Top Hip Hop Music Stars of 2020
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Looking for a little hip hop inspiration? Check out our list of the top hip hop music stars of 2020. From up-and-comers to established legends, these artists are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Cardi B
Cardi B is an American rapper, songwriter, television personality, and actress who is one of the most successful music stars of 2020. She has released two studio albums, both of which have topped the US Billboard 200 chart. She is also the first female rapper to achieve two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It”. In addition to her musical success, Cardi B has also appeared as a guest star on a number of television shows and films.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born Montero Lamar Hill, he came out with his first EP, titled 7, in 2019. The EP was a commercial success, peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Lil Nas X’s single “Old Town Road”, remixed with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, held the record for the longest run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 19 weeks. He has won two Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and nine BET Hip Hop Awards.
Lizzo
Lizzo is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan. After years of releasing music independently, she signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 and released her major label debut album, “Coconut Oil”, the following year. Lizzo’s music is a blend of R&B, soul and hip hop, and she is known for her positive messages about self-love and body positivity. She has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards, winning three for Best Urban Contemporary Album (“Coconut Oil”), Best Rap Performance (“Truth Hurts”) and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Truth Hurts”).
Post Malone
Post Malone is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He first gained major attention following the release of his debut single “White Iverson”, which peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. From there, he released his debut studio album Stoney in 2016, which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and was later certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second studio album, Beerbongs & Bentleys, was released in 2018 and debuted atop the Billboard 200, becoming Post Malone’s first US number-one album. It included the single “Rockstar”, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight non-consecutive weeks.
In 2020, Post Malone was ranked as one of the top hip hop music stars by Forbes Magazine.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell (born December 18, 2001), known professionally as Billie Eilish, is an American singer and songwriter. Signed to Interscope Records in 2016, she rose to prominence with the release of her single “Ocean Eyes”, followed by her debut EP Don’t Smile at Me (2017). Her debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019) debuted atop the US Billboard 200, and made her the youngest female artist to ever top the chart.
Eilish’s second studio album, Happier Than Ever, is scheduled to be released on July 30, 2021. She has received numerous accolades for her music, including ten Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards and one Guinness World Record.
Megan Thee Stallion
If you’re looking for a hot new hip hop artist to listen to in 2020, Megan Thee Stallion is a great choice. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Megan Thee Stallion is a rapper and songwriter who is taking the music industry by storm. She’s been compared to some of the greats, such as Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim, and her unique style is something that hip hop fans are really resonating with. With hits like “Hot Girl Summer” and “Cash Shit”, it’s clear that Megan Thee Stallion is here to stay.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny is a Hip Hop music star who was born on March 10, 1994. He is from Puerto Rico and his real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
He first gained popularity in 2016 when he released his debut album, “X 100pre”. His second album, “YHLQMDLG”, was released in 2020 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Bad Bunny is known for his unique style of music which blends Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Trap, and Latin sounds. He has collaborated with many top artists including Drake, Cardi B, J Balvin, and Ozuna.
Drake
Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the most popular and successful hip hop artists of all time. He has released eight studio albums, two of which have been certified diamond in the US. His latest album, Scorpion, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and broke several streaming records. Drake has also won four Grammy Awards and three Juno Awards.
Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Juice WRLD began his musical career in high school, making DIY mixtapes in his bedroom. In 2015 he signed with Lil Bibby’s Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. His first EP and two mixtapes followed in quick succession with the release of his debut album Goodbye & Good Riddance in May 2018.
In 2019, Juice WRLD released Death Race for Love, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. He also collaborated with Young Thug on the single “Goosebumps”, which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Juice Wrld’s final studio album, Legends Never Die was posthumously released on July 10, 2020 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
On December 8th, 2019, Juice Wrld suffered a seizure at Chicago’s Midway International Airport after landing from a private jet flight. He was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 3:14 a.m. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed that he had died of an accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine.
Young Thug
Young Thug is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He is known for his unique style of rapping, which often features him singing or “slurring” his words. He first gained attention with his appearances on the mixtapes of fellow Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane, and later released his own mixtapes, I Came From Nothing (2011) and I’m Up (2012). Young Thug’s commercial debut single “Stoner” was released in 2013. His debut album, So Much Fun, was released in 2019 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Young Thug has also collaborated with several other top hip hop artists, including Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, Travis Scott, and Machine Gun Kelly.