When we think of rappers and rap music, one of the first things we conjure up is the iconic tough person image. We harken back to the thug life days of Tupac and Biggie Smalls. And yet, recently, there has been a rise in the softer-style rappers. These days, artists like Drake and Kanye West are making rap music that borderlines between a cocky attitude and a sweet sensitive gentleman, allowing for an appeal to all genders. In the past, this style was solely relegated to the pop princesses or the boy-bands. As a result, the hardcore rappers seem to now be a thing of the past with the emergence of Kid Ink, Chance the Rapper, and The Weeknd bringing us some sensitive tunes while still sticking to their rap lyrical genre.
As these softies continue to break the mold of what hip-hop music looks and sounds like, they continue to cause tidal waves with fans scouring to get tickets to their latest concert tour that evokes some emotion, while still embodying a somewhat harder edge than a pop star like Justin Beiber. This isn’t to say that being a soft rapper is a negative character trait. In fact, being a soft rapper makes these people well-rounded because they are able to delve into their authentic emotions. As a result, we’ve compiled 15 of the softest rappers in the game right now, so you can judge for yourself whether hip-hop is becoming a softer genre overall.
15 Chance The Rapper
Chance the Rapper hit it big by being independent. If that doesn't say soft rap star then I don't know what does! It takes a lot of hard work to get to where Chance got without a record label, but that still doesn't give him street cred. In fact, just looking at the unique wardrobe choices made by Chance the Rapper, it's easier to see him as an indie hip-hop artist, which is something we haven't heard before. That is probably why he has risen in popularity lately. Everyone loves to listen to music that is unique and different.He even has a music video that includes a duet with a muppet for his song "Same Drugs". So, here's to Chance the Rapper forging his own path and doing things on his own...rather soft, way.
14 Jaden Smith
Better known as Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith is this generation's Bow Wow. The actor is a heartthrob who's music borders on pop music with a soft rap edge. Just look at his twitter feed and you'll see the musings of a spoiled actor as opposed to a hardcore hip-hop artist. Jaden has become known for his artistic pursuits more than his actual rap game skills. As a result, Jaden makes this list of softest rappers because you would think he would have had some street cred from his dad, but sadly, even Will Smith has turned to the softer side, starring in movies and other ventures. After posing with Justin Bieber and other celebrities, it looks like Jaden Smith is more interested in getting attention than dropping some solid beats to prove his talent as an artist. The pic above if from this year's Met Gala, as he's holding his newly cut hair and sporting some bizarre pointy grillz.
13 Bow Wow
Bow Wow started out as Lil' Bow Wow, remember? It's no wonder that he is one of the softer hip-hop guys out there since forever. In fact, he really hasn't done as much rapping as he use to. Ever since he got his hit gig with BET, he went off to pursue acting and other avenues. This all just shows his artistry and how he really doesn't care about what anyone thinks of him, and that is admirable. Although the hip-hop world hasn't heard from Bow Wow in a while, hopefully with the eminence of softer hip-hop hitting the mainstream and consistently gaining popularity, perhaps Bow Wow will come back with a bang and give us some softer rap that we can all jam out to. To do this, however, he will have to be honest with his fans...unlike the recent #bowwowchanllenge scandal. SMDH.
12 Wiz Khalifa
There was that one song we all remember that put Wiz on the map—"Black And Yellow", anyone? As a hip-hop artist who is known for wearing Capri style pants and rocking unnaturally blonde hair, Wiz Khalifa continues to make hardcore hip-hop a thing of the past. In fact, Wiz is famous for his signature laugh. It's hard to think of hardcore hip-hop artist laughing. That's why Wiz Khalifa gets a spot on this soft rapper list. In fact, Wiz Khalifa will continue to bless this world with his anthem-like music that borders on pop. Don't forget he was featured on a Maroon 5 song a few years ago...As a result, it's hard to not think of Wiz Khalifa as anything but a softy at heart! And who could forget those nasty PDA pics with ex-wife, Amber Rose.
