Trending Now
We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
In honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary this month, we asked our GZERO and Eurasia Group colleagues for their favorite hip-hop artists from around the world. Since hip-hop was born out of a block party in the Bronx 50 years ago, it has spread to every corner of the world. The internet has accelerated its globalization, enabling anyone with a voice to release a verse to the universe. From Nigeria’s Burna Boy to Puerto Rico’s Bad Bunny, it's clear that the future of hip-hop is global (yes, we know Puerto Rico is a US territory, but Spanish rap topping the streaming charts three years in a row is huge). You can listen to our playlist of 50 hip-hop artists from 50 different countries here. Who’s your favorite hip-hop artist? Let us know here.
Racionais MC, Brazil: ”Racionais MC were cultural pioneers in Brazil. They used their music to address social and racial issues – inherently connected in Brazil – sparking critical conversations about inequality, police brutality, racism, and crime” – Luiza Aranha, Associate in Geo‑Technology, EG
Sido, Germany: “Germany has a pretty rich hip-hop and rap scene, with artists like Bushido, Cro und Capital Bra leading the all-time favorites lists. One of our classics is a guy called Sido. Listen to his song "Versager" (meaning loser or failure).” – Jan Techau, EG Europe Director
La Etnnia, Colombia: “The group that started it all. They’ve been around for like 25 years.” – Alex Kliment, Puppet Regime creator and GZERO Daily writer
IAM, France: “I love how well the rapid but flowing manner of French works with rhythms of hip-hop. IAM was incredibly influential in popularizing hip-hop in France. Originating in Marseille, many of their lyrics focus on inequality and life in the banlieues.” – Riley Callanan, GZERO Daily Writer