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Arts & Culture

Philadelphia’s Top In Hip-Hop & Rap

November 21, 2010 9:57 PM

(credit: blogs.pitch.com)

Hip-hop music has always resonated loud in the streets of Philadelphia, and the city’s artists are truly some of the purist lyricists in the game, gaining critical success, acclaim and even multiple Grammy awards. Check out our list of the best hip-hop artists in Philadelphia.

(credit: nahright.com)

Freeway

Over the last decade, Freeway and Philadelphia have almost become synonymous. Since bursting onto the national stage in the early 2000′s, Freeway’s high pitched raspy voice, his once-close association to hip-hop Mogul Jay-Z and his heartfelt, gritty rhymes have helped put him and Philly on the map.

(credit: realhiphopdaily.com)

Beanie Sigel

One of Philadelphia’s most well known hip-hop artists, Beanie Sigel, first gained national attention in 2000 with his hit album “The Truth,” which rose to number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart. Though he’s become more famous for his numerous beef’s throughout the world of hip-hop, it’s his powerful lyrics and insightful flow that’s helped him to sell more than two million albums worldwide.

(credit: theurbandaily.com)

Cassidy

This Philadelphia rapper has found a way to effectively transfer his gritty rhyming skills into a few solid albums and radio-friendly hits. Attributing much of his popularity to solid efforts from legendary hip-hop producer Swizz Beats, Cassidy manages to grab his drink and two-step his way onto the radio mainstream seemingly every summer.

(credit: xiongdudu.com)

Eve

Multiple Grammy Award winner Eve, known to some as The First Lady of the Ruff Ryders camp, could be considered one of the top female rappers of all-time. Boasting record sales of over 8 million worldwide and reppin’ Philly every step of the way, Eve has managed to transfer her illustrious music career onto the silver screen, appearing in over 15 major motion pictures.

(credit: blogs.pitch.com)

Black Thought

After continuously releasing hit albums with The Roots, the groups’ front man Black Thought is now recognized as one of the best Philly rappers of all time. It’s hard to imagine another rapper or group as versatile as The Roots and Black Thought, who are now prominently featured on the national stage as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Peter Marinari

I know these Best Of lists are hard to compile (having done a few myself), but this one skips out on the vibrant local hip hop scene in favor of big national acts! You can’t see any of these rappers out and about in Philly anymore, so what’s the point?