Idris Elba, known widely as an accomplished actor and multifaceted artist, recently disclosed his picks for the greatest rappers ever. Drawing on over two decades immersed in the music industry, Elba highlighted five legendary figures who shaped hip-hop’s history and evolution. His selections reflect a deep respect for both pioneers and contemporary trailblazers, underscoring why the actor also raps as DJ Big Driis and has collaborated with iconic artists like Jay-Z and Pharoah Monch.
Biggie Smalls: The Unmatched Legacy of The Notorious B.I.G.
Elba’s list begins with Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., whose impact on rap remains unparalleled decades after his death. Despite his life being cut short at 24 in 1997, Biggie earned numerous awards and transformed the genre with his storytelling and flow. His posthumous double album, Life After Death, gained worldwide recognition, achieving diamond status in the United States and solidifying his enduring influence.
Jay-Z’s Rise from Roc-A-Fella to Rap Royalty
Next on the list is Jay-Z, often referred to as HOV, who founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 to launch his early career. Since then, he has released 11 albums, sold over 140 million records globally, and became the first living rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jay-Z’s business acumen and musical innovation have placed him at the forefront of rap, setting standards in commercial success and cultural impact.
J. Cole: The Platinum Producer and Chart-Topping Rapper
Elba included J. Cole as the third greatest rapper, noting his historic role as the inaugural artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. J. Cole has consistently topped the Billboard 200 with every album and achieved platinum status for each release. Beyond performing, he is known for his production work with leading musicians such as Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson, influencing modern hip-hop’s sound and direction.
Nas: The Lyricist Who Defined East Coast Hip-Hop
Fourth on the list is Nas, the East Coast rap legend celebrated for his critically acclaimed 1990s albums like Illmatic and It Was Written. With a career spanning over thirty years and ten gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, Nas is often hailed as one of the most skilled lyricists in rap. He also co-founded a record label that helped launch influential acts including Run the Jewels and Swizz Beatz, further extending his impact on the genre.
Rakim: The Influential Pioneer Who Changed MC Flow Forever
Finally, Elba named Rakim, one of hip-hop’s founding figures whose groundbreaking 1987 album Paid in Full with Eric B revolutionized rap lyricism. Starting his career at just 19 years old, Rakim’s complex and innovative delivery reshaped how MCs approached their craft. His roots in New York and pioneering style have inspired countless rappers and solidified his place as one of the genre’s most important architects.
Idris Elba’s Upcoming Projects and Broader Cultural Role
In addition to his musical insights, Idris Elba is set to appear as Man-At-Arms in the new Masters of the Universe reboot and will lend his voice to the character Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Beyond entertainment, Elba remains active in other fields, including motorsports through his Formula E team, Kiro Race Co, and social activism as an ambassador helping to reduce knife crime in the UK.
Elba’s seasoned perspective as an artist and cultural figure lends weight to his picks for the greatest rappers. His appreciation of artists who have shaped and continue to influence hip-hop adds valuable context to discussions around the genre’s evolution. As Elba balances acting, music, and advocacy, his continued engagement with hip-hop culture highlights its enduring importance and influence worldwide.
“As if one season of the brilliant Apple TV series Hijack wasn’t enough, with Elba getting stuck on a passenger plane being piloted by gun-toting psychos doing even worse things to the airline industry than Michael O’Leary has.” ?Anonymous
“After all, he is the man who, aside from being an A-list actor with six Golden Globe nominations under his belt for shows like Luther, has also taken on intensive kickboxing training, resulting in a pro fight, which he won, back in 2016.” ?Anonymous
“He’s been a rapper, a singer, and he performs under the name DJ Big Driis, appearing on albums as notable as Jay-Z’s American Gangster and Pharoah Monch’s W.A.R in 2011.” ?Anonymous
