5 Hip-Hop Icons Who Deserve Their Flowers

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Busta Rhymes has been an electrifying force in Hip-Hop since before many of today’s rappers were born. Last month, the Brooklyn bred emcee took home the 2023 BET Awards biggest honor as this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient.

Some of music’s greatest talents, including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Diddy paid homage to the 12-time Grammy Award nominated rapper in a heartwarming video. Fans took to Twitter to share their favorite Busta Rhymes moments while reiterating that a Lifetime Achievement Award was overdue for the “mayor of Hip Hop.”

Busta’s award sparked an even bigger conversation about other icons whose contributions in Hip-Hop have seemingly gone unnoticed. Check out our list of Hip-Hop legends who deserve their flowers while they can smell them. 

Ludacris

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Before rappers like Big Sean and DaBaby captivated fans with their animated delivery, wild punchlines and humorous videos, Ludacris had the game on lock. His major label debut album Back for the First Time, spawned several hit records that many fans deem to be instant classics — including the Neptunes- produced track “What’s Your Fantasy.”

While Atlanta was still finding their identity in Hip-Hop, Luda continued cranking out chart topping records and big budget music videos throughout the 2000s. But after years of hard work and a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2007 for Release Therapy, he started to feel that his contributions to Hip-Hop weren’t being acknowledged. In May 2023, Luda appeared on the All The Smoke podcast and revealed that Jay-Z credited his outlandish videos as the reason why Luda doesn’t receive the lyrical credit he deserves. “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you think [you] get the credit?’ Because I played too goddamn much…And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Luda said.

Nelly

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As the East and West Coast battled for the Hip-Hop crown in the early 2000s, Nelly hit the scene like a nuclear bomb —hypnotizing the world with his “Country Grammar.” He made history in 2008 when his debut album became only the eighth Hip-Hop album in history to ever be certified diamond.

In 2009, Nelly was ranked No. 3 Top Artist of the Decade. He even received a nod from Jay-Z when the Brooklyn rapper held the crown as the hottest rapper in the game. “Only dudes moving units — Em, Pimp Juice and us.” Nelly’s ability to blend Hip-Hop and Country music has contributed to his longevity in the game. He deserves his flowers “Andele, andele!”

Eve

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You can’t discuss women in Hip-Hop without mentioning E-V-E. The self-proclaimed pitbull in skirt entered the game when New York femcees were the face of female rap. The Philly bred rapper made a name for herself as the First Lady of Ruff Ryders, and the rest was Hip-Hop history. In 2002, Eve became the first winner of the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” with Gwen Stefani.

The rapper turned actress even had her very own sitcom, which aired on UPN for three seasons. In 2006, she made history as the first female rapper to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These days, Eve has taken her talents to daytime talk television, while tending to her duties as a wife and mom. With over two decades in the game, it’s safe to say the “Love Is Blind” rapper has cemented her place in the rap game.

Ja Rule

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Drake once credited himself as the “first person to rap and sing successfully.” But Hip-Hop heads know that before it was popular for a rapper to flex their vocals on a track, Ja Rule was in a league of his own. You couldn’t turn on the radio in the early 2000s without hearing a song by the Queens rapper. Many credit Ja as one of the trailblazers of Hip-Hop’s conversion to Pop music. Over 20 years in the game and the Murder Inc flagship artists’ records are still at the top of any 2000s party playlist.

Missy Elliott

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Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott has left her print in every genre from Hip-Hop and R&B to pop and gospel. The Virginia bred legend not only made waves in front of the camera — her work as a producer and songwriter lands her on the Mount Rushmore of the best artists in music history. Missy’s influence in both Hip-Hop and R&B is still widely prominent in today’s music.

Her unique personal style and eclectic visuals have paved the way for artists of all genres and genders to confidently express themselves in their work. In 2023, Missy became the first female rapper to be voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The accolade still doesn’t hold a candle to flowers Misdemeanor truly deserves.