Works that feed creation.

2Pac

2Pac, born Tupac Amaru Shakur, was an American rapper, actor and writer who became one of the defining figures of 1990s hip-hop. Through an intense style of writing that blended anger, vulnerability, social criticism and street narratives, he explored themes such as inequality, violence, poverty and the contradictions of American society. Driven by landmark albums including Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me, 2…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

A Tribe Called Quest

Formed in New York in the late 1980s, A Tribe Called Quest is an American hip-hop group featuring Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White. A key member of the Native Tongues collective, the group became known for its warm and inventive sound, blending hip-hop with jazz, funk and soul, alongside lyrics that could be relaxed, introspective and socially conscious. With landmark albums such as The Low E…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Aesop Rock

Aesop Rock, born Ian Matthias Bavitz, is an American rapper and producer known for his dense, highly visual writing and unusually rich vocabulary. Active since the late 1990s, he has become a major figure in independent hip-hop through abstract, introspective lyrics often touched by dark humor and backed by experimental production. With albums such as Labor Days, None Shall Pass and The Impossible Kid, Aesop Rock ha…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Apathy

Apathy, born Chad Aaron Bromley, is an American rapper and producer from Connecticut who has been active since the 1990s. A prominent figure in East Coast underground hip-hop, he is known for his technical, sharp and reference-heavy lyricism, backed by production deeply rooted in the boom bap tradition. A member of Demigodz and Army of the Pharaohs, he has also built an extensive solo career with albums such as East…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Atmosphere

Atmosphere is an American hip-hop group from Minneapolis, built around rapper Slug and producer Ant. Active since the 1990s, the duo has become one of the defining acts of independent rap through introspective, personal and often melancholic lyrics, backed by warm production blending boom bap, soul and alternative influences. With albums such as God Loves Ugly, Seven’s Travels and You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’r…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Beastie Boys

Formed in New York in the early 1980s, Beastie Boys was an American group made up of Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock. Originally part of the hardcore punk scene, the trio soon turned toward hip-hop and developed a distinctive sound blending rap, rock, punk, funk and sampling. With landmark albums such as Licensed to Ill, Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head and Ill Communication, Beastie Boys became one of the most influential …

• Rock
• Punk
• Hip-hop

Big Boi

Big Boi, born Antwan André Patton, is an American rapper, songwriter and producer from Atlanta. A founding member of Outkast alongside André 3000, he helped bring Southern hip-hop to international prominence with a precise, energetic flow deeply rooted in funk. Alongside his work with the duo, he has built a successful solo career with albums such as Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty and Boomiverse, cont…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Celph Titled

Celph Titled, born Victor Mercer, is an American rapper and producer from Florida who has been active since the 1990s. A prominent figure in underground hip-hop, he is known for his aggressive flow, sharp punchlines and a style deeply rooted in hardcore rap and boom bap. A member of Demigodz and Army of the Pharaohs, he has also built a solo and collaborative career, notably working with producer Buckwild on Ninetee…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Chinese Man

Chinese Man is a French trio formed in 2004 by High Ku, Matteo and Sly. Originating from southern France and closely tied from the beginning to the independent label Chinese Man Records, the group developed a hybrid sound blending hip-hop, trip-hop, dub, electronic music, reggae and influences from around the world. With albums such as Racing with the Sun, Shikantaza and We’ve Been Here Before, Chinese Man became on…

• Trip-hop
• Electro
• Hip-hop

Codefendants

• Hip-hop
• Hardcore
• Folk

Coolio

Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was an American rapper from California who became one of the most recognizable figures in 1990s hip-hop. His style blended West Coast rap, funk and accessible melodies, with lyrics ranging from street narratives and humor to social observation. He achieved worldwide success with Gangsta’s Paradise while building a broader discography through albums such as It Takes a Thief and Gangs…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Cypress Hill

