The Best Hip Hop Trios Of All-Time, Ranked
Three's not a crowd for these hip hop groups featuring three members. While these artists have changed their lineups over the years, these famous rap groups are best known for being trios at some point in their career. From hip hop legends, like Run-DMC and Salt-N-Pepa, to the new and recent trios, like Migos and Flatbush Zombies, here are the most popular trios in hip hop music history.
Vote up the best 3-piece hip hop bands, and don't forget to check out their latest music!
Pioneers of alternative hip-hop, this influential group effortlessly blended jazz-infused beats with socially conscious lyrics, paving the way for a new wave of artists in the 90s. Known for their unique sound and unparalleled chemistry, each member brought distinct talents to the table, resulting in a harmonious fusion of thought-provoking rhymes and innovative production techniques. Their lasting impact on popular culture is undeniable, as they've inspired countless musicians across various genres while consistently maintaining their status as one of the most respected groups in hip-hop history.
Combining soulful melodies with razor-sharp lyricism, this eclectic trio showcased a rare ability to tackle complex social issues through captivating storytelling and infectious hooks. Each member contributed their own distinct style to create a seamless blend of hip-hop, reggae, and R&B influences that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their immense popularity in pop culture can be attributed not only to their musical prowess but also to their unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.
Revolutionizing rap music with their groundbreaking fusion of rock and hip-hop elements, these trailblazers transformed the genre by incorporating hard-hitting beats and electric guitar riffs into their sound. Their unmatched energy and lyrical prowess captured the essence of urban culture, propelling them to superstardom and solidifying their place in music history. By skillfully leveraging each member's unique abilities, they created a dynamic force that transcended boundaries and established a blueprint for future generations of hip-hop artists.
Incorporating punk rock influences into their eclectic sound, this innovative trio broke barriers by becoming one of the first successful white rap acts in a predominantly Black genre. Known for their humorous lyrics, infectious energy, and unparalleled creativity both musically and visually, they consistently pushed boundaries while remaining true to their roots. Despite facing early skepticism about their legitimacy within the hip-hop community, they've cemented their status as trailblazers who made invaluable contributions to the genre's evolution.
Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, this groundbreaking collective pioneered a new subgenre known as "crunk" by blending aggressive beats with ominous lyrics centered around themes of violence and hedonism. Their undeniable impact on Southern rap culture is evident in their extensive discography and lasting influence on modern trap music artists. With each member contributing their own unique talents to the group's overall sound, they've managed to leave an indelible mark on hip-hop history.
Pioneers of Southern hip-hop, this Houston-based group fearlessly addressed controversial topics such as violence, mental health, and socio-political issues in their music. Fusing gritty storytelling with dark humor and raw emotion, they created a distinct sound that resonated with fans across the globe. As one of the first groups to put the South on the map in the hip-hop world, their influence can still be felt today through countless artists who continue to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
Known for their catchy hooks and party anthems, this New Jersey-based group made waves in the 90s with their unique blend of streetwise lyricism and feel-good vibes. Their ability to appeal to both mainstream audiences and die-hard hip-hop fans can be attributed to their seamless fusion of pop sensibilities with authentic rap elements. By skillfully leveraging each member's strengths, they've managed to create a timeless sound that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Renowned for their innovative approach to sampling and quirky lyricism, this iconic group made waves by challenging conventional norms within the world of hip-hop during the late 80s and early 90s. Pushing creative boundaries by incorporating elements from funk, jazz, and psychedelic rock into their sound, they crafted a unique style that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase throughout the years. Their seamless chemistry and collaborative spirit have allowed them to remain relevant and influential, even as the landscape of hip-hop continues to evolve.
Hailing from Yonkers, New York, this gritty trio gained notoriety for their razor-sharp lyricism and unapologetic storytelling about life on the streets. Each member contributed their own unique style to create a cohesive sound that resonated with fans throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Despite undergoing various label changes and internal conflicts over the years, their unwavering commitment to authenticity has allowed them to maintain a loyal fanbase and remain relevant within the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.
Formed by three legendary West Coast rappers, this supergroup emerged as a powerful force in 90s gangsta rap with their unapologetic lyrics and hard-hitting beats. Their raw energy and captivating storytelling about life in Los Angeles captivated fans across the globe, solidifying their status as icons within the genre. Despite disbanding after only two albums, their lasting impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable, as they've inspired countless artists who continue to carry on their legacy.
