Idris Elba, widely recognized for his commanding screen presence and versatile talents, has recently shared his list of the greatest rappers of all time. Known not only for his acclaimed acting roles, including the intense Apple TV thriller series Hijack, Elba’s deep involvement in the music industry adds weight to his selections.
Beyond his entertainment career, Elba has showcased his athleticism with professional kickboxing victories and engaged in motorsport team ownership through his Formula E outfit, Kiro Race Co. His commitment extends to social causes as well, partnering with the UK government to fight knife crime. Music remains one of his long-held passions, where he performs under the moniker DJ Big Driis and has appeared on albums such as Jay-Z’s American Gangster and Pharoah Monch’s W.A.R. These experiences give Elba a unique perspective when discussing the greatest rappers.
Elba’s Picks Reflect Decades of Hip-Hop Evolution
Elba’s list of greatest rappers includes figures whose contributions have shaped rap music across different eras. His first choice is the legendary Biggie Smalls, also known as the Notorious B.I.G., whose impact on hip-hop remains unmatched despite his brief career. Biggie’s posthumous album, Life After Death, achieved diamond certification in the US and cemented his legacy before his tragic death at age 24 in 1997.
Following Biggie, Elba names Jay-Z, often called HOV, as a titan of the genre. Jay-Z launched Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 to distribute his early work and has since become one of rap’s biggest figures, selling over 140 million records and earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while still alive. His influence extends beyond performance into entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Celebrated Modern Voices and Foundational Legends
The third rapper Elba admires is J. Cole, the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. J. Cole’s albums have consistently topped the Billboard 200 charts and achieved platinum status, with his production credits spanning prominent artists like Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson. His lyrical and creative contributions have garnered significant respect within hip-hop.
Elba also highlights Nas, the acclaimed East Coast rapper whose prolific 1990s output, including albums such as Illmatic and It Was Written, helped define an era. With ten gold and platinum albums over three decades, Nas is recognized as one of rap’s finest lyricists. He co-founded a record label that signed influential acts such as Run the Jewels and Swizz Beatz, further shaping the industry landscape.
Rounding out Elba’s top five is Rakim, a pioneering figure in modern rap. Alongside Eric B, Rakim produced the influential 1987 album Paid in Full at just 19 years old. Originating from New York, Rakim revolutionized MCing with his complex, lyrical delivery, setting a new standard for subsequent generations of rappers worldwide.
Upcoming Projects Keep Idris Elba in the Spotlight
As Idris Elba continues to expand his artistic reach, he is set to appear in the new Masters of the Universe reboot, portraying the character Man-At-Arms. Additionally, he will voice Knuckles in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, maintaining his visibility across multiple entertainment genres. His selections for the greatest rappers underscore his deep connection to hip-hop culture, affirming his role as both a participant and advocate within the music community.
“So it’s fair to say he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hip-hop.” ?Anonymous source