Cypress Hill is an American hip-hop group formed in Los Angeles in the late 1980s around B-Real, Sen Dog, DJ Muggs and, later, Eric Bobo. The group became known for a dark and instantly recognizable sound blending West Coast rap, funk, rock and Latin influences, driven by B-Real’s distinctive nasal delivery and DJ Muggs’ heavy production. With albums such as Cypress Hill, Black Sunday and III: Temples of Boom, Cypre…

• Rock
• Hip-hop
• Rap

Del the Funky Homosapien

Del the Funky Homosapien, born Teren Delvon Jones, is an American rapper and producer from Oakland, California. Active since the early 1990s, he has become a distinctive figure in alternative hip-hop through a style that is technical, eccentric and highly inventive, often shaped by humor, science fiction and funk-driven production. A founding member of the Hieroglyphics collective and a contributor to projects such …

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Delinquent Habits

Delinquent Habits is an American hip-hop group from Los Angeles, formed in the early 1990s around Ives Irie, Kemo the Blaxican and O.G. Style. The group became known for an energetic sound blending Chicano influences, funk, Latin hip-hop and West Coast rap, with a strong presence of rhythms and elements drawn from Latino culture. With tracks such as Tres Delinquentes and albums including Delinquent Habits and Here C…

• Hip-hop
• Funk

Dilated Peoples

Dilated Peoples is an American hip-hop group from Los Angeles formed by Evidence, Rakaa Iriscience and DJ Babu. Active since the 1990s, the trio became a major name in West Coast underground rap through a style deeply influenced by boom bap, turntablism and technical lyricism focused on precise rhymes and energetic performances. With albums such as The Platform, Expansion Team and 20/20, Dilated Peoples helped prese…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Doomtree

Doomtree is an American hip-hop collective from Minneapolis, built around rappers and producers including P.O.S, Dessa, Sims, Mike Mictlan, Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak and Paper Tiger. Active since the 2000s, the group has stood out for its independent approach blending alternative rap, abrasive production, electronic influences and highly personal songwriting. With projects such as Doomtree, No Kings and All Hands, the …

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre, born Andre Romell Young, is an American rapper, producer and entrepreneur from California and one of the defining figures of West Coast hip-hop. First gaining prominence with N.W.A, he later played a major role in shaping the G-funk sound, known for its deep basslines, melodic synthesizers and funk-inspired rhythms. With albums such as The Chronic and 2001, along with his work with artists including Snoop D…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, songwriter and producer from Detroit. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, he became known for his technical, provocative and deeply personal writing, blending dark humor, autobiographical storytelling, satire and verbal virtuosity. With landmark albums such as The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, along with his close colla…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Eyedea

Eyedea, born Micheal Larsen, was an American rapper from Minnesota known for his introspective, philosophical and highly technical lyricism. After gaining recognition through freestyle battles in the late 1990s, he became an important figure in independent hip-hop alongside DJ Abilities in the duo Eyedea & Abilities. Blending alternative rap, experimentation and reflections on identity, human relationships and exist…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Fugees

Fugees is an American hip-hop group from New Jersey formed by Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. Active mainly during the 1990s, the trio became known for blending rap, soul, reggae, R&B and Caribbean influences, combining melodic performances with socially conscious and accessible songwriting. With the album The Score and iconic tracks such as Killing Me Softly and Ready or Not, Fugees became one of the defi…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Gramatik

Gramatik, born Denis Jašarević, is a Slovenian producer and musician known for an instrumental sound blending hip-hop, funk, soul, jazz, electronic music and glitch. Active since the 2000s, he gained recognition through sample-heavy productions built around grooves, layered textures and a style that can be both danceable and cinematic. With projects such as Street Bangerz, Beatz & Pieces Vol. 1 and The Age of Reason…

• Electro
• Hip-hop
• Funk

Hugo Kant

Hugo Kant, born Quentin Le Roux, is a French composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Marseille. Active since the 2010s, he has developed an instrumental sound blending trip-hop, downtempo, jazz, hip-hop, electronic music and cinematic influences, often enriched by flute, keyboards and organic arrangements. With albums such as I Don’t Want to Be an Emperor, The Point of No Return and Out of Time, Hugo Kant …

