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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Modern Musicians From Queens, New York: Icons Of Hip-Hop, Pop, And Beyond
Queens, New York, often overshadowed by Manhattan and Brooklyn in terms of music history, has quietly nurtured some of the most influential artists in the music industry. As the largest borough in New York City, Queens is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in the wide range of musical talent that has emerged from its streets. From hip-hop pioneers to pop innovators and rock legends, the borough has produced stars who have left an indelible mark on global music. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the careers of the top 10 modern-day musicians from Queens, New York.
1. Nicki Minaj
No discussion of Queens musicians would be complete without mentioning Nicki Minaj, one of the most iconic female rappers of all time. Born Onika Tanya Maraj in Saint James, Trinidad, and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, Minaj rose to prominence in the late 2000s with a series of mixtapes that showcased her fiery flow, sharp lyricism, and ability to switch between rap, pop, and R&B effortlessly.
Her debut album, Pink Friday, solidified her as a force in the music world, with hits like “Super Bass” and “Moment 4 Life.” Nicki’s larger-than-life persona, fashion statements, and versatility have earned her multiple awards, including Billboard’s Women in Music "Game Changer" award in 2019. Her influence extends beyond music, inspiring a generation of young women to break barriers in male-dominated industries.
2. LL Cool J
James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J, is one of the founding fathers of hip-hop from Queens. He grew up in the neighborhood of Hollis, which became a breeding ground for hip-hop talent. LL Cool J burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s with his debut album, Radio, which was one of the first hip-hop albums to achieve mainstream success.
Known for hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and “Doin' It,” LL Cool J helped bring rap music into the mainstream, all while staying true to his Queens roots. In addition to his music career, LL has also made a name for himself as an actor and entrepreneur, proving himself to be a true entertainment mogul.
3. 50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, hails from South Jamaica, Queens, and his story is one of resilience and triumph. After surviving a near-fatal shooting, 50 Cent turned to rap as his escape. His breakthrough came with his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which became one of the best-selling albums of 2003. The album's singles, like “In Da Club” and “P.I.M.P.,” became instant classics and helped solidify 50 Cent’s place in hip-hop royalty.
Beyond music, 50 Cent has made a name for himself as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur, most notably with his involvement in the successful television show Power. He’s also become a savvy businessman, with ventures in everything from vitamin water to film production. His success story remains a testament to the resilience of Queens-born talent.
4. A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, also calls Queens home. Comprised of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White, the group emerged from St. Albans, Queens, in the late 1980s. They became pioneers of jazz-infused hip-hop with albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders.
The group’s innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics helped them stand out in an era dominated by more aggressive styles of rap. Their influence on modern hip-hop can be heard in the music of contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, proving that A Tribe Called Quest’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.
5. Mobb Deep
Hailing from the Queensbridge Houses, one of the largest public housing developments in North America, Mobb Deep became synonymous with gritty, street-oriented hip-hop in the 1990s. Comprised of Prodigy and Havoc, Mobb Deep’s music paints a vivid picture of life in the streets of Queensbridge.
Their seminal album, The Infamous, introduced the world to tracks like “Shook Ones Pt. II” and “Survival of the Fittest,” both of which remain hip-hop classics. Mobb Deep’s hard-hitting beats and raw storytelling helped define the sound of East Coast rap during a critical period in its evolution.
6. Action Bronson
Action Bronson, born Arian Asllani, is a rapper and chef from Flushing, Queens, known for his larger-than-life personality, humorous lyrics, and gourmet food references. His music blends traditional boom-bap beats with eclectic samples and off-the-wall lyricism. His 2015 album, Mr. Wonderful, garnered critical acclaim, and his various mixtapes have showcased his diverse influences, ranging from hip-hop to jazz.
Beyond music, Action Bronson has become a cultural figure through his work as a chef and television personality. His show F**, That’s Delicious* on Vice TV showcases his love for food and travel, further cementing his status as a Queens-born entertainer who defies traditional career boundaries.
7. Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C., another iconic group from Hollis, Queens, revolutionized hip-hop and broke down barriers between rap and rock music. Comprised of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jam Master Jay, the group’s blend of hard-hitting beats and crossover appeal made them one of the most successful and influential hip-hop acts of all time.
Their classic album Raising Hell featured the hit single “Walk This Way,” a collaboration with rock band Aerosmith that helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream. Run-D.M.C.’s influence can still be felt today in artists who blend genres and experiment with new sounds, proving that their contributions to music are timeless.
8. N.O.R.E. (Noreaga)
Victor Santiago Jr., better known by his stage name N.O.R.E. (formerly Noreaga), is a Queens-based rapper who made his mark as one half of the duo Capone-N-Noreaga. Hailing from Lefrak City, Queens, N.O.R.E.’s music has always been rooted in his street experiences, but he’s also shown a knack for creating catchy, club-ready tracks.
His solo career took off with hits like “Superthug” and “Nothin',” and he’s known for popularizing the reggaeton genre in the early 2000s with tracks like “Oye Mi Canto.” N.O.R.E.’s influence on both hip-hop and Latin music continues to be felt, and his work as a podcast host on Drink Champs has further solidified his status as a cultural tastemaker.
9. Nas
Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, may have been raised in Queensbridge, but his influence extends far beyond the borders of his hometown. His debut album, Illmatic, is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, and it established Nas as a master storyteller and lyricist.
Nas’s career has spanned decades, with classic albums like It Was Written, Stillmatic, and God’s Son cementing his place in hip-hop history. Beyond music, Nas has become an entrepreneur, investing in tech companies and launching his own record label. His deep connection to Queensbridge and his ongoing contributions to hip-hop culture make him a true legend from Queens.
10. Jungle Brothers
Another group that emerged from Queens in the late 1980s, Jungle Brothers were pioneers of the Native Tongues collective, alongside A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Their music combined hip-hop with house music, jazz, and Afrocentric themes, making them one of the most forward-thinking groups of their time.
Their debut album, Straight Out the Jungle, introduced the world to their eclectic sound, and tracks like “I’ll House You” became dancefloor anthems. Jungle Brothers’ innovative approach to music helped pave the way for future generations of genre-blending artists.
Conclusion
Queens, New York, continues to be a fertile ground for musical talent, producing some of the most influential artists in hip-hop, pop, and beyond. From rap icons like Nas and LL Cool J to modern-day stars like Nicki Minaj and Action Bronson, the borough’s contribution to the global music scene is undeniable. These ten musicians from Queens have left an indelible mark on the industry, each bringing their unique sound, style, and perspective to the world stage. As the music world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Queens will always be at the heart of it.
