Ep 22. Influential Hip Hop Artists

The Top Ten Revealed, season 3 episode 22, titled "Influential Hip Hop Artists" is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The episode takes a deep dive into the most influential hip hop artists of all time, as voted on by a panel of experts and industry insiders. From the early pioneers who laid the foundation for the genre to the current icons who are changing the game today, this episode covers it all.

Host Katie Daryl guides viewers through the list, starting with number ten and working up to the top spot. Along the way, we hear from music journalists and hip hop historians who provide insight into the impact each artist has had on the genre and why they deserve a place on the list.

The episode opens with a brief history of hip hop and its origins in the Bronx in the late 1970s. From there, we jump into the countdown, starting with number ten: Public Enemy. The group's politically charged lyrics and aggressive sound made them a force to be reckoned with in the late 80s and early 90s, and they continue to be a touchstone for socially conscious hip hop artists today.

Moving up the list, we come to artists like Wu-Tang Clan, whose raw, gritty sound and complex lyrics influenced a generation of hip hop artists in the 90s. We also hear about Grandmaster Flash, whose pioneering work as a DJ helped to shape the sound of early hip hop and laid the groundwork for the genre's growth.

Other artists who make the cut include N.W.A., who challenged societal norms with their unapologetically raw lyrics and in-your-face attitude, and Run-DMC, whose blend of rock and hip hop helped to push the genre into mainstream consciousness.

Throughout the episode, we also hear about the contributions of individual artists, like Tupac Shakur, whose legacy lives on today despite his tragic death in 1996, and Jay-Z, whose business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a titan in the industry.

At the top of the list is an artist whose influence on hip hop is undeniable: The Notorious B.I.G. Known for his effortless flow and vivid storytelling, Biggie Smalls rose to the top of the game in the mid-90s, only to be cut down by violence at the height of his career. But his impact on the genre continues to be felt today, and his name is synonymous with the golden age of hip hop.

The Top Ten Revealed, season 3 episode 22, "Influential Hip Hop Artists" is a fascinating look at the genre's past, present, and future. Whether you're a diehard hip hop fan or just curious about the history of the genre, this episode is a must-watch.