DJ Kool Herc is credited with pioneering the hip-hop genre in the Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s.

Wu-Tang Clan's debut album, 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)', is considered a classic in hip-hop and helped popularize the East Coast hip-hop sound.

Mary J. Blige is often referred to as the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul' for her influential contributions to the genre, blending hip-hop and R&B.

Nas's debut album, 'Illmatic', is widely acclaimed as a masterpiece and is consistently ranked among the greatest hip-hop albums ever made.

T.I. is often referred to as the 'King of the South' for his contributions to Southern hip-hop and his influence on the genre.

Dr. Dre's solo debut album, 'The Chronic', is widely credited with popularizing the G-Funk style of hip-hop and helped launch the careers of Snoop Dogg and other West Coast artists.

Roxanne Shanté is often referred to as the 'First Lady of Hip-Hop' for her pioneering role as a female rapper in the early days of the genre.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, 'Ready to Die', is widely regarded as a masterpiece and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

Ice-T is often referred to as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap' for his influential role in pioneering the genre in the 1980s.

The Beastie Boys' second album, 'Paul's Boutique', is widely regarded as a classic in alternative hip-hop and is known for its eclectic and experimental sound.

Jay-Z is often referred to as the 'King of New York' for his dominance in the New York hip-hop scene and his influence on the genre.

Lauryn Hill's debut solo album, 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill', is widely regarded as a masterpiece and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

Nicki Minaj is often referred to as the 'Queen of Rap' for her dominance in the female rap scene and her influence on the genre.

50 Cent's debut album, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'', is widely regarded as a classic in gangsta rap and helped launch his career as one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time.

MF Doom is often referred to as the 'King of the Underground' for his unique and influential style of hip-hop, which often incorporates elements of abstract and surrealism.