- 11
Founded by one of hip-hop's most successful entrepreneurs, this East Coast collective quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their gritty street anthems and aggressive lyricism. Each member brought a unique element to the group, resulting in a dynamic chemistry that captivated fans and solidified their place in rap history. Their undeniable influence can be felt not only through their extensive catalog of hits but also through the various solo careers they've launched and nurtured within the industry.
Blending Latin-infused beats with hard-hitting rhymes about street life and social activism, this West Coast group emerged as a powerful force in 90s hip-hop. Their unique fusion of diverse musical elements and thought-provoking lyrics garnered them a loyal fanbase, while their advocacy for cannabis culture made them icons in the counterculture movement. By utilizing each member's distinct talents and backgrounds, they've managed to create a lasting impact on both hip-hop and popular culture as a whole.
- 13
Revolutionizing modern trap music with their infectious ad-libs and innovative flow patterns, this Atlanta-based trio has quickly become one of the most influential acts in contemporary hip-hop. Their undeniable chemistry and distinct individual talents have resulted in a string of chart-topping hits that have garnered them widespread acclaim and commercial success. As pioneers of the "dab" dance craze and popularizers of the triplet flow, their impact on popular culture is impossible to ignore.
As pioneers of conscious rap, this influential group used their platform to address pressing social issues such as racism, poverty, and police brutality in the 80s and early 90s. Their powerful messages were delivered through hard-hitting beats and masterful lyricism that showcased each member's distinct talents, earning them critical acclaim and respect within the hip-hop community. Today, their legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to use music as a vehicle for change and activism.
As one of the first all-female rap groups, this trailblazing trio broke barriers by tackling taboo subjects such as sex, love, and relationships in their music. Their infectious energy and empowering messages resonated with fans across the globe, earning them commercial success and critical acclaim throughout the 80s and 90s. By skillfully leveraging each member's distinct talents, they've managed to leave an indelible mark on hip-hop history and pave the way for future generations of female artists.
- 16
Emerging from Queens, New York, in the early 90s, this hardcore rap trio quickly gained a reputation for their aggressive beats and confrontational lyrics centered around themes of violence and urban decay. Their raw energy and unapologetic approach to storytelling resonated with fans throughout the decade, earning them both critical acclaim and commercial success. Today, their influence can still be felt through countless artists who continue to channel their fearless spirit in their own music.
Hailing from Detroit, this innovative group gained notoriety for their unique fusion of neo-soul, jazz, and electronic elements into their sound. Their smooth beats and introspective lyricism showcased each member's distinct talents while creating a cohesive sonic experience that captivated fans throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Despite facing numerous lineup changes and internal conflicts over the years, their lasting impact on underground hip-hop is undeniable.
Blending smooth jazz beats with introspective lyricism, this groundbreaking group emerged as one of the most influential acts in early 90s alternative hip-hop. Their unique fusion of diverse musical elements and thought-provoking themes resonated with fans worldwide, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success throughout their brief but impactful career. As pioneers of a new wave of conscious rap, their legacy continues to inspire countless artists who strive to create meaningful music that transcends boundaries.
As pioneers of East Coast underground rap, this Brooklyn-based trio gained notoriety for their gritty sound and thought-provoking lyrics centered around themes of social consciousness and self-empowerment. Fusing jazz-infused beats with razor-sharp rhymes, they crafted a unique style that garnered them critical acclaim throughout the 90s. Today, their influence can still be felt through the countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional hip-hop and pay homage to their groundbreaking contributions.
Comprised of three legendary East Coast rappers, this supergroup emerged as a powerful force in 90s hip-hop with their gritty street anthems and aggressive lyricism. Their undeniable chemistry and distinct individual talents resulted in a dynamic sound that captivated fans and solidified their place in rap history. Despite disbanding after only one album, their lasting impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable, as they've inspired countless artists who continue to carry on their legacy.
Hailing from Los Angeles, this underground trio gained notoriety for their socially conscious lyrics and innovative production techniques that incorporated elements from jazz, funk, and soul music. Each member brought their own distinct talents to the table, resulting in a seamless fusion of thought-provoking rhymes and captivating beats that resonated with fans throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Despite never achieving mainstream success, their influence on the West Coast rap scene is undeniable.
Best known for their infectious party anthems and rowdy stage presence, this Irish-American trio burst onto the hip-hop scene in the early 90s with a unique blend of hardcore beats and charismatic lyricism. Despite facing skepticism about their authenticity within the genre, they've managed to leave a lasting impact on popular culture through their unapologetic approach to music and unwavering commitment to their roots. Today, their influence can still be felt through countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional hip-hop and embrace their own unique identities.