• Trip-hop
• Electro
• Hip-hop

Immortal Technique

Immortal Technique, born Felipe Andres Coronel, is an American rapper and activist of Peruvian origin based in New York. Active since the early 2000s, he became a prominent figure in underground hip-hop through dense, political and socially conscious lyricism addressing issues such as inequality, war, imperialism, poverty and power structures. With projects including Revolutionary Vol. 1, Revolutionary Vol. 2 and Th…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Inspectah Deck

Inspectah Deck, born Jason Hunter, is an American rapper and producer best known as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Recognized for his precise writing, intricate rhymes and strong storytelling, he became one of the most respected lyricists within the New York collective. Alongside his contributions to Wu-Tang albums, he developed a solo career with projects such as Uncontrolled Substance and also gained recognition as…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

JAŸ-Z

JAY-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is an American rapper, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York. Active since the 1990s, he became one of hip-hop’s defining figures through precise lyricism blending street narratives, ambition, success, introspection and social observation. From Reasonable Doubt to The Blueprint, The Black Album and 4:44, JAY-Z has built a landmark discography while playing an i…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Jedi Mind Tricks

Jedi Mind Tricks is an American hip-hop group from Philadelphia built around rapper Vinnie Paz and producer Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. Active since the 1990s, the group became a major force in underground rap through a dark, heavy sound shaped by boom bap, cinematic samples and dense lyricism dealing with violence, religion, politics, history and inner conflict. With albums such as Violent by Design, Legacy of Blo…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Jehst

Jehst, born William G. Shields, is a British rapper and producer regarded as one of the major figures in independent UK hip-hop. Active since the late 1990s, he is known for dense, vivid and introspective lyricism blending social observation, urban imagery and intricate wordplay. With projects such as The Return of the Drifter, Falling Down and The Dragon of an Ordinary Family, along with his role in the development…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Jurassic 5

Jurassic 5 is an American hip-hop group from Los Angeles formed by Chali 2na, Akil, Zaakir, Marc 7, DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist. Active since the 1990s, the collective became known for its warm, collaborative sound built around vocal harmonies, turntablism and strong influences from old-school hip-hop, funk and soul. With albums such as Quality Control and Power in Numbers, Jurassic 5 became one of the most distincti…

• Hip-hop
• Funk

L’Entourloop

L’Entourloop is a French collective built around Sir James and King Johnny, blending hip-hop, reggae, dub, dancehall and sound system culture. The project has developed a distinctive identity by combining beatmaking techniques with Jamaican influences, using sample-heavy production, powerful basslines and numerous international vocal collaborations. With albums such as Chickens in Your Town, Le Savoir Faire and La C…

• Dub
• Hip-hop
• Reggae

Mac Miller

Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, was an American rapper, singer and producer from Pittsburgh. Rising to prominence in the early 2010s, he gradually moved from light, melodic rap toward a more introspective, sensitive and experimental sound blending hip-hop, soul, jazz and R&B. With albums such as Watching Movies with the Sound Off, The Divine Feminine, Swimming and Circles, Mac Miller built a deeply persona…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Mobb Deep

Mobb Deep was an American hip-hop duo from Queensbridge, New York, formed by Prodigy and Havoc. Active from the early 1990s, the group became one of the defining acts of East Coast hardcore rap through a dark atmosphere, minimal and menacing production, and lyrics focused on street life, survival, violence and urban paranoia. With landmark albums such as The Infamous and Hell on Earth, Mobb Deep had a lasting impact…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

N.W.A

N.W.A was an American hip-hop group formed in Compton, California, around figures including Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella. In the late 1980s, the group established a confrontational and provocative style of rap depicting violence, social tensions, relations with law enforcement and everyday life in disadvantaged areas of Los Angeles. With albums such as Straight Outta Compton and Niggaz4Life, N.W.A …

