@Fei Yang Zhutang

Bob Marley's yearning voice and scratchy rhythms sounded from Jamaica to the rest of the world, across generations and genres, from reggae to hip-hop. He inspired a young Outkast to “Git Up, Git Out” and empowered Public Enemy's “Party for Your Right to Fight.” Fugees found pathos in “No Woman, No Cry,” while UGK kept coarse on “Cocaine In the Back of the Ride.”

You can hear the soul in a Bobby Womack song—and the singer/songwriter's back catalog has proved a rich source of emotive samples for hip-hop artists. Here we check out how Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface, Rick Ross, and 50 Cent have been inspired to drop some of their most vital raps over choice cuts from Womack's discography.

Here's one for the heads. From new drops by emerging voices to regional hits on their way up to just-released bangers from the game's biggest stars, this playlist collects hip-hop that's just inches from the spotlight: Not just what's good, but what's next. Our editors update these picks regularly, so if you hear something you like, add it to your library.

Eminem rhymes at such a high level that his production work often gets overlooked. While he co-produced the bulk of The Slim Shady LP, he earned his first solo production credit on the second single of his blockbuster, The Marshall Mathers LP, "The Way I Am." He would go on to produce the majority of his next two albums, The Eminem Show and Encore, as well as produce several songs on the 8 Mile and 2Pac Resurrection soundtracks. He's also produced for JAY Z, Nas, 50 Cent and Akon in addition to contributing tracks to his Shady Records protégés.

Broadcasting from a lab in Queens, the self-proclaimed live guy with glasses has soundtracked a glorious chunk of hip-hop's early-'90s era. With a knack of hooking up soul, jazz, and funk samples, Large Pro's beats have defined east coast anthems from Nas, AZ, and Kool G Rap, while his former group Main Source can claim a classic in Breaking Atoms.

This is turn-up music that will put you in the club before you’re even on your way. Mostly hip-hop, a little R&B, all bang, all day. Our editors update these picks regularly. If you like a track, add it to your library. Enough talk? Okay. Let’s go.

Once purely underground and hyper-local, hip-hop is now probably the single biggest sound in the world—what you hear no matter where you go. Highlighting your Drakes, your Cardis, your Post Malones and Khaleds, this playlist serves as a rolling collection of the genre's biggest hits. Our editors are always switching things up. If you like a track, add it to your library.

Culturally diverse, progressive, and buzzing with local pride, MCR is a natural breeding ground for UK rap to develop into exhilarating new forms—and today’s rising wave of MCs and producers is impacting well beyond the city limits. As comfortable spitting street-corner freestyles as he is featuring on an Ed Sheeran chart-topper, Aitch has quickly muscled into British hip-hop’s elite. On his shoulder, IAMDDB’s fearless invention bagged her a support slot with Lauryn Hill, Just Banco is rewiring trap and Afro-swing with 0161 swagger, and Black Josh’s maverick spirit comes Skepta-approved. Our editors regularly update this playlist—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.