Life Of The Party: The 15 Best Club Rappers Of All-Time - Page 15

Thanks to a very strict cultural code, being a bona fide Hip-Hop star takes a great deal of skill in making the record creating business look easy.

You have to be accessible but not trendy. You have to edgy but not corny. Your music has to incorporate a pop sensibility while still having a decidedly Hip-Hop sound. All these rules combined with a bit of luck is a big reason why so many one-hit wonders have passed through the genre’s halls with no sign of things changing anytime soon.

Still, you’re always going to have your champions. The rappers who never cease to amaze when it comes to releasing bottle-popping anthems.

Artists such as Drake, 2 Chainz and Meek Mill are currently the new hotness but they have years of random single releases, unforgettable hook penmanship and #1 Billboard slots before they can enter in the hall of fame of Club Everywhere U.S.A.

We looked over the history books and came up with the 15 best club rappers of all-time judging not only their material and depth of catalog, but their raw talent and skill set as well.

Hit the gallery to see the list and feel free to add these songs to your weekend club hop playlist.

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Photo: Seth Browarnik & Chris Farina

15. Missy Elliott

Résumé Includes: “Work It,” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Hot Boy”

As a songwriter, Ms. Misdemeanor was the whisperer in many star’s ears while they scored big hits on the charts. As a solo artist, her club discog pretty much speaks for itself, as she always found the right pinch of R&B to mix in with her brand of Hip-Hop.

14. Diddy

Résumé Includes: “All About The Benjamins,” “Come To Me,” O Let’s Do It” (w/ Waka Flocka Flame)

The talk of New York and REVOLT TV never claimed nor tried to be the best rapper in the game. He just wanted to make you dance.

13. Flo Rida

Résumé Includes: “Low,” “Right Round,” “Turn Around (5,4,3,2,1)”

As far as rap street cred goes, Flo Rida gets next to none. Still, that never affected his cash flow as the Hangover movie franchised featured his cuts in the ending sequence off the first two films. That’s big product placement in case you didn’t know so.

12. 50 Cent

Résumé Includes: “In Da Club,” “Hands Up” (w/Lloyd Banks), “I Get Money”

The G-Unit General peaked much too early with “In Da Club” but he’s still maintained a sturdy presence in the DJ’s rotation over the years. He won’t even follow through on an album’s release unless it has a big single leading the charge.

11. 2Pac

Résumé Includes: “I Get Around,” “California Love,” “How Do U Want It”

Saying Tupac Shakur died too young is stating the obvious with no cool points attached but he definitely was shaping up to be a diversified Top 40 rapper at the time of his death. R.I.P.

10. T.I.

Résumé Includes: “Top Back,” “Rubberband Man,” “Big Things Poppin'”

Clifford Harris may be the most subdued rapper to ever consistently win on the club scene but his laid-back vocals have always commanded big numbers in terms of singles sold and hands waved in the air.

9. Ludacris

Résumé Includes: “Yeah” (w/ Usher), “Stand Up” “All I Do Is Win” (w/ DJ Khaled)

Although he definitely isn’t as animated as he once was (most likely from years of killing his throat from killing the clubs), Ludacris has built up a such a catalog that he could retire this day and still host hit-filled concerts.

8. Young Jeezy

Résumé Includes: “Lose My Mind,” “Superfreak,” “And Then What”

Everytime you think the Snowman’s ice is melting, he strikes back with a powerful club banger to put him right back in the mix. Dare we say he never should have to release another album again?

7. Rick Ross

Résumé Includes: “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” “Pop That” (w/ French Montana), “No Games”

The world’s most notorious Maybach promoter has a rare distinction of having records that dominant clubs but aren’t actually geared towards dancing. Boss life.

6. Jay Z

Résumé Includes: “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” “Fiesta (Remix)” (w/ R. Kelly), “Drunk In Love” (w/ Beyoncé)

The moment Irv Gotti introduced Shawn Carter to the bounce in 1998, it became his lifetime pass to the V.I.P. section. Whether he aimed for “grown and sexy” or just an instant jam, he’s been there to claim king.

5. T-Pain

Résumé Includes: “Blame It on the Alcohol” (w/ Jamie Foxx), “Good Life” (w/ Kanye West), “U And Dat” (w/ E-40)

As a rapper-turnt-sanga, Teddy Penderassdown has consistently been behind the soundtrack to plenty of drunken nights worldwide. And it will likely stay that way for a very long time thanks to records like “Up, Down (Do This All Day)” and “Booty Work.”

4. Kanye West

Résumé Includes: “Gold Digger,” “Stronger,” “N****s In Paris” (w/ Jay Z)

When you make your own beats, it gives you full control over the power you wield to eardrums. And Mr. West has learned how to utilize the talents of others along the way as well. His Black Europe song is still a favorite for best rap song of the current decade.

3. Snoop Dogg

Résumé Includes: “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?),” “I Wanna Rock”

Snoop’s entire first album was a party playlist and that was only the beginning for a hit-filled career with nearly every rapper imaginable. Hell, he’s even turnt up with Katy Perry and the Pussycat Dolls before.

1. Busta Rhymes

Résumé Includes: “Touch It,” New Song” “Get Low” (w/ Lil Jon)

The amount of authentic party remixes Busta has appeared on alone was enough to give him the crown for this list. The pedigree of rapping while inducing drink-spilling anthems was just an extra layer of icing for his winner’s cake.