What you need to know:
Billboard gave Residente the number 1 spot on its list of Most Essential Rappers in Spanish.
On August 11, 2023, the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop (here we tell you the story). And although this movement was born in the Bronx neighborhood of New York, it is a fact that it has influenced culture and music throughout the world. Therefore, here we bring you the list of the best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard.
The renowned magazine of the music industry joined the festivities by listing 50 old school exponents and some more recent ones, both from Spain and from different Latin American countries.
The criteria to choose the best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard
The journal used the following criteria to choose the exponents of your list: set of musical achievements obtained (positioning in lists and certifications), cultural impact and influencetime in which they have been in force, her writing ability and flow/vocal dexterity.
In addition, the list of the best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard indicates that some urban exponents such as Bad Bunny or Anuel AA were not includedThis is because they are more linked to reggaeton than to rap as such.
Although there are some exponents like Vico C, Ivy Queen and Tego Calderón who have approached reggaeton, it is well known that they began their careers within rap/hip-hop, being precursors of it.
Resident took first place on the list
The list of best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard is headed by Residente. The magazine highlights how the Puerto Rican gave the 2000 reggaeton scene a breath of fresh air through a production and lyrics that broke with the stereotype of what was done at the time.
Although Calle 13 had several successful reggaeton songs, they also made latent their approach to alternative rap combining it with folk elements from other musical styles. And they refer to Residente as one of the rappers have been massively profiled thanks to their comments and social criticism.
“Almost 20 years later, at 45, Residente continues to defy the genre. In fact, its lyrical content has become more penetrating than before.and seeing him go from ‘enfant terrible’ to master of ceremonies was a fascinating thing to witness”is read in Billboard’s brief portrait of the Puerto Rican.
Here is the complete list of the 50 best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard
The top 5 of the list is completed by other names such as Vico C, Ana Tijoux, Tego Calderón and Orishas. And as for the Mexicans who appear, we have Aczino, Pato Machete (of Control Machete), Santa Fe Klan, Santa Cartel, C-Kan, Snow Tha Product (American of Mexican origin), Alemán, Gera MX and MC Davoamong others.
Next, we leave you the complete list of the 50 best rappers in Spanish according to Billboard. Do you think the list is fair or was someone else missing from this?
- Resident (Puerto Rico)
- Vico C (Puerto Rico)
- Ana Tijoux (France and Chile)
- Tego Calderon (Puerto Rico)
- Orishas (Cuba)
- Daddy Yankee (Puerto Rico)
- Aczino (Mexico)
- Ivy Queen (Puerto Rico)
- Machete Duck (Mexico)
- Thunder (Argentina)
- The Villagers (Cuba)
- Mala Rodriguez (Spain)
- Conscious Pencil (Dominican Republic)
- Santa Fe Klan (Mexico)
- Eladio Carrion (Puerto Rico)
- Cosculluela (Puerto Rico)
- Tempo (Puerto Rico)
- Akapellah (Venezuela)
- Canserbero (Venezuela)
- Santa cartel (Mexico)
- Archangel (Puerto Rico)
- C-Kan (Mexico)
- Duki (Argentina)
- Snow Tha Product (Mexico/United States)
- Villain Antillean (Puerto Rico)
- Paulo London (Argentina)
- Alcolirykoz (Colombia)
- Serko Fu (Mexico)
- German (Mexico)
- Mike Towers (Puerto Rico)
- El Chojín (Spain)
- Arcano (Spain)
- Rels B (Spain)
- Wos (Argentina)
- Boca Floja (Mexico)
- Norick (Peru)
- Gabylonia (Venezuela)
- Gera MX (Mexico)
- Nach (Spain)
- MC Davo (Mexico)
- Spokesperson (Chile)
- MC Ceja (Puerto Rico)
- Lito and Polaco (Puerto Rico)
- C. Tangana (Spain)
- Bnet (Spain)
- Valles T (Colombia)
- Yung Beef (Spain)
- Rxnde Akozta (Cuba)
- Young Miko (Puerto Rico)
- Alika (Uruguay)
