Top 10 Musicians From Brooklyn, New York: Icons Shaping Modern Music

Brooklyn, New York, has long been a cultural epicenter, shaping not only the American music scene but also the global sound. Over the decades, the borough has produced some of the most influential and iconic musicians across various genres, from hip-hop to jazz and rock. Brooklyn’s diverse communities have nurtured an artistic vibrancy, making it a breeding ground for talent that continues to shape modern music. Here is a look at the top 10 musicians from Brooklyn who have made an indelible mark on the music industry.

1. Jay-Z

One of the most recognizable names in hip-hop and music in general, Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) epitomizes Brooklyn’s contribution to modern culture. Raised in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn, Jay-Z’s story is a classic tale of rags-to-riches, rising from the streets to become a billionaire and one of the most successful music moguls in history. His debut album Reasonable Doubt (1996) remains a hip-hop classic, and his subsequent works like The Blueprint and 4:44 have redefined rap music. Beyond music, Jay-Z has built a business empire, with interests ranging from sports management to the streaming service Tidal.

2. The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace and often referred to as Biggie Smalls, is one of the greatest rappers to ever come out of Brooklyn—and arguably the world. Biggie’s storytelling prowess, combined with his smooth flow, made him a legend in the 1990s. His debut album, Ready to Die (1994), is regarded as one of the most important hip-hop albums, with hits like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa.” Despite his untimely death in 1997, Biggie’s influence on hip-hop remains immense, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

3. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand, an iconic figure in both music and film, hails from Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. With her incredible vocal range and theatrical flair, Streisand has won multiple Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her musical career includes classic hits like “The Way We Were” and “People.” Streisand is also a trailblazer for women in the music industry, having produced and directed much of her work in a male-dominated field.

4. Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)

Born Dante Terrell Smith in Brooklyn, Mos Def—now known as Yasiin Bey—is a critically acclaimed rapper, actor, and activist. He is celebrated for his intellectual approach to hip-hop, blending thoughtful lyricism with social commentary. His debut solo album Black on Both Sides (1999) was a critical success and solidified his place as a thought leader in conscious rap. Mos Def's influence stretches beyond music, as he has also made a name for himself in film and activism, consistently pushing for social justice.

5. Fabolous

Fabolous, born John David Jackson, grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn and rose to fame in the early 2000s. Known for his smooth delivery and clever wordplay, Fabolous has been a consistent presence in the rap scene for over two decades. His debut album Ghetto Fabolous (2001) produced hits like “Can’t Deny It” and “Young’n (Holla Back),” and he has since released several successful projects, including the critically acclaimed Summertime Shootout series.

6. Maxwell

Born Gerald Maxwell Rivera, Maxwell is a neo-soul singer who grew up in Brooklyn. He is credited with helping to shape the “neo-soul” movement of the 1990s, blending traditional soul with contemporary R&B, jazz, and funk. His debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (1996), received widespread acclaim and helped to establish him as one of the leading voices in R&B. Maxwell's smooth, sensual vocals and innovative production style have earned him several Grammy Awards and a loyal fan base.

7. Busta Rhymes

Born Trevor George Smith Jr., Busta Rhymes grew up in Brooklyn and is known for his energetic style and rapid-fire delivery. His distinct voice and unique sense of fashion have made him one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop. Busta Rhymes began his career with the group Leaders of the New School before branching out as a solo artist. His hit singles like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” solidified his place in hip-hop history.

8. Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$,bornJo-VaughnVirginieScott,isoneoftheleadingvoicesinmodern-dayBrooklynhip-hop.Hegainedwidespreadattentionwithhisdebutmixtape,\ast 1999\ast ,releasedin2012whenhewasjust17yearsold.Knownforhisthrowbackstylethatharkensbacktothegoldenageofhip-hop,JoeyBada$ is a founding member of the Pro Era collective. His lyricism and socially conscious messages have earned him critical acclaim, and his album All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ (2017) addresses issues such as racism and social inequality.

9. Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, is a trailblazer for women in hip-hop. Known for her provocative style and fierce lyricism, Lil’ Kim became a star in the 1990s as part of the Junior M.A.F.I.A. collective, which was led by The Notorious B.I.G. Her debut album Hard Core (1996) broke barriers for female rappers, and she continued to dominate the rap scene with hits like “No Time” and “Crush on You.” Lil’ Kim’s influence can be seen in today’s female rap stars, who continue to push boundaries in both fashion and music.

10. Aaliyah

Though born in Brooklyn, Aaliyah Dana Haughton spent much of her childhood in Detroit, but her roots in Brooklyn are still significant. Aaliyah revolutionized R&B in the 1990s with her smooth vocals and futuristic production, collaborating with Timbaland and Missy Elliott to create timeless hits like “One in a Million” and “Are You That Somebody?” Tragically, Aaliyah’s life was cut short in a plane crash in 2001, but her impact on music and pop culture continues to be felt to this day.

Conclusion

Brooklyn has been and continues to be a wellspring of musical talent, producing artists who have not only dominated their respective genres but also shaped the course of modern music. From hip-hop legends like Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G. to genre-defining singers like Barbra Streisand and Aaliyah, Brooklyn’s influence on the global music scene is undeniable. Whether through lyrical prowess, vocal range, or innovative production, these musicians represent the heart and soul of Brooklyn, and their contributions to music will continue to resonate for generations to come.