“Everyone ain’t going to put the hours in to understand a new genre and how to execute something the right way.” -J.I. This is for me, because everybody don’t have that work ethic,” he told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “I’m not speaking on all SoundCloud rappers. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. His announcement that he was more than just a rapper ahead of his recent album Let’s Start Here was met with criticism from some who saw it as turning his back on the genre. His efforts haven’t always been understood. In many ways, Yachty represents the collaborative spirit of hip-hop in the internet age: -endlessly curious and open to trying new things. More than just a diligent MC focused on getting better, Yachty is one of hip-hop’s foremost nurturers of talent, known to create opportunities for up-and-comers just getting their start. It didn’t come without its fair share of detractors, but over the course of the past decade, Yachty has proven more steadfast in his creative vision than most, releasing an album of psychedelic rock as a follow-up to a formidable mixtape honoring the talents of Detroit’s vibrant rap scene.

The Atlanta-born MC entered the rap game at the ripe age of 18, introducing the then-ascendant genre of “mumble rap” to the mainstream. It’s easy to imagine a middle-aged Lil Yachty accepting some kind of lifetime achievement award in the not-so-distant future. But it’s a glimpse of good things to come. This unranked survey is focused on the younger generation coming up (as opposed to veteran superstars) and is in no way exhaustive, as the number of people shaping the multifaceted world of hip-hop extends far beyond 50. While there are hip-hop movements bubbling up all over the globe, our list centers on figures in the English-speaking world and, to keep things fresh, avoids names who were featured on Rolling Stone’s recent Future 25 list. While the genre remakes itself too rapidly to predict far into the future, we decided to highlight 50 figures who are changing the game - and who will help shape rap’s next 50 years. Whether they’re rappers, producers, fashion designers, or online creators, hip-hop is as stuffed with talent as ever. More than just artists, today’s rap world is a constellation of figures all interlinked by the lineage they share with hip-hop’s forebears. The rap world has invented new forms of expression as its adapted to the internet and other technological changes, all while remaining true to its essence, the indomitable spirit at the heart of this culture. You don’t quite know why something is hip-hop, but it strikes you as immediately as any physical quality. In 50 years, hip-hop has transformed, evolved and taken on any number of different shapes and contexts while remaining an undeniably distinct art form. To celebrate the music’s 50th anniversary, “ Rolling Stone” will be publishing a series of features, historical pieces, op-eds, and lists throughout this year. HIP-HOP WAS BORN IN THE BRONX IN the summer of 1973.

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