The Big Apple and the Bigger Beats: Rappers Who Rule NYC
New York City. The city that never sleeps. A concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and apparently, where rappers are born (or at least move to chase those dreams). Forget pigeons and hot dog stands, the real iconic sights of NYC are these rhyme-slinging residents.
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| What Rappers Live In New York City |
They Came, They Saw, They Dropped Fire Mixtapes
New York City has been a breeding ground for hip-hop since the sugarhill days. From the old-school legends like Jay-Z (who probably owns a street or two by now) to the new school firebrands like Cardi B (whose vocabulary would make a sailor blush), the city's energy just pumps out talent.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
East Coast vs. West Coast? Nah, in NYC it's more like Uptown Throwdown vs. Brooklyn Breakdown. A Boogie wit da Hoodie might be chilling in the Bronx dropping beats about the struggle, while Nicki Minaj is over in Queens ordering a whole new wardrobe after a single hit.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
But Do They Really Live There Though?
Look, some rappers might just be name-dropping boroughs to sound legit. We're onto you, Vanilla Ice (seriously, what were you thinking?). But for the true NYC crew, the city seeps into their music. You can hear the subway screech in a Busta Rhymes verse, smell the dollar slice in a Fetty Wap track, and feel the bodega hustle in an A$AP Rocky song. These rappers are New York through and through.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Okay, Okay, I Get It. Name Some Names Already!
Alright, alright,Jeez. Here's a quick fire round of some of the hottest rappers keeping NYC on the map:
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
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- The veterans: Nas, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim (basically rap royalty)
- The hitmakers: Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole (get ready for your playlist to be on fire)
- The underground kings: Joey Badass, Princess Nokia, A$AP Ferg (independent and innovative)
- The Brooklyn all-stars: Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Biggie Smalls (RIP, but Brooklyn legend status forever)
There are literally hundreds more, from drill rappers like Sheff G to smooth talkers like Fabolous. This list could go on longer than a Jay-Z diss track.
How to Spot a Real NYC Rapper in the Wild (Not Literally)
- They can dodge a pigeon like Neo dodges bullets.
- They can order a bacon, egg, and cheese with one eye closed (and probably a witty quip for the bodega cat).
- They can explain the difference between a bodega and a deli and why it matters (it does).
How to Rap Like a New Yorker (Spoiler Alert: You Probably Can't)
- Talk fast, like you're always rushing to catch the last train.
- Confidence is key. Even if you're rapping about your goldfish, act like you're Jay-Z headlining Madison Square Garden.
- Slang is your friend. "Y'all" is weak sauce, gotta go with "ya'll" or "we."
How to Make it as a Rapper in NYC (Besides Being Ridiculously Talented)
- Hustle. Network. Grind. This city don't give free rides (except maybe on the Staten Island Ferry).
- Find your crew. Collaboration is key, unless you're going full-on Kanye solo act.
- Be ready for anything. A rap battle on the subway platform? Gotta drop bars on the spot.
How to Avoid Getting Schooled in a Rap Battle by a New York City Local
- Just...don't. Seriously, these guys were practically born with a mic in their hand.
- If you must, have a killer beat and some witty insults ready.
- Maybe just compliment their sneakers and hope they take it easy on you.
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