Western Hip-Hop Popularity Rankings [2026]

Mama Said Knock You OutLL Cool J29rank/position

LL COOL J – Mama Said Knock You Out (Official Music Video)

LL Cool J, a rapper who has also achieved remarkable success as an actor.

When it comes to his signature tracks, “Mama Said Knock You Out” is the first that comes to mind.

The year it was released, 1991, was a time when the genre of gangsta rap emerged and began gaining popularity.

This song delivers a scathing diss to that scene.

Another essential element when discussing this track is its incredibly cool music video.

It’s said to pay homage to a famous boxing movie, and the result is just plain cool.

First, see it for yourself!

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HIGHEST IN THE ROOMTravis Scott30rank/position

Travis Scott – HIGHEST IN THE ROOM (Official Music Video)

Travis Scott, a rapper at the forefront of the modern hip-hop scene.

He’s hugely popular among heads, right? One of his hallmarks is his strikingly delicate lyrics.

Of course, his lyricism is a major draw, but his melodic rap style using Auto-Tune is also one of his appeals, and he has produced a string of hit songs featuring Auto-Tune.

Among them, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” became a global hit, with its delicate lyrics and melodic rap creating a superb contrast.

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Lollipop ft. StaticLil Wayne31rank/position

Lil Wayne – Lollipop (Official Music Video) ft. Static

Lil Wayne is one of the rappers who helped popularize trap music.

In the early days of his career, many heads couldn’t get into his syrupy flow, but over time that style gained mainstream acceptance, and today he’s regarded as an indispensable figure when talking about trap music.

His classic track “Lollipop ft.

Static” can be seen as an anthem that commemorates the late Static Major.

While it might come across as somewhat laid-back, the vibes run hot—highly recommended for those who want to savor a head-nodding groove that you can really sink into.

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Mask OffFUTURE32rank/position

Future – Mask Off (Official Music Video)

A song that portrays the rawness of street life and the shadow of success has been generating buzz.

As a signature track of Future’s career, it has left a deep impression on listeners.

Its distinctive melodic line blends with a powerful beat, resulting in an unforgettable track.

Released in February 2017, it peaked at No.

5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No.

2 in France, achieving global success.

It has also been featured in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, making it widely recognized.

Highly recommended for those who want to feel the realities of the streets and the conflicts that come with success.

Lucid DreamsJuice WRLD33rank/position

Juice WRLD – Lucid Dreams (Official Music Video)

Juice WRLD’s debut single, which portrayed the pain of heartbreak with addictive melodies and lyrics and built a fervent fan base, even though he passed away at a young age.

The raw, honest words about being haunted by memories of an ex struck a chord with many listeners, becoming a massive hit that peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Released in May 2018, the track was also included on that year’s album Goodbye & Good Riddance.

It candidly depicts self-destructive behavior as a way to escape pain, leaving a strong impression as if speaking on behalf of young people’s emotions.

Its style, somewhere between singing and rapping, makes it an easy recommendation for newcomers to hip-hop.

This Is AmericaChildish Gambino34rank/position

Childish Gambino – This Is America (Official Video)

Childish Gambino has produced numerous hit songs.

Among them, This Is America is one of his most popular tracks and is widely supported by many Americans.

The uniquely distinctive lyrics reflect his multifaceted talents as a screenwriter and comedian.

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Gin And JuiceSnoop Dogg35rank/position

Snoop Dogg – Gin And Juice

This work is known as a landmark of West Coast hip-hop.

Snoop Dogg’s laid-back flow perfectly matches the groovy beats produced by Dr.

Dre.

Released in January 1994, it reached No.

8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy in 1995.

The lyrics, depicting everyday life in Long Beach, epitomize 1990s hip-hop culture.

It’s an ideal track for outdoor scenes like summer drives or BBQs, and highly recommended for anyone wanting to savor the West Coast vibe.