Are you wondering which rap duos are the best of all time? We have you covered. From iconic groups that shaped the genre to modern-day powerhouses, these duos have left their mark on the hip-hop world.
This article will show you some of the best Rap Duos ever. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.
List of the Best Rap Duos of All Time
1. OutKast
OutKast is one of the most influential rap duos in history. Their smash hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Rosa Parks” helped propel the genre forward, and their legacy continues. It is no wonder they are considered one of the best rap duos ever.
OutKast is made up of two members: Big Boi and Andre 3000. Together, they have released six critically-acclaimed studio albums and earned multiple Grammy Awards.
Additionally, they have collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Dr. Dre.
2. Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is a legendary hip-hop duo from Queens, New York City. The duo consists of Prodigy and Havoc, who have been making music together since the late 1980s.
Mobb Deep has released six studio albums, all of which have met with critical acclaim.
Their most famous songs include “Shook Ones (Part II),” “Survival Of The Fittest,” and “Quiet Storm.” Mobb Deep is considered one of the most influential rap duos in history.
3. Gang Starr
Gang Starr is a rap duo from New York City. The group consists of two members: KRS-One and DJ Premier. Gang Starr has released five studio albums, all of which have been praised by critics.
Their most successful album is Step In The Arena, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. Some of their most famous songs include “Step In The Arena,” “Just To Get A Rep,” and “Take It Personal.”
Gang Starr is credited with popularizing Conscious Hip-Hop and setting the standard for East Coast rap.
4. Black Star
Black Star is a rap duo from Brooklyn, New York. The group consists of two members: Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli. Black Star has released two studio albums, both of which have met with critical acclaim.
Their most famous songs include “Respiration,” “Definition,” and “Thieves In The Night.” Black Star is credited with bringing a new level
of intelligence and lyricism to Hip-Hop.
5. Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim is a legendary Long Island, New York rap duo. The group consists of two members: Eric B. and Rakim Allah. Eric B. & Rakim has released four studio albums, all of which have met with critical acclaim.
Their most famous songs include “Paid In Full,” “I Know You Got Soul”, and “Microphone Fiend.” Eric B. & Rakim are credited with putting Hip-Hop on the musical map and introducing a new level of lyricism to the genre.
6. Clipse
Clipse is a rap duo from Virginia Beach, Virginia. The group consists of two members: Pusha T and Malice (formerly known as No Malice). Clipse has released three studio albums, all of which have met with critical acclaim.
Their most famous songs include “Grindin’,” “Mr. Me Too,” and “Popular Demand.” Clipse is credited with pioneering the sub-genre Trap Music and bringing it to mainstream audiences.
7. Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels is a hip-hop duo that is made up of El-P and Killer Mike. The two have been making music together since 2013 when they released their self-titled debut album. El-P, formerly of Company Flow, is a critically acclaimed rapper and producer who has been in hip-hop for years and is well known for his complex, layered production style.
Meanwhile, Killer Mike has been an integral part of Outkast’s success and a highly respected solo artist in his own right. Together, they make up one of the most powerful and innovative hip-hop duos ever.
8. Tha Dogg Pound
One of the most influential rap duos in hip-hop history, Tha Dogg Pound, was formed by Kurupt and Daz Dillinger. Both members were part of the Death Row Records family, and their debut album was released in 1995 to much critical acclaim.
The duo is known for its hard-hitting beats, street anthems, and infectious hooks. While they haven’t released any music since 2001, they are still considered one of the most influential rap duos ever recorded.
9. EPMD
EPMD is another legendary hip-hop duo, consisting of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. The two were both members of the Hit Squad production crew, and they released their debut album in 1988 to widespread acclaim.
They are known for their laid-back style, clever lyrics, and innovative production techniques. While they may have disbanded in 1999, their influence can still be heard in modern hip-hop.
10. DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
Last but certainly not least, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince were among the most popular rap duos in the late 80s and early 90s. The duo, consisting of rapper Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, released a series of hit singles that were both humorous and uplifting.
As a result, they became one of the most successful rap duos of all time, and their influence can still be felt in today’s hip-hop.
11. 8Ball & MJG
8Ball & MJG is one of hip-hop’s most influential rap duos. The duo, consisting of Memphis natives 8Ball and MJG, has released music since the early 90s. 8Ball & MJG are known for their smooth delivery, precise flows, and hearty, down-home production.
Their debut album Comin’ Out Hard is considered a classic in Southern rap circles, and their influence can still be heard in today’s rap scene.
12. UGK
Last but certainly not least, UGK was one of hip-hop’s most essential rap duos. Formed by Bun B and the late Pimp C, UGK released several classic albums throughout the 90s and early 2000s, including the beloved Ridin Dirty.
The duo was known for their unique blend of Southern rap and soul, catchy hooks, and infectious beats. They have become one of the most respected and influential rap duos ever.
Conclusion: Best Rap Duos of All Time
These 12 duos have enormously impacted the rap world and will continue to do so for generations to come. These duos have helped define what hip-hop is today, and their influence on the genre can still be felt in modern rap music.
Whether you’re a fan of Run The Jewels, Tha Dogg Pound, EPMD, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, 8Ball & MJG, or UGK, these are some of the best rap duos of all time.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the best rap duo?
The answer to this question is subjective, but some of the most widely accepted best rap duos include Run The Jewels, Tha Dogg Pound, EPMD, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, 8Ball & MJG, and UGK.
Each of these duos has enormously impacted the rap world, and their influence can still be felt in modern rap music.
What was the biggest rap collab?
The biggest rap collaboration of all time is probably “We Are The World,” released in 1985. This song featured over 40 of the biggest music stars of the time and was created to raise money for famine relief in Africa.
The single was a massive hit, selling millions of copies and inspiring other artists to collaborate on similar projects.
What are the most influential rap duo albums?
Some of the most influential rap duo albums include Run The Jewels 2 by Run The Jewels, Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound, Out of Sight/Out of Mind by EPMD; He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Comin’ Out Hard by 8Ball & MJG, and Ridin Dirty by UGK.
All these albums have had a major impact on the rap world and are considered classics by fans and critics alike.
Related Posts:
- Best Rap Instagram Captions to Make Your Posts Sound Cooler
- 15 Best Rap Rock Songs To Add To Your Playlist Now
- Pump Up the Volume: The Best Rap Gym Songs to Keep You Motivated
- 12 Best Rap Duos of All Time (2023)
- 11 Best Rap Fight Songs (Famous & Iconic Songs)
John is the Senior Content writer at BandMag. With 8+ years experience in content writing and SEO, he loves talking about content creation, SEO and his dog.