10 Rappers and Their Hip Hop Influences
At one point in hip-hop’s history, rappers were influenced by jazz, funk, soul and blues artists, as well as a slew of artists from other genres. The same holds true today, but now that hip-hop has been around for some time, rappers primarily list other rappers as their musical influences. Nas was influenced by Rakim, UGK was influenced by the Geto Boys, and Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest took turns influencing one another. Here’s a collection of some of today’s rappers and the rappers they have chosen to emulate.
Danny Brown – Wu-Tang Clan and E-40
Danny Brown is so distinct that it may be difficult to believe he could have drawn influence from anyone, but when you consider what Wu-Tang Clan and E-40 bring to the table skill-wise, it’s no surprise. Danny Brown’s gritty realism can be seen as the Detroit version of Wu-Tang’s New York rawness, while his bombastic delivery is pure Bay Area E-40, as well as his ear for production.
A$AP Rocky – Kid Cudi
One of A$AP Rocky’s greatest assets is the ability to consistently select outstanding production, a trait that he and Kid Cudi share. But that’s not the only thing that connects these two artists. Indeed, Cudi and Rocky are joined by the fact that they have no desire to be boxed into any particular genre, and instead prefer to hop around from one to another.
Kendrick Lamar – DMX and Eminem
DMX and Eminem’s influences on Kendrick Lamar are immediately apparent on a track like Kendrick’s “Swimming Pools,” where Kendrick employs an alter ego, which he identifies with a different voice and flow. These theatrics were the hallmarks of X and Em on tracks like “Damien” and “Guilty Conscience,” respectively. Additionally, the excellent technical abilities of both DMX and Em have clearly had an influence on K Dot as well.
Mac Miller – Big L and A Tribe Called Quest
Miller has repeatedly credited late Harlem rapper Big L’s Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous as a reason he became a rapper. Simply put, L’s exacting rhymes inspired Miller to rap. As for Tribe, there’s no question that the humor and soft vibes of the New York collective shaped the similarly lighthearted, fun sounds typically found in Miller’s music.
Action Bronson – Kool G Rap and Cam’Ron
Though Action Bronson is frequently compared to the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah for their vocal similarities, Bronson was actually influenced by two other New York heavyweights. Kool G Rap’s revolutionary brand of New York gangsta rap informed Bronson’s tough talk while Cam’ron’s ability to goof around and talk a good game rounded out Bronson’s skill set.
J. Cole – Nas
If there was any question as to whether Nas had an influence on J. Cole, it was answered when Cole penned an apology song entitled “Let Nas Down” when he heard Nas didn’t like one of his singles. It’s not a stretch to see Nas’s understated introspection and thoughtful lyricism in a J. Cole cut.
Childish Gambino – Andre 3000
Childish Gambino likes to go against the grain, and perhaps no other artist in hip-hop history has done so more than Andre 3000. Gambino and Three Stacks are actually both Atlanta natives, so it’s natural that Gambino would have grown up checking for the multiple stylings of Outkast’s more eclectic half. It’s undoubtedly part of the reason why Childish Gambino’s music is so multifaceted and unpredictable.
Joey Bada$$ – MF DOOM
Joey Bada$$ unapologetically emulates underground New York hip hop, and perhaps there is no better paragon of that era than MF DOOM. DOOM made his bones as an underground artist on Long Island with his unconventional grit, off-kilter lyricism, and distinctive production as his primary assets. If there’s anyone that Joey Bada$$ can look to as a prime influence, it’s DOOM.
Jay Rock – Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne’s influence on Top Dawg Entertainment rapper Jay Rock is more practical than stylistic. When Tech N9ne signed Jay Rock to his Strange Music label, Tech did so because the two shared a dedication to his live performances, among other things. In turn, Rock learned from Tech N9ne to approach his business in a “never slow down” fashion, whether that means extensively touring or signing thousands of pre-order CDs.
Pusha T – Big Daddy Kane
Pusha T is known for his raw rhymes, so perhaps Big Daddy Kane’s smoothness isn’t what comes to mind when considering Pusha’s major influences. However, the two rappers have one major trait in common: braggadocio. Without a doubt, Pusha T — along with hundreds of other rappers — took notes from Brooklyn’s BDK about how to properly pen the cockiest bars possible.
At one point in hip-hop’s history, rappers were influenced by jazz, funk, soul and blues artists, as well as a slew of artists from other genres. The same holds true today, but now that hip-hop has been around for some time, rappers primarily list other rappers as their musical influences. Nas was influenced by Rakim, UGK was influenced by the Geto Boys, and Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest took turns influencing one another. Here’s a collection of some of today’s rappers and the rappers they have chosen to emulate.