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Oliver Hart

Oliver Hart is one of the aliases used by American rapper Micheal Larsen, better known as Eyedea. Under this identity, he explored a more intimate, experimental and introspective side of his writing, focusing on doubt, human relationships, self-perception and the contradictions of existence. The album The Many Faces of Oliver Hart: Or How Eye One the Write Too Think stands at the center of the project and reveals an…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Ours Samplus

Ours Samplus is a French producer and beatmaker known for instrumental music blending hip-hop, trip-hop, downtempo, soul, jazz and cinematic textures. His sound relies heavily on sampling, melodic loops and laid-back rhythms, creating an atmosphere that is often warm, nostalgic and contemplative. Through projects such as Bepolar, Orphan Loops and Spell on You, Ours Samplus has developed a distinctive identity within…

• Trip-hop
• Downtempo
• Hip-hop

Outlawz

Outlawz is an American hip-hop group formed in the 1990s around close collaborators of 2Pac, including E.D.I. Mean, Young Noble, Hussein Fatal, Kastro and Napoleon. Associated with the West Coast and hardcore rap scenes, the collective became known for lyrics focused on loyalty, survival, conflict, street life and the bonds between its members. Frequently featured alongside 2Pac on numerous songs and projects, Outla…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Public Enemy

Public Enemy is an American hip-hop group formed in Long Island, New York, around Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and the production team The Bomb Squad. Active since the 1980s, the group became known for politically charged, forceful rap driven by abrasive production and lyrics addressing racism, inequality, media representation and power structures in the United States. With landmark albums such as It Takes …

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Smokey Joe & The Kid

Smokey Joe & The Kid is a French producer and beatmaking duo from Bordeaux, known for a sound blending hip-hop, swing, jazz, funk, electronic music and vintage influences. Their music combines samples, brass, scratches and modern rhythms in an energetic, cinematic style often inspired by the aesthetics of the 1920s to 1950s. With projects such as Nasty Tricks, Running to the Moon and War Is Over, Smokey Joe & The Ki…

• Electro
• Hip-hop
• Funk

The Architect

The Architect is a French producer, beatmaker and DJ whose music blends hip-hop, trip-hop, jazz, soul, funk and electronic music. A passionate vinyl collector and sampler, he builds productions rich in grooves, cinematic textures and influences drawn from a wide range of musical traditions. Also involved in projects such as L’Entourloop and Bloc, he developed a warm, travel-inspired musical identity through Foundati…

• Trip-hop
• Electro
• Hip-hop

The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher George Latore Wallace, was an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, regarded as one of the defining figures of 1990s hip-hop. His style stood out for its smooth, precise flow, vivid storytelling and lyrics blending street narratives, ambition, dark humor and introspection. With albums such as Ready to Die and Life After Death, he became one of the most influential artists in…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Vinnie Paz

Vinnie Paz, born Vincenzo Luvineri, is an American rapper from Philadelphia, best known as a founding member of Jedi Mind Tricks and the Army of the Pharaohs collective. Active since the 1990s, he became known for his powerful voice, aggressive flow and dense lyricism blending violence, religion, politics, history, inner conflict and cultural references. Alongside his group work, he built a solo career with albums s…

• Hip-hop
• Rap

Wax Tailor

Wax Tailor, born Jean-Christophe Le Saoût, is a French producer, composer and DJ whose music blends instrumental hip-hop, trip-hop, soul, jazz and cinematic influences. Active since the 2000s, he builds his tracks around sampling, film dialogue and vocal collaborations, with a highly narrative and atmospheric approach. With albums such as Tales of the Forgotten Melodies, Hope & Sorrow and In the Mood for Life, Wax T…

• Trip-hop
• Electro
• Hip-hop

Wu‐Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip-hop collective from Staten Island, New York, built around rappers including RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Active since the early 1990s, the group became known for a dark, raw sound shaped by sampling, martial arts cinema and dense lyricism filled with street imagery, references and distinctive characters. Wit…

• Hip-hop
• Rap