11 Iggy Azalea
This list is not solely for male hip-hop artists. We can't forget how Iggy Azalea came out super tough, like the Australian wanna-be version of Nicki Minaj. But Iggy went mainstream pop real quick. Almost all her songs lately have been pop girl anthems that everyone can't seem to get enough of (surprisingly). These are the songs maybe you and your girls cruise with the windows down to, definitely not pump-up, tough rap verses. Iggy Azalea has transitioned from a "tough" hip-hop artist image to pop star dance queen in a matter of minutes. How authentic...Considering she has stated that Tupac is her idol, it's actually pretty shocking how easily she gave in and went soft with her music. But thank god she did for the sake of our ears. The pic above is form her recent trip to Mexico with her new producer boyfriend, LJay Currie. Iggy had no issues demonstrating some major PDA in a skimpy red bikini for the paparazzi.
10 Tyga
After dating Kylie Jenner, it's hard to take Tyga seriously as a hardcore bad boy. While Tyga continues to portray a tough facade, it's quite easy to see through it and locate the softness in his music. Considering he's been featured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians more than once, it's really tough to take Tyga seriously as a hip-hop artist and not a fame-chasing manipulator. As hard as he can try, Tyga will always fall short of being a tough bad boy in the hip-hop community. As a result, hopefully, he can find his place in the world of soft hip-hop artists and come out on top with some epic songs that border on mainstream, as opposed to the hardcore hip-hop and rap that he tries to fit into...Common now, Tyga. You need some actual talented lyrics and rap versus to do that. The "Ice Cream Man" is pictured above with rumoured new girlfriend, Jordan Ozuna.
9 Riff Raff
Clearly, it's hard to be a white boy from Houston, Texas. At least that's what Riff Raff would have us believe. Although he has his moments, like collaborating with Slim Thug and Paul Wall for a hardcore number, most of his songs and performances are quite soft. It's like he's the kid in school trying really hard o fit in when all he really wants to do is share his feelings. In fact, Riff Raff should really focus more on having his look match his true feelings than trying to be someone he's not. Once he can get a grip on his image, perhaps he can make some quality music that will get everyone listening to him again! Not to mention his tattoos of the BET and MTV logos he had done, in an attempt to get noticed...Sad.
8 Soulja Boy
We all know his infamous hit "Soulja Boy Tell 'Em". Everyone was doing the superman dance when it came out. However, it's been a while since we've heard much from Soulja Boy. As it turns out though, he is still making some music, just not what we are used to. Instead of summer anthems, he parlayed his artistic endeavors into weird soft tracks that are less hip-hop and more funny rap. Soulja Boy is such a goofy guy that it's hard to take him or his music seriously. As a result, his fans continue to stick by him because of his antics and less so because of his sick beats. With Soulja Boy definitely fading out of the spotlight, it's easy to see how far from a bad boy hip-hop artist he really is.
7 Kreayshawn
If you remember Kreayshawn, then many props to you on your hip-hop knowledge because most people don't! A female one-hit wonder in the hip-hop world...The reason Kreayshawn is on this list is because she seemed to have some skill in her song "Gucci Gucci". And yet, she's faded away from the spotlight. Maybe battling it out for the top female hip-hop star was too difficult for this softie to handle. As a result, although we will miss Kreayshawn, we still hold out hope for some amazing beats from this lady! It's hard out there for a woman! Many in the hip-hop industry thought Kreayshawn had a promising career, however it seems she has faded into the soft sunset. Lots of critics think that Kreayshawn really opened the floodgates for female hip-hop artists to blossom.
