Top Five Louisiana Rappers: 2018 Edition

Back in May of 2015, I published a list of the then current "Top Five Louisiana Rappers", but we all know that things change. At the time Mystikal, Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Boosie Badazz, and Kevin Gates rounded out my list. Fast forward three years and the list looks somewhat different.

Based not only on their music catalogs but also on their overall success, fan appeal and social media following, here is my latest list of the "Top Five Louisiana Rappers". And as I said back in 2015, "these five will forever be locked into the DNA of Louisiana Hip-Hop."

Currensy

Curren$y, a.k.a. Spitta Andretti has a passion for classic cars and a cult following like no other, and I think he should be the official hip-hop ambassador for Louisiana, in my opinion.  With a name like his, it's only right the Jet Life rapper makes his way onto my list. The New Orleans bred MC's music has never been what you would expect from a Louisiana based artist, making music for the car cruisers and smokers. He's unique, and he's doing it his way. Respect! His latest project Spitta Andretti x Harry Fraud "The Marina" EP is available now.

NBA Youngboy

I don't know much about NBA Youngboy other than a few of his songs (38 Baby, No Smoke, etc.) and his legal troubles, but I'm not here to discuss the latter. Coming out of the gate as a new artist, he has to be one of the most impactful rap artists ever in the State of Louisiana. The streets love him, and everyone seems to be trying to sound and move as he does. It's sort of like a right of passage for popular Louisiana artists. I think most of the artists on my list, some more than others, have been mimicked a thousand times over, and the Baton Rouge rapper is no exception.

Boosie Badazz

Lil Boosie, a.k.a Boosie Badazz is the voice of the streets. He loves his kids and shows it via his Instagram account. If you've been to a Boosie concert you know that when he hits the stage his energy demands your attention and will have you singing word for word to his extensive catalog of songs. He's an entertainer. Boosie rightfully remains on the list three years later, as he recently celebrated his official release from probation and parole. Congrats Badazz!

Kevin Gates

Since his recent release from an Illinois prison, Kevin Gates released a 4 song EP "Chained to the City" and is back to work like he never left. Though he was away for almost 2 years, his latest project proves he hasn't missed a beat and that his fanbase is just as strong if not stronger than it was before he was sentenced to jail in Florida, and then concurrently in Illinois on separate charges. Kevin Gates came back like he never left, and for that the Baton Rouge-bred rapper deserves to be on my list, yet again.

Lil Wayne

He's contributed much to hip-hop, inspiring tons of rappers spanning two decades. Lil Wayne, a.k.a. Lil Tunechi has been somewhat silent since settling his legal issues with Birdman and Cash Money Records, where he's since received a large sum of money owed to him. Weezy has a catalog that's second to none, which is why I saved the "best rapper alive" for last. And as we continue to patiently wait for the release of his highly anticipated twelfth studio album "Tha Carter V", let's just appreciate the greatness that is Lil Wayne. And if you like rum, you'll enjoy his Bumbu liquor. Trust me, it's good!