The Best Seattle Rappers Of All Time, Ranked
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Seattle may be best known for its grunge roots and the iconic Space Needle, but it's also churned out some serious talent in the hip-hop scene. The best Seattle rappers of all time have managed to capture the city's unique vibe, blending distinctive local flavors with broader hip-hop influences to create something truly special.
When you think about Seattle rap, big names like Sir Mix A Lot, Macklemore, and Jay Park likely come to mind. Sir Mix A Lot gave us the unforgettable hit "Baby Got Back," a track that’s still instantly recognizable decades later. Macklemore, with his partner Ryan Lewis, shook the music world with tracks like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," earning Grammy awards in the process. And let's not forget Jay Park, who has not only dominated the Korean music scene but has also made waves internationally with his blend of rap, R&B, and impeccable dance skills.
Now it’s your turn to weigh in. We want to know who you think deserves the top spot. Check out the list, discover some new artists, and make sure to vote on your favorite rap artists from Seattle. Your voice matters in deciding who truly reigns supreme in the Emerald City rap scene.
1Kid Sensation
Kid Sensation, a key figure in Seattle's early hip-hop scene, gained national attention in the late '80s and early '90s, particularly with his album Rollin' with Number One. He achieved other notable success by contributing to Sir Mix-A-Lot's platinum-selling album Swass, which helped put Seattle on the rap map.
- Sir Mix-a-Lot catapulted to stardom in the early 1990s with his iconic hit "Baby Got Back," which celebrated curvy women and became a cultural phenomenon. His Grammy Award-winning single remains a classic in hip-hop history, solidifying his status as a pioneer in the genre.
Macklemore rose to fame in the early 2010s with his unique blend of conscious lyrics and catchy hooks, exemplified in hits like "Thrift Shop." He gained widespread recognition for his independent approach to music production and distribution, winning multiple Grammy Awards, including best new artist in 2014.
4Lil Mosey
Lil Mosey gained fame with "Blueberry Faygo," offering a laid-back, melodic flow that resonated with a vast audience and climbed the Billboard charts. This Seattle rapper's sound and commercial success have firmly established him as a prominent figure in the new generation of hip-hop artists.
5Grieves
Grieves emerged in the late 2000s with his emotionally raw lyrics and introspective storytelling, showcased in tracks like "Bloody Poetry." His unique blend of hip-hop and indie influences has garnered him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, establishing him as a prominent figure in the underground rap scene.
6Onry Ozzborn
Onry Ozzborn, known for his intricate wordplay and dark, introspective themes, found success in the underground rap scene in the early 2000s. His work with the group Grayskul and solo tracks like "Nineteen (feat. Aesop Rock)" have earned him a reputation for his innovative approach to storytelling and lyricism.- Jay Park found success in the late 2000s as a member of the Seattle-based b-boy crew Art of Movement. He later relocated to South Korea and joined the group 2PM via a reality show competition. Around 2010, he transitioned to a solo career with a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences. His single "All I Wanna Do" became a chart-topper, and he has since been recognized for bridging the gap between Western and Korean music markets.
8Travis Thompson
Travis Thompson, emerging from the suburbs of Seattle, gained widespread attention with his 2019 album Reckless Endangerment, which features introspective lyrics and a unique blend of hip-hop with Pacific Northwest influences. His ability to sell out iconic venues like The Showbox highlights his growing impact on both the local and national music scenes.
9Sol
Sol, born and raised in Seattle, captured listeners with "This Sh*t," providing introspective lyrics and an uplifting vibe that stands out in the hip-hop scene. His 2012 album Yours Truly reached the top of the iTunes US Hip-Hop Albums Chart, and he has collaborated with artists like Macklemore and Blue Scholars.
10Blue Scholars
Blue Scholars, consisting of MC Geologic and DJ Sabzi, burst onto the Seattle scene in the early 2000s with their self-titled debut album, offering a thoughtful commentary on social and political issues. Their album Bayani solidified their status as influential voices in underground hip-hop, known for their insightful lyrics and innovative sound that crafts a distinct narrative of Pacific Northwest life.