6 Big Sean
Hate is a constant in hip-hop and it seems as though Big Sean is the one to get the most flack from others in the game. In fact, after dating a slew of celebrities like Ariana Grande and Naya Rivera, it’s easy to see how soft Big Sean really is. Big Sean became a target for criticism from the beginning, since he was helped up into the spotlight by another soft rapper on this list, Kanye West. While Big Sean continues to create some monster hits, at his core, he really is just a softy in the rap game. With a slew of tracks that border on pop, his skills have waned in recent history, but hopefully he can create some more killer beats, which is what truly distinguishes him in the hip-hop world.
5 Kanye West
Kanye West has been described as a massive and extremely talented human being, mostly by himself. However, it's hard to think of him as anything other than a genius. And with all the public tantrums and outbursts he has made in recent years, he still continues to find a fan base that regards him, fittingly, Yeezus. After Ray J blasted him being sloppy seconds in regards to Kim K, Kanye didn't retaliate in any childish manner. He wrote some powerful songs and started wearing kilts and leather pants instead. With heart and charisma, Kanye West continues to provide listeners with incredible sounds even if his lyrics are on the soft side. Many critics love to poke fun at his flamboyant wardrobe and accessory choices, which paints him in a softer light than his hip-hop contemporaries. Having his own fashion label that has shows at New York Fashion Week is not something Tupac or Biggie Smalls would ever have thought to think was something that hip-hop artists could do. Talk about transforming your emotions into an artistic outlet for success.
4 J. Cole
We all know the J in J.Cole stand for Jermaine. And there is no way anyone named Jermaine is a tough guy. However, J. Cole has a lot of critics who claim that he isn't black enough to be a rapper due his light skin. In fact, all the criticism is what fuels him to deliver exceptional music with lyrics that cut through you in ways you didn't know was possible in hip-hop. J. Cole is considered a soft rapper because with all his rap skills, all he truly delivers are love songs. Now, these aren't ballads that the pop stars are singing, these are poetic and beautiful love songs disguised as hip-hop songs. His down-to-earth nature and humbleness perpetuate the soft rapper ideal. There is no way denying his talent, but his uniqueness is based on his emotional soulful aura.
3 The Weeknd
The Weeknd makes this list even though he is considered a pop artist because of his music borders on a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B. In fact, The Weeknd has shown various sides of his image from being uber soft to indie, to the hardcore rapper he wants people to see him as. While his raps are rare, his music continues to attract a large fanbase, specifically females who find him extremely attractive. Even the way he sings showcases his softness due to his unique sounding voice, especially considering he is a man. In the end, it seems like The Weeknd has been able to get his revenge on all the naysayers and critics and shown that he is a star in every sense of the word by creating quality music that continues to reach new fans every single day.
2 Kid Ink
Maybe it's all of the ugly neck tattoos that make Kid Ink someone that wants to appear a hardcore rapper. In fact, just by appearance sake, Kid Ink looks to be the opposite of a soft hip-hop dude. But in reality he's just trying too hard. Ultimately, Kid Ink is a good R&B singer who has placed a hip-hop veil over himself to make him seem tougher. However, we can all see through the fake bad boy facade and know that, at the core, Kid Ink is a true softy! Consider his popular song entitle "Sunset". It's really hard out there in the streets when you have a song about something as beautiful as a sunset...And shockingly, the girls just can't get enough of Kid Ink's charm.
1 Drake
Drake makes rap songs that everyone can listen too. It's actually quite interesting how his music is something guys and girls love to hear. In fact, although he has had his issues with Chris Brown and Meek Mill, he has continuously stood up for the women that he respects. As a result, he has grown into a hip-hop feminist of sorts. Drake has come to be known as the crooner of hip-hop due to his lyrics that bridge the gap between hard and soft. His music is an anthem for all the sensitive guys out there who simply love hip-hop music and are unashamed to show their feelings. These days it seems as though Drake has become the face of soft hip-hop, and he doesn't seem to be complaining about it either. Undeniably, he's also a huge fan of certain basketball players...Whether you like him or hate him, think he's soft or not, Drake is a pop culture icon.
