'The Notorious B.I.G. attained Hip-Hop superstardom, with 'Juicy', which tells a vivid rags-to-riches story. Born Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn in 1972, he transformed his early experiences into sharp, cinematic rhymes delivered with effortless flow.
Sampling Mtume's 'Juicy Fruit', the song celebrates his rise from struggle to success. Though it didn't immediately top the charts, it became a cultural landmark, peaking at number 72 on the UK Singles Chart in 1994 and later gaining streaming recognition.
Biggie's catalogue also includes 'Big Poppa', 'Hypnotise', and 'Mo Money Mo Problems', showcasing his charisma and storytelling mastery. His posthumous album 'Life After Death' solidified his legacy, making him an enduring icon in Hip-Hop history.
2. 'Lose Yourself'
Answer: Eminem
'Lose Yourself' is Eminem's defining anthem of determination. It was released in 2002 for the '8 Mile' soundtrack. Born Marshall Mathers in Missouri in 1972, he rose from Detroit's Battle Rap scene to global fame. The song captures the tension of seizing a crucial opportunity, opening with the unforgettable line about 'one shot, one opportunity'.
It topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming the first Rap track to receive that honour. Its intensity and precision made it both a critical and commercial triumph.
Some of his other songs are 'Stan', 'The Real Slim Shady', 'Without Me' and 'Love the Way You Lie', combining raw storytelling with rapid-fire delivery. With multiple Grammys and record-breaking sales, he remains one of Rap's most influential artists.
3. 'Alright'
Answer: Kendrick Lamar
'Alright' is a track from Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album 'To Pimp a Butterfly'. Born in Compton in 1987, he wrote the song as a message of hope amid racial injustice and personal struggle. Co-produced by Pharrell Williams and Sounwave, its mix of Jazz Rap, Gospel and Hip-Hop gave it a soaring, uplifting energy.
The track became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, with its chorus, 'We gon' be alright', resonating in protests and beyond. It earned two Grammys, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and nominations for Song of the Year and Best Music Video.
Kendrick has also released hits like 'HUMBLE.', 'DNA.', 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' and 'King Kunta'. Each one blends social commentary with intricate lyricism. His storytelling and cultural insight have made him very popular.
4. 'Hotline Bling'
Answer: Drake
'Hotline Bling' propelled Drake into global Pop-Rap prominence in 2015, part of his 'Views' era. Born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto in 1986, he transitioned from acting on 'Degrassi' to music, crafting songs that mix vulnerability with swagger.
The track's minimalist beat and catchy melody, paired with lyrics about late-night calls, made it an instant hit. The viral music video, featuring Drake's quirky dance moves, further cemented its cultural impact, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Drake's discography is rich with hits like 'God's Plan', 'One Dance', 'In My Feelings' and 'Started From the Bottom'. His ability to blend Rap and melody has made him one of the most-streamed and influential artists.
5. 'Bodak Yellow'
Answer: Cardi B
Cardi B was born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in 1992 in the Bronx. She leveraged her charisma and streetwise storytelling to stand out in a male-dominated genre.
'Bodak Yellow' was the single that established her as a formidable force in Hip-Hop. The track's assertive lyrics over a hard-hitting Trap beat captured her rise from stripper to chart-topping rapper, earning her the distinction of being the first solo female Rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly 20 years.
Following 'Bodak Yellow', Cardi released hits like 'I Like It', 'WAP' and 'Up', consistently blending playful energy with bold lyricism. Her rise reshaped perceptions of female Rappers and solidified her cultural influence.
6. 'Stronger'
Answer: Kanye West
'Stronger', by Kanye West, was released in 2007 on Graduation. Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, he merged Rap with electronic music by sampling Daft Punk's 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger', creating a high-energy sound that pushed Hip-Hop boundaries.
The song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a signature moment in late-2000s Rap. Its fusion of electronic beats and bold production helped define Kanye's experimental approach to music.
His career is marked by continual reinvention, with tracks like 'Gold Digger', 'Power', 'Heartless' and 'Runaway' showing his evolution from soulful samples to genre-blending innovation. 'Stronger' remains a notable example of his ability to transform Hip-Hop aesthetics.
7. 'Old Town Road'
Answer: Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X was born Montero Lamar Hill in 1999 in Georgia.
The release of 'Old Town Road' gained him international fame, fusing Country and Trap in a genre-defying hit. He first attracted attention online with viral content before the song broke into mainstream charts.
The remix with Billy Ray Cyrus saw the track rise to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for a record-breaking 19 consecutive weeks. Its crossover appeal sparked conversations about genre boundaries and inclusion in Country music.
Following 'Old Town Road', he released hits like 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', 'Industry Baby' and 'Panini', showcasing his fearless creativity and bold visuals. His unapologetic self-expression has made him a trailblazer in both Hip-Hop and Pop.
8. 'Say So'
Answer: Doja Cat
Doja Cat was Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini in Los Angeles in 1995. She first gained attention online before achieving global recognition. 'Say So' marked her breakthrough into mainstream Pop in 2020, mixing disco-inspired grooves with smooth vocals and Rap verses.
The remix featuring Nicki Minaj hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as a career-defining moment. Its catchy rhythm and playful lyricism made it an instant favourite.
Doja's other hits include 'Woman', 'Kiss Me More', 'Paint the Town Red' and 'Get Into It (Yuh)', highlighting her versatility across Rap, Pop, and R&B. Her creativity, internet-savvy and charisma make her a force to be reckoned with.
9. 'Super Bass'
Answer: Nicki Minaj
Born Onika Tanya Maraj in 1982 in Trinidad and raised in Queens, New York, Nicki Minaj brought theatrical flair and precision to her verses. 'Super Bass' is the hit that helped her transition from underground Rapper to mainstream superstar.
Released in 2011 on her debut album 'Pink Friday', the track's rapid-fire lyrics and infectious chorus propelled it to number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Celebrity endorsements and viral attention amplified its success.
The song's impact bridged Rap and Pop, paving the way for hits like 'Starships', 'Anaconda', 'Moment 4 Life' and 'Chun-Li'. Nicki is known for her bold personality, alter egos, and lyrical dexterity.
10. 'It Was a Good Day'
Answer: Ice Cube
'It Was a Good Day' is a solo track from Ice Cube's 1993 album 'The Predator'. He was born O'Shea Jackson in Los Angeles in 1969, and rose to fame with N.W.A. before building a solo career defined by sharp social commentary.
The song depicts a rare day of calm in South Central LA, contrasting his earlier, more aggressive work. Its smooth groove and vivid storytelling made it a fan favourite, reaching number 15 on the U.S Billboard Hot 100.
His broader repertoire includes 'Check Yo Self', 'No Vaseline' and 'You Know How We Do It'. His blend of insight, streetwise swagger, and later success in film has cemented him as a multi-talented cultural icon.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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