Dre, a name that echoes through hip-hop history. When Dre dropped 'The Chronic' in 1992, it showed off his skill for production and brought us the G-funk sound—a mix of funk, soul, and hip-hop that became a signature of the West Coast scene. Jumping to the 2000s, when Dre released '2001', an album that only added to his legend tale.

In 2024, Dre is still shaking things up in the music world. He produced Snoop Dogg's album 'Missionary', their first full-length team-up since Snoop's debut with 'Doggystyle' in '93. The album featured artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Jhené Aiko, proving once again that Dre's a master at mentoring and collaborating. Dr. Dre's journey from N.W.A. member to solo artist and producer, then mentor, shows just how much he has shaped hip-hop. It has been quite a ride for Dr. Dre!

Who has not heard of Snoop Dogg, a true hip-hop legend who has been a household name since the early '90s. His laid-back chill vibes set him apart in the rap scene. By the time the 2000s hit, Snoop Dogg was already a name everyone knew. He had this knack for mixing styles—whether it was G-funk, gangsta rap, or even reggae—that kept him right at the top of the hip-hop game. 

As the decade rolled on, Snoop kept cranking out successful albums and singles, proving he had staying power in the music business. In 2024, Snoop Dogg released his 20th studio album, 'Missionary', featuring collabs with artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Jhené Aiko. And to be honest, who else can say that they have been around that long and still keep it as fresh as Snoop Dogg?

Curtis Jackson, who fans know as 50 Cent, did not have an easy start in life. Growing up in the streets of South Jamaica, Queens, he faced more than his fair share of challenges. Looking back at 2002, when after surviving 50 Cent dropped 'Guess Who's Back?'. This mixtape gave him his big break in hip-hop, it got the attention of big names like Eminem and Dr. Dre, who decided to sign him. Then he came rolling in hot in 2003, with the release of 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The album was a monster hit, with tracks like 'In Da Club' and '21 Questions' topping the charts!

50 Cent was not just about the music. He also dipped his toes into acting with the movie Get Rich or Die Tryin and later became a TV star with the popular series Power. Even with all his side hustles, you cannot deny 50 Cent's mark on hip-hop and pop culture. His story is definitely one for the books, and he continues to make it so, as he continues to tease with the Diddy documentary on Netflix.

André 3000 is, without a doubt, a hip-pop force. Over the years, he has kept fans following him with his eclectic mix of Southern hip-hop, funk, soul, and rock. He has carved out a space for himself in the hip-hop field beyond OutKast, that really shows off his talents as a rapper, singer, and producer. His solo albums, 'The Love Below' (2003) and 'Hey Ya!' (2003), are often named as masterpieces in modern hip-hop and alternative R&B.

 His 'Hey Ya!' is a standout piece. It still remains a pop-rock sensation with its iconic single of the same name, which was so catchy it was stuck in fans' heads for weeks. From in clubs, to radios who has not danced to that tune? As the debate goes on about who truly deserves to be part of the best artists of the decade, one thing is clear, these artists have left a mark and are here to stay. 

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Who do you think should have made the top 10? Was Ye overlooked, or is the list spot-on? Let us know in the comments below!