11Ishmael Butler
Ishmael Butler, transitioning from groups Digable Planets to Shabazz Palaces, redefined hip-hop with experimental sounds and abstract lyrics, notably on the album Black Up. His innovative contributions have pioneered a subgenre that challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional rap. He is the father of fellow rapper Lil Tracy.
12Nacho Picasso
Nacho Picasso, known for his dark humor and clever wordplay, found success in the underground rap scene in the mid-2010s. His track "Marvel" became a cult favorite, showcasing his ability to craft vivid and provocative narratives that resonate with listeners.
13Lil Tracy
Lil Tracy, an artist known for his genre-blending style that fuses emo, punk, and rap, broke through with his 2019 album Anarchy, which resonated with fans for its raw emotion and distinct sound. His collaborative track "Awful Things" with Lil Peep stands as a testament to his influence in shaping the sound of modern rap and its crossover into other music genres.
14Raz Simone
Raz Simone gained recognition in the mid-2010s for his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes, notably with tracks like "They'll Speak." His DIY approach to music production and distribution has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim in the hip-hop community.
15Sadistik
Sadistik gained recognition in the mid-2000s for his poetic lyrics and emotionally charged storytelling, particularly evident in tracks like "Russian Roulette." His collaborations with artists like Cage and Eyedea have solidified his status as a respected figure in underground hip-hop, known for his intricate rhyme schemes and thought-provoking content.
16NoClue
NoClue, a Seattle-based rapper, burst onto the national scene in the mid-2000s by setting a world record for the fastest rap, capturing attention with his rapid-fire delivery. His song "New West" solidified his reputation, showcasing his fast-paced lyrical prowess and securing his place in hip-hop history for his speed-rapping ability.
17DoNormaal
DoNormaal, a Seattle-based rapper, came into prominence with her 2015 album Jump or Die, which helped redefine the city's hip-hop landscape with its experimental and eclectic sound. Her unique approach to music not only garnered a significant following but also established her as a pivotal figure in pushing the genre's boundaries.
18Stas THEE Boss
Stas THEE Boss, originally from Tacoma and raised in Seattle, found her calling in hip-hop at the age of eight, leading to her significant success as one half of the Psychedelic-Space-Rap-Jazz duo THEESatisfaction, which signed with Sub Pop Records and released two albums.
19Fastasy A
Fastasy A, emerging from Seattle with a mission to spread positivity and autism awareness, distinguishes himself with motivational tracks like "Summer in Seattle." His advocacy and uplifting messages, intertwined with his music, mark his most significant contribution to both the rap genre and the autism community.
20Jonathan Moore
Jonathan Moore, highly respected in Seattle's hip-hop circle both as an artist under the name Wordsayer and as a mentor and organizer, made significant contributions to the scene until his untimely passing in 2017. His work with the group Source of Labor and his efforts to foster a supportive community for artists underscore his lasting legacy in Northwest hip-hop culture.
21Litefoot
Litefoot, known for his powerful lyrics and commitment to Native American issues, achieved prominence in the 1990s with albums like Good Day to Die, blending hip-hop with cultural activism. Aside from his music career, Litefoot has made a significant impact as an actor and a motivational speaker, underlining his multifaceted contributions to both the entertainment industry and indigenous advocacy.
22charlieonafriday
charlieonafriday burst onto the music scene with "Enough," blending melodic rap and pop to capture a wide audience through platforms like TikTok. His ascent, fueled by catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, showcases his potential as a leading figure in the fusion of pop and hip-hop.
23SneakGuapo
SneakGuapo, known for his profound lyrics and dark, atmospheric soundscapes, found his stride in the hip-hop community with the release of GuapSeason, a project that captivated listeners with its introspective and moody vibes. His work, deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest's underground scene, has been instrumental in defining the region's contribution to the genre's darker subgenres.