- 23
Known for their humorous lyrics and larger-than-life personas, this iconic trio made waves during the 80s by embracing their unique identities and incorporating beatboxing into their energetic performances. Their infectious energy and undeniable charisma earned them widespread popularity both within the hip-hop community and beyond. Today, their lasting impact on popular culture is evident through the countless artists who continue to embrace their own individuality and push the boundaries of traditional rap music.
Emerging from Los Angeles in the early 90s, this West Coast trio gained notoriety for their party-centric anthems and charismatic performances that showcased each member's distinct talents. Their fun-loving approach to hip-hop earned them a dedicated fanbase and respect within the genre, despite never breaking into mainstream success. Today, their lasting impact can be felt through countless artists who continue to celebrate life's pleasures through music.
As pioneers of conscious rap during the early 90s, this New York-based group used their platform to address pressing social issues such as racism, religion, and self-empowerment through hard-hitting beats and masterful lyricism. Each member contributed their own unique style to create a cohesive sound that garnered them critical acclaim and respect within the hip-hop community. Today, their legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to use music as a vehicle for change and activism.
As founding members of the influential Native Tongues collective, this innovative trio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of alternative hip-hop during the late 80s and early 90s. Known for their eclectic fusion of jazz, funk, and Afrocentric themes, they paved the way for future generations of artists who sought to challenge conventional norms within the genre. Their lasting impact on popular culture is evident through their extensive discography and continued influence on modern rap music.
Representing a new wave of East Coast hip-hop talent, this Brooklyn-based group has garnered widespread acclaim for their psychedelic-infused soundscapes and thought-provoking lyricism about life's complexities. Each member's distinct style contributes to a seamless blend of introspection, wit, and wordplay that has captivated fans around the world. As prominent members of the Beast Coast collective, their impact on modern rap culture is impossible to ignore.
Renowned for their dark themes and complex lyricism, this Philadelphia-based duo emerged as one of the most respected underground acts in East Coast hip-hop during the late 90s and early 2000s. Their unique fusion of gritty storytelling with intricate rhyme schemes and haunting production techniques captivated fans worldwide, solidifying their status as trailblazers within the genre. Despite facing lineup changes and internal conflicts over the years, their unwavering commitment to authenticity has allowed them to maintain a loyal fanbase and remain relevant within the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.
Hailing from Chicago, this pioneering trio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Midwest hip-hop during the 90s with their smooth beats and melodic flows. Each member brought their own distinct style to the table, resulting in a seamless fusion of gangsta rap elements with soulful R&B influences that captivated fans across the globe. As trailblazers within their region, they've inspired countless artists who continue to carry on their legacy today.
- 30
KMD
Formed by three childhood friends in the late 80s, this New York-based group gained notoriety for their witty wordplay and unique blend of jazz-infused beats and politically charged lyrics. Despite facing numerous setbacks throughout their career, including the tragic death of a founding member, they've managed to leave an indelible mark on underground hip-hop. Today, their influence can still be felt through countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional rap music.
Comprised of three visionary artists from various backgrounds, this futuristic supergroup emerged as one of the most innovative acts in underground hip-hop during the early 2000s. Their unique blend of dystopian themes, intricate storytelling, and cinematic production techniques showcased each member's distinct talents while creating a cohesive sonic experience that captivated fans around the world. As trailblazers within their genre, their lasting impact on popular culture is evident through countless artists who continue to challenge conventional norms and embrace experimentation in their music.
As one of the most respected underground acts in the early 2000s, this North Carolina-based trio garnered critical acclaim for their introspective lyricism and soulful production techniques. Each member brought their own unique talents to the group, resulting in a cohesive sound that resonated with fans across various genres. Despite never achieving mainstream success, their influence on modern hip-hop is undeniable, as they've inspired countless artists who continue to challenge conventional norms within the industry.
As pioneers of conscious rap during the late 80s and early 90s, this New Jersey-based group used their platform to address pressing social issues such as racism, poverty, and self-empowerment through hard-hitting beats and masterful lyricism. Each member contributed their own unique style to create a cohesive sound that garnered them critical acclaim and respect within the hip-hop community. Today, their legacy lives on through countless artists who continue to use music as a vehicle for change and activism.
As pioneers of jazz-infused hip-hop during the early 90s, this innovative trio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of East Coast rap with their smooth beats and socially conscious lyrics. Each member brought their own distinct talents to the table, resulting in a seamless fusion of thought-provoking rhymes and captivating production that resonated with fans throughout the decade. Today, their influence can still be felt through countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional hip-hop and pay homage to their groundbreaking contributions.
