Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]

Big PoppaThe Notorious B.I.G.11rank/position

The Notorious B.I.G. – Big Poppa (Official Music Video)

The Notorious B.I.G.

is a legendary rapper who is indispensable when talking about East Coast hip-hop.

He’s known for having escalated a feud with Tupac Shakur—once a close friend—and became a central figure in the East Coast–West Coast rivalry.

His style embodies the East Coast’s signature, stylish flow.

“Big Poppa” is a track where you can savor that style in its entirety.

It’s not necessarily a flashy song, but from the rhymes to the production to the flow, everything is effortlessly cool—undeniably a smooth, head-nodding piece of hip-hop.

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Ryo

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INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow12rank/position

Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – INDUSTRY BABY (Official Video)

A bold new work that fuses trap and pop-rap has arrived, marked by powerful brass sounds and an impactful beat.

In July 2021, American artists Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow collaborated on this track, which hit No.

1 on streaming charts in countries around the world and topped the U.S.

Billboard charts.

The lyrics push back against criticism and prejudice in the music industry, showcasing the duo’s unwavering confidence.

Kanye West also participated in the production, elevating the song’s polish with outstanding sound design.

This track is perfect for firing yourself up before a sports game or during training—a song that stirs the spirit when you need motivation.

N.Y. State of MindNas13rank/position

Nas – N.Y. State of Mind (Official Audio)

Among the tracks selected for the Hip-Hop Top 100 is “N.Y.

State of Mind.” This is a song released by Nas in 1992, and it showcases his skills.

However, rather than doing so in a straightforward way, it’s delivered in a narrative style, using the state of New York as an example.

Its abundant use of figurative expressions sparks the listener’s imagination—that’s part of its appeal.

I should also add that the lyrics of this song are frequently quoted in contemporary Japanese hip-hop.

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yamamoto

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The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre14rank/position

Dr. Dre – The Next Episode (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg

The collaboration between Dr.

Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt is the 2000 release “The Next Episode.” This track is crafted as an expression of their shared passion for music.

By the way, some of you might be curious about the catchy title.

In fact, this song is positioned as a sequel to the 1993 release “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.” Be sure to listen to them back-to-back.

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yamamoto

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Break Ya NeckBusta Rhymes15rank/position

Busta Rhymes – Break Ya Neck (Official Video)

One interesting point is how flows differ from rapper to rapper.

So let me also introduce a track that shocked the scene with its flow: “Break Ya Neck.” This song was created by Busta Rhymes, who has also won a Grammy.

It’s also known for being produced by Dr.

Dre.

You’ll surely be surprised by the roaring vocal delivery and a flow that conveys both stillness and motion.

And be sure to pay attention to the ultra-fast rhymes as well.

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yamamoto

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