10 best live hip-hop performers

Hip-hop has always been known for its live performances, which can either be hit or miss. On the one hand, some artists rap over their songs with the vocal track playing underneath them while 20 of their closest friends join them on stage, giving a bland and underdeveloped performance. On the other hand, some great hip-hop acts have set the bar high during their formative years, such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the Cold Crush Brothers, the Funky Four + One, and Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force, who were all well-oiled machines that could rock a crowd until the early hours of the morning.

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Hip-hop concerts have now become massive events, with artists bringing loud and intense stage presence to arenas around the world. Here are the top 10 best live hip-hop performers of all time:

Kendrick Lamar

Lamar’s “The Big Steppers” Tour became the highest-grossing rap tour in music history, solidifying his position as one of the best live hip-hop performers. His live shows are always high-energy, emotional, and thought-provoking, and his mastery of the stage is unparalleled.

Run DMC: This trio from Hollis, Queens, brought the loud, intense stage presence from the New York clubs to big arenas by the mid-1980s. Adorning their Black fedoras, gold rope chains, and Adidas with no shoelaces, Run DMC and Jam Master Jay incorporated rock ‘n’ roll theatrics like lasers and massive stages to a wider audience.

Public Enemy

Public Enemy was less party music and more Black Panther Party music, and their live shows were unlike anything seen before. Chuck D spitting his socially conscious rhymes, with Flavor Flav hyping him up with his trademark clock around his neck, proved to be the perfect yin and yang. Add S1W’s marching routines and Terminator X rocking the turntables, and Public Enemy gave the crowd a show they would never forget.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is one of the best rappers of her generation and one of the most versatile Black artists we’ve seen. She can spit in a cypher with the best of them, then turn in Oscar-nominated film acting gigs. As far as her performance skills go, she’s equally dynamic. She will go from delivering her hip-hop classics like “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.” to singing selections from the American Songbook backed by a full orchestra.

Doug E. Fresh

If you think of all the great performers in hip-hop from the 1980s, odds are Doug E. Fresh schooled them. He lives up to his moniker as rap’s “Best Entertainer,” not just because of his performance prowess but because he aided in the stage shows of countless hip-hop acts, like Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, and members of Bad Boy Records. His endless youthful energy and enthusiasm on stage bring the crowd to its feet, and his peerless beatboxing keeps them there.

Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is arguably the greatest hip-hop artist ever, checking every box from rapping, singing, writing, producing, and dancing. She brings all her attributes to the stage, including the progressive visuals from her music videos. Her performances bring her videos’ futuristic elements and surprises to a live audience, setting her apart from nearly all other live shows by female rap acts.

Busta Rhymes: Busta Rhymes probably takes pride in his live show more than any other aspect of his career. He brings his uncanny animated character to the stage at every show. From “The Arsenio Hall Show”.

Kanye West

Say what you will about Kanye West, but there’s no denying that he’s one of the most captivating performers in hip-hop. From the “Touch The Sky” video-inspired stage setup of his “Glow in the Dark” tour to the floating mountain he used for his “Saint Pablo” tour, Kanye is always pushing the boundaries of what a hip-hop show can be. His shows are a mix of theatricality, energy, and showmanship that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Outkast

Outkast’s Andre 3000 and Big Boi are two of the most versatile rappers in the game. They can go from spitfire rhymes to crooning melodies seamlessly. Their live shows are just as versatile, incorporating elements of rock, funk, soul, and even marching band music into their sets. With intricate choreography and elaborate stage setups, Outkast shows are an unforgettable experience that showcase the duo’s range as performers.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z is not only one of the greatest rappers of all time, but he’s also one of the most charismatic performers in hip-hop. With a catalog of hits spanning three decades, Jay-Z knows how to get a crowd going. His shows are filled with energy and emotion, and he’s not afraid to experiment with his stage setup and visuals. From his “Watch The Throne” tour with Kanye West to his “4:44” tour, Jay-Z’s shows are always a must-see event.

Prince

Yes, Prince is not a hip-hop artist, but his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. Prince’s funk-infused, boundary-pushing music paved the way for hip-hop acts to come. And his live shows were legendary. From his Purple Rain tour to his Super Bowl halftime show, Prince was a master performer who could rock any crowd. His shows were a mix of rock, funk, soul, and pop, and his incredible guitar skills and showmanship were unmatched. Prince was not just a performer, he was a true artist, and his influence can be seen in every corner of music today.

In conclusion, these ten artists are not only some of the best live performers in hip-hop, but they are also some of the most influential artists of all time. From Run DMC’s pioneering stadium shows to Prince’s unparalleled artistry, these artists have set the standard for what a great live hip-hop show should be.