- 35
Emerging during the late 80s as one of the first successful white rap acts in a predominantly Black genre, this groundbreaking trio broke barriers with their witty lyricism and infectious energy. Their unique fusion of traditional hip-hop elements with rock influences captured the essence of urban culture, propelling them to superstardom and solidifying their place in music history. By skillfully leveraging each member's unique abilities, they created a dynamic force that transcended boundaries and established a blueprint for future generations of hip-hop artists.
- 36
FU-Schnickens
Known for their rapid-fire flows and playful lyrics, this Brooklyn-based trio made waves during the early 90s by incorporating elements from various musical genres into their sound. Each member brought their own distinct talents to the table, resulting in a seamless fusion of hard-hitting beats and innovative rhymes that captivated fans worldwide. Despite never achieving mainstream success, their lasting impact on popular culture is evident through countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional hip-hop and embrace experimentation in their music.
As pioneers of underground rap during the late 90s, this New York-based trio gained notoriety for their gritty soundscapes and confrontational lyrics that challenged mainstream norms within the industry. Each member contributed their own unique style and talents to create a cohesive sound that resonated with fans across various genres. Despite disbanding after only one full-length album, their influence on modern hip-hop is undeniable, as they've inspired countless artists who continue to push the boundaries of traditional rap music.
Hailing from the South, this underground trio has garnered widespread acclaim for their introspective lyricism and soulful production techniques that incorporate elements from various musical genres. Each member contributes their own unique talents to create a cohesive sound that has captivated fans around the world since the early 2000s. As trailblazers within their region, their lasting impact on modern hip-hop is undeniable.
- 39
Artifacts
As pioneers of graffiti-inspired rap during the early 90s, this New Jersey-based duo gained notoriety for their witty wordplay and smooth beats that showcased each member's distinct talents. Their unique fusion of streetwise lyricism with jazzy production techniques resonated with fans throughout the decade, earning them critical acclaim and respect within the hip-hop community. Today, their influence can still be felt through countless artists who continue to pay homage to their groundbreaking contributions.
- 40
clipping.
Pushing the boundaries of experimental hip-hop, this Los Angeles-based trio has garnered critical acclaim for their unique fusion of abrasive noise elements with razor-sharp lyricism centered around themes of dystopia and urban decay. Each member's distinct talents contribute to a cohesive sound that challenges listeners' expectations while remaining deeply rooted in hip-hop tradition. As pioneers within the avant-garde rap scene, their influence on modern music is impossible to ignore.
- 41
EMC
Formed by four respected East Coast lyricists, this supergroup showcased a rare ability to tackle complex social issues through captivating storytelling and infectious hooks. Each member contributed their own distinct style to create a seamless blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul influences that resonated with fans worldwide. Their immense popularity in pop culture can be attributed not only to their musical prowess but also to their unwavering commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.
- 42
Comprised of three legendary West Coast rappers, this supergroup emerged as a powerful force in 90s hip-hop with their smooth beats and laid-back flows that captured the essence of California life. Their undeniable chemistry and distinct individual talents resulted in a dynamic sound that resonated with fans across the globe, solidifying their status as icons within the genre. Despite disbanding after only one album, their lasting impact on popular culture is impossible to ignore.
- 43
Child Rebel Soldier
Comprised of three groundbreaking artists from various backgrounds, this short-lived supergroup fused elements from alternative hip-hop, rock, and electronic music to create a unique sound that captivated fans across genres. Despite only releasing a handful of tracks together, their undeniable chemistry and distinct individual talents left a lasting impact on popular culture. As trailblazers within their respective fields, each member continues to inspire countless artists who strive to challenge conventional norms and embrace experimentation in their music.
- 44
As one of the most respected acts in West Coast underground rap during the late 90s, this Oakland-based trio gained notoriety for their gritty street anthems and distinctive Bay Area sound. Each member brought their own unique style to the table, resulting in a seamless fusion of hard-hitting beats and innovative rhymes that resonated with fans throughout the region. Despite never breaking into mainstream success, their lasting impact on hip-hop culture is evident through countless artists who continue to carry on their legacy today.
Blending electronic dance music with catchy pop hooks and hip-hop sensibilities, this Los Angeles-based quartet broke barriers as one of the first Asian-American acts to achieve mainstream success in the late 2000s. Each member contributed their own distinct talents to create a dynamic sound that transcended boundaries and captivated fans around the world. As trailblazers within their community, they've paved the way for future generations of artists who continue to challenge stereotypes and push the limits of popular music.
